Super Bowl Halftime Show headlining Bad Bunny; College Students Respond
By Madi Deskovick
College students were asked the question, “Should Bad Bunny perform at the Super Bowl this year?” 55 students participated in this poll, and the results may be surprising. 18% of students said yes, Bad Bunny should perform, while a significant 82% of students said no, he should not take on the halftime show. These results weren’t based solely on music genre preferences; many students had other reasons for their choices.
Bad Bunny, born in Puerto Rico, was officially announced to be the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Performer on September 28th, and quickly sparked mixed opinions. Many are in support of the Latin Artist performing, as they think that incorporating Latin music and culture is important. They believe his performance will make an important statement about America’s diversity and inclusivity.
Others are upset with this decision. Arguments have surfaced due to his performances being primarily in Spanish and his previous choice to avoid playing shows in the US this past year due to his concerns about ICE detaining fans at his shows. He has also received pushback due to his political activism against the Trump administration and his advocacy for Puerto Rican independence from the United States. People are viewing this as him being “anti-America”, while he begins planning to perform at the largest American football event.
A junior at Sul Ross State University was asked, “Should Bad Bunny play at the Super Bowl and why?” He answered with, “Yes, he is one of the biggest names in the world when it comes to music, so it’s kind of hard not to choose him feel proud to have a Puerto Rican to represent our country and our people. It’s something inspiring.”Other students had similar responses, expressing pride and excitement in Bad Bunny performing.
Not all students shared the same feeling. A Sul Ross sophomore responded, “No, I think someone who hates America shouldn’t be able to play in America, especially when there are so many other options for people to play that love America”. Others related to her opinion in the poll. Members of the public are so strongly against Bad Bunny performing that a petition on Change.org has even circulated calling for Bad Bunny to be replaced by “The King of Country Music,” George Strait.
Despite the controversy, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced recently that Bad Bunny will not be replaced.
No matter who is named the official Super Bowl Half Time show performer, remembering the love of the sport of American football is what brings families together when they turn on their television on Super Bowl Sunday.
