The NFL has defended Bad Bunny’s planned Super Bowl Halftime Show headline slot despite backlash from prominent conservative politicians.
Commissioner Roger Goodell told press on Tuesday (October 21) that the NFL were firm in their decision to have the Puerto Rican superstar perform in February.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell said (as per CBS Sports). “That’s what we try to achieve.”
Goodell added that “it’s an important stage for us,” saying that “it’s an important element to the entertainment value. It’s carefully thought through.”
He went on to note that “I don’t think we’re ever selected an artist without some blowback or criticism.”
Bad Bunny (real name Benito Ocasio) was announced as next year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner last September. The announcement came shortly after Ocasio explained his decision not to tour the US on his giant world tour over fears that ICE agents would potentially raid his concerts.
However, Ocasio would later reveal he would make an exception by playing the Super Bowl show. A Trump advisor would then confirm ICE would be present at the “shameful” concert.
The headline slot also sparked backlash from conservative politicians such as US President Donald Trump, who called the move “crazy”and claimed he had “never heard of him”. US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem would reiterate ICE’s presence at the concert and respond to the NFL’s decision to book Bad Bunny, stating: “Well, they suck, and we’ll win”.
Right-wing organisation Turning Point USA – which was founded by the late Charlie Kirk – would go on to announce the ‘All American Halftime Show’, with performers and programming to be revealed soon. However, AI posts alleged that folk legends Joan Baez and Neil Young would be playing the event.
It is extremely unlikely the pair would participate; Young, for instance, recently shared a new song criticising Trump called ‘Big Crime’, while Baez has spoken out against the politician numerous times – including comments about why it is important to protest against him.
Ocasio took aim at the backlash while hosting Saturday Night Live in October, joking that “everyone is happy” about the concert, “even Fox News.”
Jay-Z, who serves as the NFL’s music strategist via his label Roc Nation’s partnership with the league, also defended Bad Bunny’s planned Spanish-only performance, reasoning: “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”
Elsewhere, Carlos Santana has shut down viral rumours he opposed Bad Bunny’s booking for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show.