News Summary
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that Bad Bunny will perform at the Super Bowl LX halftime show, despite criticism from figures like Donald Trump. The decision, made in September, has sparked backlash including a petition to replace him with George Strait. Goodell emphasized the importance of inclusivity and the thoughtfulness behind the selection process. With support from California leaders, Bad Bunny is expected to bring a unique flavor to the event, while the NFL prepares for various upcoming initiatives, including Super Bowl host site announcements for 2028 and 2029.
Santa Clara, California – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reaffirmed the league’s commitment to featuring Bad Bunny as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LX, despite facing criticism from notable figures, including former President Donald Trump. The decision to showcase the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist was announced in late September and has sparked a significant backlash from some quarters.
During a recent news conference following the NFL’s fall meeting, Goodell confirmed that the NFL will not reconsider its choice of Bad Bunny as the performer for this year’s event, which is slated for February 8, 2024. He stated that the selection process was “carefully thought through,” emphasizing that any artist chosen for such a prominent platform can expect some criticism, given the reach of the Super Bowl.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been an outspoken critic of Trump and his policies. His activism includes a notable 31-day residency in Puerto Rico during which he highlighted issues affecting the island, particularly the concerns surrounding deportation for Latinos. His planned performance at the Super Bowl is expected to be predominantly in Spanish, aligning with his musical style that has garnered widespread popularity across the globe.
Goodell expressed confidence in Bad Bunny’s ability to deliver a memorable show, describing it as an opportunity for unity among fans of diverse backgrounds. In contrast, Trump recently dismissed the decision to feature the artist, claiming to have “never heard of” him and labeling the choice as “crazy and absolutely ridiculous.” It remains unclear whether Trump will attend the game, despite his history of participating in major sporting events during his presidency.
The selection of Bad Bunny has also incited a petition in Virginia to replace him with country artist George Strait, which has amassed over 71,000 signatures. This backlash highlights a division among fans, with opponents emphasizing a preference for traditional music acts at the Super Bowl.
In support of Bad Bunny, influential figures such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor have stressed the importance of inclusivity for the event. Gillmor also reassured attendees that safety measures would be in place to mitigate concerns surrounding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Super Bowl.
Bad Bunny addressed his critics during his hosting of “Saturday Night Live,” challenging them to learn Spanish before the performance. His response resonated with supporters, as he continues to gain recognition as one of the leading entertainers worldwide.
In addition to the halftime show discussions, Goodell covered various topics during the NFL fall meeting, including updates on replay rulings, game duration, and collective bargaining negotiations with the players’ union. While there are ongoing discussions regarding a potential 18-game regular season, he noted that these would be postponed until the NFL Players Association appoints a permanent executive director.
Furthermore, Goodell announced that the league is actively working to finalize host sites for the Super Bowl in the 2028 and 2029 seasons, with details expected to be revealed next year. As the Super Bowl approaches, the league remains focused on delivering a spectacular event, aiming to satisfy diverse audiences and underscore the spirit of community among fans.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, 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 New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
