A NATION’S HISTORY UNFOLDS: GUY PENROD TO OPEN THE “ALL-AMERICAN HALFTIME SHOW” — A POWERFUL TRIBUTE TO FAITH, FAMILY, AND FREEDOM
NASHVILLE — With a voice that has long carried the sound of faith across generations, Guy Penrod, the golden baritone of country gospel, has been chosen to open the “All-American Halftime Show” — an event already being described as one of the most meaningful musical moments in modern history.
Announced live from Nashville, Tennessee, the show will stand as a bold and patriotic alternative to Super Bowl 60’s halftime event, blending the power of music with the timeless values that have shaped the nation’s soul.
The project, produced by Erika Kirk, widow of the late Charlie Kirk, serves as a living tribute to her husband’s enduring belief in faith, family, and freedom — the three pillars he often described as “the backbone of the American spirit.”
“Charlie always believed that faith wasn’t something we kept to ourselves,” Erika said during the announcement at the Ryman Auditorium. “He believed it was something we sang, something we shared — something that could bring light into the darkest places. That’s why opening this show with Guy Penrod means so much.”
Known for his signature blend of gospel conviction and country warmth, Guy Penrod rose to prominence as the powerhouse lead singer of the Gaither Vocal Band, later becoming one of the most recognized solo voices in inspirational music. His performances — from “Because He Lives” to “Revelation Song” — have earned him a reputation as both a worship leader and a bridge-builder, uniting church pews, concert halls, and country stages alike.
Now, at the All-American Halftime Show, Penrod’s unmistakable voice will open the evening with a new rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.” — followed by a medley of “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross,” accompanied by a 200-member choir drawn from churches across Tennessee. The performance is expected to set the tone for an evening that blends praise, patriotism, and purpose.
“We wanted to start the night not with spectacle, but with sincerity,” Erika Kirk explained. “Guy’s voice carries the kind of power that doesn’t shout — it moves you. It reminds us why we sing in the first place.”
The All-American Halftime Show will feature some of the most iconic figures in country and gospel music, including George Strait, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, and Willie Nelson, all joining together to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy and celebrate the enduring heart of the nation. But opening with Penrod is a statement in itself — a nod to the show’s foundation of faith first.
When asked about the honor of opening the event, Penrod spoke humbly:
“I’m just grateful to be a part of something that lifts up what’s still good and strong about this country,” he said. “We need reminders that freedom isn’t free, and that the grace that built America still runs through her veins.”
The production, set for Nissan Stadium in downtown Nashville, is expected to draw tens of millions of viewers. Organizers describe it as a “musical homecoming,” merging the heart of gospel with the power of American country. Stage designs reveal sweeping LED landscapes of small-town fields, waving flags, and open skies — images that mirror the themes of hope and renewal at the center of the event.
Longtime fans of Guy Penrod say his inclusion is a perfect fit. Known for wearing his faith as naturally as his cowboy hat, Penrod represents the unity between country tradition and spiritual conviction — a blend Charlie Kirk championed throughout his life.
“When Guy sings, it feels like a prayer wrapped in a song,” said fellow artist Vince Gill. “There’s no performance in it — it’s all heart, all faith. And that’s exactly how this night should begin.”
In a world often divided by noise and opinion, the All-American Halftime Show aims to remind Americans that music still holds the power to heal, inspire, and unite.
As the sun sets over Nashville on the night of the broadcast, Penrod will step to the microphone — his voice steady, his hair silvered by the stage lights — and sing not to the crowd, but to the country itself. Behind him, a choir will rise, and for a few precious minutes, 70,000 people in the stadium and millions more at home will be joined by one sound, one song, one prayer.
Because when Guy Penrod opens the All-American Halftime Show, it won’t just be the start of a performance.
It will be the opening of a national moment of gratitude — a reminder that even now, amid all the noise, the heart of America still beats in tune with faith, freedom, and song.