Petition Signed to Remove Bad Bunny as Super Bowl Headline

When the Super Bowl LX (to be held February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara) announced Puerto-Rican superstar Bad Bunny as its halftime show headliner, the cultural conversation kicked into high gear.

While many hailed the choice as historic and inclusive, a petition quickly gained traction demanding his replacement — spotlighting tensions around representation, music, identity, and what some view as “American culture.”

What the Petition Says

Hosted on Change.org, the petition urges the National Football League and production partner Roc Nation to replace Bad Bunny with country legend George Strait, arguing that the halftime show should “unite our country, honour American culture and remain family-friendly.” The petition claims recent US halftime line-ups have leaned toward international and modern pop acts at the expense of traditional American musical heritage.

As of this week, the petition has surpassed 50,000 signatures, marking a notable level of organised dissent ahead of the February performance.

Why the Backlash?

Several elements fuel this debate:

• Language & identity: Bad Bunny’s music is primarily in Spanish, and his selection represents a major moment for Latin-American artists on one of America’s most-charged cultural stages. Some critics interpreted this as dismissive of “traditional” U.S. music or lacking “American” values.
• Cultural politics: Some of the opposition overlaps with broader political and cultural divisions, including criticism from conservative figures who argue the halftime show should reflect more “traditional” or “family-friendly” values.
• Representation vs tradition: Supporters of Bad Bunny see his selection as a milestone for Latin music, language, and global appeal. Detractors see it as a departure from what they expect for one of America’s largest single-broadcast events.

How the League Has Responded

The NFL, through Commissioner Roger Goodell, publicly reaffirmed Bad Bunny’s selection and said they will not reconsider. Goodell noted the league’s goal is reaching a global audience and that “we’re confident it’s going to be a great show” — even amid vocal criticism.

What This Means Going Forward

• The petition may continue to grow, but with the league standing firm, the impact seems symbolic rather than likely to reverse the headliner decision.
• The public and media reactions raise questions about how sporting-culture events navigate identity, inclusion, and audience expectations.
• For Bad Bunny, it’s a moment of both major visibility and major scrutiny — his performance will be watched not just for music, but for what it says about representation in U.S. culture.
• For the halftime show itself, the controversy adds an extra layer of anticipation — critics and supporters alike will tune in with heightened interest.

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