John Mellencamp Praises Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show

The veteran rocker says the Latin star's performance was "great" despite initially joking about his stage name.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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John Mellencamp has expressed support for Bad Bunny following the Latin superstar's Super Bowl halftime show performance. During a recent appearance on Real Time With Bill Maher, Mellencamp initially joked about Bad Bunny's stage name, calling it "a funny name." However, Mellencamp later praised the halftime show on Instagram, writing: "I don't know what Bad Bunny is saying, however I do know he is standing up for Puerto Rico and I am standing up for him. His halftime show was great."

Why it matters

Mellencamp's comments highlight the growing mainstream acceptance and appreciation for Latin music and artists like Bad Bunny, who have become global superstars. The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most watched television events, and Bad Bunny's performance helped introduce his music to an even wider audience.

The details

In his Real Time With Bill Maher appearance, Mellencamp initially joked about Bad Bunny's stage name, saying "it's kind of a corny name." However, he later proved he has nothing against Bad Bunny by praising the halftime show performance on Instagram, writing that he "doesn't know what Bad Bunny is saying, however I do know he is standing up for Puerto Rico and I am standing up for him. His halftime show was great."

  • Mellencamp made his comments about Bad Bunny's name on Real Time With Bill Maher on February 10, 2026.
  • Mellencamp posted his praise for Bad Bunny's halftime show on Instagram shortly after the Super Bowl on February 10, 2026.

The players

John Mellencamp

A veteran American rock musician known for hits like "Jack & Diane" and "Small Town."

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer who has become a global superstar, known for his energetic performances and advocacy for Puerto Rico.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of a corny name, I mean I don't have anything against the guy, but it is a funny name.”

— John Mellencamp (Real Time With Bill Maher)

“I don't know what Bad Bunny is saying, however I do know he is standing up for Puerto Rico and I am standing up for him. His halftime show was great.”

— John Mellencamp (Instagram)

What’s next

Mellencamp is set to kick off his Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits on July 10, 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the tour will wrap up on August 12, 2026 in Mountain View, California.

The takeaway

Mellencamp's initial joke about Bad Bunny's name gave way to genuine praise for the Latin star's high-profile Super Bowl halftime show performance, highlighting the growing mainstream acceptance and appreciation for Latin music and artists on the biggest stages.