/10. Morgan Wallen Criticizes Super Bowl for Over Two Decades Without a Country Headliner
Country star Morgan Wallen has sparked conversation with his recent criticism of the Super Bowl halftime show, arguing that the iconic event has drifted too far from its country music roots. Wallen pointed out that it has been 22 years since a country artist last headlined the halftime stage.
“The last time the Super Bowl put a country singer front and center was in 2003, when Shania Twain performed at Super Bowl XXXVII,” Wallen noted. “That’s 22 years ago. Since then, it feels like country has been pushed aside.”
His remarks came shortly after the NFL announced that Puerto Rican Latin superstar Bad Bunny will headline this year’s halftime show. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to Latin trap and reggaetón, Bad Bunny has never released an English-language album. While the choice reflects the NFL’s effort to embrace global music culture, Wallen questioned whether it overlooks country music’s significant place in American music history.
“Country music is still one of the biggest genres in America,” Wallen said, emphasizing the genre’s ongoing success on music charts and streaming platforms. “It deserves a place on that stage, too.”
Wallen’s comments underscore a broader debate about representation in the halftime show. Over recent years, the NFL has featured a lineup dominated by pop, hip-hop, and now Latin music artists, aiming to engage younger and more diverse audiences. Meanwhile, country music fans have voiced their desire to see their genre represented once again on one of the world’s most-watched entertainment stages.
As one of the most successful country artists of his generation, with hits like “Last Night” and the album One Thing at a Time, Wallen’s critique highlights the balancing act between honoring musical tradition and embracing evolving cultural trends.
For some, Bad Bunny’s halftime show symbolizes the celebration of cultural diversity and the global reach of music. For others, including Wallen, it serves as a reminder of how long country music has waited to reclaim its spot in the Super Bowl spotlight.
