NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is apparently not entertaining any of the backlash relating to the league’s decision to enlist Bad Bunny to be the halftime performer at Super Bowl LX this coming February.
The NFL announced last month that Bad Bunny, known as “The King of Latin Trap,” would headline the Super Bowl show. The Bayamon-born rapper is the first Latin male artist to earn the honor.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” Bad Bunny said in a statement when the news was revealed. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”
However, the NFL’s announcement drew criticism from a variety of places, including a league legend, as well as a number of conservative voters and pundits who did not appreciate Bad Bunny’s past criticism of President Donald Trump and decision to skip the United States on his recent tour due to fear of ICE raids.
Nevertheless, Goodell stood by the choice while speaking with media at the fall league meetings in New York Wednesday.
No change of plans for NFL
If people thought they could change the NFL’s mind about Bad Bunny performing, they were wrong. Goodell made that clear today.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. That’s what we try to achieve,” Goodell said, via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Goodell added that the decision was “carefully thought through.”
“We’re confident it’s going to be a great show and that he understands the platform that he’s on. I think it’s going to be exciting and a united moment,” the commissioner said.
Past Super Bowl performer offers support
Singer Shakira, who headlined the Super Bowl halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez in 2020, said this week she “can’t wait” to watch Bad Bunny on stage.
“I remember when we did ours that even having part of our set in Spanish was a bold move… Acceptance of Spanish-language music as part of the mainstream has come so far from when I started,” the “Hips Don’t Lie” artist told Variety.
“And I’m so proud that Bad Bunny, who represents not only Latin culture but also how important Spanish language music has become on a global scale and how universal it has become, is getting to perform on the biggest stage in the world. It’s the perfect moment for a performance like this. I can’t wait to watch it,” Shakira added.
Super Bowl LX is set for Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
