A shadow has fallen over the upcoming “All-American Halftime Show.” Lyrics from a 2001 Kid Rock song are circulating widely, igniting controversy just before his headline performance at the event.
The song, “Cool, Daddy Cool,” a collaboration with rapper Joe C., contains deeply troubling lines. Kid Rock sings about a preference for “underage” women, a statement that immediately raises serious ethical and legal questions.
The lyrics are stark and unsettling. “Young ladies, young ladies, I like ’em underage, see. Some say that’s statutory,” Kid Rock raps, followed by a chilling response from Joe C.: “But I say it’s mandatory.”
At the time of the song’s release, Robert James Ritchie – known as Kid Rock – was already a 30-year-old established artist. The lyrics now resurface with a renewed and disturbing weight.
This controversy unfolds against a politically charged backdrop. Kid Rock is a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and his performance is a direct counter to the official Super Bowl halftime show.
That official show will feature Bad Bunny, a prominent voice critical of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The “All-American Halftime Show” is intentionally positioned as an alternative, broadcast on conservative-leaning platforms.
The alternative event, announced in October, boasts a lineup including country stars Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett alongside Kid Rock. It aims to provide a contrasting message to Bad Bunny’s performance.
Bad Bunny himself recently amplified his stance on immigration during the Grammy Awards. Accepting an award, he passionately called for the abolishment of ICE, asserting the humanity and American identity of immigrants.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ICE out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans,” Bad Bunny declared, sparking both applause and debate.
The brewing conflict extends beyond the stage. Conservative activist Riley Gaines previously criticized Bad Bunny for suggesting Americans learn Spanish to understand his performance, framing the alternative show as a defiant response.
“Bad Bunny told Americans they had 4 months to learn Spanish if we wanted to understand the Super Bowl halftime show. No thanks. We’ll just have our own. Enjoy your low-rated halftime show,” Gaines stated, highlighting the ideological divide.
The resurfaced lyrics now cast a long shadow over Kid Rock’s participation, raising difficult questions about the values and messages being presented at the “All-American Halftime Show.”
