News Summary
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that Bad Bunny will perform at Super Bowl LX, despite criticism from various groups, including Trump. The selection has sparked mixed reactions, with some calling for a replacement. Many local leaders support Bad Bunny and emphasize the importance of inclusivity in the event. The halftime show, scheduled for February 8, aims to entertain and promote unity. Concerns about safety and attendance related to immigration enforcement have also been raised. Goodell addressed these issues and confirmed ongoing discussions about the future of the NFL.
Santa Clara, California – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that the league will retain Bad Bunny as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LX, despite criticism from various quarters, including former President Donald Trump. The decision to feature the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist, announced in late September, has sparked controversy, particularly due to Bad Bunny’s vocal opposition to Trump’s policies.
During a press conference following the NFL’s fall meeting, Goodell stated that the selection of Bad Bunny was made with careful consideration, understanding that choices for such a high-profile event often lead to public dissent. He noted that any artist on this platform can anticipate backlash due to the immense viewership of the Super Bowl.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is known for performing primarily in Spanish and has built a substantial following both in the United States and internationally. His anticipated performance at Super Bowl LX is expected to reflect his unique musical style. Goodell expressed confidence that Bad Bunny’s show would not only entertain but also bring a message of unity to the audience.
Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. As the event approaches, it remains uncertain whether Trump will be in attendance, although he has a history of appearing at major sports events during his time in office. In recent statements, Trump claimed to be unfamiliar with Bad Bunny, dismissing the choice of performer as “crazy and absolutely ridiculous.”
The backlash against Bad Bunny includes a petition initiated in Virginia aimed at replacing him with country artist George Strait, which has garnered over 71,000 signatures, suggesting significant opposition among some sections of the public. However, local supporters of Bad Bunny, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, have rallied for inclusivity in the entertainment selection, reinforcing the artist’s relevance and widespread appeal.
Mayor Lisa Gillmor has assured the public that the Super Bowl will prioritize the safety of all attendees, particularly considering concerns about potential actions by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) during the event. Bad Bunny himself has responded to critics through his recent hosting of “Saturday Night Live,” challenging them to learn Spanish in preparation for his performance.
In addition to the halftime show discussions, Goodell addressed other topics during the press conference, including updates on replay reviews, game durations, and ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). He indicated that any discussions regarding a potential 18-game regular season would be postponed until the NFLPA appoints a permanent executive director.
Looking ahead, Goodell also mentioned that work is actively underway to determine host sites for future Super Bowls, specifically for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, with an announcement expected in the coming year.
The diversity of opinions surrounding Bad Bunny’s selection underscores the ongoing dialogue about representation and inclusivity in major cultural events like the Super Bowl, as the NFL continues to navigate the intersection of sports, entertainment, and social issues.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Bay Area
- Wikipedia: Super Bowl
- San Francisco Chronicle
- Google Search: Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show
- The Spun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Super Bowl
- San Jose Spotlight
- Google News: Bad Bunny Halftime Show
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
