The topic of who is headlining the Halftime Show has never failed to spark discussion since its emergence. Millions of people tune in every year to watch the Super Bowl, and the deliberation over who is best suited to headline is endless. For the 2026 Super Bowl LX, Bad Bunny accepted the NFL’s request to headline, making him the first Latin male artist to headline the Halftime show. The impact this decision instantly made on social media has caused conflict; to say that the public’s opinion is split is an understatement. On one hand, many believe this decision is a positive step towards inclusivity and that it will entice a younger audience to stream the Super Bowl. However, others believe it is unreasonable to choose an artist who doesn’t sing in English and may not resonate with a majority of the audience at an American football game’s halftime show.
As the news of the NFL’s decision circulated on the internet, it was brought to the attention of countless influencers, news reporting sources, and highly influential politicians. Much of the backlash on the internet can be attributed to President Trump’s commentary on the decision. Early this October, on a NewsMax interview, Trump had stated that he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny and had deemed it “crazy” and “absolutely ridiculous” for the NFL to have chosen him. Bad Bunny, being one of the most world-renowned artists of his time, has publicly displayed his view on the Trump administration and endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. These factors have contributed to the overall tension and controversy this performance has brought about.
What should we expect in the foreseeable future? Because the opinions regarding the 2026 Halftime Show vary widely, it is difficult to determine how the nation will react when the time comes. The outraged individuals who planned on watching the Super Bowl (either from home or by attending the game) may potentially boycott the nation’s biggest football game. The NFL’s Commissioner, Rodger Goodell, has claimed their decision shall not be reconsidered. Goodell added that the decision has been “carefully thought through,” and that he’s not sure of any circumstance in which an artist “didn’t have some blowback or criticism.”
So, whether or not you agree with Bad Bunny being the headliner of the Halftime Show, the NFL’s Chief Marketing Officer, Tim Ellis, explained that they “have over 200 million fans” and that “Not everyone is going to like everything” they do.
