Bad Bunny, Brandi Carlile & More to Perform at Super Bowl LX
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Draws Political Fire as NFL Announces Pregame Performers
As Bad Bunny prepares to make history as the first Latin American artist to headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show in February 2026, the NFL is navigating a growing political controversy surrounding his selection. Simultaneously, the league announced a stellar lineup of performers for the pregame festivities, featuring Brandi Carlile, Charlie Puth, and Coco Jones.
The Super Bowl, consistently one of the most-watched television events globally, is a cultural touchstone. In 2023, Super Bowl LVII attracted 115.1 million viewers in the United States alone, demonstrating its unparalleled reach and influence. This makes the halftime show and pregame performances highly coveted slots, and increasingly, subjects of intense scrutiny.
A Rising Star Meets Political Backlash
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was announced as the halftime performer in September, a move celebrated by fans and lauded as a significant step towards greater representation in mainstream entertainment. However, the announcement quickly ignited opposition from conservative figures, including those aligned with former President Donald Trump. These critics have questioned the appropriateness of a performer who has embraced Puerto Rican identity and occasionally incorporated politically charged imagery into his work.
The controversy escalated with threats reportedly emanating from Trump’s Department of Homeland Security, as reported by Deadline. These threats, despite Bad Bunny being a U.S. citizen by birth through his Puerto Rican parents, underscore the increasingly polarized climate surrounding cultural events. Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization, even announced plans to host an alternative halftime show on the same day, signaling a deliberate attempt to counterprogram the NFL’s selection.
The situation highlights a broader trend of politicization within the entertainment industry, where artists are increasingly expected to navigate complex ideological landscapes. This isn’t new; artists like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga have faced criticism for their performances, but the intensity and nature of the backlash against Bad Bunny feels particularly charged, fueled by social media and partisan rhetoric.
NFL Stands Firm, Defends Artistic Choice
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly defended the league’s decision, emphasizing Bad Bunny’s global popularity and artistic merit. “He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell stated, adding that the Super Bowl stage is intended to showcase “important entertainment value.” He acknowledged that criticism is almost inevitable with such a high-profile event, but expressed confidence that Bad Bunny would deliver a “great show” and a “uniting moment.”
Goodell’s comments reflect the NFL’s balancing act: maintaining broad appeal while also attempting to embrace diversity and cultural relevance. The league has partnered with Roc Nation and Apple Music to curate its Super Bowl entertainment, signaling a commitment to contemporary music and artists who resonate with younger audiences. Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z, has been instrumental in diversifying the Super Bowl halftime show lineup in recent years.
Pregame Lineup Offers Diverse Musical Palette
While the focus has been on the halftime show controversy, the NFL’s announcement of the pregame performers offers a welcome shift towards celebrating musical diversity. Charlie Puth will perform the national anthem, a traditional Super Bowl staple. Brandi Carlile, a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her Americana and folk-infused music, will deliver a rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Coco Jones, a rising R&B star, will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the “Black National Anthem.”
This combination of artists represents a deliberate effort to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes and cultural backgrounds. Carlile’s inclusion, in particular, is noteworthy, as she is an openly gay artist who has become a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights. Jones’ performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” acknowledges the song’s historical significance and its importance to the African American community.
The Super Bowl LXI pregame and halftime lineup promises to be a compelling blend of established stars and emerging talent, set against the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere. The event will undoubtedly be a major cultural moment, sparking conversations about music, identity, and the role of entertainment in a divided society. For more on the evolving landscape of music and entertainment, explore worldys.news’ Entertainment section.