🔗 Share this article

America's top football league will not drop the global music icon as the star attraction for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated this week.

With this affirmation, Goodell reaffirmed the decision to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the most-watched platform, a move that drew negative reactions from the former president and some of his supporters.

Goodell commented on the debate during his news conference following the annual fall owners meeting. This marks the first time he has spoken out on the selection, which has attracted global interest, including a rise in streams of Bad Bunny’s music alongside opposition.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” the commissioner remarked. “I doubt we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have pushback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally countless viewers of people that are watching.”

The reggaeton star, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of the former leader. He recently opted to do a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, avoiding performances in the continental United States, citing concerns about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The artist, who sings primarily in his native language, is anticipated to do so at the Super Bowl.

“We’re confident it’s going to be a spectacular performance,” Goodell said. “He understands the opportunity that he’s on, and in my view it will prove exciting and a unifying experience.”

The host team are staging the Super Bowl on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area. There is uncertainty if the former president plans to be there, though he has turned physical attendance at high-profile games a key aspect of his current presidency.

The political figure during a discussion on conservative news network Newsmax said he had “no knowledge of” the performer.

“I’m unfamiliar with who he is,” Trump stated. “I can’t comprehend the reasoning behind it. It seems absurd. And then, they blame it on an outside booker they hired to select entertainment. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”

Goodell supported the choice on Wednesday, explaining it was determined because of the artist’s immense popularity.

“He’s one of the top and most popular performers globally,” he affirmed. “This is exactly what we aim to achieve. It’s an important platform for us. It’s an important component to the overall experience.”