Conservatives angered by the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny as next year’s Super Bowl halftime headliner aren’t likely to warm to one of the night’s other performers, who happens to be an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump.
On Monday, it was announced that Brandi Carlile would be among those to take the stage ahead of the big game, slated for Feb. 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. The 11-time Grammy winner will perform “America the Beautiful” as part of a pre-game lineup that includes musicians Coco Jones and Charlie Puth.
Jon Barker, the NFL’s senior vice president of global event production, said in a press release that this year’s roster spotlights performers “who embody the very best of music and culture,” adding: “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 lower public profile than Bad Bunny, whose latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” became his fourth to claim the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Still, the folk-rock singer-songwriter, who is a lesbian, has expressed a similar distaste for the Trump administration.
“I am really upset with Trump voters right now,” she told 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.”
Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile will take the stage to perform “America the Beautiful” at the 2026 Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California.
Jeff Spicer via Getty Images
Her latest album, “Returning to Myself,” features the track “Church & State,” featuring lyrics that could be interpreted as a critique of the Trump administration. One of her recent collaborators is none other than Joni Mitchell, who famously declared “Fuck Donald Trump ― I love that song,” referring to YG’s rap protest song “FDT” featuring Nipsey Hussle, during a 2024 performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
As was the case with Bad Bunny, news of Carlile’s Super Bowl appearance drew criticism online, though it’s unclear whether those who commented were alluding to her politics.
“Brandi Carlile? Is this the Super Bowl or a small-town coffee shop open mic night?” one person wrote on X. “Stick to the Grammys, the Super Bowl needs real cultural weight, not niche singer-songwriters.”
Added another: “DEI bc everyone was mad about bad bunny IJBOL.”
Those who decide not to view next year’s Super Bowl performances have an alternative. In October, Turning Point USA, the right-wing political group founded by slain activist Charlie Kirk, announced plans to stage the “All American Halftime Show,” which will compete with NBC’s big-game broadcast.
Performers for the “All American Halftime Show” have not yet been confirmed, though the MAGA-themed event’s website has an option for visitors to vote in favor of “anything in English.”