‘Can’t Stand His Voice’: Viewers Threaten to Boycott Super Bowl 2025 Over Controversial Halftime Performer
The Super Bowl is supposed to be the grandest stage in American entertainment—a celebration of music, sports, and culture that unites the country, at least for one Sunday each year. But for Super Bowl 2025, the buzz leading up to the big game has taken an unexpectedly divisive turn.
This year’s halftime performer has sparked a wave of backlash across social media, with thousands of fans declaring they won’t be watching. The reason? Some viewers say they simply “can’t stand his voice.”
The Artist at the Center of the Controversy
The announcement came in early January: pop-R&B singer [Name Redacted] (a stand-in for this fictional story) would headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans. Known for his falsetto-heavy ballads, dramatic stage presence, and layered vocal harmonies, the singer has long had a loyal fan base—but also a vocal group of detractors.
Just minutes after the NFL’s official Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts shared the announcement, hashtags like #NotMyHalftime, #MuteTheBowl, and #WorstVoiceEver began trending. A surprising number of users were less concerned with the artist’s catalog of hits and more fixated on his tone.
“I physically cringe when I hear him,” one user wrote. “This is football, not a middle school talent show.”
Another posted: “NFL had every artist on the planet to choose from and they picked the one who sounds like he stubbed his toe while singing.”
What Viewers Are Saying
The complaints, while sometimes harsh, follow a familiar pattern seen in past Super Bowl controversies—where the performer becomes a lightning rod for broader cultural tensions. But in this case, the focus on vocal style and genre is particularly sharp.
Many football purists argued that his smooth, slow-jam approach doesn’t fit the energy of the event.
“He makes great music—for wine night. Not the Super Bowl.”
Others questioned the NFL’s selection process. Was this about ratings? Appealing to a younger, more pop-driven demographic? Ignoring the core football audience?
“The halftime show is no longer about football fans. It’s about going viral. I won’t watch a guy croon about heartbreak while I’m eating wings and waiting for the second half.”
In Facebook comment threads and TikTok reaction videos, fans shared compilations mocking the artist’s voice, tone, and past live performances—some accusing him of lip-syncing, others just insisting that he “sounds like a cartoon character.”
Fans Fight Back
Of course, the singer’s supporters quickly came to his defense. His fans—often younger, more pop-savvy, and diverse—argued that his vocal style is part of what makes him unique. Many pointed to his chart-topping albums, Grammy wins, and sold-out arena tours as proof that the criticism is less about talent and more about taste—or even something deeper.
“You’re just mad he’s not another rock band or country act,” one fan tweeted. “He brings range, he brings emotion, and he actually SINGS LIVE.”
Some accused detractors of thinly veiled racism, pointing out how Black male artists in particular often face disproportionate scrutiny when their style doesn’t conform to stereotypical expectations.
“Funny how every time a Black artist sings in falsetto, it’s ‘unbearable’—but when a white guy does it, it’s ‘artistic,’” one comment read.
NFL’s Response
The NFL has so far stood by its choice, with a spokesperson stating:
“We’re thrilled to welcome one of music’s most dynamic performers to the Super Bowl LIX stage. He’s a multi-platinum artist with global appeal, and we believe fans will be wowed by what he has in store.”
Rumors suggest that the halftime show will feature multiple high-profile guest artists, possibly including a surprise rock band or hip-hop legend to “balance out” the vibe. But if the NFL hoped this lineup would win over critics, the gamble seems only partially successful so far.
The Bigger Picture: Halftime Show Politics
Super Bowl halftime performances have always walked a tightrope between mass appeal and artistic expression. Every year, the choice becomes a reflection of the cultural moment—and a lightning rod for disagreement.
From Janet Jackson’s infamous 2004 wardrobe malfunction, to Beyoncé’s politically charged performance in 2016, to The Weeknd’s surrealist set in 2021, there’s a long history of halftime shows sparking more debate than the game itself.
Some argue that the outrage this year is exaggerated and predictably performative.
“Same story every year,” said culture critic Tara Ellis. “Everyone complains until the show airs, then the memes go viral, the Spotify streams spike, and suddenly the artist is having a career renaissance.”
What’s Next?
The artist has not directly addressed the backlash but posted a cryptic message on Instagram after the announcement:
“They’ll talk. I’ll sing. Let’s see who lasts longer.”
The post, paired with a photo of him rehearsing on a massive stage, drew more than 1.2 million likes and was flooded with both heart emojis and puke emojis—perfectly capturing the polarization.
Ticket prices for the Super Bowl remain sky-high, and advertisers are undeterred. If anything, the controversy might increase interest in the halftime show, drawing in hate-watchers, curious fans, and critics alike.
Final Thoughts
Love him or loathe him, the 2025 Super Bowl halftime performer has already done what every act hopes to achieve: grabbed headlines, stirred conversation, and ensured people will be watching—whether out of admiration or spite.
And while some may still mute their TVs or take a snack break during the 13-minute set, there’s no doubt that come Super Bowl Sunday, the world will be watching.
And listening.
Whether they “can stand his voice” or not.
