Bad Bunny to Headline Historic Super Bowl Halftime Show

Puerto Rican superstar's performance could transcend music and make a powerful statement.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Bad Bunny, one of the world's biggest music stars, is set to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, marking a historic moment as the first Spanish-language performer to take the coveted stage. With millions tuning in, the performance could hold deeper significance beyond just entertainment, as experts believe it could be a powerful statement about diversity, equality, and the changing demographics of the United States.

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show performance is significant because it represents a milestone for representation and inclusion in one of the most-watched television events globally. As the U.S. becomes more diverse, having a Spanish-language artist of Bad Bunny's stature take the stage sends a powerful message about the growing influence of the Latino community.

The details

Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican rapper and singer known for his versatile Latin music style, will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, which will be broadcast live from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The decision to feature Bad Bunny, who has amassed a massive global following, is seen as a strategic move by the NFL to expand its international reach and cater to the changing demographics of its fanbase.

  • The 2026 Super Bowl will take place on February 8, 2026.
  • Bad Bunny is set to perform during the halftime show, which typically occurs midway through the game.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican rapper and singer who has become one of the world's biggest music stars, known for his versatile Latin music style and massive global following.

Jorell Melendez-Badillo

An associate professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who believes Bad Bunny's performance could hold deeper significance beyond just entertainment.

Steve Swerdlow

An associate professor of the practice of political science and international relations at the University of Southern California, who sees Bad Bunny's performance as a milestone for diversity and representation.

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What they’re saying

“In this political climate, I think that speaking Spanish can be seen as dangerous, as too political.”

— Jorell Melendez-Badillo, Associate Professor of History

“This is a milestone, it's a moment of standing up for our diversity, standing up for equality. I think it's very important given the changing demographics, given the fact we are a country of immigrants, to have a Super Bowl in Spanish.”

— Steve Swerdlow, Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations

What’s next

The NFL will continue its efforts to expand the Super Bowl's international reach, with plans to host future games in countries like Australia.

The takeaway

Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show performance represents a significant milestone for representation and inclusion, reflecting the growing influence and diversity of the Latino community in the United States.