ST.Harrison Ford Defends Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance: “Music Isn’t About Language — It’s About Feeling”
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Harrison Ford — the legendary actor behind Han Solo and Indiana Jones — has unexpectedly stepped into one of the year’s most talked-about cultural debates. After the NFL announced that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, some critics questioned whether a non-English-speaking artist should lead “America’s biggest event.” Ford’s calm but pointed response is now making headlines of its own.
A Heated Backlash Over Language
The halftime announcement sparked online backlash from some voices arguing that the Super Bowl — historically viewed as a quintessentially American spectacle — should feature only English-language performances. Social media threads and op-eds questioned whether audiences would “connect” with songs primarily in Spanish, despite Bad Bunny’s status as one of the most streamed artists on the planet.
Amid the noise came a rumor that NFL organizers had privately debated “limiting non-English lyrics” in the show to avoid alienating some viewers. While the league hasn’t confirmed those reports, the idea fueled criticism and reignited conversations about who gets to define mainstream entertainment.
Harrison Ford Pushes Back
Ford, known for his straightforward, no-nonsense demeanor, addressed the debate in a recent interview — and his remarks quickly went viral.
“Music is supposed to be about feeling,” he said. “It’s not about the language you speak, but the emotion you hear. If we start forbidding songs just because they’re not in English, we’ve lost the pure enjoyment of music.”
He went further, challenging what he called a narrow and outdated mindset:
“That kind of thinking — this idea that only one language or one culture defines entertainment — is extreme. It needs to go.”
A Message That Resonated
Ford’s comments struck a chord online, earning widespread praise from fans and fellow artists alike. Many pointed out that Bad Bunny’s rise — from San Juan to global superstardom — is proof that music transcends borders and languages. His hits like Tití Me Preguntó and Moscow Mule have dominated streaming charts without needing to be translated.
“Art isn’t meant to divide,” Ford added. “It’s meant to remind us we’re part of something bigger than words.”
For many, the actor’s stance felt refreshingly grounded — less about politics and more about preserving the joy and universality of music.
A Bigger Conversation for the NFL — and Beyond
The Super Bowl halftime show has long been a cultural touchstone, reflecting shifts in music, identity, and what it means to entertain a global audience. Ford’s comments have reignited the question: Should one of the world’s most-watched performances reflect only English-language culture — or celebrate music as a universal language?
With more than 100 million viewers expected to tune in, the NFL’s choices are always scrutinized. Yet Ford’s perspective — measured but firm — reminds audiences that music’s power lies not in the words we understand but in the emotions it stirs.
Why Ford’s Voice Matters
In an era of fast takes and online outrage, Ford’s message stood out for its clarity and humanity. It wasn’t about celebrity posturing or trending hashtags; it was about the simple belief that art should connect, not exclude.
As the Super Bowl approaches, his words may linger long after the halftime show ends:
“Music is about feeling,” he said. “It’s about connection. If we start putting limits on that, we lose what makes it beautiful.”
For a cultural moment wrapped in debate, Harrison Ford’s quiet insistence on openness and empathy feels like something worth listening to — no matter what language the music plays in.
