Last year, it was announced that Bad Bunny was officially headlining the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show, and the announcement immediately created a mix of excitement and debate. Fans are expecting a high energy performance that represents his Puerto Rican roots, and many are hoping he performs entirely in Spanish. The language barrier has become the main point of controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s performance. Some Americans and NFL fans argue that his music does not represent the United States or align with the Super Bowl audience. Others, however, welcome the idea of a halftime show that celebrates the Spanish language, seeing it as a significant moment for Latino representation. Despite mixed reactions, the NFL has made it clear that Bad Bunny will not be replaced and stands firmly behind its decision.
Artists such as Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and Kehlani have also spoken about the performance, showing support and encouraging Bad Bunny to stay true to himself. Marc Anthony called it a milestone for Latin music, praising Bad Bunny’s creativity and innovation, while Shakira expressed pride in him for representing Spanish music on a global stage.
There is also political tension surrounding the performance. Bad Bunny’s anti-Trump stance and his choice to perform in Spanish has drawn criticism from groups. On top of that, he refused to bring his “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” tour to the United States, showing concerns over ICE raids targeting his fans and calling a US tour “unnecessary”, which added further controversy.
Despite the controversy, Bad Bunny is undeniably popular. He was named the most-streamed artist on Spotify globally for 2025, marking his fourth time earning this title, with 19.8 billion streams. He is the first artist ever to achieve this four times. His album “DeBí Tirar Más Fotos” was the #1 streamed album of the year, and, most recently, won album of the year at the Grammys.
One thing is certain: with all of the hype and controversy surrounding this Super Bowl performance, Bad Bunny’s halftime show is guaranteed to be one of the most watched and talked about performances in years.
