NFL Stands Firm on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Amid Political Backlash

The NFL keeps Bad Bunny as its Super Bowl LX halftime performer despite conservative outcry. At the league’s annual fall meeting, Commissioner Roger Goodell said the selection was “carefully thought through” because famous entertainers typically draw criticism. The league hopes the performance is “exciting and a united moment.”

The Grammy-winning Puerto Rican musician Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is known for his energetic performances and Spanish-language music. His popularity is global, and Goodell said the NFL intended to reach everyone. Conservatives and MAGA-aligned detractors have challenged the league’s nominee for his politics, language, and culture. Having “never heard of” the musician, Trump called the choice “absolutely ridiculous.”

On one of the league’s greatest stages, Goodell expects negative reaction. I’m not sure we’ve ever chosen an artist without criticism. Bad Bunny “understands the platform that he’s on.” Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will host Super Bowl LX’s halftime on February 8, 2026.

Despite political criticism, supporters say the NFL is expanding its audience and reflecting cultural and musical trends. This fits Bad Bunny’s commitment to Spanish and Latin culture. The opposition calls the appointment a provocative or cultural statement rather than entertainment, citing deeper cultural and political tensions.

The NFL seems unaffected. Though the league may add entertainers, Goodell indicated it won’t review the headlining slot. He said the goal is mass-attention-grabbing entertainment. Bad Bunny, a streaming giant and global headliner, will perform during the Super Bowl.

As the date approaches, watchers will see if the performance unites demographics or reinforces the culture-war narrative. High-profile decisions will hurt the NFL, so it must balance traditional and new-market appeal.

Sources
AP News
Reuters
CBS Sports
People Magazine
NFL.com
The Washington Post
The Week