Mariah Carey Challenges NFL’s Non-English Song Criticism Ahead of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
As the Super Bowl continues to serve as one of the most watched and culturally significant entertainment events in the United States, a heated debate has emerged over language and inclusivity in music performances. The announcement that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show has sparked criticism from certain conservative voices, prompting pop icon Mariah Carey to weigh in on the broader issue.
Bad Bunny’s Historic Halftime Role
Bad Bunny, known for his reggaeton and trap hits primarily sung in Spanish, is set to become the first solo Latin artist to headline a Super Bowl halftime show. While the artist enjoys a global fanbase, his selection has drawn criticism from figures like former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, who argued that non-English songs are inappropriate for such a prominent U.S. event. This backlash has been amplified by some political commentators, framing the performance as “un-American” or unsuitable for a sports-focused audience.
The controversy echoes past debates over language in music. In 2020, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez incorporated Spanish-language tracks like Hips Don’t Lie and Waka Waka into their halftime show, celebrating Latin heritage without widespread calls for exclusion. Bad Bunny’s performance, however, has reignited tensions around Latino representation on mainstream stages and the question of whether language should restrict musical enjoyment.
Mariah Carey Advocates for Inclusivity
Enter Mariah Carey, the multi-decade pop powerhouse whose songs have spanned genres and captivated global audiences. During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Carey reflected on the idea of headlining a Super Bowl halftime show and emphasized the importance of inclusivity in music.
“Music is universal,” Carey said. “We’re supposed to celebrate, not segregate. The idea that non-English songs are forbidden? That extreme thinking needs to be eliminated.”
Her remarks underscore a growing call for diversity in high-profile entertainment, highlighting that artistry and joy transcend linguistic boundaries. Carey’s perspective also reinforces the historic significance of Bad Bunny’s performance as a milestone for representation and multicultural celebration.
Public Reaction and Cultural Implications
The debate over Bad Bunny has sparked widespread discussion on social media. Some fans defended Carey’s English-language catalog while others praised Bad Bunny’s multilingual approach as empowering and reflective of a global audience. Advocates argue that criticism rooted in language or cultural purism limits the “pure enjoyment of music” and marginalizes artists embracing their heritage.
Bad Bunny himself addressed detractors during an October 5, 2025, appearance on Saturday Night Live, switching between Spanish and English and using humor to underscore his global appeal:
“If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”
His quip highlighted both the cultural significance of his performance and the broader conversation about accessibility, inclusion, and celebration of diverse musical traditions.
Moving Beyond Linguistic Barriers
The ongoing dialogue underscores a fundamental point: music’s power lies in connection, not conformity. Carey’s advocacy and Bad Bunny’s milestone performance together illustrate that high-profile stages like the Super Bowl should amplify joy and cultural richness, rather than enforce linguistic or cultural barriers.
As the 2026 halftime show approaches, Carey’s remarks serve as a reminder to the entertainment industry: embracing multilingual artistry is not a concession—it’s an evolution that reflects the global nature of music and the diverse audiences who celebrate it.
In the end, music is meant to unite, and voices in every language deserve to be heard on the world’s biggest stages.