House Speaker Mike Johnson Criticizes ‘Terrible’ Bad Bunny Super Bowl Booking
The U.S. House remains adjourned amid a tense government shutdown. During this time, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed criticism towards the upcoming Super Bowl halftime performer, Bad Bunny. Johnson labeled the booking as a “terrible decision,” stating he was unfamiliar with the artist’s work.
Bad Bunny’s Impact and Achievements
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, is recognized as a leading figure in modern pop music. At just 31 years old, he has already made significant strides in the music industry:
- He is the first Latin artist to achieve 100 songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
- His all-Spanish album, “El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2020.
- He is tied with Taylor Swift for the most No. 1 entries on the Billboard Global 200 among solo artists.
- His 2022 album, “Un Verano Sin Ti,” is the most streamed album in Spotify’s history.
- He garnered an impressive 80 million monthly listeners on Spotify from 2020 to 2022.
Additionally, Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico broke sales records for the Coliseo, and his final show’s livestream became the most-watched in Amazon Music history.
Johnson’s Alternative Choice
In his critique, Johnson suggested a more traditional choice for the Super Bowl halftime show: 82-year-old country singer Lee Greenwood. Greenwood is renowned for his patriotic anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” which has been popular since the 1980s. Despite his lasting legacy, Greenwood has not released new music since 2003 and performed at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Public Reactions and Controversy
Johnson’s sentiments mirrored those of former President Donald Trump. Trump similarly expressed ignorance of Bad Bunny’s work, labeling the Super Bowl booking as “crazy” and criticizing Roc Nation for their decision. He also referenced an oversight in the entertainment selection process, questioning the promoters involved.
Critics from the right, including Trump’s former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, have labeled the decision “shameful.” They voiced concerns about Bunny’s previous critiques of the Trump administration and the artist’s tendency to perform primarily in Spanish.
Safety Concerns at the Super Bowl
As criticism escalates, Lewandowski highlighted a notable warning about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence at the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, scheduled for February 8. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that ICE agents would be “all over” the event, which some argue could reflect undercurrents of political tension involving Bad Bunny’s heritage.
Despite the backlash, Bad Bunny embraced his Super Bowl appearance during a recent *Saturday Night Live* hosting. He humorously addressed language barriers, encouraging viewers to learn Spanish in preparation for the performance.
As opinions continue to divide over the Super Bowl’s entertainment choice, Bad Bunny remains a significant and influential figure in music, further igniting discussions around cultural representation at major events.
