The speculation is finally over. After months of rumors involving everyone from Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus, the NFL and Apple Music have confirmed that Bad Bunny is the one taking the stage. He's headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
On February 8, 2026, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will turn into a massive celebration of reggaeton and Latin trap. It’s a huge deal. Seriously. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—the man we all know as Bad Bunny—is making history as the first Latino solo artist to headline this gig. For many, it feels like a long time coming.
He isn't just a "guest" this time. Remember 2020? He popped up during Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s set for a few minutes. Now, the stage is his alone. This selection tells us a lot about where the NFL is headed. They aren't just looking at American radio hits anymore; they're looking at global dominance.
The Road to Santa Clara: Why Bad Bunny?
Choosing who is performing at Super Bowl halftime show is never a random decision. It's a calculated move by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Apple Music, and the NFL.
Look at the numbers. They’re staggering. Bad Bunny has been the most-streamed artist on the planet for multiple years running. His albums, especially Un Verano Sin Ti and the recent Debí Tirar Más Fotos, haven't just topped the charts; they've stayed there.
There was a lot of noise about Taylor Swift potentially doing the 2026 show. Fans were convinced after her engagement to Travis Kelce became public in August 2025. Even Roger Goodell kept the door open during interviews. But in the end, the league went with Benito. It’s a smart pivot. By picking him, the NFL is speaking directly to a massive, young, Spanish-speaking audience that many corporate entities still struggle to reach authentically.
Breaking Down the Official Trailer
Just a few days ago, on January 16, Apple Music dropped the official trailer. It’s beautiful. Shot in Puerto Rico, the film features Bad Bunny dancing to "BAILE INoLVIDABLE" under a Flamboyant tree. It’s not your typical "tough guy" rapper promo.
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Instead, it’s about community. You see people of all ages—kids, grandparents, everyone—moving together. In his own words, Benito said this isn't just for him. "It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown."
What to Expect from the Setlist
Honestly, trying to predict a Bad Bunny setlist is a nightmare because he has too many hits. But we have some clues.
Since he’s currently on his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour, expect a heavy dose of new material. Songs like "DtMF" and "BAILE INoLVIDABLE" are almost guaranteed. But he’s also a master of the "greatest hits" medley. Fans are already crossing their fingers for "Tití Me Preguntó," "Dákiti," and "Safaera."
And then there are the guests. The halftime show loves a surprise cameo. Since he’s collaborated with everyone from Drake to Feid to Chencho Corleone, the possibilities are endless. There's even talk about whether he'll bring out some of the legends who paved the way for him, keeping with his "honor the ancestors" theme.
The Controversy and the Noise
Not everyone is happy. Of course. That's just how the internet works in 2026.
Some political figures have been pretty vocal about the choice. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson basically said Bad Bunny is too "niche" and doesn't have enough "crossover appeal" for a general American audience. Others criticized the fact that he performs primarily in Spanish.
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Roger Goodell didn't bite, though. He told reporters in October that the selection was "intentional" and aimed at a "global audience." He’s right. Whether you speak Spanish or not, you know the rhythm. You know the vibe. The Super Bowl is a global product now, and the halftime show reflects that.
Technical Mastery and Production
We know Jesse Collins is producing and Hamish Hamilton is directing. These are the heavy hitters of live TV. They handled Kendrick Lamar’s massive 2025 show in New Orleans, which set a viewership record of 133.5 million people.
The pressure is on to beat that. Bad Bunny’s shows are known for being visual spectacles. On his last tour, he had flying horses and palm trees. For Super Bowl LX, the rumors are leaning toward something deeply cultural but technologically insane.
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.
- Date: February 8, 2026.
- Network: NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo.
- Time: Roughly 8:00 PM ET (depending on the game).
The Rest of the Lineup
While Benito is the main event, the pre-game is stacked too.
Charlie Puth is taking on the National Anthem. That’s a big vocal test, but he’s got the range for it. Brandi Carlile is singing "America the Beautiful," which is basically a guaranteed tear-jerker. And Coco Jones—who has had an incredible year—is performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
It’s a well-rounded lineup. You’ve got pop, Americana, R&B, and the reggaeton powerhouse at the center of it all.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning to watch, don't just wing it.
First, get your audio setup ready. Apple Music is already releasing "Road to Halftime" playlists that are Spatial Audio-optimized. If you have a good soundbar or headphones, use them. The production value on these shows is through the roof, and standard TV speakers usually don't do the bass justice.
Second, if you're a cord-cutter, make sure your Peacock subscription is active at least a day before. You don't want to be dealing with login errors five minutes before kickoff.
Lastly, keep an eye on Bad Bunny's social media. He's been known to drop "Easter eggs" about his performances in his Instagram Stories. Usually, he hides clues about guest stars or stage designs in the background of his posts.
The 2026 halftime show isn't just a concert. It's a statement. It's about how much the "American" identity has shifted and grown. Whether you're there for the football or the music, February 8 is going to be a moment people talk about for a long time.
Practical Checklist for Super Bowl LX:
- Download the Apple Music App: They are hosting exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and the official "Road to Halftime" interview with Zane Lowe.
- Check Local Broadcasts: If you want the Spanish-language commentary and a more music-focused pre-show, tune into Telemundo instead of the main NBC feed.
- Update Your Streaming Devices: Ensure your smart TV or streaming stick is updated to the latest firmware to avoid lag during the high-traffic live stream.