The National Football League’s announcement of Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl LX halftime show headliner immediately sparked strong reactions. Critics questioned the choice of an artist who performs primarily in Spanish. His supporters, conversely, cited his numerous awards and immense global popularity.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, addressed the significance of the performance in a September statement. "What I feel goes beyond myself," he said. "It is for those who came before me and traversed countless yards so that I could arrive and score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Go tell your grandma, we will be the SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW."
As the NFL playoffs approach, celebrity opinions on Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance have continued to emerge, revealing a stark divide.
Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation produces the Super Bowl halftime show, defended the selection. Speaking to TMZ in October, he countered the criticism. "They adore him. Don’t let them fool you," Jay-Z stated.
Jennifer Lopez, who co-headlined the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show with Shakira, expressed high expectations for Bad Bunny. "I think he’s going to blow everyone away," she commented during an appearance on the Today show in October. Lopez also noted her unawareness of the negative feedback. She questioned the backlash, calling Bad Bunny "one of the biggest artists in the world right now, probably the biggest."
Shakira reflected on her own 2020 performance and told Variety in October that it was "time" for Spanish music to go mainstream. She recalled that performing part of their show in Spanish was considered a bold decision. Shakira hopes her past experiences helped pave the way for current acceptance.
She expressed pride that Bad Bunny would represent Latin culture on the world’s biggest stage. "It’s the perfect moment for a performance like that. I can’t wait to see it," Shakira added.
Country music artist Jelly Roll quickly commented on Bad Bunny’s Instagram announcement. "From Wrestlemania to the Super Bowl, you inspire us all! Much love 🐰," he wrote.
Legendary Puerto Rican actress and singer Rita Moreno shared her excitement with Us Weekly en Español in October. "Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl? Oh, I’m dying of excitement!" she exclaimed. Moreno dismissed critics who questioned Bad Bunny’s American identity despite his Puerto Rican heritage. "So what? I’m Puerto Rican too. So what? How annoying!" she responded.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league’s decision in an October press conference. He highlighted Bad Bunny’s status as "one of the leading, most popular artists in the world." Goodell noted that every halftime artist selection draws criticism, given the massive viewership.
On the critical side, former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Brett Favre suggested a different performer. On his "4th and Favre" podcast in November, he proposed Jason Aldean. Favre said he preferred "Someone who loves this country and who everyone can identify with. I think Jason Aldean right now is quite a patriot and has a great voice."
Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick offered a sarcastic take on X in September. She wrote, "How fun. English songs shouldn’t be allowed at one of the most watched TV events of the year in America… not just sports."
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on Newsmax in October. He described the NFL’s decision as "absolutely ridiculous." Trump stated he had never heard of Bad Bunny, adding, "I don’t know who he is. I don’t understand why they’re doing it. It’s, like, insane."
Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson was among the most outspoken critics. He told TMZ in October, "I don’t even know who the hell that guy is. I’ve never even heard of him." Dickerson added, "What the hell does Bad Bunny sing? I don’t know one of his songs."
Dickerson went on to say, "If Bad Bunny doesn’t like America, he can stay where he is. Don’t come over here and sing." He appeared to reference a September i-D Magazine interview where Bad Bunny discussed not scheduling U.S. concerts due to concerns about ICE presence. Dickerson concluded, "Let him stay in Puerto Rico." When reminded that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, he responded, "I know Puerto Rico is part of the United States, but it’s not America. That’s how I look at it."
Former Tennessee Titans tackle Taylor Lewan also expressed his disagreement with the choice on Up & Adams in September. While acknowledging Bad Bunny is "talented singing and performing," Lewan believed the NFL made the wrong call. He suggested Taylor Swift would have been a better choice. Lewan praised Swift for "merged two completely different cultures into one."