NFL Halftime Show Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion

The league's lineup of performers at the Super Bowl sends a powerful message about representation

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The NFL's decision to feature a diverse lineup of performers at the Super Bowl halftime show, including Bad Bunny, Brandy Carlile, and Green Day, has sparked both praise and criticism. While some have criticized the inclusion of artists who performed in languages other than English or expressed progressive views, the columnist argues that the NFL's choices represent a deliberate statement about embracing multiculturalism and rejecting divisiveness.

Why it matters

The NFL's halftime show choices reflect a broader shift in the league's approach to social and political issues, moving away from the controversies surrounding Colin Kaepernick's protests and towards a more inclusive and representative platform. This sends a powerful message about the league's priorities and the values it aims to promote, particularly in the wake of increased polarization and debates around national identity.

The details

The Super Bowl halftime show featured a range of performers, including Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, who sang in Spanish, as well as Black singer CoCo Jones performing the Black national anthem, Brandy Carlile singing 'America the Beautiful' as an LGBTQ advocate, and the politically-charged band Green Day. While some criticized these choices, the columnist argues that the NFL strategically allowed these artists to express their views, avoiding direct criticism by having the focus remain on Bad Bunny's performance.

  • The Super Bowl halftime show took place on February 11, 2026.
  • The column was published on February 11, 2026.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican musician who performed during the Super Bowl halftime show, singing in Spanish.

CoCo Jones

A Black singer who performed the Black national anthem, 'Lift Every Voice and Sing', during the Super Bowl halftime show.

Brandy Carlile

A singer who performed 'America the Beautiful' during the Super Bowl halftime show, and is an outspoken LGBTQ advocate.

Green Day

A popular punk rock band that performed their politically-charged hit 'American Idiot' during the Super Bowl halftime show.

Colin Kaepernick

A former NFL player who sparked controversy by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yesterday was heavy. The world is heavy. I felt the heartbreak of it all and the obligation to stand in that moment as a vessel of hope. The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

— CoCo Jones (X)

“It's really important and a high honor that I am here as a representative of a marginalized community.”

— Brandy Carlile (The Sports Network)

What’s next

The NFL's approach to the Super Bowl halftime show is likely to continue being a topic of discussion, as the league navigates the balance between entertainment, politics, and representation.

The takeaway

The NFL's decision to feature a diverse lineup of performers at the Super Bowl halftime show, including artists who expressed progressive views or performed in languages other than English, represents a strategic move by the league to embrace multiculturalism and reject divisiveness. This shift in the NFL's approach to social and political issues sends a powerful message about the values the league aims to promote.