NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has defended the controversial decision to have Bad Bunny headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, emphasizing it as a unifying celebration of diversity despite backlash from conservatives and political figures, while supporters and fellow artists praise the historic, culturally significant performance that promises excitement and representation for Latino communities.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has responded firmly to the growing backlash surrounding the announcement that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The decision, announced on September 28, 2025, has ignited a wave of criticism from certain conservative circles, including former President Donald Trump, who called the choice “absolutely ridiculous” and questioned whether a Latin trap artist could appeal to the traditionally mainstream Super Bowl audience.

Despite the criticism, Goodell insisted in a press conference that the decision was made after careful consideration and is intended to “bring excitement and unity” to the Super Bowl stage.

“I think it’s going to be an exciting and uniting moment for fans from all backgrounds,” Goodell said.

“The NFL has always strived to reflect the diversity of its audience, and we believe Bad Bunny represents a bold and historic step forward in that vision.”

Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Bad Bunny is a three-time Grammy Award-winning artist known for his boundary-pushing reggaeton and Latin trap music.

Over the past decade, he has become one of the most influential Latin artists globally, celebrated not only for his musical talent but also for his outspoken support of social causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and Puerto Rican disaster relief efforts.

This upcoming halftime show will mark the first time a primarily Spanish-language artist headlines the Super Bowl as a solo act.

Bad Bunny previously made a guest appearance during the Super Bowl LIV halftime show alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, an experience that many fans viewed as a preview of his capacity to command a massive stage.

Bad Bunny’s selection has been both lauded and criticized, particularly due to his history of outspoken political statements.

Some critics have cited past comments he made regarding U.S.

immigration enforcement, while others have questioned whether his genre and language would resonate with the traditional Super Bowl audience.

In response, Bad Bunny addressed the controversy during his October 4, 2025, hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, jokingly telling viewers they had “four months to learn Spanish” before the performance.

He framed the opportunity as a historic moment for Latino representation in mainstream American culture, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the contributions of Latinx communities.

Local and state officials have publicly expressed their support.

California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Bad Bunny’s selection, noting that the performance highlights the state’s rich cultural diversity.

Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the city and stadium security teams were working closely with the NFL to ensure a safe and successful event, free from any political interference.

Support from fellow artists has also poured in.

Stars including Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bruno Mars, and rapper Jelly Roll have publicly endorsed the selection, applauding Bad Bunny’s energy and artistry.

Roc Nation founder Jay-Z highlighted the economic and cultural significance of Bad Bunny’s performances in Puerto Rico, noting that the artist has successfully brought international attention to his home island while blending mainstream appeal with cultural authenticity.

The production for the halftime show promises to be as ambitious as the choice of performer.

DPS, along with Roc Nation and veteran producer Jesse Collins, will oversee the event, ensuring that the stage design, choreography, and live broadcast meet the Super Bowl’s legendary standards.

Viewers can watch the performance live across multiple platforms, including NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, and NFL+, while millions more around the world are expected to tune in online and via international broadcasts.

As anticipation builds, industry experts predict that Bad Bunny’s performance could redefine the expectations for future Super Bowl halftime shows.

Analysts have pointed out that the NFL, in recent years, has increasingly embraced diversity and global appeal, shifting from traditional pop and rock icons to performers who reflect a broader cultural spectrum.

Bad Bunny’s headline performance may be the most visible example yet of that trend, potentially setting a precedent for other non-English language artists to claim the stage.

With just a few months to go, the spotlight will be firmly on Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026, as fans gather to witness what promises to be a groundbreaking and culturally significant event.

Whether met with enthusiasm, skepticism, or outright controversy, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show is poised to make history, sparking conversation across the United States and around the globe while highlighting the evolving landscape of music, entertainment, and cultural representation on one of the world’s biggest stages.