NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell brushed aside the right-wing backlash to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, saying, “I think it’s going to be an exciting and united moment.”
Goodell shared his first comments on the matter while speaking with reporters Wednesday, Oct. 22, during the NFL’s fall meeting. “He’s one of the most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell said of Bad Bunny, via The Athletic. “That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important element to the entertainment value. It’s carefully thought through. I would say I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. We have hundreds of millions of people watching, but I have full confidence it’ll be a good show.”
The commissioner’s comments come as conservatives continue to melt down over the selection of the Puerto Rican superstar. Right-wing commentators and politicians — including President Donald Trump — have complained about Bad Bunny’s opposition to Trump’s immigration crackdown, as well as the fact that he sings in Spanish. Recently, a petition even started circulating online urging the NFL to replace Bad Bunny with George Strait.
Goodell dismissed the the idea that the league would replace Bad Bunny, though he did note that other entertainers may take the stage alongside him (as has often happened at past halftime shows). “The show will evolve from here. Not saying there won’t be additional talent, but that’s always the way it works,” Goodell said.
Bad Bunny was announced as the Super Bowl LX halftime show performer back in September, about a week after he finished his historic 31-day residency at El Coliseo de Puerto Rico. When he takes the stage at the big game — slated for Feb. 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California — he will become the the first halftime show artist to perform solely in Spanish.
From Rolling Stone US
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