The Super Bowl is the most watched sporting event in the United States. It has always been an American sport first and the halftime show has become the most viewed part of the event. More than 133 million watched the halftime show this year while about 127 million watched the game. Between 5 and 30 percent of viewers leave after halftime which shows that the performer is the main draw for tens of millions.

In the past, the NFL has picked artists who made sense for the audience. The Weeknd had songs on pop radio and in films. He had worked with Daft Punk and Kanye West. Kendrick Lamar was part of the 2022 halftime show with Eminem who is one of the most well known artists in America. He also featured on a Taylor Swift song which made him familiar to her fans. Rihanna, Usher, and Justin Timberlake are names that most people across age groups recognize. These choices worked because the audience could connect them to music they knew.

Bad Bunny is different. He performs almost entirely in Spanish while most Americans speak English. It makes more sense to choose someone who sings in the primary language of the country where the sport is played. If the NFL plays in Mexico, Puerto Rico, or Brazil then a local artist would make sense because they match the language of the audience there. For the American Super Bowl it makes sense to have an artist that performs in English so viewers can understand the lyrics and connect with the songs. Most people have never heard a single Bad Bunny song and even if they have it is usually because he was featured on someone else’s track which is not likely to be the main song performed.

It is true that picking a halftime artist is not easy, but there are many choices that would fit better. Nickelback, the Backstreet Boys, Jelly Roll, Adele, John Legend, Metallica, Green Day, Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa, Elton John, Post Malone, Drake, and Travis Scott are all options that would connect with far more viewers. They sing in English, they are widely known, and they would bring families together instead of leaving much of the audience confused.

The halftime show should unite the audience, not create a barrier with music most viewers cannot understand. Please sign this petition to ask the NFL to choose a performer who fits the event and connects with the American a

udience.