Super Bowl LX Set to Kick Off Amidst Halftime Show Controversy and High-Stakes Advertising
Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8, 2026, is poised to be a major event both on and off the field, featuring a matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. The game is already generating buzz due to the selection of Bad Bunny as the halftime performer, a choice that has stirred controversy given the artist's past criticisms of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to Fox News. Meanwhile, advertisers are preparing to spend millions for coveted airtime during the broadcast, with some commercials already available online.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed concerns about Bad Bunny potentially using the halftime show as a platform for political statements regarding ICE. Goodell stated he believes Bad Bunny "understands" the Super Bowl platform is meant to unite. This comes after Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican music star, used his Grammy Award acceptance speech to further criticize ICE, Fox News reported.
Beyond the halftime show, the Super Bowl remains a critical stage for advertisers. A 30-second ad during the game will cost as much as $10 million, according to Bloomberg News, cited by CBS News. Companies are also investing heavily in the production of their commercials, often featuring celebrity endorsements and pre-game promotional campaigns. Returning advertisers like Budweiser and Pepsi will be joined by new entrants, all vying for the attention of a massive audience expected to exceed 100 million viewers. The reputational and financial stakes are exceptionally high for these brands.
In other news, Al Jazeera Media Network Director General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal bin Khalifa Al Thani addressed the Web Summit in Qatar, outlining a vision for journalism that counters online outrage by restoring context and understanding. The network is launching a new project focused on rethinking the role of media in the digital age, according to Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, tech enthusiasts can find deals on Apple Watches, with the Series 11 and SE 3 receiving the biggest discounts, The Verge reported. Savings are also available on the higher-end Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Euronews provided a midday news bulletin on February 3, 2026, covering top stories from Europe and beyond, including world, business, entertainment, politics, culture, and travel news.
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