Conservatives angered by the NFL’s alternative of Dangerous Bunny as subsequent yr’s Tremendous Bowl halftime headliner aren’t more likely to heat to one of many night time’s different performers, who occurs to be an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump.
On Monday, it was introduced that Brandi Carlile can be amongst these to take the stage forward of the large recreation, slated for Feb. 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. The 11-time Grammy winner will carry out “America the Beautiful” as a part of a pre-game lineup that features musicians Coco Jones and Charlie Puth.
Jon Barker, the NFL’s senior vice chairman of world occasion manufacturing, stated in a press launch that this yr’s roster spotlights performers “who embody the very best of music and culture,” including: “These artists bring a distinct voice to the moment, helping set the tone for a day that will captivate fans around the world.”
Carlile maintains a decrease public profile than Dangerous Bunny, whose newest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” grew to become his fourth to say the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Nonetheless, the folk-rock singer-songwriter, who’s a lesbian, has expressed an analogous distaste for the Trump administration.
“I am really upset with Trump voters right now,” she advised NPR affiliate KUOW-FM in 2016, shortly after Trump swept to victory over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. “I’m a little concerned as to why they are [Trump supporters], but I am listening.”
Jeff Spicer by way of Getty Photographs
Her newest album, “Returning to Myself,” options the observe “Church & State,” that includes lyrics that could possibly be interpreted as a critique of the Trump administration. Considered one of her latest collaborators is none apart from Joni Mitchell, who famously declared “Fuck Donald Trump ― I love that song,” referring to YG’s rap protest tune “FDT” that includes Nipsey Hussle, throughout a 2024 efficiency on the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
As was the case with Dangerous Bunny, information of Carlile’s Tremendous Bowl look drew criticism on-line, although it’s unclear whether or not those that commented had been alluding to her politics.
“Brandi Carlile? Is this the Super Bowl or a small-town coffee shop open mic night?” one particular person wrote on X. “Stick to the Grammys, the Super Bowl needs real cultural weight, not niche singer-songwriters.”
Added one other: “DEI bc everyone was mad about bad bunny IJBOL.”
Those that determine to not view subsequent yr’s Tremendous Bowl performances have another. In October, Turning Level USA, the right-wing political group based by slain activist Charlie Kirk, introduced plans to stage the “All American Halftime Show,” which can compete with NBC’s big-game broadcast.
Performers for the “All American Halftime Show” haven’t but been confirmed, although the MAGA-themed occasion’s web site has an possibility for guests to vote in favor of “anything in English.”
