NFL Succumbs To Bad Bunny Criticism And Announces Special Super Bowl Concert With Sting
By Fiyin Olowokandi on October 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
In a seemingly unexpected bid to calm the frenzy over Bad Bunny headlining the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, the NFL has introduced a special feature.
Singer Sting has been announced as part of a lineup for a pre-Super Bowl concert, set for February 6 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, just two days before the big game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
However, given the strong opposition to the NFL’s choice of the Puerto Rican star, the question remains, will this move be enough to silence the critics?
Singer Sting Tapped In For A Performance At A Super Bowl-Branded Show
On October 28, the NFL’s hospitality provider, On Location, confirmed that the “Every Breath You Take” singer would be the main act at a spin-off event, per Entertainment Weekly.
According to On Location's website, Sting's show is part of Super Bowl LX Studio 60, an event series designed to deliver an “epic weekend of unforgettable music entertainment at one of San Francisco's most iconic venues.”
While specific details about the concert remain under wraps, tickets start at $750, offering fans a premium experience that includes opportunities to meet both former and current NFL players.
The Studio 60 series will continue for a second night on February 7 at the same venue, though performers for that evening have yet to be announced.
NFL Commissioner Stood By Their Bad Bunny Selection
The hiring of Sting for a Super Bowl spin-off concert comes shortly after the football organization reaffirmed its decision to have the "I Like It" collaborator headline the 2026 Halftime Show.
At a press conference last week, as The Blast reported, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell revealed that their choice was deliberate and acknowledged that criticism of their halftime bookings is nothing new.
Addressing the criticism, he expressed confidence that Bad Bunny would deliver a spectacular performance, which, according to him, would be an “exciting and united moment.”
Critics Go to Extreme Lengths To Make Sure Bad Bunny Won’t Perform On Football’s Biggest Stage
Before Goodell broke his silence on the matter, a petition lodged on Change.org called on the NFL to axe the three-time Grammy winner from the gig.
Per The Blast, the petition, which garnered over fifty thousand signatures, cited reasons why Bad Bunny should be removed. It stated that his music style and “drag performances” are not what families should be seeing on the stage.
The petition then demanded that George Strait replace Bad Bunny. According to the letter, Strait is a better pick given his musical style, which resonates with generations and embodies true American music.
Now, although Strait was not hired, it appears the football league may, in fact, be taking the critics' concerns to heart.
What Jay-Z Has To Say Amid The Controversy
Alongside the NFL’s defense of Bad Bunny, Jay- Z also recently reacted to the backlash, and in his opinion, it is manufactured.
As The Blast reported, a day ago, when asked in an interview about the hate surrounding Bad Bunny, the rapper responded, “They love him. Don't let them fool you.”
Although the “Forever Young” hitmaker did not say more, his cryptic reply seemingly reinforced his support for Bad Bunny.
Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation oversees the selection of Super Bowl headliners, had previously praised Bad Bunny when the announcement was made, saying, “We are honored to have him on the world's biggest stage.”
Bad Bunny Blasted for Remaining Seated During National Anthem
Amid the ongoing backlash, Bad Bunny seems to have ruffled more feathers with his recent actions. Earlier this month, The Blast reported that the artist appeared to remain seated during the traditional seventh-inning performance of "God Bless America" at a New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays game.
Photos and videos from the match showed the “Mia” singer sitting with friends behind home plate while most fans around them stood with their hands over their hearts as the crowd sang the patriotic tune.
The moment quickly went viral, prompting MAGA supporters to lash out at the 31-year-old songwriter, accusing him of disrespecting the country.
MAGA political commentator Tomi Lahren slammed the singer on X, writing, "Bad Bunny appears to stay seated during 'God Bless America' at Yankee Stadium... Yeah, because he has a clear disdain for America. He's an -sshole."
