Imagine a Super Bowl halftime show that sparks a political firestorm—all because of one artist. That’s exactly what’s happening with Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance at Super Bowl LX. But here’s where it gets controversial: while millions celebrate his selection, others, including a former U.S. president, are openly criticizing it. Why? Let’s dive into the story behind this year’s most talked-about halftime act.
The Super Bowl halftime show is more than just a break in the game—it’s a global phenomenon. With over 100 million viewers in the U.S. alone and countless more worldwide, it’s a stage that has hosted legends like Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Prince, and Beyoncé. It’s not just a performance; it’s a cultural moment. And this year, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is stepping into that spotlight, following in the footsteps of recent headliners like Rihanna (2023), Usher (2024), and Kendrick Lamar (2025).
But who is Bad Bunny, and why is his selection causing such a stir? Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, he’s not just a rapper—he’s a global phenomenon. Dominating Spotify’s most-streamed artist charts from 2020 to 2022, and again in 2025, he’s the biggest name in Spanish-language music today. Aussies might recognize him from his 2018 collaboration with Cardi B on I Like It, his breakout hit. He also made waves at the 2020 Super Bowl, joining Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in a performance celebrating Hispanic culture.
Here’s the twist: Bad Bunny’s rise to fame isn’t just about music. It’s about representation. As a Puerto Rican artist—from a U.S. territory where residents are American citizens but lack full statehood rights—he’s a symbol of cultural pride. His recent Grammy win for Album of the Year, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (English: I Should Have Taken More Photos), marked the first time an entirely Spanish-language album took home the top prize. And this is the part most people miss: his music and activism challenge the status quo, from criticizing U.S. immigration policies to advocating for Latinx communities.
So, why the backlash? Former President Donald Trump called Bad Bunny’s selection, along with pre-game performers Green Day, ‘a terrible choice’ that ‘sows hatred.’ But NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the decision, praising Bad Bunny as ‘one of the greatest artists in the world’ who understands the platform he’s on. At the Grammys, Bad Bunny boldly declared, ‘ICE out,’ referencing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, and added, ‘We are not savages, we are not animals, we are not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.’
For fans, Bad Bunny’s halftime show is more than entertainment—it’s a statement. And with a performance expected to run between 12 and 15 minutes (longer than the usual halftime slot), he’s got plenty of time to make his mark. Catch it live on February 9, 2026, at 12pm AEDT on ESPN via Kayo Sports, part of Super Bowl LX kicking off at 10:30am AEDT. New to Kayo? Join now for just $1 and don’t miss this historic moment.
What’s on the setlist? Rumors are swirling about guest appearances from Ricky Martin, Lady Gaga, J Balvin, and even Cardi B. Wrestlers like Booker T and Ric Flair are long shots, but hey, it’s the Super Bowl—anything can happen. Opening with Titi Me Pregunto and closing with DtMF (his Grammy-winning track) are the odds-on favorites, but hits like BAILE INoLVIDABLE, Safaera, and I Like It are sure to make an appearance.
Here’s the real question: Is Bad Bunny’s halftime show a celebration of diversity, a political statement, or both? Let us know in the comments—do you think his performance will unite or divide? And more importantly, will you be dancing along, as he suggests, or trying to decipher the lyrics? After all, as Bad Bunny himself said, ‘The only thing more powerful than hate is love.’ Let’s see which one wins this Super Bowl.
