Bad Bunny’s Out, George Strait’s Name Is Trending—But What the NFL Finally Said Has Everyone Divided. ML
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has dismissed speculation that Bad Bunny could be dropped as next year’s Super Bowl halftime headliner, following an online petition urging the league to replace the Puerto Rican superstar with country legend George Strait.
Speaking at a Wednesday press conference attended by The Associated Press and other outlets, Goodell acknowledged the backlash surrounding the NFL’s selection of the reggaeton and Latin trap artist, but remained confident in the decision.
“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell said. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people watching.”
He added, “He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us and an important element to the entertainment value.”
Goodell also downplayed concerns that Bad Bunny’s politically charged past could influence his performance. “He understands the platform that he’s on,” he said. “I think it’s going to be exciting and a united moment.”
The commissioner’s comments come roughly a week after a Change.org petition surfaced, calling for the NFL and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, which has produced the halftime show since 2019, to replace Bad Bunny with George Strait.
The petition, created by Kar Shell of Texas, has gathered more than 70,000 signatures, claiming that Strait “embodies the heart and soul of American music” and that his “timeless songs” better represent unity and family values.
“The Super Bowl halftime show should unite our country, honor American culture, and remain family-friendly,” the petition reads. “Bad Bunny represents none of these values; his drag performances and style are the opposite of what families expect on football’s biggest stage.”
Bad Bunny, a three-time Grammy Award winner known for his groundbreaking Spanish-language hits and outspoken political views, has faced criticism from conservative audiences who see his artistry as overly provocative.
In contrast, George Strait, celebrated for his traditional country sound, was handpicked by former President Donald Trump as one of this year’s Kennedy Center honorees.
Meanwhile, right-wing organization Turning Point USA has announced plans for an alternative broadcast, the “All American Halftime Show,” set to run concurrently with the Super Bowl. The event’s website invites fans to vote for “anything in English,” underscoring its political message.
The NFL has not commented further, but Goodell’s remarks make clear: Bad Bunny will stay the headline act — and the show will go on.
