Over 100,000 fans have signed a petition to replace Bad Bunny with country legend George Strait for next year’s Super Bowl LX halftime show. The petition, which hit the 100K signature mark as of Nov. 3, 2025, sparks one of the biggest debates in sports entertainment. Bad Bunny remains confirmed to headline the Feb. 8, 2026 performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist shows no signs of backing down.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Petition on Change.org reached over 100,000 signatures by Nov. 3
- Bad Bunny confirmed as Super Bowl LX halftime headliner on Sept. 28, 2025
- Show takes place Feb. 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended Bad Bunny choice publicly
- George Strait is a country music icon with decades of mainstream success
The Petition Explodes Online
What started as a small online movement has exploded into a major cultural moment. The Change.org petition calling to replace Bad Bunny with George Strait crossed 100,000 signatures in early November 2025. The petition states the halftime show should “honor American culture” and remain “family-friendly.”
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The momentum behind the effort surprised many observers. Early October saw around 50,000 signatures, and the count accelerated dramatically. By late October, the petition had gathered approximately 72,000 signatures. The final push to 100K took just days.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, defending the selection as “carefully thought through.”
Why This Debate Matters
The petition reveals deeper cultural divisions over music, representation, and what America’s biggest sporting event should showcase. Supporters of George Strait argue the legendary country artist brings unifying nostalgia and traditional values. Critics say the petition reflects uncomfortable attitudes about language and cultural representation.
You might wonder: why is country music traditionalism clashing with reggaeton superstardom? The answer reflects broader debates about whose music “belongs” on America’s biggest stage. Bad Bunny makes music primarily in Spanish, a fact emphasized by petition supporters. His Puerto Rican heritage and explicit social stances have amplified the controversy among some audiences.
The NFL hasn’t wavered. League officials stood firmly behind their choice, signaling that diversity in entertainment matters organizationally. However, momentum kept building among those favoring a different direction entirely.
Both Artists Bring Different Energy
| Artist | Known For | Fanbase |
|---|---|---|
| Bad Bunny | Reggaeton, Latin trap, global reach | Gen Z, Latino audiences, international fans |
| George Strait | Traditional country, American values | Country music fans, older demographics |
Bad Bunny is a three-time Grammy winner who dominates streaming charts globally. He’s performed with The Weeknd, Drake, and countless Latin superstars. His music blends reggaeton with trap beats and socially conscious lyrics.
George Strait, often called the “King of Country,” holds records as one of America’s best-selling artists. He’s a cultural touchstone for traditional country audiences. His music represents decades of country radio dominance and stadium-filling power.
What To Watch For This Coming Month
- Will the petition signatures reach 150,000 or plateau?
- Is any NFL response coming beyond Goodell’s initial statement?
- Will conservative media keep fueling the narrative?
- Do social posts favor replacement or defense?
- Has this created surprising demographic conversations?
The narrative will likely intensify as we approach the Feb. 8, 2026 show date. Both online communities will continue mobilizing. Mainstream media will cover the story as more signatures arrive.
Can This Petition Actually Change Anything?
The short answer: probably not. NFL leadership has publicly reaffirmed Bad Bunny as their choice. Commissioner Goodell stated the decision was “carefully thought through,” suggesting finality. Changing a halftime performer 3 months before the game would create logistical chaos.
That said, petitions do send a message. They reflect real audience sentiment. The 100,000 signatures prove a substantial bloc wants different entertainment. Whether the NFL views this as legitimate feedback or noise remains unclear.
History suggests that Super Bowl halftime choices stay locked in once announced publicly. Yet this controversy will follow Bad Bunny straight to Feb. 8, 2026. The music world is watching to see if the Puerto Rican superstar responds with an unforgettable performance that silences critics or fuels ongoing debate.
Sources
- Newsweek – Over 100,000 Sign Petition to Replace Bad Bunny
- Rolling Stone – Bad Bunny Super Bowl Controversy Coverage
- NFL Official News – Bad Bunny Confirmed for Super Bowl LX
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.