NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly defended the league’s decision to feature Bad Bunny as the performer for the Super Bowl LX Halftime show. Despite receiving pushback from conservative circles, Goodell emphasized that the selection was made with careful consideration and is not up for reconsideration.
During a meeting in the fall, Goodell praised Bad Bunny as “one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” highlighting the importance of the halftime show for the NFL and its entertainment value. He acknowledged that criticism is a common response whenever an artist is chosen for such a significant platform, saying, “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism.”
Goodell expressed confidence that the Super Bowl show would be exceptional, noting Bad Bunny’s awareness of the platform he is on and the potential for the performance to be a unifying experience. He also hinted at the possibility of additional talent joining the Halftime show, stating that such collaborations are typically part of the planning process.
Bad Bunny, a highly influential Puerto Rican-American artist, has been vocal about his opposition to former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which have included contentious actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This has fueled criticism from Trump supporters, leading to organizations like Turning Point USA organizing alternative halftime programming in response to Bad Bunny’s involvement.
The selection of Bad Bunny reflects the NFL’s commitment to showcasing diverse talent and appealing to a wide audience. As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to what promises to be an exciting and memorable performance at one of the biggest events in sports.