100K petition demands George Strait replace Bad Bunny as 2026 Super Bowl performer — But Jay-Z and NFL say “no way”

A growing number of football fans are pushing back against the National Football League’s decision to feature Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.

A Change.org petition launched by organizer Kar Shell has now crossed 100,000 signatures, calling for country legend George Strait to take Bad Bunny’s place when the event kicks off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The petition argues that the Super Bowl halftime performance should reflect “American family values” and celebrate traditional country music, rather than showcasing an artist whose style and language, they say, “do not represent what American families expect on football’s biggest stage.”

Shell’s campaign statement describes Strait as “the King of Country,” citing his 60-plus No. 1 hits and his reputation for delivering wholesome, multigenerational performances. The organizer insists that country artists such as Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, or Luke Combs would be better suited for an event viewed by more than 100 million people each year.

But the call for a change has also exposed deep cultural tensions. The petition has become a flashpoint for broader debates about representation, diversity, and cultural identity in American entertainment. Critics of the petition accuse its backers of ignoring the NFL’s increasingly global audience and the growing Latino influence in pop culture.

Former President Donald Trump also weighed in last month, calling the selection of Bad Bunny “absolutely ridiculous” and claiming he had “never heard of him.”

Still, industry insiders say the NFL has no plans to reconsider its choice. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reaffirmed that the decision to feature Bad Bunny was deliberate and reflects the league’s mission to reach a broader demographic. “He’s one of the most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell said. “The Super Bowl is a global stage, and we want that diversity to be reflected.”

Meanwhile, Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation has helped produce the halftime shows since 2019, has publicly defended the decision. When approached by reporters in New York, the music mogul dismissed the criticism, saying, “Don’t let them fool you. America loves Bad Bunny.”

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, remains one of the world’s most streamed artists. His 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti became Spotify’s most-streamed album ever, while his concerts have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and boosted Puerto Rico’s economy.

In response to the backlash, Bad Bunny appeared unfazed during a recent Saturday Night Live monologue. “I’m very excited to be doing the Super Bowl,” he said. “It’s an achievement for all of us — especially Latinos who have worked hard to open doors in this country.” He ended his statement with a tongue-in-cheek remark: “And if you didn’t understand what I said, you have four months to learn.”

For now, it appears that the NFL is standing firm. With Super Bowl LX scheduled for February 8, 2026, Bad Bunny’s halftime show is moving forward — controversy and all.

FAQ Section

Q1: Why do some fans want Bad Bunny replaced at the 2026 Super Bowl?
A petition with over 100,000 signatures argues that Bad Bunny’s style and performances are not “family-friendly” and do not reflect traditional American music culture.

Q2: Who do fans want to perform instead?
The petition names George Strait as the preferred replacement, calling him a “symbol of American music” and suggesting other country stars like Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood.

Q3: What is the NFL’s stance on the controversy?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league stands by its decision, emphasizing Bad Bunny’s global appeal and the importance of diversity in entertainment.

Q4: How did Jay-Z respond to critics?
Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation helps select halftime performers, defended Bad Bunny, saying that “America loves him” and calling the backlash misguided.

Q5: What has Bad Bunny said about the issue?
During a recent SNL appearance, Bad Bunny expressed pride in representing the Latino community and joked that critics “have four months to learn Spanish.”

Q6: When is the 2026 Super Bowl taking place?
Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.