NFL defends Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show amid political backlash

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has defended the league’s decision to feature Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, describing the performance as an opportunity to unite fans despite political backlash.

The announcement, made in late September by Apple Music and the NFL, quickly drew criticism from conservative circles, with some questioning the decision to feature a Spanish-language artist on one of America’s biggest stages. Goodell, however, stood by the choice.

“It’s something we’ve thought through carefully,” Goodell told the Associated Press. “It’s difficult to find an artist who pleases everyone when hundreds of millions are watching. We’re confident it’ll be a great show, he understands the importance of that stage, and I believe it’ll be an exciting, united moment.”

Goodell also praised Bad Bunny as one of the world’s leading entertainers, emphasizing that the Super Bowl Halftime Show aims to celebrate music’s global reach.

President Donald Trump criticized the decision during a recent interview, calling it “absolutely ridiculous.”

“I don’t know who he is… I don’t know why they’re doing it,” Trump said, questioning the NFL’s direction.

Trump’s campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, was among the first to condemn the choice, suggesting ICE agents would have a presence at the 2026 Super Bowl.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem later said on a podcast that ICE would be “all over that place” and intends to “enforce the law” during the event.

Meanwhile, a viral online petition is calling for the NFL to replace Bad Bunny with country legend George Strait, and conservative group Turning Point USA has announced plans for its own “alternative halftime show” in protest.

Several musicians, however, have rallied in support of Bad Bunny. Shakira, who previously performed during the 2020 Super Bowl alongside Jennifer Lopez, praised the decision, saying it reflects how far Latin and Spanish-language music have come.

“I’m proud that Bad Bunny is representing our culture on such a massive stage,” she told Variety. “It’s the perfect time for this performance.”

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl appearance will be his only US performance of 2026, as his upcoming world tour does not include any American dates. The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026.