Bad Bunny to Headline Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in 2026
In an exciting announcement that has captured the attention of music and sports fans alike, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has been officially named as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in 2026. The news broke on September 28 when the 31-year-old artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, shared a striking Instagram video that featured him dressed in a tailored suit perched atop an NFL goalpost. The announcement was later confirmed during NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast of the Green Bay Packers versus Dallas Cowboys game. In his statement to Billboard, Bad Bunny expressed profound gratitude for this opportunity, saying, “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.” His emotional dedication to his heritage was punctuated with a Spanish phrase encouraging fans to spread the news to their grandmothers, highlighting the cultural significance of this moment for the Latin community.
Prior to Bad Bunny’s selection, fan speculation had centered around Taylor Swift potentially taking the halftime stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Swift’s relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had fueled these rumors, with fans detecting what they believed were Easter eggs during her appearance on the “New Heights” podcast in August. Particularly compelling to her devoted fanbase was Swift’s mention that she thinks about sourdough “60 percent of the time” – seemingly connecting to both Super Bowl LX (60) and the San Francisco 49ers’ mascot, Sourdough Sam. Further fueling speculation were Swift’s references to the number 47 (she had played her 47th Eras Tour concert at Levi’s Stadium) and the fact that Super Bowl LX would fall during Travis Kelce’s 13th NFL season – 13 being Swift’s famous lucky number. The recent reclamation of her first six album masters also seemed perfectly timed, as it would have allowed her complete creative control over her entire catalog for a potential halftime performance.
Swift herself had inadvertently added to the speculation during her podcast appearance when she revealed her longstanding interest in Super Bowl performances, admitting, “I know every halftime show from the Super Bowls, but I didn’t watch the sports.” This comment, coupled with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s September statement on the Today show that “We would love to have Taylor play,” had many convinced that Swift was being seriously considered. When pressed further, Goodell’s coy response – “I can’t tell you anything about that… it’s a maybe” – along with his mention that Jay-Z’s Roc Nation would have significant input in the decision, kept fans guessing about the possibility of seeing Swift on the world’s biggest stage.
Instead, the selection of Bad Bunny represents a continuation of the NFL’s commitment to showcasing diverse musical talent that reflects the global nature of the Super Bowl audience. Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation has produced the halftime show since 2020, expressed his admiration for Bad Bunny’s cultural impact, stating, “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.” This decision highlights Bad Bunny’s extraordinary rise in the music industry, where he has consistently broken barriers as a Latin artist achieving unprecedented global success. His selection follows Kendrick Lamar’s memorable performance at Super Bowl LIX earlier this year, which featured collaborations with SZA and cameos by Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams – setting a high bar for spectacular halftime entertainment.
The selection of Bad Bunny also reflects the growing influence and mainstream acceptance of Latin music in American pop culture. As one of the most streamed artists globally across all genres, Bad Bunny has become a cultural phenomenon whose impact extends far beyond music into fashion, acting, and social activism. His Super Bowl performance will undoubtedly celebrate his Puerto Rican heritage while embracing the multicultural audience that the NFL continues to cultivate. The significance of a Puerto Rican artist headlining such an iconic American event cannot be overstated, especially given Bad Bunny’s outspoken advocacy for his homeland and his efforts to bring attention to social and political issues affecting Puerto Rico.
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2025, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. As with previous halftime spectaculars, this performance will be broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide via NBC, making it one of the most-watched musical events of the year. While fans of Taylor Swift may feel disappointed that their theory-crafting didn’t pan out this time, the selection of Bad Bunny promises an electrifying performance that will blend Latin rhythms, trap beats, and his unique artistic vision on the global stage. As the music world counts down to February 2026, speculation will undoubtedly build about potential guest performers, the setlist, and how Bad Bunny will use this unprecedented platform to showcase not just his own artistry, but the rich cultural heritage he so proudly represents. For an artist who has consistently broken barriers throughout his career, the Super Bowl Halftime Show represents yet another historic milestone.
