News Summary
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that Bad Bunny will perform at the Super Bowl LX halftime show despite backlash from political figures, including Donald Trump. The decision has sparked controversy, with calls for a replacement by country star George Strait gaining traction. Supporters argue for inclusivity, while Goodell emphasizes the importance of artistic expression. Bad Bunny’s performance is anticipated to resonate with a diverse audience, showcasing his cultural roots. As the event approaches, discussions continue on various NFL topics, reflecting the league’s ongoing changes.
Santa Clara, California – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has announced that the league will not be altering its decision to feature Bad Bunny as the performer for Super Bowl LX halftime show despite facing criticism from some political figures, including former President Donald Trump. The announcement of Bad Bunny, a Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist, as the halftime performer was made in late September and has sparked a polarized reaction.
Goodell addressed the controversy surrounding the performer during a news conference after the NFL’s fall meeting. He emphasized that the selection was made after careful consideration and that any artist chosen for the Super Bowl can expect some level of criticism given the event’s massive audience. Bad Bunny, known for his music sung primarily in Spanish, is expected to infuse the performance with his characteristic style to create a lively and engaging show.
Among those voicing criticism is Trump, who stated that he was unfamiliar with Bad Bunny and labeled the decision to feature him as “crazy and absolutely ridiculous.” This comment highlights a growing division over the selection of halftime performers. The criticism does not only come from Trump; a petition has also emerged in Virginia, urging the NFL to replace Bad Bunny with country artist George Strait, garnering over 71,000 signatures.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has a history of opposing Trump’s policies. He notably completed a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico to promote awareness of various issues while avoiding the mainland United States due to deportation concerns affecting Latinos. His popularity, however, remains expansive, as he is recognized as one of the leading entertainers on a global scale. Goodell reaffirmed confidence in the artist’s ability to deliver a compelling performance that will resonate with a diverse audience, emphasizing that the show aims to promote unity.
Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor and California Governor Gavin Newsom have expressed their support for Bad Bunny’s performance, advocating for inclusivity at this year’s Super Bowl. Gillmor also highlighted that measures would be taken to ensure attendee safety, particularly in light of past concerns regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at events in the area.
As the Super Bowl LX approaches, slated for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, questions remain about whether Trump will attend the event. Historically, he has participated in significant sporting events during his time in office, but his decision regarding this particular occasion is still unknown.
Bad Bunny recently took the stage during his hosting of “Saturday Night Live,” where he responded to critics of his Super Bowl performance by challenging them to learn Spanish. This statement exemplifies his commitment to his cultural roots and artistic expression while also addressing the criticisms head-on.
In addition to discussions on halftime performances, Goodell highlighted various topics deliberated during the meeting, including updates on replay reviews and game lengths. He also addressed the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with the players’ union, announcing that discussions regarding a potential 18-game regular season would be postponed until the NFL Players Association appoints a permanent executive director. Furthermore, work is underway to finalize host sites for the Super Bowl for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, with an announcement anticipated in the coming year.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Bay Area
- Wikipedia: Super Bowl
- San Francisco Chronicle
- Google Search: Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show
- The Spun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Super Bowl
- San Jose Spotlight
- Google News: Bad Bunny Halftime Show
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