Charlie Sheen, Bill Maher Criticize Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Spot Without Hearing Music
In a recent episode of Bill Maher’s podcast, Club Random, Charlie Sheen and Bill Maher discussed the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny. Sheen expressed that the NFL should cater more to “diehard fans” regarding musical acts, implying that Bad Bunny might not fit this profile.
Sheen and Maher’s Critique of Bad Bunny
Sheen emphasized that more traditional musical acts could enhance the halftime experience. Maher agreed, jokingly hoping for an Eddie Rabbit performance instead. Their comments gained traction after resurfacing on Super Bowl Sunday, despite Bad Bunny’s significant accomplishments since October 2025.
Bad Bunny’s Impressive Achievements
Since their remarks, Bad Bunny’s career has soared:
- His album Debí Tirar Más Fotos won Album of the Year at both the Latin Grammys and the Grammys, marking a historic first.
- He was recognized as the most-streamed artist globally in 2025 with 19.8 billion streams, achieving this milestone for the fourth time.
- At the Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny became the first artist to win Album of the Year for a Spanish-language record.
- He dedicated the award to “all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams,” showcasing his cultural impact.
- His tour sold over 2.4 million tickets and grossed $435 million, breaking records for the highest-grossing tour within a single calendar year.
Bad Bunny’s Historic Super Bowl Performance
On February 12, 2026, Bad Bunny made history by headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. He became the first solo Latino artist to perform in this coveted slot.
NFL’s Demographics and Future
Countering Sheen’s claims, the NFL has identified over 39 million Latino fans in the U.S., indicating a significant demographic shift in America’s football viewership. In 2024, NFL Senior Vice President Marissa Solis stated that attracting Latino audiences is crucial for the league’s future growth.
The NFL has initiated various campaigns, including “Por La Cultura,” to reach Latino audiences, aligning with Bad Bunny’s immense popularity. His music resonates strongly with these fans, further validating his selection for the halftime show.
Public Reactions and Controversies
The discourse surrounding Bad Bunny’s selection was not without controversy. Some commentators, including conservative Benny Johnson, criticized his musical style and political stance. However, many, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, defended the choice, praising Bad Bunny as one of the world’s greatest artists.
Bad Bunny himself addressed critics jokingly during an appearance on Saturday Night Live, urging those who didn’t understand him to take time to learn before the Super Bowl.
A Disconnection of Perspectives
Sheen and Maher’s critique highlights a generational divide. Both admitted their unfamiliarity with Bad Bunny’s work but still questioned his relevance. Their remarks suggest a misunderstanding of the cultural significance and evolving landscape of music within the NFL’s audience.
In contrast, Bad Bunny continues to assert his place on the biggest stages, proving his connection with fans and his influence in modern music.
