It is official. The NFL finally stopped playing games with our nerves and dropped the hammer during a Sunday Night Football broadcast late last year. If you were hoping for a Taylor Swift eras-style takeover or a classic rock revival, you might want to sit down. The man taking the stage for Super Bowl LX is none other than Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—better known to the entire planet as Bad Bunny.
Honestly, the choice makes a ton of sense when you look at the raw numbers, but that hasn't stopped the internet from absolutely losing its mind. Some people are thrilled to see a solo Latin artist finally get the full 12-minute spotlight. Others? Well, let’s just say they’re already complaining about needing subtitles for the biggest game of the year.
The Official Word on Who Is Doing the Halftime Show 2026
Bad Bunny isn't just "doing" the show; he’s basically manifesting a cultural takeover. The announcement came straight from the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation, confirming that Super Bowl LX will go down on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. This isn't Benito’s first time at the rodeo, though. You might remember him popping up briefly during Shakira and JLo’s 2020 set, but this time, he’s the boss. No co-headliners. No sharing the marquee.
Jay-Z, who basically pulls the strings on these things now through Roc Nation, put it pretty simply: what Bad Bunny has done for Puerto Rico is "truly inspiring." It’s a massive pivot from Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance in New Orleans, which was a high-energy masterclass in West Coast hip-hop. By going with Bad Bunny, the NFL is leaning hard into the global streaming era. We're talking about an artist who has dominated Spotify charts for years.
The game itself is going to be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. If you’re a fan of the "vibes," expect a lot of reggaeton, Latin trap, and maybe a few surprises that lean into his WWE obsession. Yes, he’s a legit wrestler too. Don't be shocked if someone gets body-slammed on a stage shaped like a giant heart.
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Why the Choice Is Sparking Heated Debates
Not everyone is throwing roses. As soon as the news broke, the comment sections turned into a war zone. One of the biggest points of contention is the language. Bad Bunny performs almost exclusively in Spanish. While that’s a huge win for representation, some vocal critics—including some political figures like Mike Johnson—have argued the show won't have "crossover appeal" for the average football fan.
Benito’s response? He basically told everyone on Saturday Night Live that they have plenty of time to learn Spanish before February. It’s that kind of swagger that makes him a superstar, but it also makes him a polarizing figure in the current cultural landscape.
There’s also a weird controversy bubbling up about the "field cast"—the people who stand on the turf during the show. Apparently, a casting notice leaked requiring participants to be at least 5'7". Now, short fans are up in arms, joking that they're "too short for Bad Bunny." It sounds like a joke, but it actually sparked a real conversation about inclusivity in live production. Production insiders say it’s about safety and sightlines for the cameras, but the optics aren't great.
What to Expect from the Setlist and Guests
Let’s get into the fun stuff. What is he actually going to sing? Betting markets are already going wild over the opening track.
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- The Opener: Many experts are betting on "MONACO." It’s got that high-end, cinematic feel that screams "stadium entrance."
- The Hits: You can almost guarantee "Titi Me Preguntó" and "Me Porto Bonito" will make the cut. They’re essentially mandatory at this point.
- The Guests: This is where things get tricky. J Balvin was the obvious choice, but he recently told photographers in New York that he won't be performing. That could be a total lie to keep the surprise, or it could mean Benito is looking for a fresh collaborator. Cardi B? Rauw Alejandro? Maybe even a weird curveball like Post Malone?
The production will be handled by Jesse Collins and directed by Hamish Hamilton. These guys are the gold standard for live TV, so even if you don't understand a single lyric, the visuals are probably going to be insane. Bad Bunny often uses his platform to talk about Puerto Rican history and the struggles of the island, so expect the show to be more than just a dance party. It’ll likely have some teeth.
The Logistics: Date, Time, and Location
If you're planning on being there in person, Levi’s Stadium is the place. It’s the home of the San Francisco 49ers, which means the tech-heavy Silicon Valley crowd will be out in force.
- Date: February 8, 2026.
- Kickoff: Usually around 6:30 PM EST, which puts the halftime show somewhere around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM.
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.
Santa Clara in February is usually pretty mild, but the NFL is prepared for anything. The "Studio 60 Music Experience" is also being hyped as a week-long series of events leading up to the game. If you can't afford the actual Super Bowl tickets—which are currently astronomical—the surrounding festivities might be your best bet to catch the "Bunny-mania" in person.
Is This the End of the "Classic" Halftime Show?
Some people are asking if the NFL has officially moved on from the "Legacy" acts. No Bruce Springsteen, no Rolling Stones, no U2. For the last few years, it’s been a heavy rotation of R&B and Hip-Hop icons like Rihanna, Usher, and Kendrick. By picking Bad Bunny, the league is clearly chasing a younger, more global demographic.
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It’s a risk, but it’s a calculated one. The 2025 show with Kendrick Lamar broke viewership records, and the NFL wants to keep that momentum. They aren't looking for "safe" anymore; they're looking for "viral." Every second of the 2026 show will be designed to be clipped for TikTok and Instagram.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, here is what you should actually do:
- Follow the "sanbenito" Socials: Bad Bunny often drops hints on his private Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) accounts before the official NFL channels do.
- Brush Up on the Lyrics: Seriously. If you want to enjoy the show, get "Un Verano Sin Ti" on repeat. It’ll make the experience way better if you can at least hum along to the choruses.
- Check the Official NFL Site for "On Location" Packages: If you have the budget, this is the only way to guarantee a seat without dealing with the nightmare of the secondary ticket market.
- Download the Peacock App Early: If you’re streaming, don’t wait until kickoff to realize your subscription expired or the app needs an update.
The countdown is on. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Conejo Malo or you're just there for the football, the 2026 halftime show is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about moments in Super Bowl history. It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be in Spanish, and it’s definitely going to be something people talk about for years.