Quick Read
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LXI halftime performance amidst political criticism.
- Bad Bunny’s set tonight will be entirely in Spanish, making him the first male solo Latin artist to do so.
- Former President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement have criticized Bad Bunny’s selection.
- Bad Bunny recently delivered a Grammy speech against ICE, adding to the political tension.
- An ‘All American Halftime Show’ headlined by Kid Rock will air concurrently, organized by Turning Point USA.
SANTA CLARA (Azat TV) – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has forcefully addressed mounting political criticism surrounding Bad Bunny’s selection as the Super Bowl LXI halftime show headliner, emphasizing the artist’s role in uniting people through music. The highly anticipated performance, set to take place tonight at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, will mark a historic moment as Bad Bunny becomes the first male solo Latin artist to perform an entire set exclusively in Spanish.
Goodell’s defense comes as the Puerto Rican superstar faces ‘relentless attack’ from conservative factions, including former President Donald Trump, who publicly dismissed the artist as ‘crazy’ and claimed he had ‘never heard of’ him. Despite the controversy, Goodell reiterated that Bad Bunny was chosen not only for being ‘one of the great artists in the world’ but also for his understanding of the Super Bowl platform’s potential to ‘unite people’ and ‘bring people together with their creativity, with their talents.’
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s Stance on Unity
Speaking ahead of tonight’s championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, Commissioner Goodell directly referenced the ongoing criticism. He underscored the league’s commitment to using the halftime show as a unifying force, a tradition he believes past artists have successfully upheld. ‘This platform is used to unite people, and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talents,’ Goodell stated, as reported by Deseret. He expressed confidence that Bad Bunny would deliver a ‘great performance’ that aligns with this vision.
Goodell also downplayed suggestions that immigration issues were overshadowing the event. When asked by the Daily Mail if he was frustrated by the focus on ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in the build-up, he responded, ‘I don’t think that’s true… I think the media is [talking about it]. I don’t think anyone else is.’
The Political Backlash Against Bad Bunny
The controversy intensified following Bad Bunny’s recent acceptance speech for Album of the Year at the Grammys, where he delivered a powerful message against ICE. ‘We are not savage, we are not animals, we are not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans,’ he declared, advocating for love over hate. This speech resonated deeply, especially after an advisor to the President confirmed that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl performance. Bad Bunny had previously announced he would not tour the U.S. during his current world tour due to fears of ICE raids at his concerts, highlighting the sensitive political climate surrounding his appearance.
Adding another layer to the politicized landscape, the conservative organization Turning Point USA, founded by the late Charlie Kirk, is hosting an ‘All American Halftime Show’ headlined by Kid Rock, which will air concurrently with Bad Bunny’s performance. This counter-programming further underscores the cultural and political divisions that have emerged around the Super Bowl LXI spectacle.
A Historic Super Bowl Halftime Performance
Tonight’s halftime show is poised to be a landmark event for Latin music and culture. Bad Bunny’s decision to perform entirely in Spanish not only breaks new ground for the Super Bowl but also sends a powerful message about linguistic and cultural representation on one of the world’s largest stages. Millions of viewers globally are expected to tune in, not just for the game, but for this groundbreaking musical moment that Bad Bunny has promised will make ‘the world dance.’
Beyond the Main Stage: Other Super Bowl 2026 Acts
Before kickoff, the pre-game festivities will feature a lineup of prominent artists. Charlie Puth is scheduled to sing the national anthem, while Brandi Carlile will perform ‘America The Beautiful’. Bay Area natives Green Day will also mark a homecoming with an opening ceremony performance, treating fans to a medley of their best-known songs as past Super Bowl MVPs parade onto the field. These performances set the stage for a Super Bowl LXI filled with both athletic competition and diverse musical acts.
The NFL’s steadfast support for Bad Bunny amidst significant political pushback highlights a strategic effort to position the Super Bowl halftime show as a platform for cultural inclusion and unity, even when it directly confronts prevailing national debates on immigration and identity.