Sorry, Swifties, but you won’t see “Bad Blood” at the Super Bowl next year. Instead, you’ll see Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican singer and rapper, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was confirmed on Monday as the headliner for the NFL’s game of games at California’s Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026, putting an end to rumors that pop juggernaut Taylor Swift could take the field.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” Bunny said 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 Invitation
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had previously stirred excitement among Swift’s fans by expressing his admiration for the pop star. “I would always love to have Taylor [Swift] play at the halftime show,” he remarked on the US Today show. “She is a special, special talent and obviously, she would be welcome at any time.”
This statement fueled speculation, especially after Swift’s engagement to Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce in August. Fans were further intrigued when Swift mentioned the number 47 on Kelce’s New Heights podcast, a seemingly random reference that coincided with her 47th Eras Tour stop at Levi’s Stadium, the venue for the upcoming Super Bowl.
Financial Considerations and Other Contenders
The speculation around Swift’s potential performance also touched upon financial considerations. Super Bowl performers traditionally receive minimal payment beyond a union-mandated rate, performing primarily for exposure. Some speculated whether Swift, arguably the biggest pop star globally, sought compensation that matched her stature. Notably, Swift and her team have not commented on these rumors.
Other artists were also rumored to be in the running, including British singer Adele and Miley Cyrus. Adele, whose fiancé Rich Paul is a prominent US sports agent, reportedly declined a halftime show offer several years ago.
Bad Bunny’s Rise and Cultural Impact
Shortly before the headliner announcement, Bad Bunny had hinted at a single performance in the United States for his “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos” world tour, which kicks off in December. He 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 remarkable trajectory, recently completing a Puerto Rico residency that attracted over 500,000 fans. At just 31, he has already secured three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys, and has appeared in popular films such as “Bullet Train,” “Happy Gilmore 2,” and “Caught Stealing.” He is also known for his comedic appearances on “Saturday Night Live.”
“The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show will take place on February 8, 2026 (US time) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.”
Bad Bunny will follow rapper Kendrick Lamar, whose performance at the previous Super Bowl drew 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime show ever.
The announcement of Bad Bunny as the headliner marks a significant moment for the Latin music community and highlights the NFL’s ongoing efforts to diversify its halftime show lineup. As anticipation builds, fans worldwide are eager to see how Bad Bunny will bring his unique style and cultural flair to one of the most-watched events in sports.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Super Bowl approaches, promising a blend of sports, music, and cultural celebration.
