Brantley Gilbert isn’t mincing words about entertainers who commit to patriotic events only to walk away once public criticism begins.
During a recent appearance on the “Net Positive” podcast, the country star said it frustrates him to see fellow artists back out of performances after agreeing to participate, pointing to the backlash he received for performing during Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” during the Super Bowl — which was headlined by Kid Rock.
“It is aggravating seeing guys sign up and then back out,” Gilbert said. “It’s like, a lot of times, like we took a lot of heat for the Turning Point thing.”
Gilbert explained that, from his perspective, the decision was never about politics.
“My kids got to watch two quarters of football and then see their dad play. That’s cool,” he said.
The “Bottoms Up” singer added that he viewed the performance as both a business opportunity and a memorable family experience.
“We agreed to do it. Like, I’m a businessman at the same time I’m an entertainer,” Gilbert said. “I didn’t do it for free. We get paid to play music.”
At the time, Gilbert said he had recently signed with a new record label, making a high-profile appearance an easy decision.
“We had just signed over to a new label at the time,” he explained. “Doing a big show like that was not a bad idea for us.”
Gilbert said he never anticipated the event would become politically divisive.
“I never once looked at it and was like, ‘This is going to be divisive. This is going to be great,’” he said. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
The country singer also dismissed criticism surrounding the Super Bowl halftime show, which featured Bad Bunny as the headliner, saying he wasn’t concerned with who was performing.
“I don’t know nothing about that dude [Bad Bunny],” Gilbert said. “I’ve never heard one of his songs before. I don’t speak Spanish really well. I wouldn’t understand.”
While Gilbert did not identify any specific artists who have withdrawn from patriotic or politically adjacent events, he made clear he believes performers should honor commitments they voluntarily make, even if public reaction turns negative.
After receiving backlash for his participation in Turning Point’s halftime show, Gilbert said he’s “proud” of the choices he continues to make both personally and professionally.
“I’m a songwriter who grew up, and still lives in Jackson County, Georgia, whose goal in the music business was to sell out the local theater a few miles from my house and somehow make my living writing songs,” he said in a statement at the time.
“I’m a recovering addict with the history of all the bad choices that come with it. I’m not proud of those choices, but I am proud of the choice I’ve made to live in another direction.
“I share my story through my music in hopes that it may help and inspire others in their darkest hour. I’m a Christian, and 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. Above all, I’m a proud husband and father of three.”
Gilbert added that he wanted to perform for his children and that it’s been more than 20 years since a country artist had been asked to perform at halftime of the Super Bowl.
“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.
“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,” he stated.
“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.”
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