The NFL remains unwavering in its commitment to showcase three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny as the main attraction for this year’s Super Bowl halftime performance.
Goodell Pushes Back Against Critics
Speaking at the league’s fall gathering, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell tackled head-on the wave of criticism that followed the announcement. He made it clear that pushback comes with the territory when selecting any halftime act. “This guy’s among the planet’s biggest entertainers,” Goodell remarked, underscoring the deliberate thought process behind their pick.
The commissioner went on to point out a harsh reality: “Show me an artist we’ve chosen who didn’t catch flak from somebody. When you’re broadcasting to hundreds of millions of people worldwide, pleasing everyone just isn’t in the cards.”
Goodell doubled down on his belief that the performance will strike a chord with audiences, saying, “He gets what this stage means, and I’m betting it’ll be a thrilling moment that brings people together.”
The Artist’s Recent Tour Choices and Political Views
The Puerto Rican superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, delivers most of his performances in Spanish. His recent tour notably bypassed the continental United States entirely, with the artist expressing fears about potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence at his shows.
Bad Bunny hasn’t shied away from voicing his displeasure with Trump-era immigration enforcement, positions that have stirred up considerable debate among different segments of his fanbase.
Political Drama Heats Up Around the Performance
The announcement barely had time to settle before political tensions began bubbling to the surface. A Trump administration official leaked word that ICE personnel would be stationed at the Super Bowl venue. Meanwhile, an organization established by late conservative figure Charlie Kirk revealed they’re planning counter-programming during the halftime segment, highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding the performer’s selection.
League Sticks to Its Guns on Performer Choice
Faced with questions about whether public pressure might force a last-minute performer swap, Goodell didn’t mince words. “We’re not changing horses midstream,” he declared. Though he acknowledged the show “will continue to develop” and might include additional performers, the headliner spot stays put.
When and Where to Watch
Mark your calendars: the Super Bowl takes place February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the San Francisco 49ers’ home turf, where Bad Bunny will command the halftime spotlight.
By Zack Rosenblatt, Senior Writer for The Athletic
