The Super Bowl LX that is taking place today does not only represent 2 major teams competing against one another in football for the Vince Lombardi trophy. Super Bowl LX will be a landmark cultural event within the live entertainment industry, as bad bunny will be performing at Super Bowl halftime as one of the strongest performers in the reggaeton and latin trap music genre. This Super Bowl performance will have the potential to become one of the top live television moments in the world of entertainment in 2022 because it will combine music, culture, and history in a way that reflects where pop culture is today as well as where it will go.
A Historic Headliner and What It Means
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is the heart of this year’s halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Known for his global dominance on streaming platforms and his sixth album Debí Tirar Más Fotos breaking barriers in both Spanish and English markets, Bad Bunny represents a major evolution in halftime performances. He’s one of the most streamed artists worldwide and a multiple Grammy Award winner, bringing not just musical credibility but cultural resonance to the NFL’s biggest stage.
What makes this Super Bowl moment even more significant is that Bad Bunny is expected to be the first solo male Latino artist to headline the halftime show, offering a platform for Latin music and culture to a global audience of over 100 million viewers.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly praised Bad Bunny’s selection, calling him one of the “great artists of the world” and underlining how the show can be a unifying cultural moment , something that goes beyond football.
A quick look at how past Super Bowl halftime shows shaped pop culture
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Rihanna in 2023 turned the halftime stage into a moment of quiet power, using minimalist staging and a surprise pregnancy reveal to prove that restraint can command as much attention as spectacle.
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Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar in 2022 reframed the halftime show as a celebration of hip hop’s cultural legitimacy, marking a historic shift in how the NFL embraced a genre once kept at the margins.
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The Weeknd in 2021 leaned into cinematic storytelling, building a surreal, performance-art driven set that blurred the line between pop concert and visual narrative.
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Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in 2020 delivered a bilingual, high-energy showcase that pushed Latin pop into the center of mainstream American sports culture.
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Beyoncé in 2013 blended precision choreography with political undertones, showing how the halftime show could function as both entertainment and cultural statement.
When and Where to Watch
The Super Bowl LX halftime show will air on February 8, 2026 during the championship game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Broadcast coverage across the United States is available through NBC, with streaming options via Peacock and Telemundo for Spanish-language audiences.
For viewers in India, the show will be available on OTT platforms carrying NFL broadcasts, with live timings aligned to the global kickoff schedule later in the evening.
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What Fans Are Anticipating
While the exact set list is still officially under wraps, speculation is building around Bad Bunny’s recent hits and culturally impactful tracks. Popular songs from his Debí Tirar Más Fotos album such as “Moscow Mule,” “Monaco,” and “Baile Inolvidable” are strong candidates, and fans are buzzing about potential choreography, special guests, and set design elements that reflect his Puerto Rican roots.
A fan poll circulating ahead of the game also shows curiosity about possible cameo appearances by artists like Drake and Cardi B during the show, illustrating how social media conversations have grown around the halftime spectacle.
The Cultural and Commercial Impact
This halftime show carries weight far beyond a single performance. In recent years, Super Bowl halftime spots have had measurable effects on streaming numbers, concert ticket sales, and artist visibility. Although top artists like Bad Bunny do not receive traditional performance fees (some get only minimal guaranteed pay due to NFL rules), the exposure from this stage often leads to significant commercial and cultural opportunities post-show.
Critics and commentators have pointed out that the choice of Bad Bunny indicates an ongoing shift in American pop culture. Latin music’s influence on mainstream markets is no longer niche. It’s now a driving force on global charts, festivals, and award shows, and the halftime stage mirrors that momentum.
Pre-Show and Surrounding Festivities
The Super Bowl’s music offerings don’t start and end with halftime. Ahead of Bad Bunny’s set, Charlie Puth will perform the U.S. national anthem, a demanding piece he’s been preparing for intensely. Brandi Carlile is set to sing America the Beautiful, and Coco Jones will perform Lift Every Voice and Sing — often regarded as the Black national anthem — complete with American Sign Language interpretation.
Additionally, earlier festivities include a performance by veteran rock band Green Day during the opening ceremony, setting the tone for a diverse musical journey throughout Super Bowl Sunday.
Public Reactions and Broader Conversations
This year’s choice of Bad Bunny has sparked a range of responses. Many celebrate the cultural representation and global flair. Others, particularly on social media and alternative events organized around Super Bowl Sunday, have stirred debate about the intersection of music, politics, and sports entertainment.
Artists like Cardi B have publicly voiced admiration for Bad Bunny’s impact and hinted at potentially joining him — adding another layer of anticipation. A separate “alternative halftime show” by a conservative organization is also scheduled to run concurrently, reflecting broader cultural conversations around music and national identity.
What to Expect Tonight
If you’re tuning in tonight, expect an electrifying blend of high-energy performance, cultural celebration, and big-stage theatrics. Halftime shows at the Super Bowl are designed to be unforgettable, and with Bad Bunny at the helm, this year’s show promises to combine spectacle with substance in a way that reflects today’s global music landscape.
Whether you’re a football fan, a music lover, or just curious about what the biggest live TV performance of the year will bring, the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show is poised to deliver a moment that resonates well beyond the final whistle.
