The Super Bowl, America’s most-watched television event, is set to feature Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny as the headliner for its 2026 half-time show. According to Nielsen, the event reaches over 100 million viewers annually, offering a massive platform for showcasing the hottest acts in popular culture. However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions due to Bad Bunny’s past political statements.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been openly critical of former US President Donald Trump. He has also expressed concerns about potential raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at his concerts, leading him to exclude the US from his 2025 world tour. This political stance has fueled controversy around his selection for the Super Bowl, which will take place in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026.
Bad Bunny’s Cultural Impact
In his first interview after the announcement, Bad Bunny emphasized the significance of representing Puerto Rico on a global stage. Speaking to Apple Music’s Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden, he stated, “I’m excited about my culture.” Despite being a US territory, Puerto Rico exercises wide internal self-rule, and Bad Bunny’s performance is seen as a major cultural moment for the island.
Fans have expressed excitement, and the governor of California has welcomed the announcement. Jay-Z, whose entertainment company Roc Nation collaborates with the NFL and Apple Music to produce the show, praised Bad Bunny, saying, “We are honoured to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”
Political Backlash and Criticism
Despite the support, Bad Bunny faces criticism from conservative circles. Podcaster Benny Johnson labeled him an “anti-ICE activist” and criticized his lack of English-language songs. This backlash highlights the ongoing tension between entertainment and politics, particularly in a high-profile event like the Super Bowl.
Historically, the NFL has been cautious about political messaging during its events. However, artists often use their platform to make statements, as seen in previous performances. The inclusion of Bad Bunny could signal a shift in how the NFL navigates political discourse in entertainment.
Who is Bad Bunny?
Bad Bunny has become a global music sensation, winning three Grammys and dominating streaming platforms. He was the most-streamed artist on Spotify for three consecutive years until Taylor Swift took the top spot in 2023. His hits, such as “I Like It” with Cardi B and J Balvin, “DÁKITI,” and “DtMF,” have garnered billions of streams.
On Apple Music, he has ten songs in the top 500 most-streamed songs of all time. His album “Un Verano Sin Ti” broke the record for the biggest Latin album by first-day streams worldwide, a record it still holds. Bad Bunny’s influence extends beyond music, as he continues to shape cultural and political conversations.
The Road Ahead
The 2026 Super Bowl half-time show represents a significant moment for Bad Bunny and the NFL. As the event approaches, it will be interesting to see how the league manages the intersection of entertainment and political expression. Bad Bunny’s performance will undoubtedly be watched closely, both for its cultural impact and its potential political undertones.
As the world anticipates the 2026 Super Bowl, the conversation around Bad Bunny’s performance highlights the evolving role of artists in addressing social and political issues on the world’s biggest stages.
