Divisive rap-rock/country start Kid Rock took to the stage today, February 08th, to headline ‘The All-American Halftime Show‘. That streamed performance, backed by Turning Point USA, was part of some politically-motivated counterprogramming to this year’s official halftime show at the ‘Superbowl LX‘ in San Diego, CA.
Multi-time diamond-certified Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny was recruited to headline that event at the big game, a booking which many conservatives, including officials in the current U.S administration, have voiced their disapproval of. As such, a more conservative-oriented ‘halftime’ bill was put together by Turning Point USA, with Kid Rock headlining, while Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett also performed. That event was billed as celebrating, ‘faith, family & freedom.’
For his part, Kid Rock performed an abbreviated version of his hit 1999 single “Bawitdaba” and a cover of Cody Johnson‘s “‘Til You Can’t“. For such a high-profile event, Rock‘s performance of the opening track appeared to heavily rely on backing vocal tracks, with very little actual vocal participation. As such, social media has already begun flooding with accusations and mockery of his apparent brazen lip syncing to that song. You can judge for yourself in the below official upload of his performance.
In the leadup to the event, Kid Rock, an outspoken conservative and friend of U.S. President Donald J. Trump, found himself under increased scrutiny. His detractors resurfaced the below lyrics from his 2001 track “Cool, Daddy Cool” last week:
“On my cell phone, I’m paid, G, can’t call me, just page me
Young ladies, young ladies, I like ’em underage, see
Some say that’s statutory, but I say it’s mandatory”
Unflattering footage of his past live performances at Republican party-backed live events was also dug up and recirculated around social media, leading to various takedowns from his detractors.
