Brantley Gilbert delivered a high-energy two-song performance during Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show, which aired concurrently with the Super Bowl LX Apple Music Halftime Show featuring Bad Bunny on Sunday (Feb. 8).

The performance was introduced by a host dedicating the All-American Halftime Show to the late Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk, who was tragically assassinated while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The country superstar’s brief set then began with his electric guitarist, Chuck Hollywood (real name Spencer Waasdorp), strumming the chords to “The Star-Spangled Banner” as sparks burst behind him.

“This one’s for you, Charlie,” the show’s host said.

Brantley Gilbert and his full band then entered the stage, exploding into a rowdy performance of “Real American,” a track written by Gilbert alongside Brock Berryhill and Josh Phillips that appears on Gilbert’s Greatest Hits… So Far album.

Wearing a Louis Vuitton denim jacket over a black shirt emblazoned with “God Family Country,” Gilbert then performed his chart-topping hit, “Dirt Road Anthem.”

“I wrote this next song with a good friend of mine by the name of Colt Ford, and Jason Aldean changed our lives and put it on Country radio,” Gilbert said before strumming his black camouflage acoustic guitar and launching into the opening verse of the country rap tune.

A few days before his performance, Brantley Gilbert took to social media to address questions about his involvement and defend his decision to perform as part of the All-American Halftime Show.

“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,” Gilbert wrote, reflecting on his past struggles with addiction and sharing his story to inspire others to turn their lives around.

Gilbert continued, “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.”

Gilbert also highlighted his love for the United States and his support for the military, continuing, “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.”

Brantley Gilbert explained that he was honored to take part in the event to perform during the biggest game in American Football, as the NFL hasn’t enlisted a country artist for their Super Bowl Halftime Show in over two decades. The last time country music was highlighted during a Super Bowl Halftime Show was in 1994, when Clint Black, Wynonna and Naomi Judd (The Judds), Travis Tritt, and Tanya Tucker.

“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,” Gilbert said. “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.”

“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. Thank you to my road family and all the fans who have stood beside me. Looking forward to hitting the stage this Sunday and giving folks a hell of a show,” Gilbert concluded.

Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show also featured performances from Kid Rock, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. The event aired on February 8 on TPUSA’s YouTube, X, and Rumble channels, The Charlie Kirk Show’s channels, and via Sinclair Broadcast’s OTT channel “CHARGE!,” as well as Daily Wire+, TBN, Real America’s Voice, NTD, and OANN.