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Bad Bunny Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show: Everything to Know About the Performance, Controversies, and Cultural Impact
3 Key Highlights at a Glance
Bad Bunny becomes the first solo Latino artist to headline a Super Bowl halftime show, marking a historic cultural milestone.
Strict on-field performer requirements and political backlash have sparked widespread debate ahead of Super Bowl LX.
A Puerto Rico–filmed trailer hints at a performance centered on unity, identity, and global inclusion.
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Introduction: Why Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Matters
The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved into one of the most influential pop culture stages in the world, often rivaling the game itself in global attention. For Super Bowl LX in 2026, that spotlight belongs to Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar’s upcoming performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, is already generating massive buzz—not just for the music, but for its cultural, political, and artistic implications. From strict casting requirements to presidential criticism and an intimate trailer celebrating Puerto Rican identity, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl moment is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about halftime shows in recent history.
Bad Bunny Confirmed as Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Headliner
The NFL officially announced in September that Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, will headline the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show. The performance is produced in partnership with Apple Music, Roc Nation, and the NFL, continuing the league’s recent trend of collaborating with major entertainment powerhouses.
At 31 years old, Bad Bunny is already one of the most influential artists of his generation. He has been Spotify’s most-streamed artist four times since 2020 and is a three-time Grammy winner. While he previously appeared during the Shakira and Jennifer Lopez halftime show in 2020, this marks the first time a solo Latino artist will lead the Super Bowl stage.
Inside the Halftime Show Trailer: A Tribute to Puerto Rico
In January 2026, Apple Music released an official trailer offering an intimate preview of Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance. Unlike traditional high-energy teaser clips, the trailer was filmed entirely in Puerto Rico and features Bad Bunny dancing beneath a flamboyant tree—an emblem of the island’s pride and cultural identity.
As the trailer unfolds, people of different ages, ethnicities, and genders join him one by one, creating a visual narrative centered on unity and inclusion. Apple Music described the film as an open invitation to the world, emphasizing rhythm, cultural richness, and shared humanity. The trailer suggests that Bad Bunny’s halftime show will be less about spectacle alone and more about connection and representation on a global stage.
Strict Height Requirements Spark Fan Backlash
While excitement continues to build, controversy erupted after casting calls revealed strict physical requirements for on-field performers involved in assembling and disassembling the halftime stage. According to casting details reported by multiple outlets, applicants were required to meet specific height ranges, with minimums starting at 5 feet 7 inches and, in some cases, narrowing to between 5-foot-10 and 6-foot-1.
The roles were described as highly technical and not dance-focused, favoring individuals with experience in marching arts and structured movement. Casting representatives confirmed that the height requirements were non-negotiable and would be verified throughout rehearsals.
Fans quickly took to social media to express frustration and disappointment, with many lamenting that their dreams of participating in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance were dashed by the rigid criteria. While some criticized the rules as excessive, organizers maintained that uniformity and precision were essential to the show’s complex production.
Political Backlash and NFL Support
Bad Bunny’s selection as halftime headliner has not been without political controversy. Former President Donald Trump publicly criticized the NFL’s decision, calling it “absolutely ridiculous” and claiming he had never heard of the artist. Similar criticism came from other conservative figures, framing the choice as divisive.
Bad Bunny has previously been outspoken about immigration enforcement and has criticized ICE, even excluding the U.S. from his Debí Tirar Más Fotos world tour due to concerns about agents appearing outside his concerts. These positions contributed to the backlash surrounding his Super Bowl announcement.
Despite this, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell firmly defended the choice. He emphasized that nearly every halftime performer faces criticism and reiterated that Bad Bunny is among the most popular entertainers in the world. According to Goodell, the league remains fully confident in his ability to deliver a memorable performance.
Other Super Bowl 2026 Musical Performances
In addition to the halftime show, Super Bowl LX will feature a lineup of acclaimed artists during its pregame ceremonies:
Charlie Puth will perform The Star-Spangled Banner.
Brandi Carlile is scheduled to sing America the Beautiful.
Coco Jones will deliver Lift Every Voice and Sing.
Together, the performers bring international recognition and multiple Grammy Awards to football’s biggest night, reinforcing the Super Bowl’s status as a premier music event.
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Legal and Public Controversies Surrounding Bad Bunny
Beyond the halftime show, Bad Bunny has also faced legal and public scrutiny. He is currently involved in a lawsuit alleging the unauthorized use of a woman’s recorded vocals in two of his songs. The plaintiff claims she never signed a contract permitting the use of her voice and is seeking substantial compensation.
Separately, the artist faced criticism after sharing photos of himself touching an ancient Maya artifact during a museum visit in Mexico City—an act widely condemned due to strict preservation rules. While these controversies remain separate from the Super Bowl itself, they have added complexity to the public discourse surrounding his high-profile appearance.
Conclusion: A Halftime Show Poised to Make History
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 2026 halftime show stands at the intersection of music, culture, and controversy. As the first solo Latino headliner, his performance represents a significant step toward broader representation on one of the world’s most-watched stages. The Puerto Rico–centered trailer, the NFL’s unwavering support, and the artist’s global influence all point toward a show designed to resonate far beyond the stadium.
Whether praised for its cultural impact or scrutinized for its surrounding debates, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance is already shaping the narrative of Super Bowl LX. When the lights go up on February 8, millions of viewers will witness not just a concert, but a defining moment in Super Bowl history.
Key Points Summary
Bad Bunny headlines the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show, making history as the first solo Latino artist to do so.
A Puerto Rico–filmed trailer highlights themes of unity, identity, and cultural pride.
Strict performer requirements and political criticism have fueled online debate.
The NFL and Apple Music remain confident in the show’s global appeal.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Bad Bunny performing at the Super Bowl?
Bad Bunny will perform during the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026.
Where will Super Bowl 2026 take place?
The game will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Why is Bad Bunny’s halftime show controversial?
The controversy stems from political criticism, strict casting requirements, and Bad Bunny’s outspoken views on immigration issues.
Is this Bad Bunny’s first Super Bowl appearance?
No. He previously appeared in the 2020 halftime show with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, but this is his first time headlining solo.
Who is producing the halftime show?
The show is produced by Apple Music, Roc Nation, and the NFL, with Roc Nation serving as strategic entertainment adviser.
Sources
Yahoo Entertainment – Report on casting requirements, fan reactions, and legal issues
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/bad-bunny-ridiculous-requirement-super-001558824.htmlUSA Today – Overview of Super Bowl 2026 performers and background on Bad Bunny
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/01/16/super-bowl-2026-who-singing-halftime-national-anthem/88200248007/The Hollywood Reporter – Analysis of the halftime show trailer and cultural context
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/bad-bunny-2026-super-bowl-halftime-show-trailer-puerto-rico-1236476248/
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