Petition Seeks to Replace Bad Bunny as Super Bowl LX Halftime Headliner, Surpasses 20,000 Signatures

October 19, 2025 — Santa Clara & National — A petition launched on Change.org aiming to remove Bad Bunny from his role as headliner of the Super Bowl LX halftime show has drawn significant attention, with supporters pressuring the NFL and event producers to reconsider their selection. While earlier reports suggested signatures in the thousands, more recent counts place the number well above 20,000.

Background: Announcement and Reaction

On September 28, 2025, the NFL announced that Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny would headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, scheduled for February 8, 2026.
Bad Bunny, one of the most-streamed artists globally and the first solo act primarily performing in Spanish announced for a Super Bowl halftime, greeted the announcement as a cultural milestone.

Soon after the headliner announcement, backlash emerged from some viewers and conservative commentators who argued that Bad Bunny’s style, language, and past commentary were inconsistent with their vision of a “family-friendly” and unifying halftime show.

The Petition and Its Growth

The petition, published by an individual identified as “Kar Shell,” calls on the NFL and the show’s producers to replace Bad Bunny with another artist — namely George Strait, the veteran country music star. The petition argues that the halftime show should “unite our country, honor American culture, and remain family-friendly.”

Signature levels appear to have surged in recent days. According to one media outlet, the petition had surpassed 27,000 signatures.  While earlier reports listed numbers near 10,000, the rapid increase reflects a growing mobilization of critics of the selection.

The petition’s focus on replacing Bad Bunny rather than just opposing his selection marks a distinct approach: suggesting an alternative rather than simply rejecting the headliner. Many of the petition’s signatories emphasize cultural representation, language, and themes of tradition.

Commentary and Cultural Context

This petition is situated within broader debates about representation, language, and national identity in major American entertainment events. Supporters of the petition argue that the Super Bowl halftime show — one of the most-viewed entertainment moments of the year — should reflect what they view as mainstream American cultural values. Critics of Bad Bunny’s selection cite his Spanish-language music, international background, and activism around issues like immigration as challenges to that vision.

On the other side, supporters of Bad Bunny’s selection highlight his global popularity, his significance to Latinx audiences, and the fact that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. The choice of a Spanish-language headliner is seen by many as a step toward inclusivity and global representation.

The controversy also reflects how the Super Bowl halftime show has become a proxy battleground for culture-war dynamics, where choices of performers can spark debates about geography, identity, language, and entertainment values.

What’s Next?

As of now, the NFL and the halftime show producers — which include Roc Nation and Apple Music — have not indicated a change in plan or responded directly to the petition’s demands. The headliner selection is typically locked in well ahead of the event, and late changes may be logistically and contractually difficult.

Observers suggest that while the petition may not result in an immediate change, it indicates rising pressure and may influence future decisions on performer selection or scheduling. Additionally, the public debate may generate increased media attention ahead of the event, framing the halftime show not just as entertainment but as a cultural statement.

Conclusion

The petition calling to replace Bad Bunny with George Strait (or another “traditional” American artist) has moved well beyond a fringe grievance: with tens of thousands of signatures, it signals a level of organized opposition to the current headliner selection. For Bad Bunny and the NFL, the upcoming Super Bowl LX halftime show now carries heightened cultural stakes, not merely in performance but in representation.

Whether the petition ultimately influences the decision or remains symbolic, it underscores how entertainment – especially events with massive viewership – can become arenas for larger conversations about national identity, language, and who gets to represent American culture on its biggest stage.