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A Change.org petition calling for Latin superstar Bad Bunny to be replaced by country music legend George Strait for the 2026 Super Bowl LX halftime show has crossed the 100,000-signature threshold, according to an update on Monday. The petition emerged amid ongoing criticism of the National Football League's (NFL) decision to have the Puerto Rican artist headline next year's halftime performance at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The petition argues that Bad Bunny's performances and style are the opposite of what American families expect on football's biggest stage. Newsweek reached out to Strait's publicist via email on Monday for comment. Why It Matters The petition with 7,000 supporters represents a broader cultural debate about representation, American identity, and the role of major platforms in reflecting diverse audiences. The organizer, Kar Shell, emphasizes that the Super Bowl halftime show should keep the event family-friendly, keep politics out of entertainment, and celebrate American music traditions, particularly country music which has been underrepresented on the halftime stage. The controversy extends beyond entertainment preferences to touch on immigration policy, language accessibility, and political engagement in sports. In an October interview with conservative network Newsmax, President Donald Trump dismissed Bad Bunny's halftime announcement, saying he had “never heard of” the performer. “I don’t know who he is,” Trump said. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.” Turning Point USA, the organization co-founded by assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, announced in October that it will host its own halftime show as counterprograming to the Super Bowl LX’s show. What To Know Shell argues that the Super Bowl is one of the few live events that families of all ages watch together, and that the halftime show should be entertaining for everyone without explicit or controversial content. Additionally, the petition emphasizes that roughly 78 percent of Americans speak only English and that music should bridge differences rather than highlight them, expressing frustration over Bad Bunny's comments about audiences needing to learn a different language to enjoy the show. "The Super Bowl halftime show should unite our country, honor American culture, and remain family-friendly, not be turned into a political stunt. Bad Bunny represents none of these values; his drag performances and style are the opposite of what families expect on football’s biggest stage," the petition reads. The petition also suggests alternative country artists, including Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, Cody Johnson, and Brooks & Dunn, who could deliver a show honoring American musical roots while remaining energetic and family friendly. What Is the NFL's Position? NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell firmly stated in October that the league is not considering dropping Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, emphasizing that the decision was carefully thought through and noting that the NFL rarely selects an artist without encountering some blowback or criticism. The commissioner said the halftime choice reflects the league’s commitment to connecting with a global audience. “He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” he said. “That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us and an important element to the entertainment value.” How Popular Is Bad Bunny? Bad Bunny has become one of the most popular musical stars in the world, ranking as the third-most streamed artist globally on Spotify last year and the only Latino to crack Spotify's top five spot, with his 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti being the most-streamed album on Spotify of all time. His concerts have boosted Puerto Rico's GDP by $400 million, and his final performance for his residency, livestreamed on Amazon Prime, was the most-watched single artist performance on the platform. What People Are Saying The Change.org petition says, in part: "George Strait, known as the 'King of Country,' embodies the heart and soul of American music. With over 60 No. 1 hits and more than 40 years in the music industry, George Strait is not only a legend in the country music genre but a staple in American musical history. His ability to transcend generations with his timeless songs resonates with a diverse demographic, welcoming both long-time fans and newcomers." "The 2026 Super Bowl offers a unique opportunity to pay tribute to American music's rich heritage by featuring George Strait in its halftime show. His performances are known for their authenticity and raw emotion, qualities that are crucial as we aim to unite fans from coast to coast." While hosting Saturday Night Live last month, Bad Bunny said during his opening monologue: "I'm very excited to be doing the Super Bowl, and I know that people all around the world who love my music are also happy," he said in English, before switching to Spanish to add: "Especially all the Latinos and Latinas across the world, and here, in the United States, all those who have worked to open doors. It’s more than an achievement for myself, it’s an achievement for all of us. It shows our footprint, and our contribution to this country, that no one will ever be able to take away or erase." Speaking again in English, he then continued: "And if you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a news conference when pressed about the backlash: "The NFL is not considering dropping Bad Bunny. It’s carefully thought through. I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching." What Happens Next? Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8, 2026.
