Bad Bunny Set to Headline the Super Bowl

Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, often referred to as “The Latin King,” has been announced as the headliner for the upcoming Super Bowl. This comes after his decision to tour internationally instead of in the U.S., influenced by former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

The Super Bowl performance is slated for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The announcement was made during a Sunday night football game by the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation.

Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, known professionally as Bad Bunny, was the most streamed artist on Spotify in 2022. The reveal of his Super Bowl performance was shared through a social media post showing him at the goal post with his hit song “DTMF” playing in the background, a track that has amassed over a billion streams on Spotify.

Ocasio previously expressed support for Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential race, particularly after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made jokes at Donald Trump’s rally last October that poked fun at Puerto Rico’s waste management issues. His comments highlighted the challenges the island faces, including the closure of landfills by the EPA for failing to meet environmental standards.

“There’s a lot going on. I’m not sure if you know this, but there’s a water island in the middle of the ocean. Puerto Rico, I think it’s called,” he remarked.

During his international tour, Bad Bunny chose not to perform in the U.S. out of concern for his fans potentially being detained by immigration enforcement.

“I have my reasons for not performing in the U.S., but none of them stem from hatred,” he said. “Given our status in Puerto Rico, where we are an unincorporated territory of the United States, American fans could easily travel here to see my shows.”

He also voiced his disapproval of ICE activity through social media in June.

“Look, those guys are in their cars, right here in Pontezuela,” he noted in Spanish, referencing a city near San Juan.

Jay-Z, the Roc Nation Chairman, expressed his excitement about having Ocasio perform at such a high-profile event. “It’s thrilling that he’s going to represent Puerto Rico on one of the biggest stages,” he remarked.

Nevertheless, some sports fans have expressed dissent over the choice of artist, highlighting that his music is primarily in Spanish, which could create a language barrier. Critics have cited discomfort due to Bad Bunny’s previous stances and comments regarding the previous administration.

“Bad Bunny is a Trump supporter who detests ICE activists and sings primarily in Spanish,” one user posted on social media.

Another user shared their disbelief at Bad Bunny’s inclusion: “I’ve never seen anyone want Bad Bunny to perform at the Super Bowl. It’s honestly hilarious.”

Despite the mixed reactions, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance is set to draw significant attention, both from fans and critics alike.