Is Bad Bunny Being Replaced by George Strait? Fans Launch Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Petition

Is Bad Bunny being replaced by George Strait? That’s the question buzzing across social media as thousands of NFL fans rally behind a petition to swap the Puerto Rican superstar for the “King of Country” at Super Bowl LX’s halftime show.

The controversy erupted after the NFL confirmed Bad Bunny as the headliner for the February 8, 2026, halftime performance. Within hours, petitions demanding his removal began circulating online, with many fans calling for country legend George Strait to take the stage instead.

Fans Push for George Strait to Replace Bad Bunny

The backlash against Bad Bunny’s selection has been swift and intense. One petition on Change.org calling for 73-year-old George Strait to headline the show has already collected more than 1,300 signatures, while another petition seeking to replace Bad Bunny — without naming an alternative — has surpassed 10,000.

Petition organizer Kar Shell argued that the halftime show “should unite our country, honor American culture, and remain family-friendly.” In her view, Bad Bunny “represents none of these values,” citing his past drag performances and stage persona as reasons he’s not the right fit for football’s biggest night.

Fans supporting Strait point to his legendary career spanning over five decades, more than 60 No. 1 singles, and a reputation for timeless performances. Many argue that the Super Bowl stage deserves an icon whose music “brings people together” and reflects the show’s traditional Americana spirit.

Bad Bunny Responds to Critics Amid Petition Surge

Bad Bunny, one of the world’s most streamed artists and a global force in Latin music, has not remained silent amid the controversy. During his recent “Saturday Night Live” monologue, he addressed the backlash with humor, telling non-Spanish speakers they have “four months to learn” before Super Bowl Sunday.

The artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has consistently pushed cultural boundaries and brought Spanish-language music into mainstream pop. His selection as Super Bowl LX headliner marks a historic moment — making him the first Latin trap artist to lead the iconic show.

Yet, not all fans are celebrating. Critics argue the NFL is prioritizing global appeal and political messaging over tradition. Some also referenced Bad Bunny’s previous comments about avoiding U.S. tours over immigration enforcement fears, calling him a “divisive” figure for a unifying event like the Super Bowl.

Cultural Clash: Tradition vs. Global Influence

This debate reflects a deeper cultural divide over what the Super Bowl halftime show should represent. George Strait, known as the embodiment of classic American country music, symbolizes tradition and nostalgia. Bad Bunny, on the other hand, embodies a new era of global influence, multiculturalism, and artistic evolution.

The NFL has not commented on the petitions, and there’s no indication the league plans to change its decision. In past years, fan petitions have rarely resulted in lineup changes once the headliner is announced. Still, the growing movement underscores how passionately audiences feel about the halftime show’s cultural role.

As Super Bowl LX approaches, the spotlight isn’t just on who will perform — but on what kind of performance fans want the event to represent. Whether Bad Bunny holds the stage or George Strait stages an unlikely comeback, the halftime show has already become one of the most talked-about in years.

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FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Bad Bunny being replaced by George Strait?

As of now, no. Despite fan petitions, the NFL has not announced any plans to replace Bad Bunny with George Strait for the 2026 halftime show.

Q2: How many people have signed the petition?

One petition calling for George Strait has over 1,300 signatures, while another calling to remove Bad Bunny without naming a replacement has surpassed 10,000.

Q3: When is Super Bowl LX?

Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8, 2026. The halftime show will take place during the game’s mid-point as usual.

Q4: Has Bad Bunny responded to criticism?

Yes. He joked during a “Saturday Night Live” monologue that anyone who doesn’t understand Spanish has “four months to learn” before the big game.

Q5: Why are some fans against Bad Bunny?

Some critics argue that his performances are too political or provocative for a family event, while others believe the show should highlight traditional American music.