NFL announces Super Bowl concert amid backlash from Bad Bunny
By Fiyin Olowokandi | Published: 2025-10-29 19:00:00 | Source: The Blast
In a seemingly unexpected attempt to calm the agitation Bad bunny Headlining the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, the NFL has put together a special feature.
singer Sting It was announced as part of the lineup for a pre-Super Bowl concert, scheduled for February 6 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, just two days before the big game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
However, given the strong opposition to the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican star, the question remains: Will this move be enough to silence critics?
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Singer Sting has been tapped to perform at a Super Bowl-themed show
On October 28, NFL hospitality provider On Location confirmed that the “Every Breath You Take” singer will be the headline act at a showcase event, according to Entertainment Weekly.
According to On Location, Sting’s show is part of Super Bowl LX Studio 60, an event series designed to deliver “an epic weekend of unforgettable musical entertainment at one of San Francisco’s most iconic venues.”
While specific details about the concert are still being kept under wraps, tickets start at $750, providing fans with a premium experience that includes opportunities to meet former and current NFL players.
The Studio 60 series will continue for a second night on February 7 at the same venue, although that evening’s performers have yet to be announced.
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The NFL commissioner stood by their selection of Bad Bunny
Hiring Sting for a Super Bowl showcase concert comes shortly after the football organization confirmed its decision to make the “I Like It” collaborator the headliner for the 2026 halftime show.
In a press conference last week, as The Blast reported, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell revealed that their selection was deliberate and admitted that criticism of their halftime bookings is nothing new.
Addressing the criticism, he expressed confidence that Bad Bunny would deliver an amazing performance, which, according to him, would be an “exciting and unifying moment.”
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Pundits are doing their best to make sure Bad Bunny won’t be performing on football’s biggest stage
Before Goodell broke his silence on the matter, a petition on Change.org called for the NFL to exclude the three-time Grammy winner from the gig.
According to The Blast, the petition, which received over fifty thousand signatures, stated reasons why Bad Bunny should be removed. She stated that his musical style and “drag shows” are not what families should see on stage.
The petition then demanded that George Strait replace Bad Bunny. According to the letter, Strait is a better choice due to his musical style that resonates across generations and embodies true American music.
Now, despite Street not being signed, it appears the Football Association may actually take critics’ concerns seriously.
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What Jay-Z has to say amid controversy
Along with the NFL’s defense of Bad Bunny, Jay-Z also recently responded to the backlash and, in his opinion, it was manufactured.
As The Blast reported, a day ago, when the rapper was asked in an interview about the hate surrounding Bad Bunny, he responded: “They love him.” Don’t let them fool you
Although the “Forever Young” hitmaker didn’t say more, his cryptic response seemingly solidified his support for Bad Bunny.
Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation is overseeing the Super Bowl’s headline selection, had previously praised Bad Bunny when the announcement was made, saying: “We’re honored to have him on the biggest stage in the world.”
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Bad Bunny was criticized for remaining seated during the national anthem
Amid the ongoing backlash, it appears Bad Bunny has ruffled even more feathers with his recent actions. Earlier this month, The Blast reported that the artist appeared to remain seated during a traditional seventh-inning performance of “God Bless America” at the New York Yankees’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Photos and videos from the game showed the “Mia” singer sitting with her friends behind home plate while most of the fans stood around them with their hands over their hearts as the crowd sang the patriotic tune.
The moment quickly went viral, prompting MAGA supporters to attack the 31-year-old songwriter, accusing him of disrespecting the country.
MAGA political commentator Tomi Lahren criticized the singer on
(tags for translation) Super Bowl Halftime Show
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