From San Juan to the Super Bowl, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will take over the biggest stage in sports. The NFL made it official last night, announcing that the three-time Grammy winner will headline the Super Bowl this February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Bad Bunny called it a “touchdown for my people, my culture and our history.”
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation will produce the show in partnership with Apple Music.
The Super Bowl halftime show is consistently the most-watched performance of the year.
Who is Bad Bunny?
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was born in Puerto Rico and has been nominated for 10 Grammys.
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He won in the best música urbana album category for “Un Verano Sin Ti” and “El Último Tour del Mundo,” and in the best Latin pop or urban album category for “YHLQMDLG.”
His music has propelled Spanish-language hits to the top of the global charts. He has also been vocal about the social issues affecting Puerto Rico.
“What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring,” Jay-Z said in a statement. “We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”
Earlier this month, Bad Bunny announced he would not be touring in the U.S. due to fears that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers would target fans outside of his shows.
However, about an hour before the NFL made its announcement, he posted to X saying, “I’ve been thinking about it these days, and after discussing it with my team, I think I’ll do just one date in the United States.”
Mixed reactions
Since the announcement, numerous MAGA commentators have spoken out against the NFL’s decision, calling Bad Bunny a “Trump hater.”
Political commentator and YouTuber Benny Johnson posted on X criticizing the NFL’s choice, saying, “The NFL is self-destructing year after year.”
Activist Robby Starbuck said the move made the Super Bowl political.
“The guy literally says he isn’t touring the US because of Trump’s ICE raids and just released a video mocking President Trump,” Starbuck said in a post on X. “Is it that hard to pick a unifying music act who doesn’t want to peddle woke propaganda?”
Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom showed his support on social media. He posted on X saying, “California is excited to welcome you to Super Bowl LX.”
