Puerto Rican global music icon Bad Bunny has made sporting and cultural history with a groundbreaking performance at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. The artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, delivered the first-ever fully Spanish-language spectacle in the event's prestigious history.
A Star-Studded, Culturally Proud Spectacle
Taking to the stage holding a football and dressed in an all-white jersey, Bad Bunny was joined by an impressive roster of celebrity guests. The performance featured notable cameo appearances from Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Alix Earle, and Karol G, creating a memorable visual feast for the global audience.
Musical Collaborations and Cultural Tributes
The headline musical collaborations saw Lady Gaga perform a vibrant reggaeton-style version of Die With a Smile, while Ricky Martin joined the Puerto Rican superstar on stage. Throughout the show, Bad Bunny unapologetically celebrated his Puerto Rican heritage, weaving cultural elements into the performance's fabric.
He performed hits from his critically acclaimed album Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, including fan favourites DtMF and NUEVAYoL. The set also included a special segment acknowledging his recent Grammy triumph, featuring a scene of a family watching his acceptance speech on television.
Performance Amid Political Controversy
The historic performance occurred despite significant pre-show controversy. Bad Bunny had faced intense backlash from American conservative groups and supporters of former President Donald Trump regarding his outspoken criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
His decision to perform primarily in Spanish further fueled the political debate, making his cultural celebration on one of America's biggest stages particularly significant. During the Grammy tribute segment, the singer appeared to symbolically give his award to a young boy in the audience.
Building on Previous Super Bowl Experience
This was not Bad Bunny's first appearance on the Super Bowl stage. The artist previously made his debut as a special guest during the memorable 2020 halftime show featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, giving him valuable experience for his headline performance.
Grammy Success and Pre-Game Entertainment
Bad Bunny's moment on the international stage followed a milestone achievement at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where he made history by winning Album of the Year for a non-English language album. This groundbreaking victory added significant prestige to his Super Bowl appearance.
The halftime spectacle was preceded by a stellar pre-game entertainment lineup. Green Day delivered an energetic performance of hits including Holiday, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, and American Idiot.
Charlie Puth sang the national anthem, while Brandi Carlile offered a stirring rendition of America the Beautiful. Coco Jones completed the pre-game build-up with her performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing, creating a diverse musical journey leading into the main event.
