The controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s potential Super Bowl halftime show performance continues to escalate. A new petition has emerged, calling for the Puerto Rican superstar’s replacement by country music icon George Strait.
The Change.org petition, initiated following reports of Bad Bunny being considered for the 2026 event, has garnered over 50,000 signatures. It urges the NFL to replace the 31-year-old artist with the 73-year-old "King of Country Music."
Petition organizers argue that the halftime show has increasingly favored "modern pop and international artists." They contend that it is "critical to remember the roots that have made American music what it is today."
Bad Bunny himself addressed the controversy earlier this month during his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. In his monologue, he quipped, "Maybe you don’t know, but I’m going to do the Super Bowl halftime show. I’m very happy and I think everyone is very happy about that! Even Fox News…"
He expressed genuine excitement for the event, noting that his global fanbase shares his enthusiasm. After briefly speaking in Spanish, Bad Bunny humorously challenged the audience, "If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!"
Jennifer Lopez, 56, offered her full support for Bad Bunny during an interview on NBC’s Today show on October 6. She anticipated a surprising performance.
Lopez stated that she had not heard any negative feedback until host Craig Melvin, 46, brought it to her attention. She questioned the criticism, calling Bad Bunny "one of the biggest artists in the world right now, probably the biggest."
When Melvin suggested some critics desired a different artist for football’s biggest night, Lopez countered that many artists could perform. She emphasized Bad Bunny’s broad appeal, saying his "music transcends language" and that he has achieved "success that many people have never reached in their lives."
While Lopez championed Bad Bunny on NBC, former President Donald Trump criticized both the artist and the NFL in a Newsmax interview. Trump claimed he had "never heard of him" and questioned the decision.
He called the choice "crazy" and "absolutely ridiculous," blaming promoters for the entertainment selection.
The day after Trump’s comments, Bad Bunny was spotted behind home plate at Yankee Stadium. He was watching the New York Yankees play the Toronto Blue Jays. A foul ball notably landed directly in his lap during the second inning, drawing a significant crowd reaction.