Just announced in Nashville, Tennessee — a musical earthquake is about to shake America’s heartland. Aerosmith, led by rock icon Steven Tyler, will take the stage alongside four other legendary performers in what many are calling the “most patriotic halftime event in modern music history.”
But this isn’t your typical Super Bowl spectacle filled with glitz, commercial breaks, and choreographed chaos.
This is the “All-American Halftime Show” — a grassroots movement, a celebration of faith, freedom, and family, created as a heartfelt alternative to the Super Bowl 60 halftime event. And this year, it carries a deeper purpose: it’s dedicated to the memory of Charlie Kirk, the outspoken conservative commentator and activist who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.
The event’s executive producer, Erika Kirk, Charlie’s wife, described the show as “a love letter to the nation my husband loved so fiercely.”
Standing before reporters in Nashville, her voice trembling but resolute, she said, “Charlie believed America was more than a country — it was an idea. This show is about honoring that idea, reminding people that the soul of this nation still beats strong.”
A Lineup That Defines Generations
Joining Aerosmith are Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, and Reba McEntire — five names that represent five eras of American sound. From rock to country, gospel to blues, each performer brings a different piece of the American story to the stage.
Aerosmith, once dubbed “America’s Greatest Rock Band,” will headline with a medley of anthems, opening with “Dream On” before transitioning into a roaring rendition of “Living on the Edge.”
Reba, the Queen of Country, will lend her soulful voice to a stirring acoustic version of “God Bless America.”
Carrie Underwood — known for her faith-filled performances — is set to debut an original song written exclusively for the show, titled “Still We Rise.”
Kid Rock, never one to shy away from bold statements, will join Garth Brooks for a mash-up of “Born Free” and “Friends in Low Places”, promising one of the most talked-about collaborations of the year.
And in a powerful finale, all five artists will unite on stage for “The Star-Spangled Banner”, backed by a 100-person choir composed of veterans, first responders, and children of fallen soldiers.
“It’s not just a concert,” Steven Tyler told reporters. “It’s a heartbeat — one that belongs to every American who still believes in freedom, faith, and rock ‘n’ roll.”
A Stage Set for the Soul of a Nation
The show will be broadcast live from Nissan Stadium in Nashville — the very city where country and rock first learned to dance together. Unlike traditional halftime productions that rely on corporate sponsorships, the All-American Halftime Show is funded by private donors and grassroots supporters.
Producer Erika Kirk explained that this approach was intentional.
“We didn’t want big corporations telling us what messages we could or couldn’t share,” she said. “This is about the people — about real Americans coming together.”
The design team, led by award-winning production designer Roy Bennett (known for his work with U2 and Paul McCartney), has promised a stage that merges simplicity and symbolism.
The main platform will take the shape of a giant five-pointed star, each point representing one of the performing artists. Above it, a massive eagle sculpture will unfurl its wings during the finale, revealing a display of red, white, and blue pyrotechnics timed perfectly to the national anthem.
Honoring Charlie Kirk’s Legacy
For Erika Kirk, the event is deeply personal.
Her late husband, Charlie Kirk, founded Turning Point USA and was one of the most vocal defenders of traditional American values. His sudden passing earlier this year left a void in the conservative movement — but also inspired an outpouring of unity from across the country.
“Charlie believed music had the power to change culture,” Erika said. “He always dreamed of an event that could bring people together beyond politics — something that reminded us who we are.”
At one point in her announcement, she paused to compose herself before adding,
“This isn’t just his legacy. It’s his message — that America is worth fighting for.”
Faith, Freedom, and Fireworks
The “All-American Halftime Show” won’t just feature music. Between performances, there will be short film segments produced by documentary filmmaker Jon Erwin (I Can Only Imagine, Jesus Revolution), spotlighting stories of everyday heroes: teachers, nurses, veterans, and small-town pastors who kept their communities alive through hardship.
These vignettes, Erika said, are “the soul of the show.”
One segment tells the story of Captain Brian Harlan, a Marine veteran who lost both legs in Afghanistan but now mentors at-risk youth through music. Another honors Ruby Jane Thomas, a retired teacher from Kentucky who started a literacy program in her garage during the pandemic.
“When you see these stories, you realize that America isn’t broken,” said Carrie Underwood. “It’s just waiting to be reminded of its beauty.”
A Patriotic Response to a Changing Culture
The show’s timing is significant. In recent years, the Super Bowl halftime show — once a unifying cultural moment — has become increasingly politicized. From controversial performances to overt social messaging, many viewers have felt alienated.
The “All-American Halftime Show” aims to offer something different — a return to sincerity.
“People are tired of cynicism,” Kid Rock said bluntly. “They want truth. They want fire. They want something that feels real again.”
Garth Brooks echoed that sentiment: “I’ve played all over the world, but when you sing for your own people — for your own country — it hits different. This show is for the folks who still stand when they hear the anthem.”
Fans Rally Behind the Movement
Since its announcement, the hashtag #AllAmericanHalftimeShow has exploded across social media, trending on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok within hours.
Clips of Steven Tyler rehearsing “Dream On” in an empty Nashville studio have already gone viral, drawing millions of views.
“I haven’t felt this kind of excitement for a live show in years,” one fan commented. “Finally — something for us, something that celebrates America without apology.”
Tickets for the live audience sold out in less than 48 hours, with over 70,000 people expected to fill Nissan Stadium. Proceeds from the event will go to the Charlie Kirk Freedom Foundation, which funds scholarships for veterans and young entrepreneurs.
The Heartbeat of a Nation
As rehearsals continue, there’s a sense that this isn’t just another concert — it’s a cultural moment, a reclaiming of something sacred.
In an age where division often dominates headlines, the “All-American Halftime Show” dares to suggest that unity is still possible — not through politics, but through music, faith, and shared identity.
When asked what message he hopes viewers will take away, Steven Tyler didn’t hesitate.
He smiled, looked out over the empty stadium, and said,
“America’s still got its song. We’re just here to help her sing it again.”
A Show for the Ages
On February 9, while millions tune in to the Super Bowl, another broadcast will light up living rooms across the country. No commercials, no corporate slogans — just five legends, one nation, and one unforgettable message:
The music never died. The dream never ended.
Because in the heart of every American, there’s still a melody that refuses to fade.
And on that night in Nashville, the whole world will hear it again.
So looking forward to this display of real Americana! Finally a pagent for Real Americans! Cut the corporate BS. May the world see that we are still here and still loving out home and are still willing to fight for it to the very last breath. WE ARE CHARLIE!
He didn’t pass away unexpectedly. He was assassinated.