By Kendrick Lamar
Copyright pulsesports
Bad Bunny has been named the headliner of the next Super Bowl Halftime Show.
The NFL has announced that Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8.
The performance will follow last season’s record-breaking show by Kendrick Lamar, which drew more than 130 million viewers.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has become one of the most influential artists in the world, known for bringing Spanish-language music to the top of global charts.
The 31-year-old Puerto Rican singer has already won three Grammy Awards and 12 Latin Grammys, with hits such as “MIA”, “I Like It”, and “Me Porto Bonito” making him a household name.
What’s the gossip?
In a statement released by the NFL, Benito said he was proud to represent his roots:
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture and our history. Go and tell your grandmother, we’re going to be at the Super Bowl halftime show.”
The announcement video, shared by Apple Music and the NFL, showed Bad Bunny sitting on a beach goalpost as his hit Callaíta played in the background.
The performance will be produced by Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by Jay-Z, which has been behind the Super Bowl halftime shows since 2020.
Super Bowl Halftime Headliner: Roc Nation’s role
The collaboration between Roc Nation and the league began in 2019 after criticism over the NFL’s handling of racial justice protests led by former quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Since then, halftime shows have featured some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, including Usher, Rihanna and Dr Dre.
The addition of Bad Bunny brings a new wave of Latin influence to the event, following in the footsteps of Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s 2020 performance.
Bad Bunny has never shied away from speaking about social and political issues, especially those affecting Puerto Rico.
He has used his platform to highlight problems such as inequality, government mismanagement and the treatment of migrants.
In an interview with The New York Times, he said, “Every time that I express myself about something, I do it because I feel it. It’s not because I have followers or fame. I’m a human being first, and I speak from the heart.”
The Bigger Picture
Bad Bunny’s selection signals a major moment for Latin music on the world stage.
Once seen as a niche genre, Latin sounds now dominate global streaming platforms, with Bad Bunny consistently ranked as Spotify’s most-streamed artist for several years running.
The NFL’s choice reflects this cultural shift, with the league aiming to attract a broader and younger global audience.
Jon Barker, the NFL’s event production executive, described Bad Bunny as “a symbol of energy, creativity and authenticity who speaks to audiences across generations.”
There had been weeks of speculation that pop star Taylor Swift would be this year’s headliner, but those rumours were put to rest when the league confirmed Bad Bunny’s role.
Swift, who recently got engaged to Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, was reportedly unable to commit due to her album release schedule.
