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America's top football league will not drop the global music icon as the headline performer for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell announced this week.

In doing so, Goodell reaffirmed the decision to place the Puerto Rican artist on the most-watched platform, a move that sparked criticism from Donald Trump and some of his supporters.

Goodell commented on the controversy during his media briefing following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the first time he has spoken out on the appointment, which has garnered worldwide attention, including a rise in streams of Bad Bunny’s music alongside backlash.

“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell remarked. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have pushback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have truly countless viewers of fans tuning in.”

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a outspoken critic of the former leader. He recently opted to do a month-long concert series in Puerto Rico, avoiding performances in the continental United States, referencing apprehensions about the expulsion of Hispanic individuals.

The 31-year-old, who performs primarily in his native language, is expected to do so at the Super Bowl.

“We’re confident it will deliver a spectacular performance,” the NFL commissioner commented. “He is aware of the platform that he has, and in my view it’s going to be thrilling and a unifying experience.”

The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the championship game on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. There is uncertainty if Trump intends to attend, although he has turned appearing in person at major sporting events a significant part of his second term.

The political figure during a discussion on right-leaning media Newsmax said he had “no knowledge of” the performer.

“I don’t know who he is,” he stated. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It seems absurd. Additionally, they blame it on some promoter they contracted to select entertainment. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”

The commissioner supported the decision on Wednesday, clarifying it was made because of the artist’s immense popularity.

“He ranks among the top and most popular performers globally,” he affirmed. “This is exactly what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for the league. It’s an important component to the overall experience.”