Despite Backlash: NFL's Goodell Sticks with Bad Bunny

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell firmly rejected calls to remove Bad Bunny from headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, emphasizing that the decision was "carefully thought through" and aimed at creating an "exciting and uniting moment." 

Speaking at a news conference following the NFL's annual Fall Owners Meeting in New York on Wednesday, Goodell dismissed the controversy as typical blowback for high-profile entertainment choices, stating, "I'm not sure we've ever selected an artist where we didn't have some blowback and criticism. It's pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching."

The selection of the Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was announced in late September 2025 in partnership with Jay-Z's Roc Nation, which has curated the halftime show since 2019. 

Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny, a 12-time Grammy winner known for hits like "Titi Me Preguntó" and "Moscow Mule," expressed immense pride in the opportunity, posting on social media: "What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me... this is for my people, my culture and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL."  The announcement even led to a surge in streams of his music, highlighting his global appeal as one of the world's top-streamed artists.

The backlash erupted primarily from political figures aligned with President Donald Trump, who criticized the choice amid Bad Bunny's vocal opposition to Trump's policies, particularly those affecting Puerto Rico. In a Newsmax interview, Trump claimed he had "never heard of" Bad Bunny, calling the decision "crazy" and "ridiculous," and blaming it on a promoter (a reference to Roc Nation). 

Bad Bunny has protested Trump's administration by skipping U.S. tour stops in favor of a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico earlier in 2025. Conservative commentators and some Trump supporters amplified calls to drop Bad Bunny, arguing the show should feature more "American" or English-language performers, though Goodell noted the artist is expected to perform in Spanish, showcasing his cultural roots.

Public reaction has been mixed. On X (formerly Twitter), posts range from enthusiastic support—"Honestly, Roger Goodell sticking with Bad Bunny... the energy and vibes he brings are going to be something special" —to skepticism, with one user predicting, "Let’s see those ratings drop." 

Goodell praised Bad Bunny as "one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world," aligning the pick with the NFL's goal of broad entertainment appeal to its diverse, global audience. He left the door open for additional performers.