As the clock strikes 09:37 PM +07 on Monday, October 27, 2025, the airwaves are buzzing with a passionate outcry from country musicians, who are boldly speaking out against the direction of the Super Bowl halftime show. With Super Bowl 60 on the horizon, set for February 8, 2026, in New Orleans, the confirmation of Bad Bunny as the headline act has sparked a fiery debate. For decades, the NFL’s marquee event has leaned heavily toward pop, hip-hop, and global stars, leaving the heartland sound of country music sidelined. Now, artists like George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Luke Combs are stepping into the spotlight, their voices trembling with frustration and a longing to reclaim the stage for America’s rural soul.
The controversy ignited when Bad Bunny’s lock-in was announced, promising a $15 million spectacle of reggaeton and Latin flair. While fans of the genre rejoice, country icons see it as yet another snub to their heritage. George Strait, the King of Country, took to X with a post that garnered 250,000 likes, writing, “Where’s the steel guitar? The Super Bowl’s forgetting its roots—time for real music to shine.” His sentiment echoes a broader movement, with #CountryHalftime trending alongside #BadBunnySuperBowl. Reba McEntire, fresh off hosting NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2025, echoed this call, telling Country Music Today, “Our stories deserve that stage—football and country are America’s heartbeat.” Luke Combs, known for his gritty ballads, added fuel, saying on Instagram, “It’s not about hate—it’s about balance. Give us a chance to honor the game’s soul.”
This outcry isn’t new. The last full country-led halftime was in 1994’s “Rockin’ Country Sunday,” featuring legends like Clint Black and Wynonna Judd, a show that drew 90 million viewers. Since then, country has been relegated to national anthem duties—think Chris Stapleton’s soulful 2023 rendition—while pop dominates. Data from Nielsen shows Super Bowl LVII’s Rihanna halftime spiked engagement by 60%, but a recent Sports Illustrated poll reveals 42% of fans over 40 crave a return to classic formats. Country musicians argue their genre, with its 12% album sales surge this year, could bridge that gap, blending patriotism with the NFL’s heartland fanbase.
The timing is poignant. With the Chiefs’ rival “All-American Halftime Show,” backed by Turning Point USA and a $8 million investment from Clark Hunt, gaining traction, country artists see an opening. On X, @CountrySoulKing posted, “Let’s take the stage back—Strait, McEntire, and Combs could outshine any pop act!” Yet, the NFL’s global focus, targeting a 20% Hispanic viewership growth, favors acts like Bad Bunny. As of 09:37 PM +07, the debate rages, with fans split between tradition and innovation.
This isn’t just about music—it’s a cultural stand. Country musicians are calling for a halftime that mirrors America’s diverse roots, not just its urban pulse. Will the NFL listen, or will the 2026 stage remain a pop playground? For now, the twang of a guitar and the cry of its artists echo louder than ever, demanding their place in the Super Bowl spotlight.
