House Speaker Mike Johnson is criticizing the NFL’s decision to tap Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show. Johnson argued that the choice was a “terrible decision” and suggested that an American country music legend like Lee Greenwood would have been a more suitable option for the high-profile event.
Johnson’s Criticism
Speaking in a clip posted online on Oct. 7, Johnson admitted he was not familiar with Bad Bunny’s music but still expressed concern about the league’s decision.
“There are so many eyes on the Super Bowl — a lot of young, impressionable children,” Johnson said. “Lee Greenwood would have been America’s clear and obvious preference, with his broad appeal and his classic song ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’”
Johnson’s remarks highlight the cultural divide that often surrounds Super Bowl halftime performers. While Bad Bunny is celebrated globally as one of the most influential Latin artists of his generation, conservative critics like Johnson have pushed back, calling for performers they believe better reflect “mainstream America.”
Trump Joins the Debate
Johnson’s comments echo those of former President Donald Trump, who told Newsmax’s Greg Kelly on Oct. 6 that he had “never heard of Bad Bunny.” Trump questioned the NFL’s decision, calling it “absolutely ridiculous.”
Kelly, during the interview, suggested that Bad Bunny “hates ICE” and often brands institutions as racist. Trump responded: “I don’t know who he is, I don’t know why they’re doing it. Then they blame it on some promoter that they hired to pick entertainment. It’s like crazy.”
The remarks further underline the political tension surrounding high-profile pop culture events, especially when Latino artists are placed center stage.
Bad Bunny Responds on “Saturday Night Live”
Bad Bunny, 31, directly addressed the backlash during his “Saturday Night Live” monologue on Oct. 4 — his second time hosting the iconic show.
“You might not know this, but I’m doing the Super Bowl halftime show and I’m very happy,” he said in English, before joking, “I think everyone is happy about it, even Fox News.”
Switching to Spanish, the reggaeton star described the performance as a collective milestone for the Latino community:
“More than a personal achievement, it’s an achievement for all of us — demonstrating that our footprint and our contributions in this country can never be removed or erased.”
He then playfully encouraged viewers unfamiliar with Spanish to start learning the language.
Why It Matters
The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most watched live performances in the world, drawing more than 100 million viewers annually. Past performers have included Beyoncé, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, and Rihanna.
Bad Bunny’s selection continues the NFL’s recent trend of spotlighting globally influential artists who resonate with diverse audiences. While his inclusion has sparked backlash among conservative political figures, it has also been widely celebrated as a reflection of America’s changing cultural landscape.
For fans, the debate has only amplified anticipation ahead of the 2026 Super Bowl, where Bad Bunny is expected to deliver a show filled with his reggaeton, trap, and Latin hits.
