Just one week after winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, Bad Bunny is preparing for what could be the biggest performance of his career — the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show.
The NFL’s decision to select the Puerto Rican global superstar has sparked both excitement and political debate. But one thing is clear: few artists in the world today command an audience like Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.
Here’s everything you need to know about Bad Bunny, his global influence, the controversy surrounding his selection, and what fans can expect at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Why Did the NFL Choose Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
The short answer: global business strategy.
The NFL has been expanding its reach into international markets in recent years. Few artists today have a stronger international presence than Bad Bunny.
Key reasons behind the selection:
Massive global streaming numbers
Four-time Spotify Global No.1 Artist (since 2020)
Fresh off a historic Grammy win
Strong appeal in Latin America, Europe and Asia
Halftime controversy often drives higher ratings
Music scholar Perry Johnson from USC’s Annenberg School of Communication noted that years with more halftime controversy tend to attract stronger television ratings.
For the NFL, Bad Bunny represents both cultural relevance and global growth.
Political Controversy Surrounding His Selection
Bad Bunny’s selection has not been without backlash.
Why the controversy?
He performs primarily in Spanish.
He has openly criticised former President Donald Trump.
He has spoken out about Puerto Rico’s treatment following Hurricane Maria in 2017.
He has been vocal about immigration issues.
After his halftime announcement:
Turning Point USA organised an alternative “All-American” halftime event.
Public figures expressed concerns regarding security and immigration tensions.
The Department of Homeland Security made comments about enforcement presence, though the NFL later confirmed immigration officers would not be stationed inside the stadium.
The political climate has added tension to the performance, especially amid ongoing debates about immigration and Spanish-speaking communities in the United States.
How Big Is Bad Bunny Globally?
In simple terms: he is one of the biggest music stars on the planet.
AJ Ramos, Head of Artist Partnerships for Latin Music at YouTube, compared him to generational icons like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Celia Cruz.
His recent milestones include:
First Spanish-language album to win Grammy Album of the Year (2026)
Most streamed artist globally on Spotify in 2025
No.1 artist on Apple Music China (first Spanish-language artist to achieve this)
Multiple sold-out world tours
31-concert residency in Puerto Rico
Bad Bunny has broken barriers for Spanish-language music worldwide.
What Does Bad Bunny Mean to Puerto Rico?
To understand Bad Bunny, you must understand Puerto Rico.
For many Puerto Ricans, both on and off the island, he represents:
Family
Cultural pride
Resilience
Love for home
Life in Puerto Rico has not always been easy. The island has faced:
Hurricanes
Economic struggles
Infrastructure failures
Repeated power outages (apagones)
Yet, strong family values and community support remain central to Puerto Rican identity.
Bad Bunny frequently says there is no greater pride than being from Puerto Rico. His music reflects:
Nostalgia
Island traditions
Political frustration
Deep emotional connection to home
When he succeeds, many Puerto Ricans feel they succeed with him.
Inside His 31-Show Puerto Rico Residency
Last summer, Bad Bunny hosted a 31-show residency on the island.
These weren’t just concerts — they were cultural celebrations.
What made the residency special?
Blended club energy with family gathering vibes
Featured traditional plena and salsa influences
Included local musicians and cultural tributes
Emotional moments where the artist openly cried on stage
His live performances mix:
Rap
Salsa
Reggaeton
Political commentary
Personal storytelling
For many fans, it felt like a celebration of Puerto Rican identity on a global stage.
Why Has He Avoided Touring the U.S.?
In a late 2025 interview, Bad Bunny confirmed he skipped touring the United States partly due to concerns about immigration enforcement.
He expressed worries about potential immigration raids outside concerts and stated his focus was on performing directly for Puerto Rican and Latin American communities.
Despite the financial importance of the U.S. market, he has prioritised:
Cultural authenticity
Community connection
Performing on home soil
His decisions reflect both political concerns and artistic vision.
Will He Bring Out Special Guests at the Super Bowl?
Bad Bunny is known for surprise appearances.
Possible guests could include:
Puerto Rican Legends:
Tego Calderón
Marc Anthony
El Gran Combo
Contemporary Collaborators:
Rauw Alejandro
J Balvin
Mainstream American Superstars:
Cardi B
Drake
Beyoncé
His core band — Los Sobrinos and Los Pleneros de la Cresta — are almost certain to appear.
Expect a mix of Puerto Rican pride and mainstream appeal.
Three Essential Bad Bunny Songs to Listen to Before the Super Bowl
If you’re new to his music, start here:
1. “Neverita”
A playful, summer-inspired track about love and rejection. Light, catchy and emotionally layered.
Theme: Romance and longing
Vibe: Upbeat reggaeton
2. “El Apagón”
One of his most political songs. It references Puerto Rico’s power outages and infrastructure problems while celebrating the island’s resilience.
Theme: Political activism
Vibe: Energetic and defiant
3. “DtMF” (DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS)
A deeply nostalgic song reflecting on memory, family and loss. Many consider it one of his most emotionally powerful works.
Theme: Nostalgia and hope
Vibe: Emotional, reflective
What to Expect From the Super Bowl Halftime Show
Based on his past performances, viewers can likely expect:
High-energy choreography
Strong Puerto Rican symbolism
Blend of reggaeton, salsa and plena
Emotional storytelling
A performance designed for global audiences
Whether controversial or celebratory, one thing is certain: it will not be ordinary.
Final Thoughts
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show is more than just entertainment. It represents:
The global rise of Spanish-language music
Cultural pride on one of the world’s biggest stages
A new chapter in NFL international expansion
Love him or question him, you cannot ignore him.
And that may be exactly why the NFL chose him.
Sources
Grammy Awards 2026 coverage
Spotify Global Streaming Data (2025)
Apple Music Global Charts
Interviews with Bad Bunny (2025–2026)
USC Annenberg School commentary on halftime ratings
NFL official announcements
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