NFL defends the Super Bowl halftime slot for the Bad Bunny despite criticism

NFL insists the Puerto Rican star will give a worldwide, cohesive performance, rejecting suggestions to cut Bad Bunny.

Despite backlash from the public, the National Football League (NFL) has confirmed that Bad Bunny would continue to be the major act at the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show.

Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the NFL’s decision during the league’s fall meeting, which was held in advance of Super Bowl LX, which is set for February 8 in Santa Clara, California.

“He’s among the world’s most well-known and successful entertainers,” Goodell stated. “That’s what we strive for.”

The Puerto Rican musician Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is well-known for his Spanish-language hits. He was the most streamed artist in 2020, 2021, and 2022, and has been in the top five every year since 2019.

Goodell admitted that there is frequently disagreement among the public about halftime artists. He remarked, “I don’t think we’ve ever chosen an artist without receiving some backlash or criticism.” “When hundreds of millions of people are watching, it’s quite difficult to do.”

In an interview on Newsmax, former President Donald Trump called the pick “absolutely ridiculous” and said that he had never heard of the singer, sparking political criticism.

After recording 18.5 billion Spotify plays in 2022, Bad Bunny ranked third last year and was the second most played artist worldwide in 2023. He is currently the ninth-highest Spotify user with over 100 million followers.

Goodell declared, “We’re sure it’s going to be a great show.” “He is aware of the platform he is on, and I believe it will be a moment of unity and excitement.”