Country legend Lee Greenwood has expressed interest in performing at the Super Bowl halftime show after House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested he replace Bad Bunny amid ongoing political controversy.

Country legend Lee Greenwood has said he would love to perform at the Super Bowl

The upcoming Super Bowl halftime show has become a lightning rod for political and cultural debate, with country icon Lee Greenwood stepping into the spotlight after House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested he replace the scheduled performer, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny.

The suggestion has ignited a firestorm of reactions, as Greenwood voices enthusiasm for a possible Super Bowl appearance while the controversy around Bad Bunny’s selection intensifies.

Bad Bunny, the 31-year-old Latin music sensation born Benito Antonio Martinez, is slated to perform at next year’s Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

His selection has drawn sharp criticism from conservative figures including former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Johnson, who branded the decision “crazy” and “absolutely ridiculous.”

The backlash escalated after Bad Bunny chose not to stand for “God Bless America” during a recent playoff game at Yankee Stadium, a move that further polarized opinions.

“I think it sounds like a terrible decision in my view,” Johnson said, addressing the choice to have Bad Bunny headline the halftime show. “He’s not someone who appeals to a broader audience.

There are so many eyes on the Super Bowl—a lot of young, impressionable children—and, in my view, you would have Lee Greenwood or Role Models doing that, not somebody like this.”

House speaker Mike Johnson called for Greenwood to replace Bad Bunny at Super Bowl LX'It sounds like a terrible decision in my view,' Johnson said about the choice of Bad Bunny

Johnson’s comments spotlight the cultural divide surrounding the Super Bowl’s most-watched segment. Greenwood, 82, is best known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA,” a song frequently played at NFL games and beloved by country music fans nationwide.

His career has long been tied to American pride and football traditions, making him a natural favorite among conservative circles.

Greenwood himself told TMZ he would relish the chance to perform, but acknowledged that since Bad Bunny is already confirmed, he could instead fire up fans with a pre-game show.

“I’d love the opportunity,” Greenwood said. “I’ve been honored to perform at NFL games before, singing ‘God Bless the USA’ or the national anthem.

It’s a great stage to celebrate our country. I have nothing against Bad Bunny, but I do think the country is pretty divided right now over the halftime show.”

Greenwood’s team confirmed he holds no ill will toward Bad Bunny despite the political drama. The veteran singer recently appeared alongside Trump at the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, underscoring his close ties to Republican leaders.

He is also reportedly set to perform during the Dallas Cowboys’ Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals on November 3.

Donald Trump called the decision to give the show to the Puerto Rican rapper 'crazy'

Meanwhile, Bad Bunny remains undeterred by the uproar. The Puerto Rican artist, one of the most streamed musicians on Spotify, used his platform as host of “Saturday Night Live” to address his critics head-on.

“You might not know this, but I’m doing the Super Bowl halftime show and I’m very happy,” he said during his monologue.

“I think everyone is happy about it—even Fox News.” A heavily edited video followed, humorously splicing together clips of Fox News commentators praising Bad Bunny as their “favorite musician” and jokingly suggesting he should be president.

Bad Bunny’s growing success has not gone unnoticed, but his outspoken stance on immigration has fueled much of the backlash.

He cited ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents as a reason for excluding mainland U.S. dates from his upcoming tour, a decision that drew criticism from Trump allies.

Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager and vocal supporter, called Bad Bunny’s selection “so shameful” and accused the artist of “hating America.”

Lewandowski also confirmed that ICE agents will be patrolling San Francisco during the Super Bowl, emphasizing that illegal immigration will not be tolerated at the event.

“There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally,” Lewandowski said. “Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else. We will find and deport you. That is a very real situation.”

Despite the political posturing, Bad Bunny’s popularity continues to soar. The Grammy-winning artist has revolutionized Latin trap and reggaeton, drawing fans from diverse backgrounds.

His Super Bowl gig is a milestone for Latin artists on one of the world’s biggest entertainment stages. Yet the tension between the artist’s cultural influence and political opposition has transformed the halftime show into a battleground reflecting America’s broader divisions.

The president told Newsmax that he was unfamiliar with the 31-year-old musician (right)

President Trump weighed in on the controversy during an interview with Newsmax, admitting he was unfamiliar with Bad Bunny but was strongly opposed to the choice.

“I have never heard of him. I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s crazy. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous,” Trump said.

The political backlash underscores the deepening culture wars surrounding major sporting events. The Super Bowl halftime show, once a celebration of music and unity, has become a microcosm of America’s polarized climate.

On one side are those who champion Bad Bunny as a trailblazing artist representing a new generation and diverse America. On the other are conservative voices who see the choice as a political statement that clashes with traditional values and patriotism.

Lee Greenwood’s willingness to step forward and perform speaks to that divide. While he respects Bad Bunny’s artistry, Greenwood clearly positions himself as the patriotic alternative.

“I would love to sing for the fans and the country,” he said. “It’s about bringing people together and celebrating what makes America great.”

As the clock ticks down to Super Bowl LX, the halftime show remains a hot topic, symbolizing more than just music—it reflects the nation’s ongoing debate over identity, culture, and unity in a deeply fractured America.

Whether it’s Bad Bunny’s reggaeton beats or Greenwood’s stirring country ballads, next February’s performance promises to be about more than just the halftime—it will be about America itself.

Greenwood is reportedly set to play a halftime show at the Dallas Cowboys on November 3