The rumors about Taylor Swift taking over the 50-yard line are officially dead. Honestly, the internet has been spiraling for months about who would follow up Kendrick Lamar’s massive 2025 performance, and the NFL finally dropped the bomb during a Sunday Night Football broadcast. If you’ve been asking who is performing at super bowl halftime this year, the answer is officially Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—better known to the entire planet as Bad Bunny.
This isn't just another pop star booking. It's a huge shift. For the first time ever, a solo Latino artist who performs almost exclusively in Spanish is headlining the world’s biggest stage. It’s happening at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026. Jay-Z and Roc Nation, who have been calling the shots on these shows since 2019, clearly aren't playing it safe this time around.
Bad Bunny’s 2026 Halftime: What We Know So Far
People always want to know the "why" behind these choices. Why now? Well, Bad Bunny has been the most-streamed artist on Earth for years, and he just finished a legendary residency in Puerto Rico that saw half a million fans show up. He basically owns the charts without ever needing to record an English crossover hit.
When the announcement hit, Benito didn't give a corporate, PR-heavy speech. He went straight to the heart of it, saying this performance is for his people, his culture, and their history. He even posted a video of himself sitting on a goalpost on a beach at sunset. Very on-brand.
The Production Powerhouse
Apple Music is back as the lead sponsor, and they aren't being cheap. Jesse Collins and Roc Nation are producing, which usually means high-budget pyrotechnics and stage designs that look like they cost more than a small country's GDP. Hamish Hamilton is directing again. He’s the guy who did Rihanna’s floating platforms and Kendrick’s cinematic New Orleans set, so expect something visually jarring and probably very expensive.
The show is expected to run about 13 to 15 minutes. That sounds short, but when you have a catalog as deep as Bad Bunny’s, those minutes are packed. We’re talking "Tití Me Preguntó," "Dakiti," and maybe some of the trap stuff from nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana.
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The Controversy You Might Not Have Heard About
It hasn't all been smooth sailing. Some people are actually pretty mad about the choice. Specifically, there’s been a weird amount of political friction.
Since Bad Bunny has been vocal about Puerto Rican issues and has had some public clashes with the Trump administration, some conservative pundits and influencers started a "replace him" campaign. House Speaker Mike Johnson even suggested Lee Greenwood as a better alternative. There’s even been a petition floating around with over 50,000 signatures to swap him out for George Strait.
But look, the NFL isn't budging. They released a trailer on January 16, 2026, featuring Bad Bunny dancing to “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” under a Flamboyant tree in Puerto Rico. The message was loud: "the world will dance." It’s a clear signal that they’re leaning into the global diversity angle regardless of the noise on social media.
Why Taylor Swift Said No
Swifties were convinced this was her year. Even Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, was teasing it back in September 2025, saying she’s a "special talent" and always welcome.
Taylor actually shot the rumors down herself on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Her reasoning? She’s too "locked in" on Travis Kelce’s season. She joked that she couldn't imagine worrying about her choreography while her boyfriend is out there "putting his life on the line" every week. So, if you were hoping for an Eras Tour-style halftime show, you'll have to wait.
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Guest Star Rumors and the Pregame Lineup
Who’s going to join him? That’s the million-dollar question. Bad Bunny has worked with everyone from Cardi B and J Balvin to Drake and Kendall Jenner’s circle.
He actually performed at the 2020 halftime show as a guest for Shakira, so he knows the drill. While no official guests are confirmed yet, the betting money is on some heavy hitters from the reggaeton world. Think Rauw Alejandro or maybe even Feid.
The Pregame Star Power
The NFL isn't just relying on the halftime show for the 2026 vibes. They’ve already locked in a pretty solid pregame roster:
- Charlie Puth is taking on the National Anthem.
- Coco Jones is performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
- Brandi Carlile is doing "America the Beautiful."
It’s a mix of pop, R&B, and folk that feels designed to balance out the high-energy reggaeton of the main event.
Navigating the Logistics: Dates and Where to Watch
Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026.
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If you aren't lucky enough to be in Santa Clara (where tickets are currently being sold through On Location with some insane premium packages), you'll be watching it on NBC. For the cord-cutters, it’s streaming on Peacock and the NFL+ app. Telemundo will also have the broadcast, which is fitting given that this will likely be the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast in US history.
Kickoff is at 6:30 PM ET (3:30 PM PT). Since the game moves at its own pace, you can expect Bad Bunny to hit the stage somewhere between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM ET.
Actionable Next Steps for Super Bowl Fans
If you're planning on catching the show or heading to the Bay Area, here’s how to prep:
- Download the Apple Music "Road to Halftime" Collection: They’ve curated a specific set of playlists and "Essentials" for Bad Bunny that basically serve as a cheat sheet for the setlist.
- Check the Peacock App early: If you're streaming, don't wait until 8:00 PM to log in. Peacock has had some lag issues during high-traffic events in the past.
- Look for San Francisco Satellite Events: Since the game is in Santa Clara, most of the big celebrity parties are actually happening in San Francisco. Marc Anthony and Sting are already linked to some of the branded concerts during Super Bowl week.
Bad Bunny’s performance is going to be a massive cultural litmus test for the NFL. Whether you're there for the reggaeton or the football, it’s undeniably a piece of history in the making.