A Quinnipiac University poll shows that Americans are heavily divided on the NFL’s decision to feature Puerto Rican-born artist Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show performer.
The division mostly follows party lines, and the decision has faced strong political backlash, mainly from conservative leaders and the media.
Almost half of Americans, 48 percent, support the NFL’s choice to have Bad Bunny perform at the Super Bowl halftime show this February. Whereas 29 percent do not support this choice, and 24 percent did not express their opinion.
Data also shows that 74 percent of Democrats and 52 percent of independents approve of the halftime show, compared to 63 percent of Republicans who disapprove, according to the survey conducted by Quinnipiac University.
Black and Hispanic adults overwhelmingly support the performance, with approval ratings of 61 percent and 65 percent, respectively, with only 41 percent of white adults approving.
Younger adults aged 18 to 34 are most enthusiastic, with 64 percent backing Bad Bunny, whereas adults 65 and older are nearly evenly divided.
The numbers show a great shift in American culture as Bad Bunny appeals to a diverse and younger demographic that increasingly influences media and entertainment.
Critics, including some conservative voices and political figures, have openly challenged the choice, arguing it strays from tradition.
Yet the majority of younger viewers and minority communities see it as a milestone moment, representing inclusion and modernity in one of the biggest entertainment stages in the world.
Approval is highest among Democrats and independents, while Republicans lean heavily toward disapproval. Younger audiences are more supportive, while older adults remain split.
The NFL’s choice of a global superstar for the Super Bowl Halftime Show signals how deeply pop culture and sports now intertwine.
But as Brittani Webb, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Media Studies at Quinnipiac University, points out, even a figure as widely loved as Bad Bunny can’t sidestep the political tensions running through the country.
“For anyone still arguing that sports are apolitical,” Webb said, “the polarized reactions tell a different story.”
The debate over Bad Bunny’s halftime show shows how sports and culture are closely connected. Many people see the show as a sign that the country is changing. The Super Bowl is not just about football anymore. It also shows what America looks like today.
How Bad Bunny Beats Donald Trump at the Pop Culture Game
Even with criticism from the Trump administration and other Republican voices, Bad Bunny’s selection remains strong.
Approval from Democrats, independents, and younger fans shows that Bad Bunny’s halftime show is a clear cultural win. While political opposition draws attention, most people support the global superstar.
The event has become a symbol of music and culture’s power to unite. Bad Bunny’s popularity proves that connecting with the audience matters more than political backlash.
His performance reminds Americans that talent and cultural impact can overcome even the strongest critics, showing that music continues to bring people together.
