Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on Feb. 8, 2026 in Santa Clara. The NFL announced this in late September 2025. Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the choice firmly this week. The Puerto Rican superstar’s selection sparked unexpected controversy nationwide.
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Super bowl halftime show 2026 sparks outrage as NFL stands firm on Bad Bunny
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Bad Bunny headlines Super Bowl LX halftime show on Feb. 8, 2026
- Performance will feature Spanish-language songs throughout the set
- NFL Commissioner Goodell says the choice is “carefully thought through”
- Bad Bunny won Billboard’s Top Latin Artist of the Century honor this month
- The artist leads 2025 Latin Grammy nominations with 12 total nods
What Sparked the Controversy
When the NFL announced Bad Bunny as the performer, conservative groups mobilized immediately. Far-right commentators claimed his political views made him unsuitable. Turning Point USA, led by Charlie Kirk, even announced a rival “All American Halftime Show.” They disagreed with the artist’s past criticisms.
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The backlash focused heavily on Bad Bunny‘s vocal opposition to certain political figures. Critics claimed the decision represented poor judgment by the league. However, mainstream entertainment critics largely defended the selection. They noted his massive global reach and commercial success.
“It’s carefully thought through. I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism.”
Why the NFL Stood Firm
Goodell emphasized that Bad Bunny ranks among the world’s most popular entertainers. He explained that selecting any artist always generates some criticism. The commissioner stressed the Super Bowl halftime show targets worldwide audiences. Bad Bunny’s global fanbase made him an ideal choice.
The NFL has partnered with Apple Music and Roc Nation (owned by Jay-Z) since 2023. These partnerships focus on booking culturally significant artists. Bad Bunny’s status as a global cultural icon aligned perfectly. His 31-concert residency in Puerto Rico concluded just weeks before the controversy erupted.
The league’s decision matters beyond entertainment choices. It signals the NFL’s commitment to diverse representation. A Spanish-language halftime show reaches millions of Latino viewers. This demographic comprises a crucial audience segment.
Bad Bunny’s Achievements and Record-Breaking Year
Bad Bunny has dominated 2025 with unprecedented recognition. The artist holds 3 Grammy Awards and 11 Latin Grammy Awards overall. This year alone brought extraordinary honors he earned through decades of work.
| Achievement | Details |
| Latin Grammy Nominations | 12 nominations for 2025 |
| Billboard Honor | Top Latin Artist of the Century (Oct. 2025) |
| Album Release | “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” (6th studio album) |
| Career Awards | 3 Grammys, 11 Latin Grammys, 8 Billboard Music Awards |
Bad Bunny released his sixth album in 2025 to critical acclaim. The project showcased his artistic evolution and production quality. He earned the Billboard Latin Music Award for top artist this month. The honor recognized his extraordinary influence on Latin music globally.
What To Watch For
- The exact setlist Bad Bunny will perform remains unannounced.
- Fans expect hits from both recent and classic catalog.
- The performance will be broadcast live to millions worldwide.
- His stage design and production values could set new standards.
- The show airs on CBS across North America and streaming platforms.
Will This Become Another Historic Super Bowl Moment?
Bad Bunny’s selection matters beyond typical halftime show debates. He brings global cultural significance to a major American platform. The Super Bowl reaches approximately 115 million viewers annually. A Spanish-language performance sends a clear message about American diversity.
Previous halftime performers faced similar backlash when selected. Yet most performances became memorable television moments. Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Usher all controversially drew criticism pre-show. Viewers remembered their performances as cultural highlights afterward.
The NFL appears confident this choice will resonate similarly. Watch official announcements for setlist details and production plans. Bad Bunny‘s performance could redefine what a Super Bowl halftime show represents. Will you tune in on Feb. 8, 2026?
Sources
- NFL.com – Official NFL commissioner statements defending Bad Bunny selection
- Billboard – Bad Bunny’s Latin Artist of the Century recognition announcement
- Rolling Stone – Coverage of controversy and industry response
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Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.