In a seemingly sudden bid to calm the frenzy over Bad Bunny headlining the 2026 Tremendous Bowl halftime present, the NFL has launched a particular function.
Singer Sting has been introduced as a part of a lineup for a pre-Tremendous Bowl live performance, set for February 6 on the Palace of High quality Arts in San Francisco, simply two days earlier than the large sport at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Nonetheless, given the sturdy opposition to the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican star, the query stays, will this transfer be sufficient to silence the critics?
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Singer Sting Tapped In For A Efficiency At A Tremendous Bowl-Branded Present
On October 28, the NFL’s hospitality supplier, On Location, confirmed that the “Each Breath You Take” singer can be the primary act at a spin-off occasion, per Entertainment Weekly.
In line with On Location’s web site, Sting’s present is a part of Tremendous Bowl LX Studio 60, an occasion sequence designed to ship an “epic weekend of unforgettable music leisure at one in all San Francisco’s most iconic venues.”
Whereas particular particulars concerning the live performance stay beneath wraps, tickets begin at $750, providing followers a premium expertise that features alternatives to fulfill each former and present NFL gamers.
The Studio 60 sequence will proceed for a second night time on February 7 on the similar venue, although performers for that night have but to be introduced.
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NFL Commissioner Stood By Their Unhealthy Bunny Choice
The hiring of Sting for a Tremendous Bowl spin-off live performance comes shortly after the soccer group reaffirmed its choice to have the “I Like It” collaborator headline the 2026 Halftime Present.
At a press convention final week, as The Blast reported, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell revealed that their selection was deliberate and acknowledged that criticism of their halftime bookings is nothing new.
Addressing the criticism, he expressed confidence that Unhealthy Bunny would ship a spectacular efficiency, which, in keeping with him, can be an “thrilling and united second.”
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Critics Go to Excessive Lengths To Make Positive Unhealthy Bunny Received’t Carry out On Soccer’s Greatest Stage
Earlier than Goodell broke his silence on the matter, a petition lodged on Change.org known as 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 the reason why Unhealthy Bunny ought to be eliminated. It acknowledged that his music model and “drag performances” usually are not what households ought to be seeing on the stage.
The petition then demanded that George Strait exchange Unhealthy Bunny. In line with the letter, Strait is a greater choose given his musical model, which resonates with generations and embodies true American music.
Now, though Strait was not employed, it seems the soccer league could, in actual fact, be taking the critics’ considerations to coronary heart.
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What Jay-Z Has To Say Amid The Controversy
Alongside the NFL’s protection of Unhealthy Bunny, Jay- Z additionally just lately reacted to the backlash, and in his opinion, it’s manufactured.
As The Blast reported, a day in the past, when requested in an interview concerning the hate surrounding Unhealthy Bunny, the rapper responded, “They love him. Do not allow them to idiot you.”
Though the “Ceaselessly Younger” hitmaker didn’t say extra, his cryptic reply seemingly strengthened his help for Unhealthy Bunny.
Jay-Z, whose firm Roc Nation oversees the choice of Tremendous Bowl headliners, had beforehand praised Unhealthy Bunny when the announcement was made, saying, “We’re honored to have him on the world’s greatest stage.”
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Unhealthy Bunny Blasted for Remaining Seated Throughout Nationwide Anthem
Amid the continuing backlash, Unhealthy Bunny appears to have ruffled extra feathers along with his latest actions. Earlier this month, The Blast reported that the artist appeared to stay seated throughout the conventional seventh-inning efficiency of “God Bless America” at a New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays sport.
Pictures and movies from the match confirmed the “Mia” singer sitting with buddies behind residence plate whereas most followers round them stood with their palms over their hearts as the gang sang the patriotic tune.
The second shortly went viral, prompting MAGA supporters to lash out on the 31-year-old songwriter, accusing him of disrespecting the nation.
MAGA political commentator Tomi Lahren slammed the singer on X, writing, “Unhealthy Bunny seems to remain seated throughout ‘God Bless America’ at Yankee Stadium… Yeah, as a result of he has a transparent disdain for America. He is an -sshole.”
