LDT “NFL Stands Firm on Bad Bunny as 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Headliner Amid Political Backlash”
Santa Clara, CA — October 23, 2025 — The National Football League (NFL) has reaffirmed its decision to feature Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX halftime show, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium. The announcement comes amid criticism from conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump, who publicly questioned the choice.
Bold Choice for a Global Stage
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the decision, emphasizing the careful planning behind selecting an entertainer with worldwide appeal.
“It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people watching,” Goodell told the Associated Press.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.”
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has consistently ranked among the top-streamed artists globally. This will mark the first time a primarily Spanish-language solo artist headlines the Super Bowl halftime show, following his guest performance at Super Bowl LIV alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
Cultural and Political Context
The announcement has sparked debate, particularly among conservative audiences critical of his political and social activism. Despite the backlash, Goodell noted that controversy is common for high-profile halftime performers and expressed confidence that the show will be a unifying and exciting experience for viewers.
Bad Bunny himself has commented on the opportunity as a milestone, saying it represents a chance to showcase Latin culture and music to a global audience. His involvement signals the NFL’s ongoing efforts to appeal to diverse audiences and embrace cultural representation on one of the world’s largest entertainment stages.
Production and Broadcast
The 2026 Super Bowl halftime show will be produced by Jesse Collins and Roc Nation, directed by Hamish Hamilton, and broadcast on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, and NFL+, ensuring global access to the performance. The show is expected to feature high-energy performances, innovative stage design, and a celebration of Bad Bunny’s musical legacy.
As anticipation builds, the NFL remains committed to delivering a halftime show that blends star power, cultural impact, and live spectacle, cementing the Super Bowl’s reputation as one of the most-watched entertainment events in the world.
