Over 10,000 people have signed online petitions demanding the NFL replace Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer, with the most prominent campaign specifically advocating for George Strait to take the stage instead. The backlash reveals a widening cultural fault line over what constitutes “American” entertainment on the nation’s biggest stage.
The Case for Country Royalty
Petitioners argue traditional values should dominate America’s most-watched performance.
The George Strait petition, which has gathered over 1,500 signatures, argues the Super Bowl halftime show should “unite our country, honor American culture, and remain family-friendly.” Petitioners frame the “King of Country” as embodying “unity, tradition, and timeless American music”—a stark contrast to their view of Bad Bunny’s progressive activism and bilingual performances. They’re essentially asking: shouldn’t America’s most-watched event feature an artist who represents traditional American values?
Political Groups Join the Fight
Conservative organizations are creating alternative programming to compete with the NFL’s choice.
Conservative organization Turning Point USA announced its own “All-American Halftime Show” for the same night, promoting “faith, family & freedom” programming. The move transforms what could have been simple music preference into broader political theater. Some conservative commentators have labeled the NFL’s choice a “political stunt,” escalating the controversy beyond entertainment into culture war territory.
NFL Doubles Down on Diversity
League officials emphasize Bad Bunny’s cultural impact and refuse to reconsider their selection.
The league and production partner Roc Nation stand firmly behind their selection, emphasizing Bad Bunny’s global influence and cultural impact. Officials specifically cited “what Bad Bunny has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico” as inspiring, signaling their commitment to representing diverse backgrounds on their most visible platform. The NFL appears willing to weather the backlash rather than retreat from evolving demographics.
Artist Fires Back with Humor
Bad Bunny’s response reveals an artist unintimidated by the growing controversy.
Bad Bunny addressed critics directly during his “Saturday Night Live” appearance, joking that those who “don’t understand Spanish have four months to learn.” The quip reveals an artist unintimidated by the controversy while highlighting the linguistic tensions underlying the backlash. His global streaming dominance suggests the NFL made a business decision as much as a cultural one.
The petition drive exposes deeper questions about identity and belonging in modern America. You’re witnessing a collision between nostalgic cultural conservatism and demographic reality—one that won’t resolve before February’s kickoff.
