Sorry, Swifties, but you won’t see “Bad Blood” at the Super Bowl next year. Instead, the spotlight will shine on Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican singer and rapper, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was confirmed on Monday as the headliner for the NFL’s marquee event at California’s Levi’s Stadium on February 8, effectively quashing rumors that pop icon Taylor Swift might take the stage.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” Bad Bunny expressed in a statement obtained by Billboard. “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. [In Spanish] Go tell your grandma we’re going to be the Super Bowl Halftime Show.”
Swift Speculation and NFL’s Interest
The announcement comes after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned on the US Today show earlier this month that he would “always love to have Taylor [Swift] play” at the halftime show. “She is a special, special talent and obviously, she would be welcome at any time,” he said, which fueled fan speculation about a potential Swift performance.
This speculation was further intensified by Swift’s engagement to Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce in August. Fans also noted potential hints dropped by Swift during her appearance on Kelce’s New Heights podcast, where she made a seemingly random reference to the number 47—her 47th Eras Tour stop was at Levi’s Stadium, the venue for the upcoming Super Bowl.
Financial Considerations and Performer Speculations
Historically, Super Bowl performers are compensated with a small, union-mandated rate, performing primarily for exposure. Some have speculated that Swift, arguably the biggest pop star in the world, might have declined the opportunity due to these financial terms, seeking compensation that aligns with her stature. Notably, neither Swift nor her team have commented on these rumors.
Meanwhile, other artists were also rumored to be in the running for the coveted halftime slot. British singer Adele, whose fiancé Rich Paul is a prominent US sports agent, and Miley Cyrus were both mentioned as potential candidates. Adele reportedly declined a halftime show offer several years ago, adding to the intrigue surrounding the selection process.
Bad Bunny’s Rising Stardom
Shortly before the headliner announcement, Bad Bunny hinted at a rare US performance on X, stating he planned to do just one show in the country for his “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos” world tour, which kicks off in December. This announcement was particularly notable as Bad Bunny had previously expressed reluctance to perform in the US due to concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
The Grammy-winning Latin trap artist has been on a meteoric rise, recently completing a residency in Puerto Rico that attracted over 500,000 fans. At just 31 years old, he has already won three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys, and has appeared in popular films such as Bullet Train and Caught Stealing. He is also known for his comedic appearances on Saturday Night Live, including his popular Shrek impersonations.
Bad Bunny will follow rapper Kendrick Lamar, whose performance at this year’s Super Bowl drew 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime show in history.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl LX
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show is set to take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see how Bad Bunny will bring his unique blend of Latin trap and reggaeton to one of the world’s biggest stages.
With the NFL and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation confirming Bad Bunny as the headliner, the stage is set for a performance that promises to celebrate cultural heritage and musical innovation.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Super Bowl and other major events. Sign up for The Watchlist to discover the latest TV, streaming series, and movies to add to your must-see list, delivered every Thursday.
