The National Football League (NFL), Apple Music, and Roc Nation have confirmed that global reggaeton and Latin trap superstar Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show at Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The event will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and will mark the first time a Puerto Rican artist has taken the world’s most-watched musical stage.
The announcement, made on Sunday, cements another milestone in Bad Bunny’s meteoric rise from San Juan’s vibrant music scene to international superstardom. The 31-year-old, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, will join the elite ranks of global icons such as Beyoncé, Shakira, Rihanna, Michael Jackson, and Prince who have graced the Super Bowl halftime stage.
In his reaction to the announcement, Bad Bunny expressed deep pride and gratitude, framing his moment as a cultural victory.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” he said in a statement. “This is 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. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”
Jay-Z, Roc Nation Applaud Bad Bunny’s Influence
Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by Jay-Z, has been a key partner in curating Super Bowl halftime performances since 2019. Jay-Z praised Bad Bunny’s appointment, noting his unique impact on Puerto Rican culture and the global music landscape.
“What he’s done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring,” Jay-Z said. “We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage. His artistry transcends boundaries, his influence crosses continents, and his music unites cultures.”
NFL and Apple Music Call It “Historic”
NFL executives underscored the significance of the announcement, calling it a moment that will deliver “an unforgettable cultural experience” to millions of viewers around the world.
Apple Music’s Vice President Oliver Schusser also highlighted the cultural impact of the Puerto Rican star.
“Bad Bunny’s booking is historic,” Schusser said. “His music has not only broken streaming records but has also elevated Latin music to the center of global pop culture. To see him headline the Super Bowl halftime show is not only a win for Latin music, but for diversity, representation, and the millions of fans who see themselves in his journey.”
A Star at the Peak of His Career
Bad Bunny is not only one of the most streamed artists in the world but also one of the most decorated. He has won three Grammy Awards, 12 Latin Grammys, and remains a chart-topping sensation with albums such as Un Verano Sin Ti, YHLQMDLG, and El Último Tour Del Mundo.
Currently, the Puerto Rican sensation leads the 2025 Latin Grammy nominations with 12 nods, following a record-breaking residency in Puerto Rico that drew more than half a million fans. His sold-out concerts across the Americas and Europe further underscore his global dominance.
Beyond music, Bad Bunny has ventured into acting. He appeared in the Hollywood action thriller Bullet Train alongside Brad Pitt, starred in the crime drama Caught Stealing, and has been announced as part of the cast of Happy Gilmore 2. He will also host Saturday Night Live on October 4, a move expected to showcase his versatility and charisma beyond the stage.
A Cultural Shift in the Super Bowl Halftime Show
The halftime show is often described as the most coveted 15 minutes in the entertainment industry. Each year, it attracts audiences that extend far beyond traditional sports fans, creating a cultural moment that resonates globally.
Last year’s halftime performance, led by Kendrick Lamar with special guest SZA, drew a record 133.5 million viewers, surpassing even the legendary 1993 performance by Michael Jackson. With Bad Bunny’s wide-reaching influence, industry observers predict that the 2026 edition could set new viewership records, particularly by engaging Latin American and Caribbean audiences worldwide.
For Puerto Ricans and Latin music fans, the announcement carries symbolic weight. Bad Bunny has long used his platform to highlight Puerto Rico’s struggles and triumphs, from advocating for political reform and environmental justice to celebrating Caribbean identity through his lyrics, visuals, and outspoken activism.
Global Fans Anticipate a Groundbreaking Performance
Expectations for the 2026 halftime show are already soaring. Known for his electrifying stage presence, bold visuals, and fusion of reggaeton, Latin trap, and global pop, Bad Bunny is expected to craft a performance that is both musically groundbreaking and culturally resonant.
Industry insiders suggest that the show could feature collaborations with other Latin superstars, further amplifying the historic nature of the moment. Social media is abuzz with speculation, with fans expressing excitement that the halftime show will finally reflect the growing influence of Latin music on the global stage.
Bad Bunny’s Journey from Puerto Rico to the World
Born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny first gained recognition on SoundCloud before breaking into the mainstream in 2016 with the hit single Soy Peor. His rise coincided with the global surge of reggaeton and Latin trap, but he distinguished himself with genre-bending creativity, unapologetic authenticity, and his embrace of themes often overlooked in Latin music, such as mental health, gender expression, and political resistance.
By the time Un Verano Sin Ti became Spotify’s most-streamed album worldwide in 2022, Bad Bunny had already secured his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation. His ability to blend traditional Latin rhythms with modern pop, hip hop, and electronic influences has broadened Latin music’s global appeal, drawing in listeners from Africa, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Looking Ahead to February 2026
As the countdown to February 8, 2026 begins, anticipation is building not only among football fans but also among music lovers worldwide. The Super Bowl halftime show has become a global cultural landmark, and with Bad Bunny at the helm, expectations are for a show that reflects not only his artistry but also the resilience, vibrancy, and pride of Puerto Rico.
For the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation, the decision represents both a recognition of Bad Bunny’s unparalleled global reach and a commitment to showcasing diverse voices on the biggest stage in sports and entertainment. For Bad Bunny, it is both a career-defining milestone and a cultural moment that reaffirms his place as an artist who has redefined boundaries and inspired millions.
On February 8, 2026, when the lights dim and the world’s cameras focus on Levi’s Stadium, Bad Bunny will carry with him the hopes and pride of Puerto Rico, the Latin music community, and countless fans worldwide — ready to make history at the Super Bowl.
