Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office ignited fresh debate online after sharing what appeared to be a Craigslist advert seeking “seat fillers” and “actors” for a Kid Rock concert.
The screenshot, posted Sunday night on X, quickly spread as viewers questioned whether the listing was genuine.
The advert is no longer available on Craigslist, and Newsweek could not verify its authenticity.
Kid Rock headlined Turning Point USA’s “All‑American Halftime Show,” an alternative broadcast released in parallel with the NFL’s official Super Bowl halftime performance.
Why It Matters
Newsom’s post inserted a new political flashpoint into an already-crowded conversation surrounding the Turning Point event, which drew millions of views and featured Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett.
The organization positioned its program as a conservative counter to the NFL’s halftime show led by Bad Bunny—a choice some conservative lawmakers and commentators had criticized in the days leading up to the game.
What To Know
The advert shared by Newsom claimed to offer $200 and a Kid Rock concert shirt for two hours of cheering and clapping “just as you would during a real concert.” It said the venue location would be provided “due to security” and described the booking as a “family show” requiring “casual concert attire, more conservative.”
The listing also stated that footage from the event would appear on “select YouTube channels and America First TV stations.”
Newsom posted the screenshot with the caption: “Seat fillers needed for Kid Rock ‘concert’? Is this real!?” The listing is on Craigslist could not be verified, and it is unclear when it was created or whether it referenced any real‑world event. His post now has more than 840,000 views.
Newsweek reached out to Kid Rock via email for comment.
On Sunday, the musician performed at Turning Point USA’s halftime show, after which he announced his cover of “Til Ya Can’t” would be released at midnight. He thanked Cody Johnson, as well as songwriters Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers, for giving him permission to record the track.
TPUSA said the program was also intended as a tribute to founder Charlie Kirk, who the organization said was assassinated in September. The show attracted more than 4.8 million YouTube views.
What People Are Saying
Kid Rock said in a post on X: “If you enjoyed our version of “Til Ya Can’t” on The TPUSA All American Halftime—Our studio recording of it will be available to purchase or stream at midnight tonight! A big thank you to @codyjohnson and the songwriters Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers for giving me there blessing to record and release it, It really is one of the best written songs I have heard in a long time and NOTHING is more powerful than a great song in my book! 🇺🇸 Kid Rock”
Andrew Kolvet, Turning Point USA spokesman, said in a pre-show statement: “‘The All-American Halftime Show’ is an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family and freedom. We set out to provide an entertainment option that will be fun, excellent and exciting for the entire family while millions are gathered together for the big game.”
What Happens Next
The authenticity and origin of the Craigslist listing remain unresolved. Neither Kid Rock nor Turning Point USA has commented publicly on Newsom’s post.
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