Celebrity News
NFL Adds Sting to Super Bowl Lineup Following Backlash Over Bad Bunny Halftime Show
Seemingly hoping to strike a different chord with fans, the NFL has added music icon Sting to the Super Bowl performers roster amid growing criticism over the selection of Bad Bunny as halftime performer.
On Tuesday, October 28, the NFL’s official hospitality provider, On Location, subtly announced on social media that Sting has joined Super Bowl LX weekend lineup.
“Every breath you take in the Bay will be legendary when you see what’s in store for our weekend of music entertainment for #SuperBowlLX. Join us for an exclusive concert experience with @theofficialsting,” the On Location post reads.
Sting’s concert will take place at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California, on Friday, February 6 – just two days before the big game.
On Location’s website describes the event as a “private concert” featuring main floor stage viewing, all-inclusive food and beverage stations, and “appearances by NFL Legends.” Tickets start at a whopping $750.
Sting’s official website also confirms the performance, sharing that he’ll be joined by longtime guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas to perform “the most celebrated hits from his timeless catalog on Super Bowl Weekend.”
Paul Caine, president of On Location, called the opportunity to see Sting perform “a once-in-a-lifetime-experience.”
Still, the announcement struck some as a strategic move by the NFL, which has faced mounting backlash over its decision to tap Puerto Rican-born performer Bad Bunny as this year’s halftime headliner.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has doubled down on the league’s choice, telling reporters on October 22 that the decision to select the Reggaeton superstar was “carefully thought through.”
The backlash stems largely from conservative criticism and a growing fan petition calling for the 31-year-old artist to be replaced with country legend George Strait. To date, the petition has garnered more than 97,000 signatures.
Bad Bunny, who sings primarily in Spanish, recently joked during his Saturday Night Live hosting stint that NFL fans should “learn Spanish” before the big event.
Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
