The NFL’s announcement that Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show in February 2026 at Levi’s Stadium has sparked one of the most heated entertainment debates in recent memory. What should have been a celebratory moment for one of the world’s most successful artists quickly turned into a flashpoint over language, culture, and politics — exposing deep divides over what “mainstream” America looks and sounds like in 2025.
Much of the controversy centers on the fact that Bad Bunny performs primarily in Spanish. Critics argue that the Super Bowl, traditionally catering to a broad, English-speaking audience, may not connect with a performance largely delivered in another language. Detractors, including some conservative commentators, questioned whether the Puerto Rican superstar represents “American” entertainment. Supporters countered that this perspective misses the point entirely — that the NFL’s choice reflects an evolving understanding of American culture, one that embraces its multicultural and multilingual identity. To them, Bad Bunny’s global success is proof that Spanish-language music isn’t a niche genre but a dominant cultural force.
The backlash wasn’t confined to music fans. Political figures quickly weighed in, intensifying the debate. President Donald Trump called the decision “absolutely ridiculous,” claiming he had never heard of Bad Bunny. House Speaker Mike Johnson went further, labeling it a “terrible decision” and even suggesting that country artist Lee Greenwood would have been a more suitable choice. These reactions echoed a broader discomfort among some conservative circles with Bad Bunny’s outspoken views on issues such as immigration and identity. Critics pointed to past comments where the artist joked about avoiding U.S. tour dates because “ICE could be outside my show,” interpreting them as political provocations rather than humor.
On Thursday, Turning Point USA, the organization formed by the late Charlie Kirk and now ran by his window Erika Kirk, announced they would hosting an ‘All-American’ halftime show in defiance of Bad Bunny taking the stage – ironic as Bad Bunny is an American US Citizen.
The organization cited the celebration will be of “Faith, Family and Freedom” and be hosted the day prior to the Super Bowl halftime show. Kirk was outspoken during his debates on his White Nationalist inspired viewpoints surrounding keeping Western Culture alive and well by avoiding cultural overlapping from others, especially hispanics.
Rather than retreat from the controversy, Bad Bunny met it head-on. Hosting Saturday Night Live in October 2025, he addressed the backlash directly in his monologue, delivering part of it in Spanish before cheekily telling critics, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.” The moment instantly went viral, solidifying his stance as both self-aware and unapologetically authentic. He also mocked conservative outrage by splicing Fox News clips into a satirical sketch, highlighting the absurdity of the uproar.
