NFL Stood by Bad Bunny for Super Bowl Halftime Show

The NFL confirmed Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 8 and has defended the choice amid public criticism from some Trump-administration figures, saying the booking supports the league’s effort to grow its international and Latino audiences.

The NFL announced in late September that Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny would perform the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara. The booking prompted public criticism from figures in the Trump administration, but the league has not withdrawn the selection. League executives and marketing officials told ESPN the choice aligns with a multiyear effort to expand the NFL’s international reach and relevance to Latino fans. The league’s ongoing partnership with Roc Nation and prior halftime bookings informed the decision. Key facts: - Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime performer and the show is scheduled for Feb. 8 in Santa Clara. - Public criticism came from officials including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and adviser Corey Lewandowski, and drew reactions from other political figures. - NFL executives and marketing leaders say the booking advances the league’s international and U.S. Latino audience growth strategy. - The NFL has partnered with Roc Nation since 2019 to advise on halftime selections, and commissioner Roger Goodell discussed Bad Bunny with Jay‑Z. - Bad Bunny was the top‑streamed artist on Spotify in 2025 and filmed the halftime announcement trailer in Puerto Rico. Summary: The league presents the Bad Bunny booking as part of a longer-term marketing strategy focused on global expansion and Latino fans rather than a political statement. The announcement has drawn public political attention, but NFL officials say the halftime show will proceed as planned on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara.