Country Superstar Carrie Underwood Hails New ‘All American Halftime Show’ as a Patriotic Alternative to Super Bowl LXI
Carrie Underwood, one of country music’s biggest stars, has thrown her full support behind the newly announced Turning Point USA’s “All American Halftime Show,” a rival event promising a “patriotic alternative” to the traditional 2026 Super Bowl halftime performance.
The news comes amidst a widespread “culture war” debate sparked by the NFL’s selection of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show.
Underwood: “The Greatest Show Ever”
The Grammy-winning singer, known for her powerful vocals and faith-centered public image, was genuinely enthusiastic about the alternative event.
“Finally, a halftime show that highlights classic American values and unity!” Underwood declared to a cheering audience. Her remarks were met with loud applause, as she described the upcoming production as “the most classic American halftime show — the greatest show ever.”
Underwood further emphasized that the show’s central themes resonate deeply with her own values and that of her fanbase: “I love seeing people come together for something that celebrates who we are and what we stand for. That’s the kind of energy America needs right now.”
Her public endorsement has instantly amplified attention on the new event, positioning it as a significant cultural moment.
The Cultural Clash: Faith, Family, and Freedom vs. Global Pop
Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization, officially announced the competing event, framing it as a direct response to the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny. The organization described its “All American Halftime Show” as a celebration of “faith, family, and freedom.”
The move follows a week of intense debate and mixed reactions across social media and political circles after the NFL announced Bad Bunny. Conservative critics have voiced concerns over the artist’s Spanish-language repertoire and political commentary, arguing that the Super Bowl’s national stage should prioritize English-language performances and “traditional” American values.
In a move critics have called exclusionary, Turning Point USA even launched a fan survey on its event site asking supporters to select their preferred music genres, with “Anything in English” listed as a pointed option.
The Two Halftime Visions
| Event | Headliner / Focus | Message / Theme | Context |
| Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show | Bad Bunny | Global reach, Latin culture, diversity | NFL’s push for an inclusive, international audience. |
| All American Halftime Show | (Performers TBD) | “Faith, Family, and Freedom,” unity, classic American values | Counter-programming appealing to viewers who feel excluded by the NFL’s choice. |
The Impact of Underwood’s Support
Carrie Underwood, who has a history of bridging diverse audiences and performing the national anthem at major sporting events like Super Bowl XLIV, is a powerful figure in American entertainment. Her support is not merely a celebrity endorsement; it lends significant mainstream credibility to the “All American Halftime Show.”
Fans were quick to praise her alignment with the event’s stated goals:
- “Carrie’s always stood for unity and faith — this show is right up her alley,” a supporter commented online.
- “If Carrie performs, it really will be the greatest halftime show ever!” another added.
While details about the performer lineup for the TPUSA event remain sparse, Underwood’s enthusiastic praise has significantly heightened anticipation. It underscores the emerging cultural battle over what the Super Bowl’s most-watched segment should represent: a platform for global diversity or a celebration of a particular vision of shared American values.
As 2026 approaches, the clash between these two contrasting halftime experiences is set to turn Super Bowl Sunday into one of the most talked-about cultural showdowns in recent memory.
