Christian artists propose alternative halftime show

photo courtesy of Forrest Frank Instagram Christian singer Forrest Frank reacts to Corry Asbury's proposal for a new halftime show.

For the first time in Super Bowl history, the idea of a dupe halftime show possibly airing at the same time as the National Football Leagues (NFL) chosen performance was broadcast across social media. Because the tension started to feel like a competition for views and was causing the community to split into sides, Christian artist Cory Asbury posted on Instagram Nov. 10 that they decided to stop moving forward with the show. They explained that their goal was never to divide people, but to glorify and elevate the name of Jesus; however, people began to lose sight of that message.

For the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday, Feb. 8, the NFL selected Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) to perform. However, after current tension surrounded the artist with his refusal to host his tour in U.S. spaces due to the fear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raiding his concerts, Asbury saw a unique opportunity to attempt making history. 

“What if we did an alternative family-friendly halftime show?” Asbury said on Instagram Oct. 4. He explained that his goal was to create a show families could enjoy without having to protect themselves from inappropriate content.

Asbury invited fellow Christian artist Forrest Frank into the idea to help promote it across the web. 

“Nine times out of 10 it’s raunchy as heck,” Asbury said on Instagram Oct. 4. “You’re seeing stuff you don’t wanna see. You’re hearing stuff you don't wanna hear, especially for your kids.” 

Frank supported the idea on social media, and the project quickly gained traction, becoming known as the “Holytime Show.”

Former political activist Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, quickly offered to host the event. Many Christian artists also announced their plans to participate in the alternative halftime performance, which was planned to air at the same time as the NFL show. Christian students, families, teachers and churches were planning on tuning in.

“I really like the idea of the Christian artist taking over the halftime show because I really feel like it can just show the world that God can move through all things,” freshman Sophia Ingenito said. “It will also just help a lot of people turn their minds away from the bad worldly things they play during halftime towards Godly things which I like a lot.”

The plans appeared to be inspiring many believers to publicly live out their faith and opinions of what should be influencing the next generations.

“I think that it will be a great way to share the gospel and make Jesus more known,” junior Hadley Thrasher said.

Still, not everyone was on board. Many of Bad Bunny’s fans opposed the “Holytime Show,” despite the fact that the alternative performance would not directly affect them. All fans would have the ability to watch their show of choice; however, the passion of some fans caused debate online showing a cultural divide over entertainment, faith and family morals.

As this idea was published for the Super Bowl, the shows proved to be more than just different styles, they represented two future possibilities for what the halftime show entertainment could be. Whether viewers planned to tune into the NFL’s main event or the Christian artist “Holytime Show,” the idea of what the future could look like with these events have the potential of making US history.