Kid Rock took the stage on February 8 to headline The All-American Halftime Show, a politically charged livestream positioned as counter-programming to this year’s official halftime performance at Super Bowl LX in San Diego, CA. It didn’t really do big numbers, but a handful of MAGA-heavy snowflakes were thrilled. Anyway!
Backed by conservative activist group Turning Point USA, the event was framed as an alternative celebration of “faith, family & freedom” in response to the NFL’s decision to book multi-diamond-certified Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the official halftime headliner. Alongside Kid Rock, the bill featured performances from Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, the overly-jubilant Erika Kirk, and Gabby Barrett.
For his set, Kid Rock delivered an abbreviated version of his 1999 breakout hit “Bawitdaba” and a cover of Cody Johnson’s “‘Til You Can’t.” However, the performance has already become a lightning rod online (outside the music being trash).
Viewers quickly accused Rock of heavy lip syncing during the opening track, pointing to minimal live vocal participation despite the high-profile nature of the event. Clips from the official upload are now circulating widely, fueling mockery and renewed criticism across social media.
And I mean, what else did you expect? Kid Rock‘s real name is Robert James Ritchie. Dude is from Detroit and grew up so rich that his property had an apple orchard and barnyard for their horses. Ritchie was never “working class” or “one of you” – the guy’s always been a rich grifter and this sucks too, just like everything else he does.
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