Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on Feb. 8, 2026. The announcement sparked massive outrage from conservative corners. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stood absolutely firm this week. The league won’t drop the three-time Grammy winner despite intense backlash.
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Super bowl halftime show 2026 sparks outrage as NFL stands firm on Bad Bunny
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Bad Bunny performs exclusively in Spanish at the halftime show.
- Performance occurs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
- Roger Goodell called it a “carefully thought through” decision.
- First Spanish-language artist headlining Super Bowl halftime show.
- Petition with 50,000+ signatures attempted to replace him with George Strait.
What Sparked the Massive Backlash?
The NFL announced Bad Bunny as the halftime performer in late September. Conservative groups immediately mobilized against the choice. They claimed his Spanish-language performance doesn’t represent traditional American values.
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The criticisms went further. Bad Bunny has been vocal about immigration rights. He publicly opposed mass deportations targeting Latino communities. Political figures amplified the outrage on social media platforms. Change.org petitions emerged within days calling for his removal.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. This is carefully thought through. It’s an important stage for us.”
Some figures demanded player boycotts. Others questioned whether the performer aligned with American culture. The Puerto Rican superstar’s choice to perform primarily in Spanish fueled much of the controversy surrounding the decision.
Why The NFL Isn’t Backing Down
Roger Goodell made the league’s position crystal clear on Oct. 22. He defended Bad Bunny as one of the world’s biggest entertainers. The NFL stands firm despite pressure from conservative critics everywhere.
The league’s chief marketing officer echoed Goodell’s support this week. They emphasized the decision was deliberate, not accidental or rushed. Tim Ellis stressed that halftime shows face criticism regardless of who performs them historically.
Bad Bunny represents a historic cultural moment for the event. His Spanish-language performance will reach millions globally. The NFL believes this demonstrates the league’s commitment to diversity and inclusion worldwide.
Conservative backlash hasn’t shaken leadership confidence whatsoever. Goodell signaled the show will evolve from current plans. The NFL sees Bad Bunny as the perfect choice right now.
Performance Details You Need to Know
Fans can watch the Super Bowl LX halftime show across multiple platforms. Here’s where you’ll catch the action:
| Network/Platform | Details |
| NBC | Broadcast coverage for traditional viewers. |
| Peacock | Streaming on NBCUniversal’s platform nationwide. |
| Telemundo | Spanish-language coverage for Hispanic audiences. |
| Start Time | 3:30 PM PT kickoff on Feb. 8, 2026. |
The historic performance will reach viewers worldwide. Bad Bunny commands a massive global fanbase. This represents the first time a predominantly Spanish-language artist headlines the halftime show.
What Happens Next for the Stadium?
The Super Bowl LX continues months of preparation at Levi’s Stadium. Organizers will finalize stage setups and special effects soon. Bad Bunny’s team is reportedly working on choreography with local talent.
- Production teams collaborate with Apple Music on broadcast quality.
- Security and logistics planning escalates through early 2026.
- Marketing campaigns will highlight Bad Bunny’s historic moment.
- Latino community groups celebrate the cultural breakthrough happening.
- Conservative organizations may continue protest efforts closer to game day.
Rehearsals will intensify as game day approaches. The NFL has invested significantly in its production. This performance represents a major cultural statement for professional football.
Will Bad Bunny’s Performance Change America?
The Super Bowl halftime show offers a platform reaching 115+ million viewers globally. Bad Bunny performing in Spanish sends a powerful message about inclusion. It signals that Latino culture occupies mainstream American entertainment permanently now.
Cultural observers see this as pivotal for representation in sports. Latino communities celebrate seeing their culture on football’s biggest stage. Critics argue it dilutes traditional American values within the sport context.
Regardless of controversy, the performance will happen. The NFL has made its position unambiguous and final. Will you tune in to watch Bad Bunny make Super Bowl history on Feb. 8?
Sources
- NFL.com – Official announcement and Goodell statement.
- The New York Times Athletic – Comprehensive coverage of controversy details.
- Rolling Stone – Cultural analysis of the backlash reaction.
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Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.