Bad Bunny Super Bowl choice blasted by Mike Johnson

Speaker Mike Johnson slams NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl halftime show, calling it a terrible decision and suggesting Lee Greenwood. Johnson Calls NFL’s Decision “Terrible”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is criticizing the NFL’s selection of global superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show in February 2026.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Johnson said he believes it was a “terrible decision” by the league.

“I didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was, but it sounds like a terrible decision in my view,” Johnson said when asked about the Puerto Rican artist’s selection.

Suggests Lee Greenwood as a “Better Role Model”

Johnson added that the NFL should have picked a more traditional, family-friendly performer such as Lee Greenwood, the country music legend behind the patriotic hit “God Bless the U.S.A.”

“There are so many eyes on the Super Bowl — a lot of young, impressionable children,” Johnson said. “I think you would want role models like Lee Greenwood performing, not somebody like this.”

Conservative Backlash Over Bad Bunny’s Selection

The announcement of Bad Bunny as halftime performer has drawn criticism from several conservative figures and Trump supporters. Many see it as another sign that the NFL is at odds with conservative audiences and leaning into cultural division.

Critics claim the league is making a statement by choosing an artist known for progressive activism and outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump.

Bad Bunny’s Global Popularity and Influence

Despite the controversy, Bad Bunny (real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) is one of the most successful and influential artists in the world.
He consistently ranks among the most-streamed performers globally, alongside names like Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen.

His music, blending reggaeton, Latin trap, and pop, has built a massive following — particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and Hispanic communities across the U.S.

Political Tension Around the Super Bowl Performance

Bad Bunny has openly expressed his opposition to Trump-era immigration policies, once saying he would avoid touring in the mainland U.S. over concerns for his fans being targeted by immigration enforcement.

In the wake of his halftime announcement, some MAGA supporters have accused the NFL of “picking sides”, while others, including online commentators, argue that music should stay separate from politics.

A Clash Between Culture and Politics

Johnson’s comments highlight the ongoing cultural divide between entertainment and politics, especially when it comes to major national events like the Super Bowl.
While some fans welcome Bad Bunny’s inclusion as a sign of diversity and global reach, others believe the NFL should focus on artists with broader mainstream or patriotic appeal.

My Added Insight

The backlash around Bad Bunny’s selection reflects more than just musical preferences — it’s a snapshot of America’s cultural polarization.
Where one side sees representation and progress, the other sees provocation.
In truth, the Super Bowl halftime stage has always been about spectacle and cultural moments, and Bad Bunny’s performance will likely generate both attention and conversation — two things the NFL rarely shies away from.