4t 100,000 people sign petition to ban Bad Bunny from Super Bowl 2026 – replace with George Strait: “This is real American music!” – Which side will the NFL have to choose?
The announcement that Bad Bunny will perform at the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show has sparked intense debate and cultural division across the United States. The NFL officially revealed on September 28, 2025, that Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap superstar Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This historic moment marks him as the first male Latin American artist to lead this iconic event.
Despite widespread excitement among fans, a petition on Change.org demanding that Bad Bunny be replaced by country music legend George Strait has surpassed 100,000 signatures. Critics argue that Bad Bunny’s style is not “rooted in popular culture” and is “not suitable for traditional American music.” The petition’s organizer, Kar Shell, insists that the campaign is about unity, not politics, but the discussion has quickly escalated into a broader cultural debate.
Supporters, including music experts and cultural commentators, emphasize the importance of Bad Bunny’s performance as a celebration of Puerto Rican identity and Latinidad. His music blends powerful social messages with infectious rhythms, transforming collective memory into collective action. Faculty from Temple University noted that Bad Bunny uses his platform to highlight historical and contemporary issues faced by Puerto Ricans and Latin Americans. His Super Bowl show is anticipated to be a vibrant tribute to resilience, language, and culture, while also critiquing socio-economic inequalities.
Bad Bunny himself has embraced the opportunity with pride, calling it an achievement not only for himself but also for “all those who opened the door for us,” including Latinos and Latinas. His stance reflects a broader cultural shift within the NFL and American entertainment toward greater inclusivity and recognition of diverse voices.
In summary, the debate over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance encapsulates ongoing cultural tensions in America, balancing tradition with evolving multicultural expressions. Regardless of differing opinions, Bad Bunny’s historic show promises to leave a lasting impact on both the sports and music worlds.
