Brantley Gilbert is standing by his decision to perform in Turning Point USA’s rival halftime show.
“For those asking ‘who is Brantley Gilbert?’ and ‘why is he playing this event?’” the country singer, 41, wrote in a lengthy statement shared via X on Friday, February 6. “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 a living writing songs.”
Gilbert added he is a “recovering addict with the history of making bad choices that come with it.”
“I’m not proud of those choices, but I am proud of the choice I made to live in another direction,” he continued. “I share my story through my music, in hopes that it may help and inspire others in their darkest hour.”
Gilbert also explained that his “Christian” faith, “love” for the United States and being a dad are major parts of his identity.
“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,” he wrote. “Above all, I’m a proud husband and father of three.”
However his decision to say yes to Turning Point USA’s concert was due to the fact a county artist hasn’t performed at the Super Bowl’s halftime show in the past two decades.
“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,” he explained. “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.”
Gilbert continued, “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.”
The musician expressed his gratitude for his “road family” and the fans who’ve “stood beside” him.
“Looking forward to hitting the stage this Sunday and giving folks a hell of a show,” Gilbert concluded.
After Bad Bunny was selected as the musical act for Super Bowl LX, some conservative critics expressed their disappointment over the choice as the Puerto Rican rapper sings primarily in Spanish. Turning Point USA, the organization founded by the late political activist Charlie Kirk and now run by his widow Erika Kirk, later revealed they were putting on their own show. arranged their All-American Halftime Show which celebrates “faith, family and freedom.” Gilbert was announced as one of the performers alongside Kid Rock, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett.
The concert will be broadcast on Turning Point’s social channels and Sinclair Broadcast Group’s OTT channel CHARGE! It will also be available on Samsung Plus, YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling, Daily Wire+, Real America’s Voice and One America News Network.
