Conservatives angered by the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny to headline next year’s Super Bowl halftime show aren’t likely to sympathize with 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 taking the stage before the big game, scheduled for February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. The 11-time Grammy winner will perform “America the Beautiful” as part of pregame programming that includes musicians Coco Jones and Charlie Puth.

Jon Barker, NFL senior vice president of global event production, said in a news release that this year’s list highlights artists “who embody the best of music and culture,” adding, “These artists bring a distinctive 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 her fourth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. Still, the folk-rock singer-songwriter, who is lesbian, has expressed similar distaste for the Trump administration.

“I’m really upset with Trump voters right now,” she told NPR affiliate KUOW-FM in 2016, shortly after Trump cruised to victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. “I’m a little worried why they’re [Trump supporters]but I’m listening.”

Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile will take the stage to perform
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

His latest album, “Returning to Myself,” includes the song “Church & State,” whose lyrics could be interpreted as a criticism of the Trump administration. One of his recent collaborators is none other than Joni Mitchell, who 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 sparked criticism online, although it’s unclear whether those commenting were alluding to his politics.

“Brandi Carlile? Is this the Super Bowl or an open mic night at a small-town coffee shop?” wrote one person on X. “Stick to the Grammys, the Super Bowl needs real cultural weight, not niche singer-songwriters.”

Another added: “DEI because everyone was mad about the bad bunny IJBOL.”

Those who decide not to watch 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 host the “All American Halftime Show,” which will compete with NBC’s broadcast of the big game.

The performers for the “All American Halftime Show” have not yet been confirmed, although the MAGA-themed event’s website has an option for visitors to vote for “anything in English.”