Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show. The performance takes place on Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist sparked immediate backlash and outrage across conservative circles. The NFL stands firm on its decision despite mounting pressure to reconsider.
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Bad Bunny was announced as halftime headliner on Sept. 28, 2025 during Sunday Night Football.
- He will perform in Spanish, making this the first major Super Bowl halftime in a non-English language.
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed on Oct. 22 that the league is not reconsidering the decision.
- Critics from conservative groups launched a Change.org petition to replace him with country artist George Strait.
- The performance marks Bad Bunny’s only U.S. concert scheduled for this period.
What Happened at the Super Bowl Announcement
The NFL surprised the sports world when it announced Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl LX halftime headliner on Sunday Night Football. The announcement sparked immediate and intense backlash online. Conservative media figures quickly mobilized to criticize the decision. Fox News host Tomi Lahren claimed he’s “not an American artist.” Critics attacked the choice on language grounds and artistic fit.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us.”
Bad Bunny chose not to tour in the U.S. over recent months citing immigration concerns. He expressed worry about protecting migrant concertgoers from potential ICE involvement. So the Super Bowl performance represents a major reversed stance on performing domestically. This contradiction fueled some criticism about hypocrisy in his decision-making.
Why the NFL Won’t Back Down
Commissioner Goodell directly addressed the controversy on Oct. 22. He stated unequivocally that the NFL is “not considering” dropping Bad Bunny from the halftime slot. His defense centered on Bad Bunny’s global popularity and professional credentials. The artist ranks among the world’s most-streamed musicians with billions of plays.
The NFL embraced the historic nature of the moment. This marks the first time a major Super Bowl halftime headliner will perform primarily in Spanish. The league views this as a cultural milestone rather than a liability. Goodell’s comments signaled institutional confidence in the choice. The Super Bowl LX performance will showcase Bad Bunny’s artistry to over 100 million viewers globally.
The Controversy Breakdown
The outrage emerged from multiple perspectives. Some critics questioned whether performing in Spanish fits the Super Bowl audience traditionally associated with English-language entertainment. Others cited Bad Bunny’s political activism and provocative song lyrics. Conservative groups launched social media campaigns and petitions to block his appearance.
| Controversy Factor | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Language Issue | Bad Bunny performs primarily in Spanish, not English. |
| Political Views | Artist has criticized Trump administration immigration policies publicly. |
| Change.org Petition | Conservative groups pushed to replace him with George Strait. |
| Cultural Debate | Sparks discussion about American identity and cultural representation. |
| Artistic Concerns | Some critics question fit with traditional Super Bowl audience. |
Bad Bunny has largely stayed quiet about the backlash publicly. He posted about the Super Bowl performance officially. The artist focused on excitement rather than addressing critics directly. This measured response contrasts with past instances where he’s engaged controversies more aggressively.
What Cultural Moments to Expect
The Super Bowl LX halftime performance promises several historic cultural moments for viewers. This represents the first time a Spanish-language performance dominates the main event stage. Bad Bunny’s stage design and production should reflect his innovative touring aesthetic. Fans expect high-energy choreography mixing reggaeton, trap latino, and contemporary Latin styles.
- The 15-minute slot will showcase Bad Bunny’s biggest hits and viral songs.
- Expect vibrant visuals celebrating Puerto Rican culture and identity.
- The performance may address immigration themes through artistic expression indirectly.
- Baby Yoda-themed costume elements might appear based on his past performances.
- Guest performers haven’t been announced but speculation continues among fans.
The halftime show runs approximately 15 minutes. Bad Bunny can perform 4-5 songs in that window. His track record suggests he’ll deliver ambitious production values matching his touring shows. The Super Bowl LX could become his most-watched performance ever in a single broadcast.
Will the Backlash Actually Matter?
Bad Bunny bringing Latin music to America’s biggest cultural event marks a watershed moment. The controversy itself demonstrates how culturally significant this choice truly is. Critics’ objections highlight ongoing tensions about representation and American identity in mainstream media.
The NFL’s unwillingness to budge shows the league prioritizes viewership size over pleasing conservative critics. Bad Bunny’s global reach and streaming dominance dwarf traditional metrics. Younger audiences overwhelmingly support the choice. The demographic watching Super Bowl halftime shows includes millions of Latino fans who celebrate this representation.
How will the performance itself rank historically among Super Bowl halftime moments? The answer depends on execution and cultural reception. One thing’s certain: this halftime show won’t be forgotten soon. The Feb. 8, 2026 event at Levi’s Stadium arrives during a particularly charged cultural moment. Bad Bunny’s performance could either unite audiences or reinforce existing divisions.
Sources
- NFL Official – Commissioner Goodell’s statement defending Bad Bunny decision
- Rolling Stone – Analysis of MAGA backlash and cultural controversy
- New York Magazine – Detailed explanation of the Super Bowl controversy
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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.