Those complaining about the selection of Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl halftime show in 2026 should probably take some time to look up the history of the feature.

From Super Bowl I in 1967 to XXVI in 1992, these performances were primarily provided by college and high school marching bands, with the occasional guest performer or two. Many had special themes, such as the 1992 salute to the Winter Olympics with appearances by the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, or the 1990 Salute to Peanuts, or the 1987 salute to 100 years of Hollywood. In 1981, there was a Mardi Gra theme.

That changed in 1993.

Themed performances remained, but the shows became a platform for some of the biggest names in popular music of those days. The 1993 game featured Michael Jackson, with a shift to country the next year and Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt and the Judds.

As the years moved forward, the shows got bigger, sometimes bringing in a marching band or two, but the big-name acts were front-and-center. Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, for example, had Edward James Olmos narrating a show, with an 80-person choir from Georgia State University backing up performances by Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, and Toni Braxton.

That was followed by “The Kings of Rock and Pop” starring Aerosmith and N*Sync, with appearances by Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly.

A tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks, featuring U2 taking the stage was in 2002.

Many of us would remember the 2004 show starring Janet Jackson, P. Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock, Justin Timberlake, and Jessica Simpson, but that’s mostly because of the incident which happened during the performance than the show itself.

Since then, there have been the likes of Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Prince, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, The Who, the Black Eyed Peas, Madonna, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and more, Rihanna, Usher, and Kendrick Lamar.

So, what is the big deal with the selection of Bad Bunny to perform in Super Bowl LX?

Whether people want to think about it or not, the Super Bowl, and professional sports in general, is about money and entertainment.

So, when there is an opportunity to get one of the highest-profile musical acts in the world today, with the potential to draw the eyes and ears of people from multiple continents (not just the United States, or even North America) the NFL is going to do whatever it can.

All those listed above are popular musicians, singers, and bands with international fan bases. All put together big productions. All brought attention to the show, helped to bring in big-name sponsors, and high viewership.

According to various sources, the Super Bowl LIX show with Kendrik Lamar was the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show ever, with a TV audience of more than 133.5 million viewers. The Super Bowl LVI show with Dr. Dre, et. al., was the most viewed on Youtube, with more than 322 million views on the NFL YouTube channel. It won a Primetime Emmy!

Admittedly, I didn’t know much about Bad Bunny until a few years ago when he showed up on some shows for WWE, including in a match at Wrestlemania 37. Then again, he’s only 31 and has only been signed to any record label for about nine years. That’s impressive for anyone!

The bottom line is, this shouldn’t be a political matter. Whether you know about him, like his music, don’t like his music, or haven’t watched a Super Bowl in years, it’s OK. We don’t need the president or members of Congress weighing in.

I, for one, would think they have more important things to worry about right now.

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)