Conan O’Brien’s Oscars joke about Kid Rock sparked one of the night’s biggest online reactions — and the singer didn’t hold back in his response.
During this year’s Academy Awards, host Conan O’Brien delivered a series of jokes, but one in particular caught viewers off guard — and clearly irritated Kid Rock.
While opening the show, O’Brien joked about an “alternate” Oscars for anyone uncomfortable with the ceremony’s tone, suggesting they could head down the street to a version supposedly hosted by Kid Rock.
Conan 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.”
The line referenced the musician’s involvement in an alternative halftime-style event earlier this year, promoted as a more patriotic counter to the official Super Bowl entertainment. The audience laughed — but Kid Rock didn’t find it nearly as funny.
Kid Rock responds to Conan’s Oscars joke
Shortly after the broadcast, Kid Rock reacted online, making it clear he didn’t think the joke deserved the laughs it received.
On X, he wrote: “I love a good joke, even when I am the butt of it, unfortunately this was not a very good one.”
He said he usually appreciates humor, even when he’s the target, but felt this particular punchline fell flat. Still, he didn’t let the moment pass without using it to his advantage.
Kid Rock used the attention to promote his upcoming tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, turning the viral moment into publicity.
“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!”
O’Brien’s monologue included several celebrity jokes, but the Kid Rock line ended up generating one of the strongest reactions after the ceremony.
What do you think of this moment? Share your thoughts in the comments.
