Neil Young and Joan Baez will not be playing an “alternative” to the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny, despite some speculation.
Rumours that the two folk icons would be performing comes as the decision to have Bad Bunny play the 2026 event has sparked backlash from some in the US, and an alternative “All-American Halftime Show” appears to be scheduled for the same day (February 8).
The Puerto Rican rapper made headlines when he was announced as the headliner for next year’s Super Bowl, particularly as it came shortly after he admitted that he won’t be touring the US during his forthcoming world tour due to fears over ICE agents raiding his concerts.
He would then speak about the huge headline slot during his time hosting Saturday Night Live. In Spanish, he said that it was a milestone moment for “all the Latinos and Latinas in the whole world, and here in the United States, all the people who have worked to open doors, more than I have achieved, who have achieved everything, demonstrating that our way, our carrying of this country, no one can ever remove nor erase.”
He then wrapped up the monologue in English, and quipped: “And if you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”
Among those unhappy with Bad Bunny headlining in 2026 is Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who is using the announcement to advocate for her bill to make English the official language of the United States (via AL).
Recommended
On top of that, there has been a petition launched on Change.org, wanting the musician to be replaced with country music star George Strait. It argues that Strait “embodies the heart and soul of American music”, and currently stands at 60,000 signatures.
Now, it appears that this “alternative” to the Super Bowl Halftime Show, organised by Turning Point USA and taking place on the same day, comes in opposition too, and various fake, AI-generated updates have been circulating saying that Neil Young and Joan Baez will be performing there.
One of the posts claims that the two of them will be performing there as it is “a heartfelt and patriotic alternative to the Super Bowl 60 halftime event” that will “honour the enduring legacy of Charlie Kirk”, the conservative activist who was shot and killed in September.
“With Joan’s golden voice and Neil’s grace-filled harmony, the All-American Halftime Show will turn the world’s biggest stage into a moment of hope and homecoming,” it read (via Rolling Stone).
While reps for both Young and Baez have not commented on the AI-post, it is pretty clear that neither have any intention of performing at the event.
Breaking: Turning Point USA Announces Alternate Super Bowl Halftime Show via @WestJournalism https://t.co/kET1qaIrC5
— Jerry Mulanax (@MulanaxJer29089) October 22, 2025
For one, Turning Point USA’s website states that the line-up for the “All-American Half-Time Show” has not yet been announced. On top of that, both artists would be unlikely to say yes to the event anyway given their outward criticism of the US president, Donald Trump.
Young, for instance, recently shared a new song criticising Trump called ‘Big Crime’, while Baez has spoken out against the politician numerous times – including comments about why it is important to protest against him.
As well as that, both joined Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, and performed songs live in opposition to the president.
Other AI-posts have also claimed that Willie Nelson will be among “six legends” from country music to perform at the “alternate” Halftime show, but a rep for the singer has been quick to dismiss this, telling Rolling Stone: “They obviously don’t know anything about Willie, do they?”.
At time of writing, it is has not been confirmed that any musicians are involved with the “alternative” Super Bowl show.
As for Bad Bunny, the rapper and singer recently concluded his historic Puerto Rico residency, with the final gig live-streamed to fans across the globe on Amazon Music and Twitch channels.
The night saw the Puerto Rican artist bring out a host of special guests to see off the residency, including RaiNao, Dei V, Ñengo Flow, Arcángel, De La Ghetto, Jowell & Randy and salsa legend Marc Anthony. The latter teamed up with Bad Bunny for a heartfelt take on ‘Preciosa’.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.