Music mogul Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation helps produce the Super Bowl Halftime Show, has directly addressed the heated controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s selection as the headliner for Super Bowl LX in 2026, unequivocally stating that the supposed “outrage” is not authentic because “they love him.”
The announcement of global sensation Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in 2026 ignited a storm of reactions, ranging from fervent celebration to significant backlash. As the conversation intensified, one of the most influential figures in music and a key architect of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Jay-Z, weighed in with a concise yet powerful statement that cuts through the noise.
For weeks following the historic news, a chorus of conservative commentators and right-wing figures criticized Roc Nation, the NFL, and Apple Music for choosing the Puerto Rican superstar. Concerns were raised over Bad Bunny’s political stances, his outspoken views on immigration, and the fact that his performance would likely feature non-English music. However, Jay-Z, who personally extended the invitation to Bad Bunny, isn’t convinced by the uproar.
Jay-Z’s Definitive Five-Word Response
Caught by TMZ while signing memorabilia in New York, Jay-Z initially demurred, stating, “I don’t wanna talk about nothing.” But when pressed specifically about “why are people hating on him?”, the music icon delivered his candid assessment. “They love him,” he declared, adding the definitive five-word statement: “Don’t let them fool you.” This brief yet resolute response signals Jay-Z’s confidence in Bad Bunny’s selection and his belief that the vocal opposition does not represent wider public sentiment, as reported by Parade.
His support is not new. When the NFL first announced Bad Bunny, Jay-Z was quick to praise, noting, “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.” This early commendation underscores his unwavering conviction in the artist’s immense cultural impact and global reach.
The NFL’s Stance: Expected Criticism for a Global Stage
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also addressed the controversy, echoing a similar sentiment that blowback is par for the course when selecting a Super Bowl performer. “He’s one of the most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell told The Atlantic, emphasizing that the decision was “carefully thought through.”
Goodell further stated, “I would say I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. We have hundreds of millions of people watching, but I have full confidence it’ll be a good show.” This perspective suggests that the NFL views diverse, popular choices as essential for the show’s entertainment value, despite predictable waves of dissent.
Voices of Support: Celebrating Latin Culture
Beyond Jay-Z and the NFL, numerous prominent figures have rallied in support of Bad Bunny’s groundbreaking performance:
- Rita Moreno: The legendary Puerto Rican actress expressed her delight, exclaiming, “Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl? Ay, I’m delirious!” When critics argued his non-American status, she defiantly retorted, “So what? I’m Puerto Rican too. So what? What a nuisance!”
- Shakira: Drawing on her own Super Bowl experience, Shakira highlighted the progress of Spanish-language music in the mainstream. “I remember when we did ours that even having part of our set in Spanish was a bold move,” she recalled. “Acceptance of Spanish-language music as part of the mainstream has come so far from when I started.”
- Jennifer Lopez: Another former halftime show headliner, Jennifer Lopez, championed the universal appeal of music. “Music and art transcends language. It doesn’t matter. He’s done that probably more than anybody of any generation,” she affirmed.
These voices underscore the significance of Bad Bunny’s performance as a moment for cultural representation and the ongoing evolution of global music acceptance on the world’s biggest stages.
The Opposition: Petitions, Political Figures, and Misconceptions
Despite the strong support, the backlash has been vocal. A Change.org petition demanding that country singer George Strait replace Bad Bunny garnered over 80,000 signatures. Critics argued that Strait’s music better reflects “unity, tradition, and the timeless American music that truly deserves the 2026 Super Bowl spotlight,” aiming for an event that celebrates “traditional American values” rather than “political statements.”
High-profile political figures also weighed in. Lara Trump offered to perform in an alternative Super Bowl Halftime Show announced by Turning Point USA. Former President Donald Trump labeled the NFL’s choice as “absolutely ridiculous,” claiming unfamiliarity with the artist. Meanwhile, former race car driver Danica Patrick mocked the idea of “no songs in English” at “America’s big occasions,” sparking widespread criticism from fans who reminded her that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and Bad Bunny is, by extension, American.
Bad Bunny’s Own Resounding Response
Amidst the debate, Bad Bunny himself delivered a powerful message during his Saturday Night Live opening monologue. After expressing excitement for the Super Bowl, he shifted to Spanish, stating, “Especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the world here in the United States who have worked to open doors. It’s more than a win for myself, it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”
He then playfully deadpanned to the camera, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.” This confident and culturally proud stance reinforces his commitment to his heritage and his audience, solidifying the idea that his performance is a triumph for his community.
As the countdown to Super Bowl LX continues, Bad Bunny’s selection remains a significant cultural moment, highlighted by Jay-Z’s emphatic dismissal of the backlash. It serves as a testament to the artist’s undeniable popularity and the growing influence of Latin culture on a global scale.
