JOHN FOGERTY SLAMS BAD BUNNY’S SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW POSSIBILITY: “IT’S AN INSULT TO AMERICAN MUSIC” nn

JOHN FOGERTY SLAMS BAD BUNNY’S SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW POSSIBILITY: “IT’S AN INSULT TO AMERICAN MUSIC”

In an outpouring of strong opinions that has stirred controversy across the music and sports worlds, John Fogerty, the legendary musician behind Creedence Clearwater Revival, made his feelings clear about the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show. The iconic rock star, known for his powerful songs that shaped American music, voiced his disapproval over the possibility of Bad Bunny, the global reggaeton and Latin trap artist, performing during the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Fogerty’s critique has sent shockwaves through both the entertainment industry and the sports world, with his passionate remarks about the direction of the Super Bowl’s musical choices sparking an ongoing debate about what the halftime show should represent in 2025.

John Fogerty’s Bold Statement



In a recent interview, Fogerty did not mince words when discussing the potential inclusion of Bad Bunny — an artist known for his boundary-pushing fashion and music that blends Latin sounds with mainstream pop culture. Fogerty made it clear that, in his view, the Super Bowl stage should only be used to showcase artists who embody the traditional spirit of American music. He took to social media, boldly declaring:

“Bringing a man in a dress to the Super Bowl? Then don’t call it football, call it a circus.”

For Fogerty, the Super Bowl Halftime Show is not just another performance — it’s one of the biggest and most-watched events in the world. For decades, it has been a stage that has celebrated American musical icons, from Beyoncé to Prince, and from Bruce Springsteen to Shakira. But now, with Bad Bunny in the running, Fogerty feels that the NFL is straying from the values that have defined the Super Bowl’s musical legacy.

The Super Bowl: A Platform for American Music

The Super Bowl halftime show is more than just a musical performance — it’s a cultural moment. With an estimated audience of over 100 million people worldwide, the halftime show is a powerful platform where American musical legends showcase their talents. It’s a moment when the world comes together to celebrate the music that has defined American culture.

For John Fogerty, whose own contributions to the fabric of American music are monumental, the Super Bowl should be a celebration of the very sounds and styles that shaped the nation — rock, blues, soul, and country. It’s a stage that has historically honored the greats of American music, including Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, and Lady Gaga. These artists have all used the Super Bowl stage to express the heart and soul of America, delivering powerful performances that reflect the spirit of the nation.

But now, with Bad Bunny — whose music and fashion are shaped by the reggaeton and Latin trap genres — in the spotlight, Fogerty feels that the Super Bowl is being turned into something unrecognizable. Fogerty believes that Bad Bunny represents an international pop culture that, while valid and important in its own right, is not a reflection of the American musical tradition. For Fogerty, it’s not a critique of Bad Bunny as an artist, but of what he sees as a dilution of the American musical identity.

The Fashion Controversy

At the heart of Fogerty’s comments is Bad Bunny‘s fashion choices, which have sparked significant debate. Known for his androgynous, gender-fluid clothing — including dresses, skirts, and high heels — Bad Bunny has challenged the norms of masculinity in pop culture. His fashion choices have earned him admiration for pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a pop star.

But for Fogerty, this focus on fashion comes at the expense of the musical legacy that he feels should take center stage. Fogerty believes the Super Bowl Halftime Show should be a celebration of musical excellence, not a platform for fashion-driven spectacle. While Bad Bunny’s fashion may be groundbreaking in many ways, Fogerty feels that it risks overshadowing the music and the artistry that made the Super Bowl such a coveted platform in the first place.

In an era when music is being celebrated for its inclusivity and diversity, Fogerty’s stance may seem antiquated to some. However, for the rock legend, the Super Bowl should stay true to its roots — roots that were built on the foundations of American music.

The Rise of Latin Music in Mainstream Culture

While Fogerty is not shy about his criticism of Bad Bunny’s inclusion, the reality is that Bad Bunny represents a new wave in the music industry. Latin music, especially reggaeton, has risen to become a dominant force in pop culture, with artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Rosalía gaining worldwide recognition. Bad Bunny himself has become a global sensation, earning multiple Grammy wins and breaking streaming records, demonstrating the growing influence of Latin music in mainstream culture.

For many fans, Bad Bunny is not just an artist; he’s a cultural symbol. His rise to prominence reflects the changing face of pop culture, where artists from diverse backgrounds, countries, and genres are being celebrated for their influence and creativity. His inclusion in the Super Bowl Halftime Show would be a historic moment — a testament to the global nature of music today.

Cultural Clash: American Tradition vs. Global Trends

Fogerty’s criticism of Bad Bunny highlights the tension between traditional American values and the growing influence of global trends in music. For some, Bad Bunny’s inclusion in the Super Bowl would be a breakthrough moment for Latin culture, showcasing how music is no longer confined by borders. But for Fogerty, it’s a sign of a larger cultural shift that may be leaving American musical traditions behind.

This cultural divide between honoring American musical heritage and embracing global influence has created a deep rift among fans and critics. The question now is whether the NFL will remain true to the legacy of the Super Bowl, or if it will continue to embrace the evolving, increasingly globalized landscape of music and entertainment.

The Future of the Super Bowl Halftime Show

As the Super Bowl approaches, the debate surrounding the Halftime Show continues to rage. Will Bad Bunny take the stage as the first Latin artist to headline? Or will the NFL heed Fogerty’s call and preserve the tradition of showcasing American artists whose music has shaped the country’s cultural identity?

What is clear is that the conversation surrounding the Super Bowl Halftime Show is no longer just about entertainment — it’s a reflection of larger cultural questions about music, tradition, and the evolving identity of American pop culture.

John Fogerty’s words have ignited a firestorm of discussion that transcends music — it’s about what the Super Bowl, as a symbol of American pride, should represent in a rapidly changing world.