With Bad Bunny already set to headline the halftime show, the NFL has now confirmed the pregame performers for Super Bowl LX, taking place on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth will deliver the national anthem, while Brandi Carlile takes on “America the Beautiful,” and actress-singer Coco Jones performs “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
“These artists bring a distinct voice to the moment, helping set the tone for a day that will captivate fans around the world,” said Jon Barker, the NFL’s senior vice president of global event production.
Star-Studded Lineup With Generational Talent
Unlike the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny, the pregame choices have received relatively little backlash.
Puth, a Berklee College of Music alumnus, is a Golden Globe winner and four-time Grammy nominee.
Carlile boasts 11 Grammy wins, while Jones—engaged to NBA star Donovan Mitchell—currently plays Hilary Banks on Peacock’s “Bel-Air.”
The pregame performances will be broadcast live on NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock, highlighting the NFL’s effort to reach audiences across multiple platforms.
“Charlie, Brandi, and Coco are generational talents, and we are honored to have them—alongside our extraordinary deaf performers—on Super Bowl LX’s world stage,” said Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation, which produces the show.
Bad Bunny Halftime Choice Sparks Controversy
The selection of Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny for the halftime show has sparked heated debate.
Known for his criticism of former President Donald Trump and his immigration policies, the Spanish-language performer has drawn ire from conservative commentators.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the choice, emphasizing the artist’s global popularity and the entertainment value he brings.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular in the world.
That’s what we try to achieve,” Goodell said. “It’s an important stage, an important element to the entertainment value.
I think it’s going to be an exciting and united moment.”
Conservative Backlash and Petition Campaign
Some critics, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have suggested alternative performers, such as Lee Greenwood or George Strait, to emphasize traditional American music.
A petition even called for Strait to replace Bad Bunny, citing concerns over the rapper’s gender-bending performances and questioning whether his show aligns with family-friendly values.
“The Super Bowl halftime show should unite our country, honor American culture, and remain family-friendly, not be turned into a political stunt,” read the petition.
Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z, has produced the Super Bowl halftime show since 2019 and is responsible for selecting the performers.
Bad Bunny previously appeared on the 2022 halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, though that year drew less criticism.
Bad Bunny’s Global Reach vs. Traditional Icons
Bad Bunny commands over 77 million monthly listeners on Spotify and was the platform’s most-streamed artist for three consecutive years.
In contrast, George Strait has 8.2 million monthly listeners but has sold over 120 million records worldwide, compared to Bad Bunny’s 111 million since 2013.
Despite the debate, the NFL is moving forward with its lineup, combining traditional patriotic songs, generational talents, and one of the world’s biggest music stars for what promises to be a high-profile, culturally significant Super Bowl experience.
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