Kid Rock has hit back at Conan O’Brien after the Oscars host delivered a cutting joke about the musician during the 98th Academy Awards.
O’Brien didn’t hold much back at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday (March 15), firing off a series of barbs throughout the night, including multiple digs aimed at Timothée Chalamet.
In his opening monologue, the host also took a swipe at Kid Rock and the singer’s alternative Super Bowl halftime event linked with Turning Point USA.
The Oscars host said: “Tonight could get political, and if that makes you uncomfortable, there’s an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock. It’s at the Dave & Buster’s down the street.”
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, later responded to the moment and made it clear he wasn’t impressed.
Posting on X, the 55-year-old wrote: “I love a good joke, even when I am the butt of it, unfortunately this was not a very good one.”
I love a good joke, even when I am the butt of it, unfortunately this was not a very good one.
Either way, if you want to see a REAL good show this spring / summer that celebrates America and 250 years of Freedom – make sure you buy your tickets from (ugh) Ticketmaster for my… https://t.co/krNt2iJnHP
— KidRock (@KidRock) March 16, 2026
He then pivoted to promote his upcoming live dates, adding: “Either way, if you want to see a REAL good show this spring / summer that celebrates America and 250 years of Freedom – make sure you buy your tickets from (ugh) Ticketmaster for my Freedom 250 tour – The Road To Nashville. There is a reason for this, TRUST ME!”
Known for his conservative views and long-standing support of Donald Trump, Kid Rock previously fronted an “All American Halftime Show” that was promoted as a celebration of “faith, family, and freedom”.
The lineup included Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett, and the event was livestreamed by Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA.
Erika Kirk praised the production at the time, writing on X: “The @TPUSA All-American Halftime Show was so incredible. Charlie would’ve absolutely loved it.
“Thank you to the millions that tuned in. I’m so proud of our entire team, staff, and the artists who believed in the vision and mission @KidRock @brantleygilbert @leebrice @GabbyBarrett.”
She added: “It’s okay to love Jesus and your country. Ultimately, this is what it’s all about, making Heaven crowded.
“I love you Charlie baby, this is all for you.”
Viewing figures were also cited in comparison to the official Super Bowl broadcast. The New York Times reported that Turning Point USA drew as many as 6.1 million concurrent viewers on its YouTube channel during the game, and the stream now stands at 21 million views.
Meanwhile, Bad Bunny’s performance at the official Super Bowl halftime show averaged 128.2 million viewers between 8:15pm and 8:30pm, according to NBC.