Kid Rock slams Conan O’Brien Oscars joke and plugs Freedom 250 tour

Kid Rock criticised Conan O’Brien’s Oscars joke about him, calling it “not a very good one”. Photo / Getty Images

Kid Rock has claimed Conan O’Brien’s Oscars monologue quip about him was “not a very good one”.

The 55-year-old pop star has broken his silence on the joke, after Academy Awards host O’Brien poked fun at Rock’s involvement in Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show online concert, which was an alternative to last month’s Bad Bunny-headlined Super Bowl Halftime Show.

During his opening monologue at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, O’Brien poked fun at several stars, including Rock.

He said: “I should warn you, 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 and Busters down the street. A lot of tickets for that.”

Rock has now responded, writing on X: “I love a good joke, even when I am the butt of it, unfortunately this was not a very good one.”

However, he used the increased spotlight to his advantage by promoting tickets for his Freedom 250 tour – The Road to Nashville shows.

He added: “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!”

Elsewhere during O’Brien’s opening monologue, he also poked fun at Timothee Chalamet, who went on to lose out to Michael B Jordan for the Best Actor in a Leading Role prize.

O’Brien took a playful swipe at the star’s recent comments that “no one cares” about ballet and opera.

He quipped: “Security is very tight tonight.

“There’s concerns about attacks from the ballet and opera communities.

“They’re just mad you left out jazz.”

The camera cut to Timothee and his girlfriend Kylie Jenner, and he was seen laughing at the jibe.

O’Brien also mocked Netflix boss Ted Sarandos, joking his attendance at the Dolby Theatre ceremony was his “first time” inside a theatre.

Impersonating Sarandos, he asked: “Why are they all together enjoying themselves? They should be home alone, where I can monetise it.”