The National Football League has confirmed that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl half-time show despite mounting criticism from former U.S. president Donald Trump and some of his supporters. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the league would not reconsider its decision, emphasizing that controversy is nothing new when selecting artists for one of the world’s most-watched events.
Goodell stated that every Super Bowl performance draws mixed reactions due to the vast and diverse global audience. He explained that the decision to feature Bad Bunny was carefully planned and rooted in his status as one of the most influential and popular entertainers worldwide. The commissioner expressed confidence that the show would deliver a memorable and unifying experience for millions of viewers.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has long been known for his outspoken political stances and cultural pride. He has been vocal about issues affecting Puerto Rico and the Latino community, often addressing social and political themes in his music. Recently, he announced a month-long residency in Puerto Rico, opting to avoid performances on the U.S. mainland due to concerns over increasing deportations of Latinos.
At 31 years old, the Grammy-winning artist continues to break boundaries with his unique blend of reggaeton, trap, and Latin pop. His decision to perform in Spanish during the Super Bowl has sparked both excitement and debate, highlighting the growing influence of Latin music across global audiences. Goodell acknowledged this, noting that the Super Bowl is an ideal stage to celebrate cultural diversity and inclusion.
Trump dismissed the choice, claiming he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny and calling the selection “absolutely ridiculous.” Nonetheless, the league remains steadfast, viewing the move as a reflection of changing musical tastes and a step toward broader representation.
The upcoming Super Bowl will be hosted by the San Francisco 49ers on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. While it remains uncertain whether Trump will attend, his criticism has only amplified attention on the halftime act. For the NFL, the decision signals confidence in Bad Bunny’s star power and the belief that his performance will captivate a global audience, blending entertainment, culture, and identity in a defining moment for the sport and music worlds alike.
