Santa Clara, California, October 23, 2025

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. Goodell emphasized that the decision was made thoughtfully to embody unity. Supporters, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, have praised the inclusivity of Bad Bunny’s selection, while a petition for replacement with George Strait has gained traction. Bad Bunny’s performance is set for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium, aiming to reflect diversity in the music industry amidst political discourse.

Santa Clara, California – NFL Commissioner Defends Bad Bunny as Super Bowl LX Halftime Performer Amid Criticism

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has officially stated that the league will not change its decision to feature Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LX, set to take place on February 8, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This announcement comes amid growing criticism from various corners, including remarks from former President Donald Trump.

The selection of Bad Bunny, a Grammy-winning artist known for his significant impact in the music industry and cultural representation, was first announced in late September. Since then, it has attracted both support and backlash. Trump and some of his followers have publicly criticized the decision, which has only intensified discussions around the Super Bowl event.

During a recent news conference following the NFL’s fall meeting, Goodell acknowledged that selecting any artist for the Super Bowl would inherently invite scrutiny, largely due to the enormous audience that watches the event each year. He emphasized that the decision was “carefully thought through” and expressed confidence in Bad Bunny’s ability to deliver a captivating performance that embodies unity.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is anticipated to perform in Spanish, reflecting his artistic style. Notably, the artist has voiced his opposition to Trump and his policies in the past, even opting for a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico to avoid potential deportation issues for Latino individuals living in the United States. He addressed critics of his performance choice during his hosting of “Saturday Night Live,” urging them to learn Spanish before judging his music.

Despite the criticism, local leaders are rallying behind Bad Bunny’s selection. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor have both expressed their support, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity at the high-profile event. Gillmor also reassured the public about safety measures, particularly in relation to concerns over the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Super Bowl.

The criticism has sparked a petition in Virginia aimed at replacing Bad Bunny with traditional country artist George Strait, which has gathered over 71,000 signatures. Some supporters remain undeterred by the backlash, arguing that Bad Bunny’s selection represents a broader acceptance and celebration of diverse musical forms.

As for Trump’s stance, he recently stated that he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny and criticized the decision, labeling it as “crazy and absolutely ridiculous.” His attendance at Super Bowl LX remains uncertain, despite his previous history of attending major sporting events during his presidency.

Goodell, while addressing various topics during the NFL meeting, addressed other significant issues affecting the league, such as potential changes to replay reviews, game length, and ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with the players’ union. Additionally, he mentioned that discussions about possibly extending the regular season to 18 games will be postponed until the NFL Players Association appoints a permanent executive director. Planning is also underway for host sites for future Super Bowls, with an announcement scheduled for next year.

Conclusion

Super Bowl LX is shaping up to be a diverse entertainment showcase with Bad Bunny at the helm, aimed at promoting unity amidst a backdrop of political and cultural discussions.

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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 PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa 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 Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.