February 9, 2026 — As the world eagerly anticipates Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, many Americans are preparing to change the channel. The Puerto Rican rapper, known for his outspoken political views, is expected to deliver a powerful message on one of the world’s most-watched stages.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has never shied away from controversy. Just last week, he used his Grammy Awards acceptance speech to criticize former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, declaring,
“We are not savages, we are not animals, we are not aliens – we are humans, and we are Americans. ICE out.”
The Super Bowl performance is anticipated to follow suit, potentially addressing Trump’s America once again.
Political Divisions at the Super Bowl
The announcement of Bad Bunny’s performance has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from conservative circles. Known for performing exclusively in Spanish and embracing drag culture, Bad Bunny has become a symbol of resistance to some right-wing ideologies. His decision to exclude the United States from his recent tour, due to fears of ICE targeting, further solidified his stance.
Former President Trump himself criticized the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny, calling it “absolutely ridiculous.” Conservative commentator Jimmy Failla added fuel to the fire with a controversial remark about the rapper’s appearance and language.
In response, Turning Point USA has organized an alternative halftime show, dubbed the All-American Halftime Show, featuring Kid Rock and other country music artists. This event is positioned as a celebration of “faith, family, and freedom” and will air simultaneously on conservative networks.
Broader Implications of the Divide
The existence of a rival halftime show highlights the deep divisions within American society, even on a day traditionally seen as unifying. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that Trump’s viewing party at Mar-a-Lago would likely prefer the alternative show.
Meanwhile, the Super Bowl will also feature a politically charged advertisement from World Without Exploitation. The ad, addressing human trafficking and sexual exploitation, includes survivors of abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. It calls for the release of additional documents related to the Epstein case.
Robert Garcia, a leading Democrat, emphasized the importance of the ad, stating,
“You don’t ‘move on’ from the largest sex-trafficking ring in the world. You expose it.”
Maxwell is expected to appear before Congress soon, though she may invoke her Fifth Amendment rights.
The Cultural Impact of Super Bowl Performances
Super Bowl halftime shows have long been a stage for cultural and political statements. From Beyoncé’s nod to the Black Panthers to Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s celebration of Latino culture, these performances often reflect broader societal issues.
Bad Bunny’s upcoming show is expected to continue this tradition, using music as a medium to address pressing political issues. With millions of viewers worldwide, the impact of his performance could resonate far beyond the football field.
As the nation tunes in, the contrasting halftime shows underscore the cultural and political divides that continue to shape America. Whether viewers choose Bad Bunny or the All-American Halftime Show, the choices reflect deeper societal narratives that extend beyond entertainment.
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