The countdown to Super Bowl LX has officially entered its fever pitch, and at the center of the storm is the man who has spent the last several years systematically dismantling the boundaries of global pop music. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known to the world as Bad Bunny, is preparing to take the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, for a performance that promises to be more than just a musical medley; it is being framed as a historic cultural coronation. During a highly anticipated press conference on February 5, the Puerto Rican superstar held court with the effortless charisma that has become his trademark, offering a tantalizing glimpse into his vision for the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show while keeping the most delicious secrets under wraps.
Dressed in a sophisticated gray pinstripe Bottega Veneta suit paired with a luxurious faux-fur coat and a beanie featuring a subtle bunny-ear silhouette, the 31-year-old artist looked every bit the global icon. When pressed for details about the choreography, the setlist, or the inevitable rumors of celebrity cameos, he remained playfully elusive. "It’s going to be a huge party," he vowed to the gathered media. While he refused to drop "spoilers," he emphasized that the core of the show would be a celebration of his roots. "I want to bring to the stage, of course, a lot of my culture. It’s going to be fun." When the topic of special guests arose—a staple of the Super Bowl tradition—he simply quipped, "I don’t know why you asked that," leaving fans to speculate whether he will fly solo or bring out a roster of Latin music royalty.
The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. Bad Bunny is set to make history as the first Super Bowl Halftime headliner to perform a set primarily in Spanish. In a move that underscores his commitment to inclusivity and his heritage, the broadcast will also feature a multilingual signing program, including Puerto Rican Sign Language—another first for the NFL’s biggest night. For Benito, the weight of the moment is felt not as pressure, but as a shared victory. "I’m excited," he admitted, though he quickly pivoted the focus away from himself. "I feel more excited about the people than even me—my family, my friends, the people who have always believed in me. This moment, the culture—that’s what makes these shows special."
This humility comes on the heels of a career-defining week. Just days ago, Bad Bunny shattered the glass ceiling at the 2026 Grammy Awards. His latest project, DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS, became the first Spanish-language LP to win the prestigious Album of the Year trophy. It was a watershed moment for the recording industry, signaling a permanent shift in the American musical landscape. When his name was called, the artist took a full 24 seconds to let the reality of the win sink in, standing amongst his peers as the room erupted. His acceptance speech was a poignant tribute to the immigrant experience and the resilience of the Latino community. He dedicated the award to "all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dream," and offered a message of strength to those navigating grief. "To all the Latinos in the entire world and to all the artists who came before and who deserved to be on this stage receiving this award, thank you very much," he said, switching between English and Spanish to ensure his message resonated globally.
Interestingly, despite being the man of the hour at the Grammys, he did not perform during the telecast. The reason, according to host Trevor Noah, was strictly business. Bad Bunny was reportedly under a contractual obligation with the NFL that prohibited him from performing a full set so close to the Super Bowl. However, the rapper couldn’t resist a small teaser; he joined Noah for a few a capella bars of "DtMF," a track widely expected to anchor his Super Bowl set. Noah joked about the legal risks, telling the artist, "If they sue you, that’s not on me."
The road to the Super Bowl has been grueling, even for an artist accustomed to sold-out stadium tours. Speaking with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Bad Bunny confessed that the intensity of the preparations has disrupted his personal life. "I’m not even playing that much dominoes, and that is killing me, bro," he joked, noting that his recent lack of practice resulted in a "zero" score in his last three games. "I need to talk to my therapist." He also admitted to the pre-show jitters that plague even the most seasoned veterans, mentioning that he was awake at 4 a.m. the night before the press conference, his mind racing with details of the performance.
Despite the nerves, the public support has been overwhelming. From fans at the airport to strangers on the street, the message has been one of collective pride. This groundswell of affection serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the initial backlash that followed the NFL’s announcement of his headlining slot last September. Critics questioned the choice of a Spanish-speaking lead for an American football event, but Bad Bunny has never been one to back down from a challenge. He addressed the detractors during a monologue on Saturday Night Live, delivering much of it in Spanish and pointedly telling the audience, "If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has remained steadfast in the league’s decision, noting that "blowback or criticism" is a standard part of the selection process regardless of the artist. Goodell pointed to Bad Bunny’s status as the most-streamed artist on Spotify as a testament to his undeniable reach. "He is one of the most popular entertainers in the world," Goodell said, expressing full confidence in the upcoming spectacle.
The logistics of the halftime show are a marvel of modern engineering and entertainment management. While the performance is technically an unpaid gig—a standard practice for the Super Bowl—the NFL covers all production and travel expenses. For a 13-minute set, the budget can soar to $1 million per minute, involving thousands of technicians, dancers, and security personnel who must assemble and strike a massive stage in a matter of minutes. It is a high-stakes environment where there is no room for error.
As for what fans can expect musically, the rumor mill is spinning at full speed. Setlist prognosticators are betting on a mix of his biggest global hits and his more experimental tracks. "DtMF" and "Callaita" are considered locks, while "I Like It" remains a strong possibility, especially given that its collaborator, Cardi B, is a noted New England Patriots superfan. However, some potential guests have already bowed out. J Balvin recently confirmed to TMZ that he would not be joining his frequent collaborator on stage, though he offered nothing but praise, saying he hoped Bad Bunny "kills it and destroys it."
The evening will be a star-studded affair from start to finish. Before the first whistle, Green Day is set to provide a high-energy pre-game set, while Charlie Puth will take on the formidable task of the National Anthem. The legendary Brandi Carlile will perform "America the Beautiful," and Coco Jones is slated for "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
When Bad Bunny finally takes the stage on Sunday, he will join an elite pantheon of performers who have turned the Super Bowl into a global cultural touchstone. He follows in the footsteps of Kendrick Lamar’s symbolic 2025 performance, Usher’s star-studded 2024 showcase, and Rihanna’s soaring 2023 set. He also builds upon the foundation laid by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira in 2020, who were the first Latinas to lead the show.
As the 31-year-old artist prepares to step into the spotlight, his philosophy remains rooted in the advice he gives to other aspiring creators: "You always have to be proud of who you are and where you’re from. But don’t let that limit where you can go." On Sunday, it seems there are no limits left for Benito. Whether he is singing about the streets of Puerto Rico or the complexities of fame, he is doing it on his own terms, inviting the entire world to a party where everyone, regardless of the language they speak, is welcome.
