Have you ever wondered about the headline performer for the Super Bowl halftime show that has everyone buzzing, yet many may not recognize? Well, get ready, because this year's choice has even sparked some discontent from the highest office in the land.
The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved into a colossal event, attracting over 100 million viewers across the United States and millions more internationally, making it one of the most-watched entertainment spectacles globally. It’s a significant platform where iconic artists like Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Madonna, and Beyoncé have showcased their incredible talents. With such illustrious names gracing the stage in the past, being selected as the halftime act is considered a prestigious honor in the music industry.
This year, for Super Bowl LX, which takes place on February 9, 2026, the spotlight will shine on Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper who has recently made headlines after winning the Grammy for Album of the Year with his record "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS," which translates to "I Should Have Taken More Photos."
Curious about when to tune in? The Super Bowl is set to kick off at 10:30 AM AEDT, and fans can expect the halftime show to commence shortly after noon AEDT—perfect timing for a lunch break viewing!
If you’re eager to catch all the excitement of the halftime performance, be sure to watch it live on ESPN via Kayo Sports. The halftime segment is typically extended, lasting up to half an hour, with Bad Bunny's performance anticipated to run between 12 and 15 minutes.
Now, let’s delve deeper into who Bad Bunny really is. Known formally as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, he stands as one of the most prominent figures in the rap scene today and arguably the leading Spanish-language artist in the music industry. He dominated Spotify as the most-streamed artist from 2020 to 2022 and reclaimed that title in 2025, ranking second in 2023 and third in 2024, showcasing his immense global reach, particularly in Latin America and Europe. Many fans might recognize him from his feature on Cardi B’s hit "I Like It," which played a pivotal role in launching his career.
In addition to his musical prowess, Bad Bunny made a notable appearance during Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s halftime performance in 2020, which was a celebration of Hispanic culture.
Despite Puerto Rico being a territory of the United States and its residents considered U.S. citizens, Bad Bunny's upcoming performance has stirred controversy within the politically charged atmosphere of America. Former President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction, claiming that Bad Bunny and fellow pre-game performers Green Day were poor choices that only fueled division.
Conversely, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the selection of Bad Bunny, praising him as "one of the greatest artists in the world" and recognizing his awareness of the significant platform he holds. This acknowledgment comes in light of Bad Bunny's outspoken criticism of U.S. immigration policies, notably expressing concerns for fans' safety when considering a mainland tour due to fears of them being targeted by immigration enforcement. His powerful statement at the Grammys, "ICE out," resonated with many, as he emphasized the humanity and American identity of those affected by such policies, affirming, "The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love."
For those who may struggle with language barriers, Bad Bunny assures listeners that they don’t need to understand every lyric; he believes what matters most is the dance and the emotion behind it. In his words, "It’s better that they learn to dance. There’s no better dance than the one that comes from the heart."
Beyond music, Bad Bunny is also a passionate wrestling enthusiast, having participated in various WWE events, including WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble.
As for the songs we can expect during Bad Bunny’s highly anticipated halftime show? Traditionally, these performances feature surprise guest appearances, and Bad Bunny's set is likely to be no different. Artists such as Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga are frontrunners for potential collaborations, while others like J Balvin, Travis Scott, Rauw Alejandro, and Cardi B—who happens to be the partner of New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs—are also among the favorites to join him on stage. Less likely contenders include wrestling legends like Booker T and Ric Flair, alongside popular K-Pop group HUNTR/X.
Fans are particularly excited about the possibility of hearing hits like "Titi Me Pregunto," which is favored to open the show, and "DtMF," the title track from his Grammy-winning album, which is expected to close the performance. Other tracks that could make an appearance include "BAILE INoLVIDABLE," "NUEVAYOL," "Safaera," "LA MUDANZA," "Callaita," "I Like It," "MONACO," "LA CANCION," "El Apagón," and "Neverita."
As we gear up for Super Bowl LX, it's clear that Bad Bunny's performance promises to be a dynamic blend of music, culture, and perhaps even controversy. What are your thoughts on his selection as the halftime headliner? Do you agree with the mixed reactions surrounding his performance, or do you believe the focus should remain on the celebration of diversity in music? Let us know your opinions!
