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By Joshua Sammons
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Welcome back to The Conversation, Newsweek’s weekly highlight of comments from our readers*.* It’s officially Super Bowl Week, one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
One of the major talking points in the build-up to the Super Bowl has been the choice of Bad Bunny as headline act for the half-time show. The selection has been a hot topic of debate since it was announced last year.
President Donald Trump said he would skip the event altogether, dismissing the halftime lineup as a "terrible choice."
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In response to the backlash, Conservative group Turning Point USA organized a competing "all-American Halftime Show" headlined by Kid Rock, that will be streamed at the same time as the Super Bowl’s halftime show.
The Puerto Rican singer also made headlines this week after winning Album of the Year at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Taking the stage Sunday night, he delivered a statement critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying: "Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement out. We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans."
What can’t be argued however, is his popularity not just in America but worldwide. He is Spotify’s most-streamed artist globally in 2025 and a recent Grammy Award winner.
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Fans have also celebrated the pick, calling it a highlight of cultural representation that will be viewed by millions of people.
Here is what Newsweek readers had to say:
On How Bad Bunny’s Popularity Compares to Trump
Original Article: Bad Bunny and Donald Trump’s Popularity Compared Ahead of Super Bowl
Background: As Trump opposed Bad Bunny’s upcoming show, recent polling reveals how Americans feel about the performer versus the president.
Original Comment: "The NFL is football for the masses with a great half-time promoting culture. trump, on the other hand, is not football but uses football trying to improve his numbers. Their idea of culture, and the turning point half time culture is not for the masses, but a niche group of angry people at half time. But they will still watch the football game afterwards. Go NFL." Timekeeper
Editor’s Note: In response to the article, this commenter states that the NFL is enjoyed by the masses and that the half-time show represents this broad cultural appeal. They claim that the rival Turning Point show, by contrast, doesn’t reflect that same mainstream reach or audience.
Original Comment: "I don't care for Bad Bunny's music, but I've felt the same of many Super Bowl half-time performers. They have too often been aging rock stars past their prime or pop or hip-hop/rap artists, none of which I care to see. I go about doing other things during halftime.
"Getting more food ready, bathroom breaks, whatever. So I find it hard to be 'outraged' over him performing at the game. If you don't like his music or his politics, don't watch. Simple." LifeGoesOn
Editor’s Note: This commenter notes that Super Bowl half-time shows have never appealed to everyone. Rather than expressing outrage, they suggest that viewers can simply skip the performance.
On Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show Sparking Debate
Original Article: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Sparks Debate Over Language, Politics
Background: Newsweek’s Jesus Mesa looks at the timeline of the Super Bowl half-time announcement—from Bad Bunny’s announcement on SNL to the reactions from fans and critics alike.
Original Comment: "The solution seems simple, don’t watch the half-time show. Don’t cry, don’t be entitled or start a petition, don’t watch. They’re not going to change the show for you, just accept that not everything is for you." Jay Walking
Editor’s Note: Sharing similar thoughts, this commenter agrees that if anyone has issues with the halftime performance, they can simply skip it and move on.
On the MAGA Reaction to the Rival Super Bowl Halftime Show
Original Article: MAGA Reacts To Line Up For Turning Point’s Rival Super Bowl Halftime Show
Background: TurningPoint USA has officially announced the line-up for its rival Super Bowl half-time show, and MAGA supporters have shared their responses online.
Original Comment: "Won’t be watching either. Sporting events should not be used for political purposes by either party. Boycott the Super Bowl!!!" Hmmmmm
Editor’s Note: This commenter emphasizes that sporting events should remain separate from politics. Their view represents one of several perspectives on the rival halftime show and the broader Super Bowl conversation.
Original Comment: "Can't wait to see the numbers afterward. The NFL sold their fans out and this half-time show is just the most recent episode of sticking their thumb in the eyes of patriotic fans who made the league the success it used to be." GigaChadMusk
Editor’s Note: Taking a stronger approach, this commenter argues that the NFL has alienated some of their longtime fans. The comment represents one perspective among the range of reactions to the line-up.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments on this story and more. Do you agree or disagree with these comments? Let us know and make sure to check out more highlighted comments over the next few weeks.
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