We reviewed Turning Point USA’s “All-American” event so you don’t have to – Dallas Observer

The “All-American” halftime show organized by Turning Point USA, helmed by Kid Rock, turned out to be quite the debacle. Laden with unfamiliar names and overshadowed by the highly-anticipated Super Bowl performance by Bad Bunny, this alternative show felt like an uphill battle from the start.

The concept of an “All-American” show, as opposed to what, felt like an odd assertion. Bad Bunny, a natural-born U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico, seemed just as American as anyone else. This patriotic fervor seemed oddly selective, given past headliners like Paul McCartney. The show’s title, juxtaposed with MAGA’s criteria, had clear undertones of privilege.

The countdown to the show was riddled with eerie, conservative advertisements that set a discomforting tone. Technical glitches and delays left viewers in limbo before the underwhelming show kicked off. The undercard featuring acts like Brantley Gilbert and Gabby Barrett nestled painfully within the conservative music spectrum, showcasing a limited musical horizon. These were artists who tried to fill big shoes but lacked the star power to do so.

Amid Lee Brice’s overtly political set, lamenting the challenges of being an American in a progressively diverse world, the disconnect between reality and performance felt jarring. As the show trudged along, it was abundantly clear that the anticipation for Kid Rock’s performance was dwindling, with viewers dwindling as the show wore on.

Kid Rock’s presence on stage, among all the bells and whistles, felt lackluster compared to the spectacle generated by Charlie Kirk’s funeral. The musical interlude featuring a violin player and cellist breathed life into an otherwise dull show, but viewer engagement had plummeted by then.

In the end, the “All-American” show proved to be a forgettable spectacle. While football fans may have shown a lukewarm interest in the alternative show, the diversion offered little substance or spectacle to rival the grandeur of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance. An odd attempt at imitation with a conservative twist, this show failed to capture the excitement and energy of its mainstream counterpart.