Country music icon Lee Greenwood has broken his silence following the surprising revelation that his traditional Super Bowl performance will be replaced by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny in this year's halftime extravaganza.
A Patriotic Tradition Ends
The NFL has decided to move away from Greenwood's long-standing performance of his patriotic anthem 'God Bless the USA', which has become a fixture at the championship event. The decision marks a significant shift in the league's entertainment strategy, opting for international Latin trap sensation Bad Bunny instead.
'I am disappointed, of course,' Greenwood admitted in an exclusive statement. 'My song has been part of the Super Bowl experience for many fans over the years. It's become a tradition that many Americans look forward to.'
Changing Tides in NFL Entertainment
The move represents the NFL's continued effort to diversify its halftime shows and appeal to younger, more global audiences. Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has become one of the world's most streamed artists and brings a massive international following.
Greenwood's patriotic performances have been a mainstay at Super Bowl events since the early 2000s, particularly following the September 11 attacks when his music resonated deeply with American audiences seeking comfort and unity.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Early reactions to the change have been divided across social media platforms. Traditionalists and long-time NFL fans have expressed disappointment at losing what they consider an important patriotic element of the game.
Meanwhile, younger viewers and international fans have celebrated the inclusion of Bad Bunny, seeing it as a refreshing update to the halftime show lineup that better reflects contemporary music trends.
The NFL has yet to comment officially on the reasoning behind the change, but insiders suggest the league is continuously evaluating how to balance tradition with innovation in their entertainment offerings.
