Bad Bunny to Headline Super Bowl LX Halftime Show

Fans push for country star George Strait as controversy swirls around the Puerto Rican artist's selection

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bad Bunny, the global Latin music superstar, will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, drawing both excitement and controversy. While the artist expressed nerves and a desire to honor his family, friends and Latino community, a group of football fans have launched a petition urging the NFL to instead choose country star George Strait for the coveted performance slot. Meanwhile, the conservative group Turning Point USA has announced plans for its own 'All-American' halftime show featuring Kid Rock, which has also faced backlash.

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's selection as the Super Bowl halftime performer represents a significant milestone for Latin music and culture, but it has also stirred debate among some fans who feel the NFL should choose an artist more aligned with 'traditional American, family-friendly values.' The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around representation and the evolving nature of American identity.

The details

In a press conference, Bad Bunny admitted feeling overwhelmed by the upcoming performance, saying 'there's a lot' and that he could barely sleep the night before. However, he emphasized that the moment is not about him, but rather about celebrating his family, friends and the Latino community. The artist declined to reveal details about potential surprise guests or the performance itself, joking that reporters already knew the answers. Meanwhile, a Change.org petition urging the NFL to choose George Strait over Bad Bunny has gained over 122,000 signatures, with supporters arguing Strait represents traditional American values. Turning Point USA has also announced plans for its own conservative-leaning halftime show featuring Kid Rock, which has attracted controversy of its own.

  • The Super Bowl LX halftime show is scheduled for February 9, 2026.
  • The Change.org petition was launched in October 2025.

The players

Bad Bunny

A global Latin music superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, who will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show.

George Strait

A popular country music artist who some fans are urging the NFL to choose for the Super Bowl halftime show instead of Bad Bunny.

Turning Point USA

A conservative group that has announced plans for its own 'All-American' Super Bowl halftime show featuring Kid Rock, which has attracted controversy.

Kid Rock

A musician who will perform in Turning Point USA's conservative-leaning Super Bowl halftime show, despite facing backlash over some of his song lyrics.

Malcolm X. Abram

A cleveland.com entertainment and music reporter who defended Bad Bunny's selection, arguing that the United States belongs to all people, not just a select few.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To be honest, I don't know how I'm feeling. There's a lot.”

— Bad Bunny (cleveland.com)

“It's me doing something that I love.”

— Bad Bunny (cleveland.com)

“Bad Bunny performing at the Super Bowl is not an attack on your America. First, because it's not your America. It's ours.”

— Malcolm X. Abram, entertainment and music reporter (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The NFL has shown no signs of changing its plans for Bad Bunny to perform at the Super Bowl LX halftime show, despite the petition and controversy.

The takeaway

Bad Bunny's selection as the Super Bowl halftime performer represents a significant milestone for Latin music and culture, but it has also sparked debate over representation and the evolving nature of American identity. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions around who gets to define 'traditional American values' and who has a rightful claim to the country.