Bad Bunny was officially announced as the Super Bowl halftime show headliner. (Courtesy: sanbenito/X)
After hitting the stage for the first time in 2020 with Shakira, the Puerto Rican megastar is back, this time as the main performer.
Bad Bunny dedicates his performance to “those who came before [him] and ran countless yards so [he] could come in and score a touchdown.” The artist says this show “is for [his] people, [his] culture, and [their] history.”
Though Bad Bunny just finished a residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico the headlining announcement came with mixed reactions.
The biggest criticism seems to be the connection, or lack thereof, between Bad Bunny and American football as he isn’t an American citizen which in this political climate is extremely polarizing. Those on the right are also concerned with the potential “woke messaging” the artist would bring to the stage following Kendrick Lamar’s divisive performance last year.
Also, as someone who has been vocal with his denouncement of President Trump the internet is wondering if this decision will be reversed following the cancellation of Late Night with Stephen Colbert, which is set to end in May 2026, and Jimmy Kimmel’s brief suspension over his Charlie Kirk comments.
Some fans of Bad Bunny were confused with the decision as the artist had previously stated that he avoided playing shows in the United States for several reasons, the main one being the threat of ICE deporting concertgoers.
Others, including fellow musician Bruno Mars, are fully in support of Bad Bunny showing out on the world’s biggest stage.
Jay-Z, founder and chairman of Roc Nation which co-produces the halftime show, stands by his decision saying,“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.”
Whether it be in support or against Bad Bunny performing, the announcement definitely got people talking. At this rate, it will likely break last year’s record for the most watched Super Bowl performance.
Was this decision a stance of defiance or a genius marketing move? Let us know what you think in the comments!
