d+ ‘Go Back to the Slums’ Comment Sparks Outrage as Carrie Underwood Reacts to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Backlash. d+
The NFL’s announcement that Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in 2026 has turned into one of the most polarizing stories of the year. Supporters hail it as a groundbreaking moment for Latin music, while critics—particularly from more conservative corners of country music—have voiced hostility with incendiary comments like “Go back to the slums” and “We don’t want Latin music in America.”
Now, country superstar Carrie Underwood has entered the conversation, and her words are fueling debate across genres.
A Divisive Announcement
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl booking is historic. He will be the first Latin artist to headline the halftime stage solo, cementing his global impact. While pop audiences celebrated the decision, segments of country music fans reacted with outrage.
On social media, thousands of angry posts criticized the NFL’s choice. Among them, comments such as “Get out of America” and “We don’t want to hear Spanish at the Super Bowl” went viral, sparking discussions about cultural identity, inclusivity, and prejudice.
Carrie Underwood’s Response
Known for her faith-driven, family-friendly image, Carrie Underwood rarely weighs in on controversies outside her own music. But in a recent interview with a Nashville radio station, she addressed the backlash head-on.
“I’ve seen some of the things being said, and honestly, it breaks my heart,” she said. “We can disagree about music styles, but there’s no excuse for cruelty or hate. Bad Bunny is an incredible performer, and the Super Bowl is about bringing people together, not tearing them apart.”
Her comments immediately went viral, drawing praise from some fans and sharp criticism from others.
Fans Split Over Her Words
Reactions to Underwood’s statement mirrored the larger divide.
Pop and Latin fans celebrated her for speaking out:
- “Respect to Carrie Underwood for standing against hate. Music is for everyone,” one fan tweeted.
But some traditional country fans felt betrayed:
- “Carrie’s supposed to represent us. Instead, she’s defending someone who doesn’t even sing in English,” another posted.
The mixed responses show just how deeply polarized this debate has become.
Why This Matters in Country Music
Country music has long been tied to American identity, often leaning conservative in its cultural values. For many within the genre’s base, Bad Bunny represents a kind of globalization they feel uneasy with. By stepping in to defend him, Underwood is taking a bold stance that could risk alienating part of her fanbase.
Industry experts note this is unusual for her. “Carrie Underwood has built her career on being universally loved in country,” one analyst explained. “By addressing the Bad Bunny controversy, she’s wading into a fight she didn’t need to—but it could also make her a voice for unity.”
The Bigger Picture: Music as a Battleground
The backlash isn’t just about Bad Bunny—it reflects larger cultural anxieties. For some, Latin music’s rise represents an exciting evolution of American culture. For others, it feels like a challenge to tradition.
Carrie Underwood’s response highlights how even artists outside the pop sphere are being pulled into the debate. Her willingness to stand against xenophobic rhetoric places her in a unique position: a country star pushing back against cultural division.
Could This Spark Change?
Some fans hope Underwood’s stance will influence others in country music to speak out as well. “Carrie has a huge platform,” one Latin fan said. “If she shows love to Bad Bunny, maybe others will think twice before spreading hate.”
Others, however, warn that this could escalate tensions further. “Country fans don’t forgive easily,” a critic noted. “She risks losing support in her core audience.”
Conclusion: A Divided Nation, A Shared Stage
The Super Bowl halftime show has always been more than just entertainment—it’s a cultural flashpoint. From Janet Jackson’s infamous wardrobe malfunction to Beyoncé’s politically charged performance, it has reflected America’s ongoing battles over identity and values.
This year, Bad Bunny’s inclusion has once again split the nation. But Carrie Underwood’s response reminds us that music can also be a force for unity. By condemning hateful rhetoric, she’s challenging fans to see beyond language and genre, and instead embrace the heart of what music is meant to do: bring people together.
As she summed up in her interview: “At the end of the day, music is about love, hope, and connection. That’s something we can all understand—no matter what language it’s in.”
