The NFL’s announcement that global superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show has sparked an unexpected wave of political backlash.
Among the critics is House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who called the decision a “terrible” one, suggesting that the league should have chosen 82-year-old country music icon Lee Greenwood instead.
Speaker Mike Johnson Joins the Political Backlash Against Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny, one of the most-streamed artists in the world, was officially revealed as the Super Bowl halftime performer during last week’s Sunday Night Football broadcast.
The announcement drew swift criticism from conservative circles, primarily over the Puerto Rican rapper’s political stances, including his outspoken support for immigrants and his decision to exclude the United States from his upcoming world tour, citing concerns over ICE harassment toward fans.
When approached by journalist Pablo Manriquez for comment, Johnson didn’t hold back. “I didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was, but it sounds like a terrible decision in my view,” the Speaker said.
Manriquez: Any reaction to Bad Bunny being chosen as the Super Bowl halftime performance?
Johnson: I didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was, but it sounds like a terrible decision in my view.
Manriquez: How come?
Johnson: Well, it sounds like he’s not someone who appeals to a… pic.twitter.com/vRflPBW26f
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) October 8, 2025
When pressed by Manriquez on why he felt that way, Johnson added, “Well, it sounds like he’s not someone who appeals to a broader audience. And I think, you know, there’s so many eyes on the Super Bowl. A lot of young, impressionable children. And I think, you know, in my view, you would have Lee Greenwood or role models doing that. Not somebody like this.”
Johnson’s comments align him with other right-wing figures, including former President Donald Trump, who voiced similar outrage earlier this week. Appearing on Greg Kelly Reports on Newsmax, Trump said, “I’ve never heard of him,” referring to Bad Bunny.
The host, Greg Kelly, criticized the NFL’s choice, calling the artist “a guy who hates ICE” and questioning whether Americans should consider boycotting the league.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s suggestion of Lee Greenwood, the veteran country artist best known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.,” reflects a cultural divide over what kind of performer should represent the NFL’s biggest stage.
Greenwood, who performed at Trump’s 2025 inauguration and several of his campaign rallies, has long been a favorite in conservative circles.
Bad Bunny Responds and Looks Ahead to His Historic Performance
In stark contrast to his critics, Bad Bunny embraced the moment with pride. Announcing the news on Instagram, he wrote, “Super Bowl LX. Bay Area. February 2026. #AppleMusicHalftime.”
In a follow-up statement, the artist shared, “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history.”
The three-time Grammy winner joins an elite list of Super Bowl headliners, including Beyoncé, The Weeknd, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar. His show will also mark the seventh consecutive year of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation partnership with the NFL, a collaboration aimed at enhancing live game experiences and promoting social justice initiatives.
Set to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026, the Super Bowl LX halftime show will undoubtedly be one of the most discussed performances in recent memory.