(LOOTPRESS) – Bad Bunny is set to make Super Bowl history this weekend, just days after earning one of music’s highest honors.
Fresh off his Grammy Award win for Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS — the first all-Spanish-language album to claim the top prize — the Puerto Rican superstar will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. At 31, he becomes the first Spanish-language Latin solo performer and the first reggaeton artist to lead the halftime stage.
The global artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is no stranger to the Super Bowl spotlight. He previously appeared as a guest performer during the 2020 halftime show in Miami, joining Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in a set widely praised for highlighting Latin music and culture. This year marks his first time as the main headliner — a milestone cultural moment, according to multiple scholars who study Latin music and representation.
In pregame comments, the artist said fans can expect a performance centered on celebration and heritage. Speaking at a sponsor-hosted news conference, he said the show will highlight his culture and focus on energy and fun rather than language barriers, joking that viewers don’t need to learn Spanish — but should be ready to dance. He declined to reveal whether any surprise guests will join him on stage.
The halftime show will also include a multilingual signing program featuring Puerto Rican Sign Language, expanding accessibility and representation during the performance.
Bad Bunny’s selection has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters say his headlining role reflects the growing global influence of Spanish-language music and Latino artists. Critics, including some conservative commentators, questioned the choice following the announcement last fall. The NFL has publicly backed the decision, with league leadership emphasizing that the halftime show is intended to bring audiences together through entertainment.
The performance comes amid heightened national debate over immigration enforcement and Latino civil rights issues — topics the artist has addressed in past public statements and advocacy efforts tied to Puerto Rico and social justice causes.
Music will play a major role throughout the pregame ceremonies as well. Green Day is scheduled to perform during the opening festivities. The national anthem will be sung by Charlie Puth, with additional patriotic performances by Brandi Carlile and Coco Jones.
Super Bowl kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET, placing the halftime show roughly between 8 and 8:30 p.m. ET. The game will air on NBC and stream on Peacock, with a Spanish-language broadcast available on Telemundo. An alternative halftime event organized by a conservative youth group will also take place, featuring several country and rock artists.
With a Grammy win, record-breaking streaming numbers, and now a Super Bowl headlining slot, Bad Bunny continues to expand his reach — bringing Spanish-language music to one of the largest television audiences in the world.
