The NFLâs announcement that global superstar Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show has ignited a storm of controversy across sports and entertainment circles. The game is set for February 8, 2026, at Leviâs Stadium in Santa Clara, California, but long before kickoff, the headlines are already ablaze.
Bad Bunny â born Benito Antonio MartĂnez Ocasio â has built a reputation as one of the worldâs most boundary-pushing artists, blending reggaetĂłn, trap, and Latin pop with unapologetic individuality and social awareness. His inclusion marks a historic first: a primarily Spanish-language performer taking center stage at the biggest televised event in America.
But not everyone is celebrating. Some critics, including former NFL players and conservative commentators, have accused the league of being âout of touchâ with traditional American audiences. Former quarterback Brett Favre even questioned the decision publicly, saying he would have chosen âsomeone who represents this country.â
Despite the backlash, the NFL remains firm. Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the league has no plans to reconsider the decision, calling Bad Bunny âone of the most influential artists of our timeâ and emphasizing the importance of reflecting âAmericaâs global, multicultural fan base.â
Meanwhile, support for Bad Bunny has poured in from artists and industry leaders. Charlotte Jones, Executive VP of the Dallas Cowboys, praised the decision as âa celebration of immigrants and the evolving face of America.â Fellow Puerto Rican star Young Miko also defended him, saying, âMusic doesnât need translation â it just needs heart.â
Bad Bunny himself has yet to respond directly to the controversy, but his fans seem unfazed. Online, hashtags like #BadBunnySuperBowl and #RepresentaciĂłnLatina are trending, as supporters hail the move as a milestone for cultural inclusion.
Whether you love him or loathe him, one thing is certain: when the lights go up in Santa Clara, Bad Bunnyâs performance will be impossible to ignore.
