Bad Bunny Reflects on Journey from Grocery Clerk to Super Bowl Halftime Headliner

The global superstar opens up about his mindset and approach ahead of his highly anticipated Super Bowl LX performance.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, spoke candidly about his journey from working at a grocery store to becoming one of the biggest music stars in the world. In an interview with Access Hollywood, the Puerto Rican artist discussed the challenges of selecting a setlist for his Super Bowl LX halftime show performance, his desire to create a show that evokes happiness and pride, and how he's maintained the same passion for his music despite his immense success. Bad Bunny also reflected on a special moment with Lady Gaga at the recent Grammy Awards and emphasized that he remains a "normal guy that makes music."

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's rise to global superstardom is a remarkable story of perseverance and authenticity. His humility and focus on connecting with his audience through his music, rather than spectacle, resonates with fans and highlights the power of staying true to oneself, even on the biggest stages. As he prepares to headline the prestigious Super Bowl halftime show, Bad Bunny's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder that success can be achieved through hard work and a genuine passion for one's craft.

The details

In the interview, Bad Bunny revealed that selecting the setlist for his Super Bowl LX halftime performance was one of the biggest challenges, as he had to narrow down his extensive catalog of hits to just 30 minutes. However, he approached the show as a storytelling exercise, focusing on creating a mood and evoking specific emotions in the audience, rather than simply playing his most popular songs. Bad Bunny also shared that when he received the call confirming he would headline the halftime show, he didn't immediately tell anyone, not even his parents, wanting to keep the news private until it was officially announced.

  • In 2016, Bad Bunny was working at a grocery store while making beats on the side.
  • In 2026, Bad Bunny will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on Sunday, February 8.

The players

Bad Bunny

A global superstar whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, he is known for his unique blend of reggaeton, trap, and Latin pop music.

Lady Gaga

A renowned pop star and performer who shared a special moment with Bad Bunny at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where she told him "I love you."

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What they’re saying

“I just want to be there. I'm just ready to do it. I want to feel it. I want people to watch it and enjoy it.”

— Bad Bunny (Access Hollywood)

“I had a vision about the story, the mood, and the feelings that I want to put on that show. I want people to feel happiness and joy. I want to make people dance. I want to make them feel proud and think that everything is possible.”

— Bad Bunny (Access Hollywood)

“I'm just a normal guy that makes music.”

— Bad Bunny (Access Hollywood)

What’s next

Bad Bunny's highly anticipated Super Bowl LX halftime show performance will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The takeaway

Bad Bunny's journey from a grocery store clerk to one of the biggest music stars in the world is a testament to the power of passion, authenticity, and hard work. As he prepares to headline the prestigious Super Bowl halftime show, his focus on creating an emotional, joyful experience for the audience, rather than just showcasing his hits, demonstrates his commitment to connecting with his fans on a deeper level and inspiring them to believe that anything is possible.