NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre has voiced his opinion on the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, suggesting a controversial alternative to Bad Bunny. During a recent episode of his podcast, “4th and Favre,” Favre was asked about his ideal performer.
“Maybe Jason Aldean,” he stated, emphasizing the singer's patriotic image. “You know, someone who loves this country and that everyone can relate to. I think Jason Aldean right now is as big a patriot and has a great voice.”
Aldean, however, has faced significant backlash for his song “Try That in a Small Town,” which critics argue contains racist undertones. The lyrics include lines that reference violence and lawlessness, prompting discussions about their implications. The music video was filmed at a site with a troubling history, the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, where a Black teenager was lynched in 1927.
In response to the criticism, Aldean took to social media, asserting, “There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it – and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage.” He expressed frustration over the interpretations of his work.
Favre also mentioned country music legend George Strait as another potential performer. “He may be like, ‘I ain’t doing that,’ even if they ask,” Favre remarked about Strait, who has an impressive record of number one hits. “But I don’t know how many No. 1s he’s had, but good lord. It’s enormous.”
The NFL's announcement of Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer sparked immediate reactions from various figures in the sports community. Former race car driver Danica Patrick was among the first to express her discontent, stating via social media that “no songs in English should not be allowed at one of America’s highest rated television events of the year.”
Patrick reiterated her concerns during an appearance on a podcast, suggesting that Bad Bunny's performance might not foster unity among viewers. “I don’t think it will be as much fun,” she said. “What I would hate to see is that it would divide us again, in yet another way.”
Criticism of Bad Bunny's selection extended to NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, who admitted he was unfamiliar with the artist. Even former President Donald Trump weighed in, calling the decision “ridiculous” during a recent interview.
Despite the controversy, Bad Bunny has garnered support from notable figures such as Jennifer Lopez and Jay-Z. He humorously addressed the situation during his hosting stint on Saturday Night Live, encouraging viewers to “learn Spanish” before the Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
