Country music singer Brantley Gilbert has voiced frustration with fellow artists who agree to perform at patriotic events and then withdraw due to public criticism. Gilbert shared his perspective during a recent appearance on the "Net Positive" podcast, noting the backlash he faced for participating in Turning Point USA's "All-American Halftime Show" during the Super Bowl, an event headlined by Kid Rock.
"It is aggravating seeing guys sign up and then back out," Gilbert said, referring to the criticism he and others received. He explained that his decision to perform was not primarily political. "My kids got to watch two quarters of football and then see their dad play. That’s cool," he stated, viewing the performance as both a business opportunity and a memorable family moment.
Gilbert, who had recently signed with a new record label at the time of the event, highlighted the professional benefits. "We agreed to do it. Like, I’m a businessman at the same time I’m an entertainer," he said. "I didn’t do it for free. We get paid to play music." He added that a high-profile show was strategically advantageous for his career. "Doing a big show like that was not a bad idea for us."
The singer stated he did not anticipate the event would become a source of political division. "I never once looked at it and was like, ‘This is going to be divisive. This is going to be great,'" Gilbert commented. He also dismissed criticism surrounding the Super Bowl halftime show, including the involvement of headliner Bad Bunny, stating he was unfamiliar with the artist's music and did not speak Spanish well enough to understand his lyrics.
While Gilbert did not name specific artists who have withdrawn from similar events, he stressed the importance of honoring commitments. He expressed pride in his personal and professional choices, including his performance. Gilbert, who described himself as a songwriter from Georgia, a recovering addict, a Christian, and a father, emphasized his love for his country and his dedication to military families.
He also noted the significance of a country artist performing at the Super Bowl halftime show, pointing out it had been more than 20 years since one was invited. Gilbert reiterated that his intention was not to be divisive but to create a special moment for his children. "Everything I do, I do for them," he said. "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."