The Super Bowl Halftime Headliner You've Never Heard Of: Bad Bunny and the Political Storm He's Stirring
The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, with over 100 million viewers in the US alone. It's a prestigious gig, with legendary performers like Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Madonna having previously taken the spotlight. But this year, the headline act is Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, and he's causing a stir.
Bad Bunny, also known as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the biggest rappers on the planet and arguably the biggest Spanish-language musician currently active. He was the most-streamed artist on Spotify between 2020-2022 and again in 2025, ranking second in 2023 and third in 2024, showing his global appeal. But his selection for the Super Bowl halftime show has become a source of controversy in the politically divided host nation.
The US President Donald Trump has expressed his disapproval of Bad Bunny and pre-game performers Green Day, stating, "I’m anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred." However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell defended the choice, saying, "He understood the platform he was on." Goodell was referring to the artist's past comments against the US immigration enforcement agency ICE, including explaining he would not bring a recent tour to the US mainland for fear his fans would be kidnapped. "ICE out," Bad Bunny said at the Grammys. "We are not savages, we are not animals, we are not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love."
Bad Bunny's performance is expected to run between 12 and 15 minutes, and he will welcome multiple guests during his performance. Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga are nearly odds-on to make appearances, while J Balvin, Travis Scott, Rauw Alejandro, and Cardi B are amongst the favorites to join him at some point. But the real question is: which songs will be on Bad Bunny's Super Bowl setlist, and who could make a guest appearance? The hot favorite to be Bad Bunny’s opening song performed is Titi Me Pregunto, with DtMF (the title track from his Grammy-winning album) the $1.36 favorite to go on last. Tracks including BAILE INoLVIDABLE, NUEVAYOL, Safaera, LA MUDANZA, Callaita, I Like It, MONACO, LA CANCION, El Apagón, and Neverita are all viewed as the most likely to feature at some point.
So, get ready for a controversial and electrifying Super Bowl halftime show! Who do you think will make a guest appearance? And what do you think of Bad Bunny's selection as the headline act? Let us know in the comments!
