• NFL commissioner defends Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist as halftime performer despite Trump criticism
• Decision sparked worldwide attention and boosted Bad Bunny’s music streams after September announcement
• Goodell says additional talent may join lineup for Feb. 8 show at Levi’s Stadium

NEW YORK, N.Y. (TDR) — The NFL is not considering dropping Bad Bunny as its Super Bowl halftime headline performer, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday, reaffirming a decision to put the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist on the league’s biggest stage that led to criticism from President Donald Trump and some of his supporters.

Goodell addressed the controversy at his news conference following the NFL’s fall meeting, marking the first time he has commented publicly on the move announced in late September that garnered worldwide attention, including an increase in streams of Bad Bunny’s music along with backlash.

Goodell defends artistic choice

“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell said. “That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value. It’s carefully thought through.”

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The commissioner acknowledged the league is accustomed to receiving criticism for its entertainment choices given the size and breadth of its fan base. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism,” Goodell said. “It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching.”

Trump called decision ridiculous

The 31-year-old born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio has been vocal in his opposition to Trump and his policies. He decided to do a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, avoiding stops in the mainland US, citing concerns about the mass deportation of Latinos. He performs in Spanish and is expected to do so at the Super Bowl.

Trump told conservative news network Newsmax he had never heard of Bad Bunny. “I don’t know who he is,” Trump said. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. And then they blame it on some promoter they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

The criticism also came from former Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson and Trump loyalists. Conservative group Turning Point USA announced plans to present an alternative halftime show on the same day.

Additional performers may be added

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Goodell said Wednesday the league remains confident in its choice. “We’re confident it’s going to be a great show,” he said, acknowledging there could be more talent added to the lineup. “He understands the platform that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a united moment.”

The commissioner noted Super Bowl halftime shows have often featured special and surprise guests in recent years. Last year’s show with Kendrick Lamar included appearances from SZA, Serena Williams and Samuel L. Jackson. The 2024 show headlined by Usher featured Ludacris, Alicia Keys and Lil Jon.

“I am not saying that there won’t be additional talent that might be involved but that’s always the way it works,” Goodell said. The show is produced in conjunction with Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation.

The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the Super Bowl on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. It is unclear if Trump plans to attend, though he has made appearing in person at major sporting events a significant part of his second term in the White House.

Should the NFL reconsider its halftime performer based on political criticism?

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