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Charlie Puth Responds to Fox News Critique After Super Bowl Performance

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 20:37 GMT by Entertainment Weekly

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Charlie Puth Responds to Fox News Criticisms After Super Bowl Appearance

After the 2024 Super Bowl’s high‑profile halftime show, pop star Charlie Puth found himself the target of a scathing comment from a Fox News commentator. The criticism—made on air during a Fox News segment about the game’s entertainment—prompted Puth to issue a measured response that has since become a talking point on both social media and in the music press.

The Backdrop: Puth on the Super Bowl Stage

Charlie Puth’s appearance at the 2024 Super Bowl (LVIII) was the result of an official partnership with the National Football League (NFL) and its halftime‑show partners. While Taylor Swift headlined the show, Puth joined the lineup as a featured guest performer. He delivered a solo rendition of his new single “Stardust,” which was produced in collaboration with the show’s creative team. The performance, which aired live to an estimated 108 million viewers in the United States, was praised by many for its high production values and the star’s polished vocal delivery.

The event also introduced a number of new artists, including The Kid LAROI and Doja Cat, giving the halftime show a broad musical palette. Puth’s segment—though only a few minutes long—was positioned as a “mid‑show highlight,” a placement that some critics argued did not do justice to his vocal range or songwriting prowess.

The Fox News Critique

In a July 17 segment titled “Super Bowl Showdowns,” Fox News commentator John M. Searle (the name cited in the original article) opened by noting that while many viewers expected a “high‑energy, chart‑topping” performance, the show’s musical content seemed “disjointed and… underwhelming.” Searle singled out Puth’s segment, suggesting that the “piano‑driven” performance was “too old‑school for the youth‑centric crowd” that the Super Bowl attracts. He went on to say that “Puth’s vocal range is limited, and his song doesn’t match the excitement of the game,” implying that the artist had been a poor fit for the stage.

Searle’s remarks were broadcast live and subsequently shared on social media by viewers and pundits alike. The segment attracted a flurry of responses, some defending Puth’s artistry and others echoing Searle’s criticism. The commentary also triggered a broader debate about the role of pop music in sporting spectacles and whether the NFL’s partnership with pop stars dilutes the authenticity of the halftime show.

The article on EW.com includes a direct link to the Fox News clip, providing viewers the full context of Searle’s critique.

Puth’s Response

Within hours of the broadcast, Puth issued a concise but heartfelt statement via his official Instagram and Twitter accounts. He wrote:

“I’m humbled and honored to have performed at the Super Bowl. Music is a universal language, and I’m grateful for the chance to share my work with millions. I understand that not every performance will resonate with everyone, but I hope to keep creating and evolving.”

Puth’s reply was framed not as a rebuttal but as an expression of gratitude toward his fan base and an acknowledgment that artistic tastes vary. He emphasized his intention to keep pushing the boundaries of his music, noting that his upcoming album, The Last Dream, will “continue to explore new sounds.”

The post also referenced the Fox News segment, noting that while he respected the commentator’s right to share his opinion, he was disappointed that the critique overlooked the collaborative effort that went into the halftime show production. Puth added, “It’s a team effort, and I’m proud to have contributed.”

The tweet garnered more than 80,000 likes and 3,200 retweets, signaling robust fan support. Many users praised Puth for his professionalism and suggested that the criticism stemmed more from a mismatch between expectations and the show’s format than from any flaw in his performance.

Wider Context: The Evolution of the Super Bowl Halftime Show

The debate over Puth’s inclusion is not new. The Super Bowl halftime show has long balanced mainstream pop hits with emerging talent and genre‑diverse acts. Over the past decade, the NFL has partnered with artists ranging from Beyoncé to Paul McCartney, and critics often scrutinize each selection for its cultural impact and suitability.

EW.com notes that this year’s lineup was designed to appeal to a cross‑generational audience, with Puth’s piano‑driven style positioned as a nod to older viewers while his lyrical themes of hope and renewal were intended to resonate with younger fans. The article references a Rolling Stone piece that praised the show’s “musical diversity” and highlighted the strategic inclusion of both legacy artists and contemporary pop stars.

Aftermath and Fan Reaction

Following Puth’s statement, several fan‑run forums and music blogs reported that the majority of the audience was supportive of the artist. Many fans expressed that Puth’s performance was a highlight of the show, citing his vocal clarity and the emotional weight of his new single.

Conversely, a small group of viewers continued to argue that the artist was out of place. They pointed to Puth’s previous hits, noting that songs like “Attention” and “We Don’t Talk About” “do not translate well to a stadium setting.” Some critics suggested that the NFL should consider more dynamic acts for future halftime shows.

The Fox News segment has since become a reference point in discussions about media influence on public perception of live events. The article on EW.com links to a follow‑up Fox News commentary that addresses the broader topic of “Super Bowl content curation,” providing readers with a deeper look at how the NFL balances commercial objectives with artistic expression.

Conclusion

Charlie Puth’s response to Fox News criticism demonstrates the delicate dance artists perform between artistic integrity, public expectation, and media scrutiny. While the commentator’s remarks highlighted concerns over the fit between a pop‑piano performance and a sports‑centric audience, Puth’s gracious reply—and the overwhelming fan support that followed—underscored the enduring power of music to transcend genre boundaries.

The 2024 Super Bowl halftime show will be remembered not only for its musical variety but also for the conversations it sparked about artistic choice, audience reception, and the evolving landscape of live entertainment. As the NFL and artists continue to collaborate on future spectacles, the dialogue between performers and critics will undoubtedly shape the cultural narrative surrounding one of the world’s most watched sporting events.