NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has doubled down on the league’s decision to make Bad Bunny the Super Bowl halftime headliner, insisting the global star will deliver a “great performance” despite political backlash following his Grammys speech.
Goodell’s comments came a day after Bad Bunny used the Grammy Awards stage to criticise U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, prompting sharp reaction from conservative figures and renewed scrutiny of the NFL’s halftime selection.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Goodell addressed both Bad Bunny’s success at the Grammys and the controversy that followed.
“Listen, Bad Bunny is, and I think that was demonstrated last night, one of the great artists in the world. That’s one of the reasons we chose him,” Goodell said.
“But the other reason is he understood the platform he was on, and that this platform is used to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talent, and to be able to use this moment to do that.”
“I think artists in the past have done that, I think Bad Bunny understands that, and I think he’ll have a great performance.”
Grammys moment sparks backlash
Bad Bunny, real name Benito Martínez Ocasio, won three awards at the Grammys, including Album of the Year, Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance.
During one of his acceptance speeches, he directly criticised ICE before pivoting to a broader message.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he said.
He then added, “Hatred will only breed more hate.”
“The only thing that’s more powerful than hate is love,” he continued. “So, please, we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love. We don’t hate them, w love our people. We love our family and there’s a way to do it, with love, and don’t forget that.”
Those comments quickly drew condemnation from prominent MAGA-aligned figures, who labelled the Puerto Rican artist a “Trump hater” and an “anti-ICE activist.” Others criticised the NFL for choosing a halftime headliner with few English-language songs.
Right-wing organisation Turning Point USA announced plans for a rival “All-American Halftime Show” on the night of the Super Bowl, featuring country artists including Kid Rock.
The group will stage the event on February 8, opposite the Super Bowl, and stream it across conservative media platforms.
The announcement framed the alternative show as a protest against the NFL’s halftime lineup and Bad Bunny’s political messaging.
Not the only controversial booking
Bad Bunny will not be the only artist drawing criticism this Super Bowl.
The NFL has also confirmed that Green Day will perform during Super Bowl week. The band’s long history of publicly criticising Donald Trump has added further fuel to conservative backlash.
Despite the reaction, Goodell showed no sign of wavering.
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