Brantley Gilbert Speaks Out About His Decision To Perform At Turning Point USA’s ‘All-American Halftime Show’

Brantley Gilbert is speaking out about his upcoming performance on Turning Point USA’s The All-American Halftime Show and explaining his decision to take part in the event.

On Friday afternoon, the country/rocker took to social media to issue a lengthy statement detailing why he chose to join the lineup, which also includes Kid Rock, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.

“For those asking ‘who is Brantley Gilbert?’ and ‘why is he playing this event?’,” he began. “I’m a songwriter who grew up, and still lives in Jackson County, GA, 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.”

He went on to share his previous struggles with addiction and said that he hopes his platform will inspire others. 

“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,” he wrote. 

“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.” 

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After offering insight into his life and personal beliefs, Gilbert pointed out that it has been over two decades since the NFL had a country artist at the Super Bowl halftime show and shared his reasoning for wanting to perform.

“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,” he urged. 

In closing, the Georgia native wrote, “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.”

Finally, he thanked his team and fans as he added “ Looking forward to hitting the stage this Sunday and giving folks a hell of a show.” 

The All-American Halftime Show is described by Turning Point USA as a “one-of-a-kind streaming event celebrating American faith, family, and freedom.” 

Gilbert’s message comes after Kid Rock made an appearance on Fox & Friends to discuss the show, which serves as an alternative to the Super Bowl LX halftime show. 

“I think I speak for Turning Point and all the artists involved, that none of us are approaching this with any hate in our hearts at all,” Kid Rock said during an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday. 

“It’s just a love for our base and love for music, our country,” he later added.

Turning Point USA’s The All-American Halftime Show will stream at around 8 p.m. ET on February 8, 2026, across multiple platforms, including TPUSA’s YouTube, X, and Rumble channels. 

In addition to social media, the special edition of The National News Desk will air on Sinclair Broadcast’s OTT channel “CHARGE!” available on Samsung Plus, YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling, and more, as well as on Daily Wire+, TBN, Real America’s Voice, NTD, and OANN.