NFL Stands Firm on Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show Amid Backlash

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made it clear on Wednesday that the league is unwavering in its choice to have Bad Bunny headline the Super Bowl halftime show, despite pushback from former President Donald Trump and some of his followers.

During a press conference after the annual fall owners meeting, Goodell stated, “We’re not considering replacing Bad Bunny. This choice has been made thoughtfully. You can’t expect to not face criticism given the audience of hundreds of millions of viewers.”

Bad Bunny, the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican sensation, was announced as the halftime act back in late September. This news spurred a wave of excitement while also triggering some backlash. While Bad Bunny’s appointment has invigorated his music streams, it also brought focus to his vocal critiques of Donald Trump and U.S. immigration policies. Earlier this year, he performed a 31-day series of shows in Puerto Rico, forgoing stops in the U.S. mainland due to concerns over Latino treatment.

NFL gives update on Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show amid MAGA backlash — Bad Bunny observes the action between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning of Game 3 in the American League Division Series on October 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Goodell emphasized that selecting Bad Bunny illustrates the league’s commitment to engaging with a global audience. “He ranks among the globe’s top entertainers,” Goodell added. “That’s what we aim for, making this a vital entertainment experience.”

While additional artists could join the halftime line-up, Goodell expressed his belief in Bad Bunny’s capability to present a show that will be both thrilling and unifying.

It’s anticipated that Bad Bunny will predominantly perform in Spanish, aligning with the NFL’s recent trend of showcasing diverse and globally renowned performers on its influential podium.

As for Trump’s attendance at the February 8 Super Bowl, it’s still uncertain whether he will be there. In a recent interview with conservative outlet Newsmax, Trump seemed dismissive of Bad Bunny, claiming he had “never heard of” the artist and labeling the choice as “crazy” and “ridiculous.”

Separately, Turning Point USA, a conservative organization co-founded by the late activist Charlie Kirk, announced their intention to stage an alternative halftime show during Super Bowl LX.

Goodell brushed aside the negative feedback, reiterating the entertaining intent of the halftime performance, stating confidently, “We expect it to be a fantastic show.”

When Is the Super Bowl?

Super Bowl LIX is all set for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the home ground for the San Francisco 49ers. Viewers can catch the live broadcast on Fox and on the Fox Sports app, with kickoff anticipated around 6:30 PM Eastern Time. This will mark the second Super Bowl to take place at Levi’s Stadium, which was previously the venue for Super Bowl 50 in 2016.