Chiefs Heir Throws Support Behind Rival Super Bowl Entertainment
Gracie Hunt, the daughter of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, has publicly endorsed a conservative alternative to the NFL's official Super Bowl LX halftime show. The move places the NFL heir at the centre of a growing political dispute surrounding the league's selection of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headline performer for the February 2026 event.
A Clash of Values on America's Biggest Stage
During an appearance on Fox News Channel's The Will Cain Show on Tuesday, Hunt declared she "most definitely" supports Turning Point USA's plan to stage counter-programming. The conservative college organisation, co-founded by Charlie Kirk, announced its "All American Halftime Show" in October, directly responding to the NFL's choice of Bad Bunny.
Hunt framed her position through the legacy of her grandfather, Lamar Hunt, who coined the Super Bowl name. "When my grandfather named the Super Bowl, he intended it to be something children and families of all ages could come together and watch," she stated. She argued that football, as the main attraction, shouldn't need to "compromise its character or rely on cheap appeal."
NFL Stands Firm Amid Political Backlash
The league faces significant conservative criticism over its selection of Bad Bunny, a US citizen who has been vocal in his criticism of Donald Trump and US immigration enforcement. The backlash intensified after homeland security secretary Kristi Noem warned that immigration agents "will be all over" next year's Super Bowl and said only Americans should attend.
Despite the pressure, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has stood firm. He confirmed last month that the league will not reconsider its decision, describing Bad Bunny as "one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world." Goodell acknowledged that halftime selections often attract criticism but emphasised the process is "carefully thought through."
Hunt suggested alternative performers who might better reflect what she sees as the league's values. "An artist like [country music star] Jason Aldean might make sense," she said, while also expressing interest in seeing Taylor Swift perform "once Travis [Kelce] is retired."
The cultural divide extends beyond musical preferences. Hunt described a "massive resurgence" among young Americans "hungry for Jesus" and deeper meaning, pointing to increased Bible sales and campus baptisms. Meanwhile, Bad Bunny addressed the controversy during his Saturday Night Live monologue, highlighting Latino contributions to the US and telling viewers they had "four months to learn" Spanish if they didn't understand his remarks.
Super Bowl LX is scheduled for 8 February 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most politically charged sporting events in recent memory.
