In a seemingly sudden bid to calm the frenzy over Unhealthy Bunny headlining the 2026 Tremendous Bowl halftime present, the NFL has launched a particular characteristic. 

Singer Sting has been introduced as a part of a lineup for a pre-Tremendous Bowl live performance, set for February 6 on the Palace of High-quality Arts in San Francisco, simply two days earlier than the large recreation at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

Nevertheless, given the robust opposition to the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican star, the query stays, will this transfer be sufficient to silence the critics?

On October 28, the NFL’s hospitality supplier, On Location, confirmed that the “Each Breath You Take” singer could be the principle act at a spin-off occasion, per Leisure Weekly.

In accordance with On Location’s web site, Sting’s present is a part of Tremendous Bowl LX Studio 60, an occasion sequence designed to ship an “epic weekend of unforgettable music leisure at one in every of San Francisco’s most iconic venues.”

Whereas particular particulars in regards to the live performance stay beneath wraps, tickets begin at $750, providing followers a premium expertise that features alternatives to fulfill each former and present NFL gamers.

The Studio 60 sequence will proceed for a second night time on February 7 on the identical venue, although performers for that night have but to be introduced. 

The hiring of Sting for a Tremendous Bowl spin-off live performance comes shortly after the soccer group reaffirmed its resolution to have the “I Like It” collaborator headline the 2026 Halftime Present.

At a press convention final week, as The Blast reported, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell revealed that their selection was deliberate and acknowledged that criticism of their halftime bookings is nothing new. 

Addressing the criticism, he expressed confidence that Unhealthy Bunny would ship a spectacular efficiency, which, in response to him, could be an “thrilling and united second.”

Earlier than Goodell broke his silence on the matter, a petition lodged on Change.org referred to as on the NFL to axe the three-time Grammy winner from the gig. 

Per The Blast, the petition, which garnered over fifty thousand signatures, cited the explanation why Unhealthy Bunny needs to be eliminated. It acknowledged that his music model and “drag performances” aren’t what households needs to be seeing on the stage.

The petition then demanded that George Strait change Unhealthy Bunny. In accordance with the letter, Strait is a greater decide given his musical model, which resonates with generations and embodies true American music. 

Now, though Strait was not employed, it seems the soccer league might, in truth, be taking the critics’ issues to coronary heart.

Alongside the NFL’s protection of Unhealthy Bunny, Jay- Z additionally just lately reacted to the backlash, and in his opinion, it’s manufactured.

As The Blast reported, a day in the past, when requested in an interview in regards to the hate surrounding Unhealthy Bunny, the rapper responded, “They love him. Do not allow them to idiot you.”

Though the “Ceaselessly Younger” hitmaker didn’t say extra, his cryptic reply seemingly bolstered his help for Unhealthy Bunny. 

Jay-Z, whose firm Roc Nation oversees the choice of Tremendous Bowl headliners, had beforehand praised Unhealthy Bunny when the announcement was made, saying, “We’re honored to have him on the world’s greatest stage.”