Bad Bunny‘s confirmation as the Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner has sparked significant controversy, with a Change.org petition demanding his replacement with country music legend George Strait garnering over 58,000 signatures.
The petition, created under a pseudonym, calls for the NFL to reconsider its choice, arguing that the halftime show should “honour American culture” and remain “family-friendly.” The anonymous creator claims Bad Bunny represents “none of these values,” citing his “drag performances and style” as unsuitable for “football’s biggest stage.”
The criticism appears rooted in xenophobic sentiment, despite Bad Bunny’s status as an American citizen from Puerto Rico. The petition specifically targets his Latino heritage and use of Spanish lyrics.
“The Super Bowl halftime show should unite our country, honor American culture, and remain family-friendly, not be turned into a political stunt,” the petition states, positioning Bad Bunny’s performance as somehow contrary to American values.
The petition’s preference for Strait, described as embodying “the heart and soul of American music,” reveals stark differences in artistic reach and contemporary relevance. While Strait commands respect as a country music icon with approximately 8 million monthly Spotify listeners, Bad Bunny’s global influence dwarfs this figure with 81.4 million monthly listeners on the platform.
Bad Bunny’s political stance has previously influenced his tour decisions, with the artist revealing that he avoided touring in the US to protect his Latino fanbase from potential ICE targeting outside concert venues.
The petition’s reference to drag performances appears to stem from Bad Bunny’s appearance in the “No Perreo Sola” music video, where he performed in drag as an artistic statement.
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of metal, rock, indie, pop, and everything else in between.
Even President Trump weighed in on the selection, calling Bad Bunny’s headlining role “absolutely ridiculous,” further politicising what should primarily be an entertainment decision based on popularity and cultural relevance.
Despite the petition’s momentum and political opposition, Bad Bunny’s February performance remains confirmed.
