Country music artist Brantley Gilbert is speaking directly to those who are criticizing his involvement in the Turning Point USA “All-American Halftime Show.” Shortly after Bad Bunny was announced as the Apple Music halftime performer, the organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk shared that they’d be staging a “pro-America” halftime show to act as counter-programming. From the very beginning, Turning Point USA has maintained that their show will be “celebrating faith, family, and freedom.” And for those who have been begging for country music to make an appearance at a Super Bowl halftime show (looking at you Jelly Roll), the lineup for the alternative halftime show will be the closest we’ve gotten in years. Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett are all set to take the stage for the event. THE LINEUP FOR THE ALL-AMERICAN HALFTIME SHOW IS HERE! Watch Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett THIS SUNDAY pic.twitter.com/xwurEhdB13 — Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) February 2, 2026 The decision to put on an alternative halftime show hasn’t come without criticism. For one, it seems as though Turning Point USA only put together the halftime programming because Bad Bunny was selected as the NFL’s official halftime performer. I feel like I don’t even need to say this, but if the National Football League would have went with someone like George Strait or Post Malone, I highly doubt Turning Point USA would have put on their own show. When Turning Point USA announced their lineup for their halftime show, some questions directed at Brantley Gilbert apparently started pouring in. That’s at least what I’m assuming, since the country music artist put out a statement earlier today that was titled “For those asking ‘Who is Brantley Gilbert?’ and ‘Why Is He Playing This Event?'” Feeling as though he had to defend his decision and involvement with the alternative show, Gilbert first shared a bit about himself, and provided some commentary on the current state of the country: “I’m a songwriter who grew up, and still lives in Jackson County, Georgia, whose goal in the music business was to sell out the local theater a few miles from my house and somehow make my living writing songs. I’m a recovering addict with the history of all the bad choices that come with it. I’m not proud of those choices, but I am proud of the choice I’ve made to live in another direction. I share my story through my music, in hopes that it may help and inspire others in their darkest hour. I’m a Christian, and I love our country, despite its flaws. I’ve dedicated part of my life to the men and women who fight for it, and the families of those who gave their life for it. Above all, I’m a proud husband and  father of three.” The “Bottoms Up” singer went on to say that he’s taking pride in bringing country music back to the halftime show (even though it’s not necessarily an official return to the NFL stage), and ultimately decided to join the lineup because he wanted to make his kids proud: “We’re celebrating 250 years as a country, and it’s been more than 20 years since a country artist has been asked to play the Super Bowl halftime show. I respect that some people may see this differently, but I’m not playing this show to be divisive. I was offered this opportunity and imagined my kids watching their daddy perform at halftime during the biggest game in American football. Everything I do, I do for them.” Fair enough. Gilbert concluded with a unifying message, and sharing that he has a prayer for the United States to come together and be united. The country artist then said that he’s excited to take the stage on Sunday, which all but confirms that Turning Point USA will be trying to pull off a live performance right at the same time that Bad Bunny takes the stage at Super Bowl LX: “The way I treat people isn’t conditional based on what our differences may be. I believe “united we stand, divided we fall,” and my prayer for our country is that we stand united. Thank you to my road family and all the fans who have stood beside me. Looking forward to hitting the stage this Sunday and giving folks a hell of a show.” The post “I’m Not Playing This Show To Be Divisive”: Brantley Gilbert Responds To Critics Of Turning Point USA’s “All-American” Halftime Show first appeared on Whiskey Riff.