NFL Defends Decision To Present Bad Bunny At Super Bowl Halftime Show

Bad Bunny (Instagram @badbunnypr)

JAKARTA - The National Football League (NFL) or the National Football League in the US, firmly defends their decision to appoint Bad Bunny as the main performer in the upcoming Halftime Show Super Bowl.

Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed the NFL's firm stance amid a wave of protests from a number of prominent conservative politicians. He confirmed that the Puerto Rico superstar appeared in February 2026.

"He is one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. That's what we're trying to achieve," said Goodell, quoted by CBS Sports via NME, Friday, October 24.

Goodell added that the Halftime Show Super Bowl stage is an important stage. He also emphasized that the event was an important element for the value of entertainment, where the Bad Bunny election had been carefully considered.

"I don't think we've ever chosen an artist without criticism or a backlash," he added.

The Bad Bunny, which has the real name Benito Ocasio, was announced as the main performer for the Super Bowl Halftime Show last September.

The appointment of Bad Bunny sparked criticism from conservative politicians. US President Donald Trump even called the move crazy and claimed he had never heard of the 31-year rapper.

The US Turning Point right-wing organization, founded by the late Charlie Kirk, even announced a rival 'All American Halftime Show', with a list of performers and programs to be announced soon.

But in addition, Jay-Z, who serves as an NFL music strategist through his label Roc Nation with the league partnership, defended Bad Bunny's plans to make full Spanish appearance.

"What Benito has and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world's biggest stage," Jay-Z said.

On the other hand, music legend Carlos Santana denied viral rumors that he opposed the appointment of Bad Bunny for the 2026 Halftime Show Super Bowl.