The NFL’s 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 Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, but long before kickoff, the headlines are already ablaze.
Bad Bunny — born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — has built a reputation as one of the world’s most boundary-pushing artists, blending reggaetón, 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 “out of touch” with traditional American audiences. Former quarterback Brett Favre even questioned the decision publicly, saying he would have chosen “someone who represents this country.”
Despite the backlash, the NFL remains firm. Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the league has no plans to reconsider the decision, calling Bad Bunny “one of the most influential artists of our time” and emphasizing the importance of reflecting “America’s global, multicultural fan base.”
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 “a celebration of immigrants and the evolving face of America.” Fellow Puerto Rican star Young Miko also defended him, saying, “Music doesn’t need translation — it just needs heart.”
Bad Bunny himself has yet to respond directly to the controversy, but his fans seem unfazed. Online, hashtags like #BadBunnySuperBowl and #RepresentaciónLatina 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 Bunny’s performance will be impossible to ignore.
