The popular Puerto Rican music star Bad Bunny has been officially named the official Apple Music halftime performer for the upcoming Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026; the location for the Super Bowl is set to be In Levi’s stadium in California. Bad Bunny is the first ever Spanish-language artist to headline this performance.
This news was confirmed by the NFL on October 15th, but it was announced by sources in late September around the 28th-29th. The NFL says that this is a big step forward for Latino representation considering that this is on one of the most watched stages of the world.
The public’s reaction is mixed, with many people criticizing the decision whilst others are celebrating it. Popular country artist Shaboozey praises this decision as a win for the representation of the Latino people. He says they there is “No better choice” than Bad Bunny as the halftime show spotlight.
Now there is plenty of controversy and backlash behind this decision as well. Many people are arguing that a Spanish-language artist should not be headlining one of the biggest American events and think that many won’t be able to understand him. Some have suggested that the performance “should be in English” which alone caused a whole separate controversy.
However, the public is suggesting that considering political tensions going on right now involving immigration and I.C.E., that this show would not be a good idea for the people of Spanish-speaking descent who will be attending the Super Bowl.
When Whitehouse press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about Bad bunny being the performer, and what’s going to happen, she said that she has her own thoughts on this, will not peak on the presidents behalf, and that the reporters should ask president trump directly about his feelings on this matter. She also said that there is no tangible plan in store for ice agents being at the Super Bowl when asked about that as well.
On the bright side of things, there is some positive feedback from the public about this as well. People are pointing out that Puerto Rico (where Bad Bunny is from) is apart of the U.S. and that his cultural impact is global. Supporters argue that his music expresses culture, and that his inclusion shows how big American centered events are evolving to reflect its diverse audience; showing that not only Americans are interested in American things.
I think that this controversy is something deeper than music. I think that it is also about who gets to be seen and celebrated on the big American stage. The reveal that he is performing I think shows how a lot of people aren’t used to cultural differences like this, but it also shows that the NFL is trying to diversify their halftime shows to not just appeal to the American audience, but to the Spanish audience as well. They are trying to expand and be more inclusive to all people and all cultures.
