A petition has been initiated calling for country music icon George Strait to take the place of Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny as the halftime performer for the Super Bowl.
Since the NFL announced Bad Bunny as the headliner, the league has faced backlash from upset fans and even officials from the White House, who have criticized the decision to feature the Latin superstar. In light of this controversy, some fans have proposed alternative performers, with one petition advocating for George Strait to step in for Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. This call comes after Bad Bunny opted not to include the U.S. in his world tour due to concerns that his fans might be targeted by ICE raids.
The Change.org petition, created by Kar Shell, argues that Strait should headline the show, emphasizing that it should celebrate both the sport and “the cultural tapestry of America.”
The petition highlights that recent halftime shows have increasingly featured modern pop and international artists, which, while broadening the audience, risks overshadowing the foundational elements of American music. Shell asserts that Strait embodies “the heart and soul of American music,” noting his impressive career spanning over 40 years and more than 60 No. 1 hits. The petition states that Strait is not only a legend in country music but also a significant figure in American musical history, with his timeless songs appealing to a wide range of listeners, from long-time fans to newcomers.