Bad Bunny to headline 2026 Super Bowl halftime show; NFL embraces global star; MAGA critics slam selection
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI Global Desk | Oct 01, 2025, 21:01 IST
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show on February 8, highlighting his global appeal with billions of streams and crossover success in Latin music and beyond. While the NFL views the selection as a cultural and strategic win, conservative commentators criticize the choice due to Bad Bunny’s political stances on Puerto Rican rights, immigration, and his criticism of Trump, sparking a debate over entertainment, politics, and global influence.
TLDR
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 8, highlighting his global appeal with billions of streams and record-breaking popularity. While the NFL sees the move as a way to expand its international audience, some conservative commentators have criticized the selection, citing his political stances on Puerto Rican rights, immigration, and criticism of Trump. Supporters emphasize that the choice is driven by his cultural influence and mass appeal rather than politics, positioning the halftime show as one of the most-watched global entertainment events.
The NFL has announced that Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, setting the stage for one of the most-watched musical events in the world. The decision underscores the league’s embrace of global pop culture but has already drawn sharp criticism from some conservative commentators.
The Super Bowl, set for Feb. 8, 2026, consistently attracts more than 100 million viewers worldwide. Its halftime show has long been a showcase for major performers, from Prince to Beyoncé. This time, the NFL is betting on Bad Bunny, who is among the world’s most-streamed artists and a cultural force in Latin music and beyond.
Bad Bunny’s rise has been meteoric. With more than 100 billion streams on Spotify and multiple chart-topping albums, the artist has broken records previously dominated by global icons like Taylor Swift. His music blends reggaeton and Latin trap, drawing fans across cultures and continents.
In 2023, his album topped global streaming charts, surpassing even Swift’s numbers. His reach, analysts say, makes him a natural choice for the NFL, which has increasingly sought to expand its international audience.
Beyond music, Bad Bunny has frequently spoken out on political and social issues. He has advocated for Puerto Rican rights, criticized gentrification on the island, and condemned derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico made at a Trump rally. After Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, the singer announced he would skip U.S. stops on his world tour to protest immigration raids and what he described as mistreatment of Latinos.
The NFL’s announcement has sparked outrage among some conservative figures. Right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson labeled Bad Bunny a “Trump hater” and “anti-ICE activist,” claiming the league was “self-destructing” by selecting him.
Critics argue the decision reflects a political stance. Supporters counter that the choice reflects the singer’s global popularity, not partisan politics. The backlash highlights a broader cultural divide: while Republicans hold political power in Washington, the pop culture landscape often tilts against them, fueling repeated flare-ups over music, film, and television.
For the NFL, however, the move appears strategic. With Bad Bunny’s vast reach and crossover appeal, the league is betting on a show that will resonate well beyond U.S. borders even if it ruffles some political feathers at home.
FAQs
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 8, highlighting his global appeal with billions of streams and record-breaking popularity. While the NFL sees the move as a way to expand its international audience, some conservative commentators have criticized the selection, citing his political stances on Puerto Rican rights, immigration, and criticism of Trump. Supporters emphasize that the choice is driven by his cultural influence and mass appeal rather than politics, positioning the halftime show as one of the most-watched global entertainment events.
The NFL has announced that Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, setting the stage for one of the most-watched musical events in the world. The decision underscores the league’s embrace of global pop culture but has already drawn sharp criticism from some conservative commentators.
The Super Bowl, set for Feb. 8, 2026, consistently attracts more than 100 million viewers worldwide. Its halftime show has long been a showcase for major performers, from Prince to Beyoncé. This time, the NFL is betting on Bad Bunny, who is among the world’s most-streamed artists and a cultural force in Latin music and beyond.
Bad Bunny’s rise has been meteoric. With more than 100 billion streams on Spotify and multiple chart-topping albums, the artist has broken records previously dominated by global icons like Taylor Swift. His music blends reggaeton and Latin trap, drawing fans across cultures and continents.
In 2023, his album topped global streaming charts, surpassing even Swift’s numbers. His reach, analysts say, makes him a natural choice for the NFL, which has increasingly sought to expand its international audience.
Beyond music, Bad Bunny has frequently spoken out on political and social issues. He has advocated for Puerto Rican rights, criticized gentrification on the island, and condemned derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico made at a Trump rally. After Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, the singer announced he would skip U.S. stops on his world tour to protest immigration raids and what he described as mistreatment of Latinos.
The NFL’s announcement has sparked outrage among some conservative figures. Right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson labeled Bad Bunny a “Trump hater” and “anti-ICE activist,” claiming the league was “self-destructing” by selecting him.
Critics argue the decision reflects a political stance. Supporters counter that the choice reflects the singer’s global popularity, not partisan politics. The backlash highlights a broader cultural divide: while Republicans hold political power in Washington, the pop culture landscape often tilts against them, fueling repeated flare-ups over music, film, and television.
For the NFL, however, the move appears strategic. With Bad Bunny’s vast reach and crossover appeal, the league is betting on a show that will resonate well beyond U.S. borders even if it ruffles some political feathers at home.
FAQs
- Why did the NFL choose Bad Bunny for the halftime show?
The league is betting on his global popularity, record-breaking streaming numbers, and crossover appeal to international audiences. - How has Bad Bunny been politically active?
He has advocated for Puerto Rican rights, criticized gentrification, condemned derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico, and protested U.S. immigration raids. - What has been the public reaction to his selection?
Conservative commentators have criticized it as politically charged, while fans and supporters see it as a recognition of his worldwide cultural influence.