LDL. Roger Goodell Breaks His Silence: “Bad Bunny’s Not Going Anywhere” — NFL Stands Firm on Super Bowl Halftime Decision. LDL
New York, NY — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has officially ended weeks of speculation surrounding the league’s choice of Bad Bunny as the headliner for Super Bowl LX’s Halftime Show, firmly stating that the decision is final — and the Puerto Rican superstar is staying put.
Speaking Tuesday during the league’s annual Fall Owners Meeting, Goodell addressed the growing swirl of online petitions and fan debates urging the NFL to reconsider its pick. The commissioner, however, made his position crystal clear.
“He’s one of the biggest entertainers in the world, and that’s exactly what we aim for,” Goodell told reporters. “We’re confident it’s going to be a great show. He fully understands the platform he’s on. It’s gonna be exciting, it’s gonna bring people together.”
Rumors about a potential replacement — with names like George Strait, Luke Bryan, and even Taylor Swift circulating on social media — have dominated headlines for weeks. Critics questioned whether Bad Bunny’s reggaeton roots and bold stage persona fit the NFL’s “family-friendly” image, especially following recent controversies tied to political and cultural flashpoints.
But according to league insiders, the NFL’s entertainment team, in partnership with Roc Nation and Apple Music, remains “fully committed” to the artist. Sources say the decision to feature Bad Bunny was “months in the making,” and reflects the league’s effort to embrace global diversity and modern music culture.
“Bad Bunny’s reach is unlike anyone else’s,” one source close to the production said. “He connects with audiences in English and Spanish, across generations and borders. The NFL wants the Halftime Show to feel bigger than football — they want it to feel global.”
Goodell’s statement also appeared to address the underlying tension between tradition and transformation that has followed the league in recent years. With halftime shows increasingly used to reflect broader cultural shifts — from Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s 2020 performance to Rihanna’s 2023 return — the NFL seems intent on continuing that trend.
Still, fan reactions remain sharply divided. Supporters praise the move as a bold recognition of Latin music’s global power, while critics argue the league is abandoning its core audience. Online petitions calling for a change have gathered tens of thousands of signatures — but, as Goodell’s remarks confirm, those efforts are unlikely to sway the NFL’s course.
“You’re never going to please everyone,” Goodell said, smiling. “But what matters most is putting on a show that represents the best of entertainment — and brings people together for one incredible night.”
As Super Bowl LX approaches, the spotlight now turns to Bad Bunny himself. Known for his high-energy performances, unfiltered charisma, and genre-defying creativity, the 12-time Latin Grammy winner has the daunting task of following one of the most watched broadcasts in the world — with expectations higher than ever.
Whether it ends in standing ovations or controversy, one thing is certain: Bad Bunny’s halftime performance will be talked about long after the lights go out.
