House Speaker Mike Johnson has joined a growing chorus of conservative voices criticizing the NFL’s decision to name Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer, calling the pick “a terrible decision” and proposing 82-year-old country singer Lee Greenwood as a more suitable alternative.
In comments made outside the House chambers earlier this week, Johnson told Migrant Insider editor Pablo Manríquez, “I didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was. But it sounds like a terrible decision, in my view, from what I’m hearing.” He added that the Puerto Rican superstar “doesn’t appeal to a broader audience” and expressed concern about the influence such performers might have on “young, impressionable children”.
Johnson’s remarks echo those of President Donald Trump, who also claimed he had “never heard” of Bad Bunny and called the selection “absolutely ridiculous” during a Newsmax interview. Other conservative figures, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and commentator Tomi Lahren, have voiced similar disapproval, with Greene warning of “demonic sexual performances” and Lahren incorrectly suggesting Bad Bunny is “not an American artist”.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico and one of the most streamed artists globally. He holds multiple Billboard records and has previously performed at the Super Bowl alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in 2020. His upcoming halftime show marks a historic moment for Latin representation on one of the world’s biggest stages.
In response to the backlash, Bad Bunny addressed critics during his recent “Saturday Night Live” monologue, saying, “I’m very happy, and I think everyone is happy about it. Even Fox News.” He continued in Spanish, calling the performance “an achievement for all of us [Latinos]” and quipped, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn”.
Johnson’s suggestion to replace Bad Bunny with Lee Greenwood — best known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.” — underscores the cultural divide surrounding the NFL’s entertainment choices. Greenwood, a Trump supporter, performed at the 2025 inauguration and other campaign events, but hasn’t released a new album in over two decades.
Despite the criticism, Bad Bunny remains focused on celebrating his culture and fans. “I’m excited about my culture. I’m excited about everything — not just for me,” he told Apple Music in a recent interview.