The NFL has officially canceled the scheduled Bad Bunny halftime performance for Super Bowl LX and announced a last-minute replacement with a full-stage spectacle by global pop sensation BTS. The decision, confirmed late Tuesday evening by league officials in a brief statement, has ignited one of the most explosive controversies in recent NFL history.
According to sources close to the matter, the switch came after internal deliberations at the league office and discussions with broadcast partner Apple Music. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar who had been unveiled as the headliner months earlier, was set to bring reggaeton and Latin trap energy to Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026. His selection had already drawn polarized reactions—praised by many for expanding the halftime show’s global appeal, but criticized by others who questioned the fit with “traditional” American football culture.
In a stunning pivot, the NFL opted instead for BTS, the seven-member South Korean boy band that has dominated international music charts for years. The group, known for intricate choreography, high-energy pop anthems, and a massive worldwide fanbase called ARMY, will now headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. No official reason was provided for the cancellation of Bad Bunny’s slot, though speculation has ranged from scheduling conflicts to sponsor influence to broader cultural considerations.
The announcement barely had time to settle before Tom Brady, the NFL’s most decorated quarterback and a seven-time Super Bowl champion, weighed in with scathing criticism. In a post shared on his verified social media accounts, Brady wrote:
“Disappointing decision by the NFL. Replacing a Latin artist with a ‘gay band’ from abroad that has zero connection to American sportsmanship or football heritage? This isn’t about music—it’s about respecting what the Super Bowl stands for. We celebrate toughness, competition, and American pride. Inviting a foreign pop group with that image feels like a step in the wrong direction. Bring back real halftime legends who understand the game.”
Brady’s use of the phrase “gay band” immediately set off alarm bells across social platforms, newsrooms, and fan communities. While BTS members have never publicly identified as gay, persistent online rumors, fan shipping culture, and occasional ambiguous aesthetics in their performances have fueled speculation for years. Critics accused Brady of deploying a homophobic dog whistle, while supporters argued he was simply highlighting a perceived mismatch between K-pop’s polished, dance-heavy style and the rugged ethos of American football.
Within minutes, outrage erupted online. Hashtags such as #BoycottNFL, #DefendBTS, #TomBradyIsOver, and #ProtectARMY trended globally. BTS fans—known for their fierce loyalty and organizational prowess—mobilized rapidly, flooding social media with clips of the group’s athletic choreography, record-breaking stadium performances, and messages emphasizing themes of self-love, inclusivity, and perseverance. Many pointed out that BTS has sold out stadiums larger than most NFL venues, drawn record viewership numbers, and even spoken at the United Nations, arguing that their global influence far outstrips any narrow definition of “American sportsmanship.”
Prominent voices from the entertainment world quickly entered the fray. Singer Ricky Martin called Brady’s remarks “ignorant and outdated,” while Bad Bunny himself appeared to take the high road, posting a simple heart emoji and a photo of himself training in the gym with the caption “Keep going.” Meanwhile, conservative commentators and certain NFL alumni rallied behind Brady, praising him for “speaking truth to power” and questioning why the league would prioritize an international act over homegrown talent.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a short statement Wednesday morning defending the change: “The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show is designed to unite fans through world-class entertainment. BTS brings unmatched energy, creativity, and a fanbase that spans generations and continents. We are confident they will deliver a historic performance.” The league did not directly address Brady’s comments or the backlash.
The controversy has exposed deeper fault lines in American culture at a time when the NFL increasingly positions itself as a global brand. Critics argue that Brady’s language reflects lingering discomfort with non-traditional masculinity in sports, especially when foreign acts are involved. Supporters counter that the league’s choices have drifted too far from the core audience that made football America’s pastime—blue-collar fans who see the Super Bowl as a celebration of grit rather than glittery choreography.
Social media analytics firms reported a surge in engagement: over 4.2 million posts mentioning the halftime show switch within the first 24 hours, with sentiment analysis showing a near-even split between support for BTS (driven largely by international users and younger demographics) and defense of Brady’s stance (concentrated among U.S.-based football traditionalists).
As the Super Bowl approaches, all eyes are now on February 8. Will BTS deliver a groundbreaking show that silences doubters with spectacle and athleticism? Or will the controversy overshadow the performance itself? One thing is certain: the NFL’s bold pivot has turned what was once a routine entertainment announcement into a full-blown cultural flashpoint.
Brady, who retired from playing but remains one of the league’s most influential figures through broadcasting and endorsements, has not commented further since his initial post. Sources say he stands by his words, viewing them as a defense of the values he believes built the NFL into what it is today.
For now, the stage is set—not just in Santa Clara, but across the internet and living rooms nationwide. The Super Bowl halftime show, long a barometer of pop culture trends, has rarely felt more politically charged. Whether BTS can transform outrage into ovation remains to be seen, but the conversation they have sparked is already impossible to ignore.
