Get ready for a spectacular performance! Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has been officially announced as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, taking place in Santa Clara, California. Known for his record-breaking streams and chart-topping hits, Bad Bunny is set to deliver an unforgettable 15-minute set during the NFL’s most-watched event.
In a statement that perfectly captured the excitement, Bad Bunny shared, “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.” This announcement comes shortly after the artist expressed concerns about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity during his US tour dates, leading him to avoid the United States on his current world tour.
This performance marks a significant moment, following in the footsteps of other major artists like Kendrick Lamar, Usher, Rihanna, and The Weeknd who have previously graced the Super Bowl halftime stage. Lamar’s performance earlier this year drew a record 127 million viewers, highlighting the massive audience and cultural impact of this coveted slot.
Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation is instrumental in selecting and producing the halftime show, lauded Bad Bunny’s achievements, stating, “What Bad Bunny has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honoured to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has achieved remarkable success, with his all-Spanish album ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’ becoming the first of its kind to reach number one in the US in 2022. His global appeal is undeniable, having been the third most-streamed artist worldwide last year. He has also earned three Grammy Awards and is a leading nominee for this year’s Latin Grammy Awards.
The artist recently concluded a highly successful residency in his native Puerto Rico, drawing over 500,000 fans. His upcoming world tour includes dates across the Americas, Australia, Japan, and Europe, with performances scheduled at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next summer. Reflecting on his US tour absence, he mentioned concerns about ICE potentially being present at his concerts, a situation he and his team were “very concerned about”.
Beyond music, Bad Bunny is expanding his reach into acting, with appearances in films like ‘Bullet Train’ and the recently released ‘Happy Gilmore 2’. He is also set to host Saturday Night Live for the second time next month, further cementing his status as a multifaceted global icon.