Bad Bunny, the celebrated Puerto Rican pop artist, has announced that he will headline the Super Bowl half-time show next year in California. This marks a significant achievement for the Latin music scene, as Bad Bunny continues to break barriers and bring diverse voices to one of the largest stages in the world. Known for his genre-blending music that captivates a wide audience, he has consistently ranked among Spotify’s most-streamed artists, holding this title for three out of the last five years. On the illustrious night of the Super Bowl, he will be tasked with delivering a medley of his chart-topping hits within a brief 15-minute performance that promises to be unforgettable.
In a heartfelt statement reflecting his passion for both his craft and football, Bad Bunny shared, “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture, and our history.” These words resonate deeply, highlighting the significance of his performance not just as entertainment but as a proud celebration of his heritage and the cultural legacy that he carries forward.
The news arrives in a poignant context; during a recent interview with i-D magazine, Bad Bunny revealed that he has deliberately avoided touring in the US due to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) potentially conducting raids on fans at his concerts. This reality paints a troubling picture of the current social climate, reflecting the broader issues of immigration that artists and their audiences face. However, he is making a notable exception for the Super Bowl, confirming his performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8.
Following in the footsteps of illustrious artists like Kendrick Lamar, Usher, Rihanna, and The Weeknd—who have all graced the Super Bowl stage—Bad Bunny is poised not only to entertain but to bring a distinct energy that embodies his heritage. Kendrick Lamar, who mesmerized audiences at this year’s Super Bowl, attracted an impressive 127 million viewers in the US, establishing a high standard for captivating performances.
Bad Bunny adds a personal touch to his announcement by speaking in Spanish: “Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el halftime show del Super Bowl,” which translates to “Go tell your grandma we’re going to be the Super Bowl half-time show.” This light-hearted comment perfectly encapsulates his charm and the ability to connect with fans across generations, weaving familial ties into the fabric of his performance.
Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation company is responsible for selecting performers and producing their shows, expressed enthusiasm about Bad Bunny’s contributions, stating that what he has accomplished for Puerto Rico is “truly inspiring.” He emphasized the honor of having Bad Bunny on the world’s most prominent stage, recognizing the cultural significance of this moment for the artist and his supporters.
In 2022, Bad Bunny’s groundbreaking album, Un Verano Sin Ti (A Summer Without You), made history by becoming the first all-Spanish language album to reach number one on the US charts. At just 31 years old, he has already earned a spot as the third most-streamed artist globally, trailing only behind pop icons Taylor Swift and The Weeknd. Earlier this year, he released another album titled Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos), which further showcases his artistic evolution.
Further cementing his status in the music industry, Bad Bunny has received three Grammy Awards and is the leading nominee for the upcoming Latin Grammy Awards, showcasing his continued impact and popularity. His recent residency in Puerto Rico attracted over 500,000 fans, highlighting his deep connection to his roots and the vibrant music culture on the island. Although Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, its autonomy adds layers of complexity to Bad Bunny’s narrative.
Looking ahead, his tour is set to commence in the Dominican Republic this November before he travels across Central and South America, Australia, Japan, and Europe. Notably, he will play two nights at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London next summer, further expanding his global reach.
Reflecting on his decision to stay away from the US for a period, he shared with i-D, “There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate – I’ve performed there many times.” He emphasized that his past performances in the US were successful and meaningful experiences, particularly in connecting with Latino communities. However, the looming presence of ICE at concerts raised concerns that weighed heavily on his decision.
As anticipation builds for his Super Bowl performance, Bad Bunny is not just an artist; he is also making strides in acting with roles in films like Bullet Train and the upcoming Happy Gilmore 2. Additionally, he is set to return as a host on Saturday Night Live for a second time next month, reinforcing his versatility and talent in the entertainment industry. With a captivating fusion of music, culture, and personal storytelling, Bad Bunny is sure to deliver a performance at the Super Bowl that resonates far beyond the stadium, captivating hearts and igniting pride within his community and beyond.
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