Gabby Barrett, the American country music singer and American Idol alum, is set to perform Feb. 8 in Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show,” an alternative broadcast occurring opposite the NFL’s official Super Bowl halftime event in Santa Clara, California, organizers announced this week. The lineup also features Kid Rock, Lee Brice and Brantley Gilbert, according to Turning Point USA’s announcement.
The event, scheduled to stream via the conservative nonprofit’s social platforms and select networks, is being positioned by hosts as a celebration of “faith, family and freedom,” and as an alternative to the NFL’s halftime show headlined by Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8.
Barrett, 25, from Munhall, Pennsylvania, rose to prominence after finishing third on the sixteenth season of American Idol and has enjoyed commercial success with songs like “I Hope” and her 2024 album Chapter & Verse. Her inclusion in a politically charged halftime event has drawn mixed responses online, with some fans expressing support and others critiquing her decision to participate.
Turning Point USA’s announcement, shared on social media, places Barrett alongside performers who have publicly aligned with conservative themes. Kid Rock, whose involvement in the show was widely reported, described the effort as a “David and Goliath” challenge to the NFL’s mainstream spectacle.
The nonprofit said the All-American Halftime Show aims to offer an entertainment option without what its representatives describe as “agenda,” though the positioning underscores the broader cultural and political debate surrounding this year’s Super Bowl entertainment.
The official Super Bowl halftime show, by contrast, remains Bad Bunny’s performance for millions of viewers worldwide — an appearance that has itself attracted attention and commentary across cultural and political lines.
Barrett’s participation in the alternative broadcast is confirmed; more details on the production’s format and reach are expected as Super Bowl Sunday approaches.
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Hannah Price is a digital journalist who covers breaking news, global events, and trending stories with accuracy and speed. She has previously contributed to several online magazines and has built a reputation for verifying facts before publishing. Hannah believes in responsible reporting and aims to present stories in a way that readers can trust.
