Bad Bunny to Deliver First Non-English Super Bowl Halftime Show

The Puerto Rican artist's decision to perform entirely in Spanish celebrates Latin identity and heritage.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bad Bunny, the popular Latin music artist, will make history by delivering the first-ever Super Bowl halftime show performed entirely in a non-English language. His choice to sing exclusively in Spanish is seen as a powerful act of cultural affirmation, inviting listeners to embrace the language and identity of the Latin American community.

Why it matters

For decades, English has dominated mainstream music, but in recent years, Spanish-language songs by Latin artists have topped global charts. Bad Bunny's selection for the Super Bowl halftime show, as the first Latin artist to perform an entire non-English set, represents a significant milestone in recognizing the growing influence and importance of the Spanish-speaking community in the United States.

The details

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has risen to global stardom by singing exclusively in Spanish. Last year, he became the first Spanish-language artist to win Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. His upcoming Super Bowl performance will mark the first time a halftime show has been delivered entirely in a non-English language.

  • Bad Bunny jokingly told 'Saturday Night Live' viewers in October 2025 to 'learn Spanish' before his Super Bowl performance.
  • Bad Bunny won Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards, the first time a Spanish-language album has taken home the top prize.
  • Bad Bunny will perform the Super Bowl halftime show on February 11, 2026.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican singer and rapper who has achieved global success by singing exclusively in Spanish.

Adriana Diaz-Donoso

A music educator and researcher who studies how children and immigrant families engage with music in their native language, and the transformative impact it can have.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you didn't understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”

— Bad Bunny (Saturday Night Live)

“an achievement for all of us”

— Bad Bunny (Saturday Night Live)

“Singing in a familiar language increases participation and reshapes how students see themselves.”

— Adriana Diaz-Donoso, Music educator and researcher (Bay Area News Group)

What’s next

The Super Bowl halftime show on February 11, 2026 will mark the first time a non-English performance has been featured.

The takeaway

Bad Bunny's decision to perform the Super Bowl halftime show entirely in Spanish celebrates the growing influence and importance of the Latin American community in the United States, and underscores the power of music to affirm cultural identity and build a more inclusive society.