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The NFL has no plans to replace Bad Bunny as the headliner for Super Bowl LX’s halftime show, despite a wave of online backlash from some conservative circles calling the Puerto Rican megastar “anti-American.” Addressing the controversy on Tuesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell firmly defended the league’s decision, emphasizing that the choice was deliberate and based on global appeal. “He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell said. “That’s what we try to achieve... It’s carefully thought through. I don’t think we’ve ever selected an artist without some blowback or criticism.” Why Bad Bunny Was Chosen Bad Bunny, 31, remains one of the most successful and influential artists of the decade. He’s the most streamed musician globally, a three-time Grammy winner, and a cultural icon whose reach extends beyond music. His ventures into WWE, film, and fashion have earned him praise for bridging mainstream and Latino entertainment. The selection aligns with the NFL’s recent efforts to spotlight international artists and appeal to a younger, more diverse audience, even if that comes with controversy. Political Backlash and Fan Reactions Among critics was President Donald Trump, who dismissed the choice during a Newsmax interview. “I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it—it’s crazy,” Trump said, adding that the league “blamed it on some promoter they hired to pick up entertainment.” Despite the criticism, the NFL has stood by its decision, noting that every halftime performer, from Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake to Kendrick Lamar, has faced scrutiny in the past. What to Expect in 2026 Super Bowl LX will take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, home of the San Francisco 49ers. The halftime show will air on NBC, with guest performers yet to be announced. For Goodell, the message was clear: the NFL isn’t backing down. “No selection will please everyone,” he said. “But our goal is always to put the biggest and best talent on the biggest stage in the world.”
