Bad Bunny Shatters Barriers as First Latino Solo Artist to Headline Super Bowl Halftime

Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny has been announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX halftime show, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This marks the first time a Latino solo artist will lead the halftime performance at the NFL's championship game.

The announcement was made on September 28, 2025, during halftime of a "Sunday Night Football" game. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This is for my people, my culture, and our history."

Born on March 10, 1994, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny has risen to global prominence with his unique blend of reggaeton and Latin trap music. He has won three Grammy Awards and is known for albums such as "YHLQMDLG," "El Último Tour del Mundo," and "Un Verano Sin Ti." Beyond music, he has ventured into acting and sports, including co-owning the Puerto Rican basketball team Los Cangrejeros de Santurce.

The selection of Bad Bunny has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a significant step for Latino representation in mainstream media. California Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed the announcement, tweeting, "California is excited to welcome you." However, some conservative figures have criticized the decision. Former President Donald Trump commented, "I don't know who he is... I think it's absolutely ridiculous."

In response to the criticism, Bad Bunny addressed the controversy during his appearance on "Saturday Night Live." Speaking in Spanish, he told critics they have four months to learn the language to understand his message.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the selection, stating, "It's carefully thought through. I'm not sure we've ever selected an artist where we didn't have some blowback or criticism." He emphasized Bad Bunny's global popularity and potential for a unifying performance.

Super Bowl LX will be broadcast on NBC, Telemundo, and streamed on Peacock. NBCUniversal has reported record-breaking revenue for its 20th season of "Sunday Night Football" and has sold out all advertising inventory for the Super Bowl earlier than ever.

As the event approaches, the Bay Area Host Committee is preparing to showcase the region's cultural diversity and innovation, aiming to create a memorable experience for fans and visitors.

Bad Bunny's upcoming performance signifies a milestone in the NFL's efforts to embrace diverse cultures and appeal to a global audience. His presence on such a prominent stage is expected to resonate with fans worldwide, highlighting the evolving landscape of entertainment and its intersection with cultural representation.