In a pointed response to recent criticism, musician Kid Rock has turned to the words of the late NBA icon Kobe Bryant. The rock and country artist shared a series of motivational quotes on his social media channels, directly addressing the backlash he has faced.
The posts featured Bryant’s philosophy on public scrutiny, including the lines: “Learn to love the hate. Embrace it. Enjoy it. You earned it.” A subsequent quote added, “Haters are a good problem to have. Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones.”
This online rebuttal comes amid controversy over Kid Rock’s scheduled headline performance at an alternative halftime show event. The program, organized by the conservative youth group Turning Point USA and billed as the “All-American Halftime Show,” is set to broadcast concurrently with the official Super Bowl halftime performance this Sunday.
The competing main stage event will feature global superstar Bad Bunny, who recently secured the Album of the Year honor at the Grammy Awards. The Latin trap artist has himself been a figure of political debate following past comments on U.S. immigration policy.
The alternative show, promoting themes of patriotism and traditional values, will also include performances by several prominent country music acts. Organizers have stated the event is intended to offer a different cultural perspective during one of television’s most-watched broadcasts.
The dueling halftime presentations underscore the ongoing intersection of entertainment, sports, and political discourse, as figures from various industries navigate public opinion and criticism.