Santa Clara, California — Following a standout performance at the Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny is prepared to light up the halftime stage at the 2026 Super Bowl, which sees the New England Patriots go against the Seattle Seahawks in a highly anticipated rematch. The Puerto Rican superstar promises to infuse the show with elements of his rich cultural heritage when he performs at Levi’s Stadium.
Earlier this year, the NFL, alongside Apple Music and Roc Nation, announced Bad Bunny as the halftime show headliner. The 31-year-old artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, earned significant recognition at the Grammy Awards, winning Best Música Urbana Album and Album of the Year for “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” marking a notable achievement as the first Spanish-language album to gain such acclaim at the event.
Expressing his emotions leading up to the performance, Bad Bunny shared at a press conference that he feels a mix of excitement and gratitude. “I want to bring to the stage, of course, a lot of my culture,” he stated. However, he remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the performance or whether any guest artists might join him. He emphasized the importance of sharing this moment with his family, friends, and supporters.
The excitement surrounding the halftime performance is further heightened by the inclusion of Celimar Rivera Cosme, who will interpret the show in Puerto Rican Sign Language. Bad Bunny will be the first native Spanish speaker to headline this prestigious event, a decision that has drawn both praise and criticism. The artist faced backlash, including from notable figures like former President Trump, after he made a political statement during his Grammy acceptance speech.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has stood firmly behind the selection of Bad Bunny, asserting that it is standard for the league to face some criticism when choosing artists for such a significant platform. “He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell remarked, emphasizing the importance of the halftime show in delivering entertainment to a massive audience.
Notably, Goodell also addressed Bad Bunny’s remarks during the Grammy Awards, lauding the artist’s ability to use his platform to foster unity through creativity. He expressed confidence that Bad Bunny would deliver a memorable performance that resonates with viewers from diverse backgrounds.
In addition to Bad Bunny, the Super Bowl will feature other notable performances. Charlie Puth is set to sing the national anthem, while Brandi Carlile will perform “America the Beautiful.” The opening ceremony will kick off with a performance by Bay Area punk rock icons Green Day, and Grammy-winning singer Coco Jones will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known widely as the Black national anthem.
With a lineup that promises a blend of cultural richness and entertainment, the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show is gearing up to be a vibrant celebration. As millions tune in, Bad Bunny aims to captivate audiences not only with his music but also by sharing a piece of his heritage on one of the world’s biggest stages.