B79.NFL Stands Firm: Bad Bunny to Headline Super Bowl 60 Despite Conservative Backlash and Rival “All-American” Halftime Show

In a move that has ignited fierce debate across the cultural and political spectrum, the NFL has confirmed it will stand by its decision to feature global superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for Super Bowl 60’s halftime show, despite mounting criticism from conservative voices and the launch of Turning Point USA’s rival “All-American Halftime Show.”

The announcement comes amid growing online controversy, as some conservative commentators and social media figures have attacked the Puerto Rican artist’s inclusion, calling it “un-American” and “out of touch.” But as many have pointed out — including NFL spokespeople and civil rights leaders — Bad Bunny is a Puerto Rican native and therefore a U.S. citizen, a fact that underscores the deep misunderstanding driving much of the backlash.

A Clash Between Two Visions of America

This year’s Super Bowl has become more than just a game — it’s a cultural crossroads.
On one side, Turning Point USA, led by Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is promoting its faith-centered All-American Halftime Show as an alternative broadcast, designed to honor “Faith, Family, and Freedom.”
On the other, the NFL is doubling down on its commitment to diversity, artistry, and inclusion, championing Bad Bunny’s global appeal as a reflection of modern America’s cultural mosaic.

“The Super Bowl has always been about uniting audiences from every background,” said an NFL spokesperson. “Bad Bunny’s music crosses languages, borders, and generations — that’s the spirit of America.”

The Backlash and the Misunderstanding

Critics from right-wing circles have accused the NFL of “ignoring American culture,” arguing that a Spanish-speaking artist shouldn’t headline the nation’s biggest sporting event.
However, that argument has quickly unraveled under scrutiny. Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio in Vega Baja, is an American citizen by birth, and his success story — from working-class beginnings to international stardom — has been hailed by many as a quintessentially American journey.

“Bad Bunny represents what America actually looks like,” tweeted one fan. “He’s an immigrant’s dream, a worker’s son, a self-made artist — and he happens to sing in Spanish. That is the American story.”

A Symbol of a Changing Nation

The choice of Bad Bunny signals a broader cultural shift within the NFL, which has sought in recent years to broaden its appeal beyond traditional audiences. His genre-defying music — blending reggaeton, hip-hop, and pop — has dominated global charts, while his outspoken stances on equality and mental health have earned him respect beyond the stage.

For many, the outrage reveals more about the critics than the performer.
“The attacks against Bad Bunny aren’t about music,” wrote one op-ed in The Washington Post. “They’re about discomfort — with diversity, with language, with change. And yet, change is exactly what defines America.”

The NFL’s Firm Stance

Despite the uproar, the league is showing no signs of retreat. In an official statement, NFL Entertainment President Peter O’Reilly reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to inclusivity:

“We’re proud to showcase one of the most innovative and influential artists of our time. The Super Bowl is about celebrating talent that brings people together — not dividing them.”

Behind the scenes, the league is reportedly preparing a halftime show that blends Bad Bunny’s signature Latin flair with cross-genre collaborations, including surprise guests from rock, country, and gospel backgrounds. Insiders hint that the performance will celebrate “unity through rhythm,” symbolizing America’s diversity in both sound and spirit.

A Divided Audience — Or a Shared Moment?

Meanwhile, Turning Point’s competing All-American Halftime Show — airing live from the Nevada desert — will feature patriotic performances and faith-based messages. Erika Kirk has described it as “a stage for the heart,” while critics see it as a political counterpunch.

The dual broadcasts encapsulate the nation’s ongoing cultural divide: one halftime show framed by lasers, lights, and global rhythms; the other by hymns, prayers, and American flags.

Yet, amid the noise, many see opportunity — not opposition.
“Whether you’re watching Bad Bunny or a gospel choir in the desert,” wrote one columnist, “both shows prove that Americans still care deeply about meaning, music, and belonging. Maybe that’s what unites us after all.”

What It Means for Super Bowl 60

As February approaches, the spotlight grows hotter — not just on the field, but on the stage. The NFL’s decision to stand by Bad Bunny signals more than artistic preference; it’s a statement about identity, inclusion, and what it means to be American in 2025.

For some, it’s controversial. For others, it’s long overdue.
But one thing is certain: when Bad Bunny steps onto that stage, he won’t just be performing a halftime show — he’ll be performing for a nation still defining itself.