Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is slated to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable halftime show on 2/8/26 in Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA! When in September 2025, the Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and producer badbunny—beautifully—was announced as Coachella’s headlining performer. This announcement made him a star of the first order in this year’s much-anticipated edition.
The announcement has received a flood of praise and skepticism since it was made public. Bad Bunny, a winner of three Grammy Awards, has taken the world by storm. His performances and catchy Spanish-language compositions have made him a global superstar, attracting millions of fans. As for Senator Tim Scott, some conservative commentators are beside themselves in his choice not making it. Critics say it points to a more sinister change in cultural representation during this most high-profile American pageant. Critics have zeroed in on his vocal support for pro-immigrant policies in the United States as a flashpoint.
When announcing the Bad Bunny decision, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the decision, stressing the vast, global reach of Bad Bunny. In a recent statement, he pointed to Bad Bunny’s influence. He referred to him as “one of the leading and most popular world entertainers.” Anticipating backlash, Goodell acknowledged in selecting an artist this was always the case. As he put it, “I’m pretty sure we’ve never chosen an artist where there hasn’t been any criticism or any blowback before selection.” He continued, explaining that their decision had been “very carefully considered,” highlighting the importance of representation in today’s entertainment landscape.
In response to the criticism, Bad Bunny posted a TikTok to defend himself and show his pride in headlining the Super Bowl. As he put it, “What I’m feeling is bigger than me. I pay tribute to those who walked the path before me. They blocked for me thousands of yards long, creating way for my touchdowns. This moment’s for the homies, my people, my culture, our history.” His words are a testament to his dedication to staying true to his culture while introducing the world to his musical heritage.
To further build anticipation for his performance, Bad Bunny released a trailer for the upcoming Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. The teaser trailer gives fans an exclusive look at what to expect from his high-voltage act. As that date gets closer, the buzz is definitely building both around this performance and what it means culturally with Bad Bunny going.
