On December 6, 2025, country music star Jon Pardi took the stage at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for the Big 12 Championship Game halftime show. This performance, which marked a historic first for a country artist at the event, quickly became a topic of heated debate among college football fans. The halftime show, featuring both the Texas Tech and BYU marching bands, was expected to blend tradition with innovation, but the reception was far from what the organizers had hoped for.
The performance was met with widespread criticism from fans, who felt that the selection of country music was not well-suited to the atmosphere of the game. The event, which saw Texas Tech face off against BYU, had a particularly notable crowd due to BYU's predominantly Mormon student body. This demographic contributed to the unique reaction to Pardi's performance, which included several drinking-themed songs that did not resonate with the audience.
"Rough look at the Big 12 halftime show," one fan commented, "Went with country music and the whole place is still and quiet". Many viewers found the choice of music to be inappropriate for the event, leading to a subdued and quiet atmosphere, which was not the intended outcome. The halftime show, which included songs like 'Heartache Medicine' and 'Drinkin’ Again,' left many fans feeling that the performance did not align with the energy and excitement expected during such a high-stakes match.
The Big 12 Conference had announced the performance as a historic event, marking the first time a country artist would headline the halftime show. The Conference hoped that by incorporating country music, they could blend innovation with tradition and create a memorable experience for fans. However, the execution did not meet these high expectations, leaving a significant portion of the audience unimpressed and disappointed.
"The halftime show was a big disappointment. Jon Pardi's performance did not resonate with the crowd, and the choice of music was not well-received by fans," said one disappointed viewer. The event aimed to create an engaging and entertaining experience, but it fell short in capturing the enthusiasm of the audience.
The criticism of Jon Pardi's performance has highlighted the importance of choosing the right kind of entertainment for major sporting events. The Big 12 Championship halftime show, while an opportunity to showcase country music, ended up being a misstep, leaving fans and critics alike questioning the suitability of the artist and the selection of songs for such an event.
As the debate continues, the Big 12 Conference and event organizers will likely reassess their approach to future halftime shows, aiming to provide a more engaging and inclusive experience for all fans. The Jon Pardi halftime show will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant learning experience for the Big 12 Championship and the broader world of college football.
