Arguments of “Seahawks or Patriots” have faded to the background while those of “Pro or Against” Bad Bunny as the halftime performer have taken center stage for internet discourse, especially this past week following the Grammy Awards.
The Puerto Rican singer/rapper's place in the game has become a political matter for some, following his public disdain for the US government, its immigration policies and his response to them.
The criticism of Bad Bunny peaked after he used his Grammys acceptance speech to protest the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
“The fact that he chose to make this speech in English when he typically speaks Spanish, that was very much showing that it was a message to people that don't speak Spanish, people are not necessarily his target audience,” assistant professor of Spanish Alejandra Márquez said. “I think that was very intentional. And I think it was a call on his part to what he said, like, focus on love and not hate. Trying to think or see the ways in which we come together instead of seeing each other as enemies across political thought or other types of differences.”
The first jab regarding immigration came in September when Bad Bunny announced he would be leaving the U.S. off of his 2025-2026 tour route out of fear that his concerts and fans would be targeted by ICE.
Some denounced Bad Bunny’s halftime performance upon its announcement in Oct. 2025, including President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who responded to it with claims of ICE being at the Super Bowl.
Others have embraced Bad Bunny as a voice against ICE and one for the Latino community.
“In a time where speaking Spanish, being an immigrant or looking or not looking the way that people think someone who is quote unquote ‘American’ should look, I think that's led to, of course, in many parts of the country, a fear of just being seen, a fear of being yourself, ” Márquez said. “And so I think that having an artist who is outspoken and supportive of Latino communities and many other communities, just having that visibility, allows people to feel certain joy in a time that feels very uncertain.”
A common complaint of those who oppose Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance is that he isn’t American. As all Puerto Ricans are, Bad Bunny is an American citizen.
“I don't really think you need to be American to be a performer,” Mechanical Engineering freshman Jay Bharatsingh said. “I mean, if you make good music, people like your music and you can perform it, that's really all that matters. A performance is just to showcase what you have to offer. It's music; everyone can enjoy music. You don't have to be American, you don't have to be Spanish, you don't have to be White or Black. It's music, it's an art.”
People also take issue with the fact that he sings and primarily speaks in Spanish, while others value that about him.
“I think this [performance] would be a nice opportunity for people who maybe haven't listened to it to just listen and see if they enjoy it or not,” Mechanical Engineering senior Raul Murillo said. “I know I have a lot of American friends who don't listen to Spanish music, but then, like, I might post some Bad Bunny, they'll be like, ‘even though I don't understand it, I enjoy it.’ So hopefully, now that he's performing to a much greater audience, more people like that get to hear his music and enjoy it for what it is.”
Those who disagree with the act, such as conservative organization Turning Point USA, have gone as far as to host an alternate performance that they are calling the “All American Halftime Show” featuring Kid Rock and other country musicians.
“I think it's just petty,” Bharatsingh said. “If you're really trying to get rid of it, at this point, just don't watch the halftime. Like, it's not that deep, it's a Super Bowl performance. Just go to next year's. [This] is two performances, I guess, like the public wins. It's out of bad intention, but I'll just look at the bright side, ‘Hey, you're getting this guy and you're also getting Bad Bunny.’ Personally, I would watch Bad Bunny.”
As Bad Bunny’s high profile is combined with the setting of one of the most-watched events in America, opinions on the topic are sure to boil over later tonight.
“If you get the most successful Latino artist, one of his most famous releases and performing at the highest level possible, his voice is gonna sound a lot stronger than many others,” Murillo said. “So I think that's why he has such an impact compared to others.”
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