Bad Bunny to Make History with First Spanish-Language Super Bowl Halftime Show
The Super Bowl has always transcended football, evolving into a global spectacle where sports, music, and culture converge annually. This year, that prestigious spotlight shines brightly on Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican music icon who will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026. However, this performance carries unprecedented significance beyond typical entertainment, arriving at a moment when cultural expressions increasingly intersect with political discourse.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Explains the Historic Choice
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the media in Santa Clara just days before the championship game, articulating why Bad Bunny represents the ideal selection for this global platform. "Bad Bunny demonstrated last night that he is one of the great artists of the world, and that is one of the reasons we chose him," Goodell stated during a Super Bowl media event on February 2, 2026. "But the other reason is he understood the platform he was on, and that this platform is used to unite people."
Goodell specifically referenced Bad Bunny's remarkable Grammy Awards appearance on February 1, where the artist made history by winning Album of the Year for "Debí Tirar Más Fotos," the first Spanish-language album to receive this honor. During his acceptance speech, Bad Bunny delivered powerful remarks addressing political tensions, stating: "We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans. I know it's tough to not hate these days. And I was thinking, sometimes we get contaminated. The hate gets more powerful with more hate."
Breaking Language Barriers in NFL History
Following the Grammy triumph, official reports confirmed that Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance will be conducted entirely in Spanish. This groundbreaking decision marks the first time in NFL history that the halftime show will feature a complete Spanish-language set, representing a significant milestone for cultural representation in American sports entertainment.
Bad Bunny's selection is further justified by his unparalleled global popularity. The artist has achieved Spotify's most-streamed artist distinction four times, including in 2025, with his music dominating charts across:
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
The NFL believes his massive international reach can transform the halftime show into a truly shared global experience, connecting diverse audiences worldwide through music.
Political Controversy Surrounds the Performance
Despite the league's optimistic vision, the announcement has generated considerable controversy. When the NFL revealed Bad Bunny as the halftime performer in November, former President Donald Trump immediately criticized the choice, labeling it "a terrible choice." In response, right-wing organization Turning Point USA announced an alternative "All-American Halftime Show" featuring Kid Rock.
The political tensions intensified when the NFL confirmed that Green Day would perform during the opening ceremony. Similar to Bad Bunny, the band has publicly criticized Trump, adding another layer of political dimension to the event's entertainment lineup.
A Unifying Moment Amid Division
Commissioner Goodell remains steadfast in his support for Bad Bunny despite the surrounding controversy. "I think you'll have a great performance," he confidently asserted during his media address.
When Super Bowl LX commences on February 8, 2026, millions of viewers worldwide will tune in for more than just the championship football game. For the NFL organization, Bad Bunny's historic halftime show represents a strategic opportunity to redirect focus from societal divisions toward human connection. Whether audiences embrace or challenge this choice, the league maintains its conviction that this cultural moment possesses the unique power to bring people together globally, even if only temporarily during this singular night of spectacle.
