The NFL isn’t backing down from its Tremendous Bowl halftime selection.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made it clear that the league stays totally dedicated to having Unhealthy Bunny headline subsequent yr’s Tremendous Bowl halftime present — regardless of backlash from the Trump administration and a few conservative critics.
“He’s one of many main and hottest entertainers on the planet. That’s what we attempt to obtain,” Goodell advised reporters on Wednesday, per The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s an vital stage for us. It’s an vital ingredient to the leisure worth, and it’s rigorously thought by means of. I’m unsure we’ve ever chosen an artist the place we didn’t have some blowback and criticism. It’s fairly laborious to do.”
The Puerto Rican celebrity, identified for hits like “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Moscow Mule,” was introduced because the headliner for the Apple Music Tremendous Bowl Halftime Present in September — a choice that instantly generated each pleasure and controversy. However Goodell made it clear the league stands behind the selection, emphasizing that Unhealthy Bunny’s international affect and cultural attain make him an ideal match for the NFL’s greatest stage.
Whereas the halftime present is about to heart on the Grammy-winning artist, Goodell teased that there may nonetheless be surprises in retailer. “The present will evolve from right here,” he stated, hinting that further performers could be part of Unhealthy Bunny onstage. “I’m not saying that there gained’t be further expertise that is perhaps concerned, however that’s all the time the way in which it really works.”
The commissioner pointed to previous Tremendous Bowl performances that featured a number of visitor stars, corresponding to Usher’s 2024 halftime present with Alicia Keys, Ludacris and Lil Jon, and Kendrick Lamar’s 2023 set with SZA, Serena Williams and Samuel L. Jackson.
Unhealthy Bunny, 30, beforehand reacted to the huge honor with satisfaction and gratitude, calling the chance “greater than myself.” “What I’m feeling goes past myself,” he stated in an announcement. “It’s for many who got here earlier than me and ran numerous yards so I may are available in and rating a landing. That is for my individuals, my tradition and our historical past. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el Halftime Present del Tremendous Bowl.”
Regardless of the controversy, Goodell expressed confidence that the present can be one for the books. “We’re assured it’s going to be a great present,” he added. “He understands the platform that he’s on, and I feel it’s going to be an thrilling and uniting second.”
