Over 100,000 Fans Petition to Replace Bad Bunny at Super Bowl Halftime

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A Change.org petition asking for George Strait to perform instead of Bad Bunny at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show has gathered over 100,000 signatures.

The online petition, which was last updated on Monday, expresses disapproval of the NFL’s decision to have the Puerto Rican superstar perform at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Kar Shell, who started the petition, believes Bad Bunny’s performances aren’t suitable for the Super Bowl’s traditionally family-oriented audience. The petition explains that while expanding the audience is good, it’s important to remember and respect the history of American music.

The petition describes George Strait as the very essence of American music, with songs that resonate with listeners of all ages. It argues that the Super Bowl halftime show should be a unifying, family-friendly celebration of American culture, and that Bad Bunny’s performances and style are not aligned with those values. The petition claims his performances are inappropriate for a family-oriented event like the Super Bowl.

Even though a petition circulated asking for a different performer, the NFL has confirmed that Bad Bunny will still headline the Super Bowl in 2026 on February 8th. The halftime show is being organized by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a hugely popular international artist who is expected to bring a lot of new viewers to the Super Bowl.

After the announcement on “Saturday Night Live,” Bad Bunny shared his excitement and pride in representing the Latino community. “I’m thrilled to be performing at the Super Bowl, and I know my fans around the world are happy too,” he said.

He continued, speaking in Spanish, “Especially to all the Latino and Latina people around the world, here in the United States, who have worked hard to create opportunities. This isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a win for our entire community. The impact we’ve made and our contributions to this country can never be taken away.”

He explained that his feelings were bigger than just personal achievement. He felt he was honoring those who paved the way for him, allowing him to succeed, and that this moment was a tribute to his community, heritage, and the struggles and triumphs of those who came before him.

Bad Bunny first publicly criticized President Donald Trump in 2017, following Hurricane Maria. He voiced his disapproval by wearing a shirt that criticized Trump’s handling of the disaster relief efforts.

He’s also spoken out about concerns regarding ICE raids and U.S. immigration policies. In an interview with i-D magazine in September 2025, he explained why he chose to skip some U.S. cities on his tour. He said they were worried about the possibility of ICE being present at his concerts and the potential impact that could have.

I was really struck by a track from his 2025 album, “Nuevayol.” It includes this amazing bit where it sounds like a radio broadcast, and the voice doing Trump actually says something completely unexpected. He admits he was wrong and offers a sincere apology to immigrants in America, going on to say that the country wouldn’t be anything without them – specifically calling out Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Venezuelans, and Cubans. It’s a powerful moment, honestly.

As a huge fan of the Super Bowl halftime shows, I’ve been following the debate about who should perform next year, and it’s really split people. Some fans here in the States are hoping for a classic country performance, while others are thrilled by the idea of Bad Bunny – they’re celebrating his impact and how much he represents a global audience. It’s a real clash of preferences!

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2025-11-04 12:15