Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show: Why Bad Bunny Was Chosen

The NFL has confirmed that global superstar Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl 60 halftime show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The announcement has generated massive buzz, as the Puerto Rican rapper and singer continues to dominate the global music scene.

A Global Icon at the Biggest Stage

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the most streamed artists in the world. In 2025, he topped Spotify’s global charts with 19.8 billion streams, surpassing Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Drake, and Billie Eilish. His ability to blend reggaeton, salsa, merengue, and Latin trap has made him a cultural force and earned him the title “King of Latin Trap.”

The NFL’s Senior Vice President of Global Event Production, Jon Barker, explained the choice: “Bad Bunny represents the global energy and cultural vibrancy that define today’s music scene. His unique ability to bridge genres, languages, and audiences makes him an exciting and natural choice to take the Super Bowl halftime stage.”

Awards and Achievements

Bad Bunny’s career is decorated with accolades. He has won three Grammy Awards, 17 Latin Grammys, eight Billboard Music Awards, and 13 Lo Nuestro Awards. In 2025, he was named Billboard’s Artist of the Year, cementing his place as one of the most influential performers of the decade. His latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos (“I Should Have Taken More Photos”), released in January 2025, debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and the Global 200 charts. The project earned him five Latin Grammys, including Album of the Year, and six Grammy nominations.

Pride and Representation

Bad Bunny expressed deep pride in representing his culture on the Super Bowl stage. “This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL,” he said in a statement, highlighting the significance of the moment for Puerto Rico and Latin music worldwide.

Building Anticipation

Apple Music released the official halftime show trailer on January 16, featuring Bad Bunny performing his 2025 hit “Baile Inolvidable” (“Unforgettable Dance”) under a striking red tree with rotating dance partners. The teaser has fueled excitement among fans and set the tone for what promises to be one of the most memorable halftime shows in NFL history.

Why It Matters

The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most-watched musical events globally, with audiences often exceeding 100 million viewers. By choosing Bad Bunny, the NFL is embracing diversity and acknowledging the global reach of Latin music. His performance is expected to deliver both cultural pride and electrifying entertainment.