Mark Wahlberg Calls Out Super Bowl for Leaving Country Music Off the Halftime Stage for Over Two Decades

Mark Wahlberg is speaking up about what he sees as a major oversight in the Super Bowl’s entertainment lineup — the absence of country music from its legendary halftime stage.

The actor and producer recently commented on the NFL’s announcement that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the next Super Bowl halftime show. While Wahlberg praised Bad Bunny’s global success, he pointed out that it’s been more than 20 years since a country artist was featured in that slot — the last being Shania Twain at Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003.

“The Super Bowl is supposed to reflect American culture in all its forms,” Wahlberg said. “But somehow, country music — one of the most deeply American genres — has been completely left out. The last time a country singer headlined was Shania Twain back in 2003. That’s 22 years ago.”

A 22-Year Absence from the Biggest Stage in Sports

Twain’s 2003 halftime show remains one of the most memorable moments for country fans, bringing Nashville’s sound to one of the world’s largest audiences. Since then, the halftime stage has been dominated by pop, rock, hip-hop, and Latin artists, with no country act invited back to perform.

Wahlberg clarified that his comments weren’t aimed at Bad Bunny personally, acknowledging the artist’s popularity and global reach. Instead, he emphasized the issue of balance and representation.

“Bad Bunny’s talented, no doubt. But he’s never even sung in English,” Wahlberg explained. “Meanwhile, you’ve got massive country stars who represent millions of fans across America — and they don’t get the stage? That doesn’t sit right.”

A Call for Recognition and Tradition

For Wahlberg, the discussion isn’t about genre competition — it’s about recognition and tradition. He urged the NFL to consider country music’s deep roots in American culture and its massive, loyal fanbase as it plans future halftime shows.

“If the Super Bowl is really about unity and tradition,” Wahlberg added, “then country music deserves its place back on that stage.”