Bad Bunny to Headline Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Amidst Political Controversy

One thing about Bad Bunny, the biggest Artist in the world at the moment–is he deserves the spotlight. After an impressive 31 show residency in Puerto Rico boosting the island’s economy upwards of $700 Million dollars, bringing about 500,000 visitors to the island, and educating the masses on the political plight of the island as the oldest colony of the world, its safe to say he deserves his flowers.

Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap artist Bad Bunny has been announced as the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This marks a historic moment as Bad Bunny becomes the first primarily Spanish-language artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show as a solo act .

The announcement has sparked significant political debate. Conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have criticized the choice, citing concerns over Bad Bunny’s criticism of Trump, his exclusively Spanish-language performances, and his decision to not tour in the U.S. mainland due to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at his shows. In response, conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA announced plans to host an “All American Halftime Show” during the Super Bowl, aiming to provide an alternative to Bad Bunny’s performance.

Despite the backlash, Bad Bunny has received support from various artists and public figures. Jennifer Lopez defended the selection, emphasizing that “music and art transcend language” and encouraging fans to keep an open mind. Bad Bunny himself has expressed the significance of the opportunity, stating that his performance is “for my people, my culture, and our history”.

The controversy underscores the broader cultural and political divides in the United States, highlighting debates over representation, language, and identity in mainstream media. As the Super Bowl approaches, all eyes will be on Bad Bunny’s performance, which promises to be a landmark event in both the music industry and American cultural history.

Katelina Eccleston

Katelina "Gata" Eccleston is a leading cultural and reggaeton critic, historian, artist, and executive producer known for her groundbreaking work centering Black Latinx voices in music and media. As the creator of Reggaetón con la Gata, she has become a pioneering force in documenting the genre's Afro-diasporic roots. Her writing has appeared in outlets such as Rolling Stone, PAPER, and Complex, offering sharp, culturally rich commentary on Latin music and identity. Gata also served as the executive producer and host of Spotify Studios’ LOUD: The History of Reggaeton podcast, the first of its kind inspired by her Perreo 101 Podcast. Through her multi-hyphenate career, Eccleston has redefined what it means to archive, critique, and shape the future of Reggaeton.

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