A new artist is hitting the 50-yard line in February. Bad Bunny has officially been announced as the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime performer.
The news was announced during the Sunday Night Football game on September 28th between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. Learn more about Bunny and past performers below.
When is the Super Bowl?
Super Bowl LX is on February 8th at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The halftime show and the game will be broadcast on NBC, brought to viewers by Apple Music and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
Bad Bunny’s Response
A post on Instagram features Bad Bunny sitting on a goalpost on a beach, and as the camera panned out, the text over the video announced him as the upcoming halftime show performer.
When asked about this opportunity, the superstar said:
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s 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.”
This excitement and news come after Bunny canceled his U.S. segment of his World Tour due to President Trump’s use of ICE for immigration crackdowns across the country.
Speaking about the gig related to his tour, Bad Bunny said, “I’ve been thinking about it these days, and after discussing it with my team, I think I’ll do just one date in the United States.”
Last Year’s Performance
For those who don’t remember, last year’s performance was Kendrick Lamar, who brought several stars to the stage alongside his hit track, “Not Like Us.” His performance grabbed four Emmy nominations and took home the award for Outstanding Music Direction. It is also the most-viewed Halftime show in history.
Historically, this show is the most-watched live entertainment performance of the year and a major ratings contender.
Other performers that have graced the halftime stage include Beyoncé, Rihanna, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Katy Perry, Prince, Coldplay, and more.
Bad Bunny’s Impact on Music
Bad Bunny is one of the most-streamed musicians in the world. He has won three Grammys and also appears on the big screen with parts in Happy Gilmore 2 and Caught Stealing.
Bunny has elevated Spanish-language music into the mainstream genres, showing that success is possible while celebrating his cultural and language roots. While singing about his Puerto Rican heritage, Bad Bunny also addresses social issues and gender norms in his music and public persona.
His impact opens doors for other Latino artists and pushes against assimilation in the music industry.
Response from the NFL and Apple Music
When interviewed about the decision, the NFL and Apple Music had similar feelings.
Jon Barker, SVP of Global Event Production for the NFL, commented:
“Bad Bunny represents the global energy and cultural vibrancy that define today’s music scene. As one of the most influential and streamed artists in the world, his unique ability to bridge genres, languages, and audiences makes him an exciting and natural choice to take the Super Bowl halftime stage. We know his dynamic performances, creative vision, and deep connection with fans will deliver the kind of unforgettable experience we’ve come to expect from this iconic cultural moment.”
“The Halftime Show is the ultimate celebration of music and culture, and few artists embody that intersection more perfectly and authentically than Bad Bunny,” Oliver Schusser, Apple’s VP of Music, Sports and Beats said.
“At Apple Music, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with Bad Bunny over the years and watching his meteoric rise into one of the most influential artists of our time has been truly incredible. His music has not only broken records but has elevated Latin music to the center of pop culture and we are thrilled to once again partner with the NFL and Roc Nation to deliver this historic performance to millions of fans worldwide. We know this show will be unforgettable.”