A groundswell of public opinion is surging around the upcoming Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, as an online petition to replace Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny with country legend George Strait has now amassed over 30,000 signatures. The debate, which has taken on new dimensions in recent weeks, is testing the boundaries of tradition, cultural representation, and inclusivity at one of America’s most-watched events.
The petition, launched by Virginia resident Kar Shell on October 1, 2025, has become a flashpoint for those who feel the National Football League’s (NFL) choice of Bad Bunny as headliner for the February 8, 2026 show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara doesn’t align with the Super Bowl’s customary values. According to the petition, the halftime show "should unite our country, honor American culture, and remain family-friendly, not be turned into a political stunt." The document continues, "Bad Bunny represents none of these values; his drag performances and style are the opposite of what families expect on football’s biggest stage." As of October 16, the petition had drawn 30,551 signatures, according to reporting by EMEgypt and the San Francisco Chronicle.
The campaign’s supporters are calling for George Strait, the Grammy-winning artist affectionately known as the "King of Country," to take center stage instead. Strait, whose music career stretches back to the 1980s, is described in the petition as someone who "embodies unity, tradition, and the timeless American music that truly deserves the 2026 Super Bowl spotlight." The underlying message is clear: for many signatories, the Super Bowl halftime show should reflect what they consider core American values—family-friendliness, unity, and a traditional sense of culture.
The NFL’s announcement of Bad Bunny as the headliner, made in partnership with Roc Nation, Jay-Z, and the city of Santa Clara, quickly became a lightning rod for criticism from conservative commentators and some fans. Former President Donald Trump didn’t mince words, calling the decision "absolutely ridiculous," a sentiment echoed by others who see Bad Bunny’s selection as a break from Super Bowl tradition.
Yet, the backlash has also galvanized Bad Bunny’s supporters. California Governor Gavin Newsom took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his excitement, writing, "California is excited to welcome you to Super Bowl LX." Green Day’s drummer Tré Cool also voiced support for the Puerto Rican artist. For many, Bad Bunny’s presence is a sign of progress and a nod to the diversity that defines contemporary America.
Bad Bunny himself, known for his unapologetic embrace of his heritage and artistic identity, addressed the criticism head-on during his recent appearance as host of Saturday Night Live. In his opening monologue, he told detractors, "You have four months to learn Spanish." The remark, delivered with characteristic wit, underscored his commitment to performing in Spanish and staying true to his roots, despite the controversy swirling around his selection.
According to San Francisco Chronicle, the debate over Bad Bunny’s halftime show slot is not merely about musical taste. It’s entwined with broader issues of immigration, cultural identity, and what it means to be American. Critics have questioned Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican heritage (despite Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory), his Spanish-language music, and his outspoken views on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. The petition’s language and many of its comments reflect these concerns, with some arguing that his style and political stances are "un-American."
But the pushback against Bad Bunny’s selection is not universal. In fact, it has sparked a lively debate about the Super Bowl’s role as a stage for both tradition and change. Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor has stepped forward to reassure the public about the event’s inclusive nature. "We want to make sure that we protect everybody that comes to Santa Clara," she told the Chronicle, emphasizing that "this is an inclusive event." Her comments are a reminder that the Super Bowl, while steeped in tradition, is also a reflection of the country’s evolving demographics and values.
Security and immigration have also entered the conversation. Following the announcement of Bad Bunny’s performance, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that its agents would be present at Super Bowl LX. The move has drawn attention, especially in light of Bad Bunny’s previous decision not to schedule U.S. dates for his upcoming "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" tour. According to San Francisco Chronicle, the artist cited concerns that ICE’s presence could endanger his predominantly Latino and Hispanic fan base. Corey Lewandowski, former campaign manager for Donald Trump, commented on the issue during an appearance on "The Benny Show," saying, "There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally."
For many, the controversy is about more than just one artist or one performance. It’s a microcosm of the larger national conversation about who gets to represent America on its biggest stages, and how cultural boundaries are defined and redefined. The petition’s rapid rise in signatures—over 30,000 in just over two weeks—demonstrates the intensity of feeling on both sides of the issue.
Bad Bunny’s supporters argue that his inclusion is a celebration of the country’s diversity. As Governor Newsom’s public welcome shows, there’s strong enthusiasm for seeing a Spanish-speaking artist headline the halftime show in a state as multicultural as California. For others, the event is an opportunity to showcase the evolving face of American popular culture, one that includes reggaeton, Latin trap, and artists who challenge the status quo.
On the other hand, those backing the petition see the halftime show as a sacred tradition, one that should not be used to make political statements or, in their view, stray too far from what they consider "American culture." For them, George Strait is the embodiment of that tradition—a performer whose music and persona evoke a sense of unity and nostalgia.
As the countdown to Super Bowl LX continues, the conversation is unlikely to die down. The petition remains active, and both sides are making their voices heard. The NFL, for its part, has not indicated any plans to change course. For now, all eyes are on Levi’s Stadium and the artists who will take the stage on February 8, 2026.
Ultimately, the debate over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show is about more than music. It’s about the ongoing negotiation of identity, tradition, and progress in a country that’s always changing. Whether the petition succeeds or not, the conversation it has sparked will likely resonate far beyond the final whistle.
