Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show 2026 | performance, set list, guest artists, reaction...
While the Seahawks and Patriots got the sporting focus, one Puerto Rican was stirring the musical pot during the break.
Super Bowl LX Halftime Show: as it happened
Thank you for joining us today for what has been a memorable Halftime Show. The Seahawks will take the game plaudits but Bad Bunny can leave just as proud of his performance.
Bad Bunny HT Show set list
To recap, the set list mash-up was the following:
Titi me preguntó
Yo Perro Sola
Safaera
Party
Voy a llevarte pa PR
Eoo
Mónaco
Die With a Smile - with Lady Gaga
Baile Inolvidable
NuevaYol
Lo que le pasó a Hawaii - with Ricky Martin
El Apagón
Café con Ron
DTMF
Bad Bunny's marriage
You may recall me making a quick mention of a proposal in the HT Show. Well, it looks like there was some serious relationship building going on for real.
I've got a feeling a whole lot more was happening in the various stages of the performance, and they'll come to light over the coming hours or days...
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Bad Bunny from the heart
Back in 2023, tonight's star spoke to Vanity Fair and talked about authenticity:
"What I do, I do from my heart. I do it as my duty, but my duty as a Puerto Rican, as a human being…not as an artist.
"I believe that every human being has the duty to have empathy for others, to help others, to respect them, to always try to contribute something to society, to bring a positive change."
Anyone notice the contrast between this and the post, and general behavior of the president?
Trump trumps
Well, what did you expect? This anti-Bunny post from the president could have been written before the event itself. It's also worth noting that a) the timing would suggest he chose to watch this over the Turning Point alternative (predictable as he'd want to comment) and b) his attempted concern for young children contradicts many of the comments he's made (not to mention his friend Kid Rock) in the past.
World still on its axis.
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The Bunny was enjoyed
Fans and celebrities alike praised Bad Bunny for delivering a high-energy, visually striking halftime show, with repeated shoutouts to the set design, staging, and overall production value.
Several said the performance “killed it” regardless of language barriers, arguing that the vibes and energy translated instantly, even for those who don't speak Spanish or know his catalog well.
Others framed it as a cultural moment, celebrating Puerto Rican pride and representation on one of the biggest stages in American sports.
The consensus across reactions: you didn’t need context, translations, or fandom to recognize it as a bold, memorable, and genuinely fun Super Bowl halftime show.
Reaction on fire
As I glance over social media, it's fair to say that this was a show that went down well. Ben Stiller led the praise.
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There was plenty to pick over during the show but one moment that seems to have generated an emotional reaction was the moment Bad Bunny handed over the Grammy to a young boy.... dreams do come true with hard work. #theamericandreamanyone
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Love not hate
The parting message from Bad Bunny was likely the one we expected:
The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate is Love
How can we not all agree with this?
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Eagle-eyed viewers spotted Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Alix Earle and many others at Levi's Stadium during Bad Bunny's half-time show.
Bad Bunny didn't come alone. His Super Bowl Halftime Show turned into a cameo parade, with Cardi B popping up early alongside the dancers, Pedro Pascal spotted grooving on the casita set (we think), and Jessica Alba seemingly in the mix too.
Then came the heavy hitters: Lady Gaga joined him for “Die With a Smile,” before Bad Bunny capped it off by welcoming fellow Puerto Rican icon Ricky Martin to the stage.
The Grammys recognized ‘Debí tirar más fotos’ as the album of the year and this quarter of an hour showed off plenty of its sounds, amid the backdrop of where it all originated from.
Nuevayol and Yo Perreo Sola get a spot in the non-stop musical feast.
If this is not your type of music then surely you can enjoy the color and vibrancy of the show.
The mash up then slips into some of Gasolina – which I mentioned earlier - and our star mentions the slums where this music come from.
Lady Gaga
“If Tomorrow Never Comes...” - for some that would be fine after seeing her perform Die with a Smile.
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into a ‘casita’ (clever) then onto a truck, the show continues. And then the first huge surprise of the show: IT'S ONLY LADY GAGA!!!!
Tití Me Preguntó gets the crowd screaming with a huge crew of dancing girls all around him.
Then he disappears!
That teaser we were given by Apple makes sense now. In the fields from back home in Puerto Rico emerges a Bad Bunny clad all in white.
Drinks a-plenty on offer; boxers, dodgy jewellers... and a proposal. We're off!
The dancers are onto the field as anticipation builds. How many people switched channels do you think? Not many would be my bet.
As we've already reminisced together, over the years, we've seen legends take the Halftime stage, from Michael Jackson and Prince to Beyonce and Madonna.
But what about the set up logistics?
Game time!
Well, the football is over so it's OUR game time.
The field is being prep'd now, and Bad Bunny will be shaking off any last-minute nerves.
Are you ready??
When it comes to the halftime show, one question that is always asked is regarding the ‘live’ nature of the singers on these high-profile occasions. Do they sing naturally or is there some lip syncing going on?
The answer is that we’ve seen a bit of both over the years, but why would that be their chosen method? We had a look into it.
Bad Bunny: it's been emotional
...and it's likely to get a whole lot more in the coming minutes. Halftime is approaching fast...
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Dunkin's nostalgia
That's the commercial that wins it for me!
Kerry and her Benito Bowl
Award-winning actress Kerry Washington, who you'll maybe know from Django Unchained and Little Fires Everywhere, has been showing off her Benito Bowl jersey.
Plenty snaps from around the stadium suggest she's not the only one who's dressed up for the Halftime Show.
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Tick…tick… two minute warning
We're at the two-minute warning of the second quarter, and the halftime machine is revving up.
I've got half an eye on the game, with the other one and a half on various social media feeds, which are filling with all the excitement and speculation you'd expect.
I mentioned Turning Point USA's alternative show, which appears to be losing much of its momentum, especially as it was recently confirmed that the previously advertised X streaming option is now not available.
Remember: the real show will follow a 25–30 minute halftime designed to accommodate both the performance and the six‑minute stage swap. Grab your snacks now; you won’t want to miss the changeover.
More Bunny support
Following Jlo's earlier message that I shared with you, Nicky Jam has also X'd his own:
“Today it's our turn to applaud you. Go off like you always do. We’re with you, papi.”
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Rolling the carts
In the bowels of Levi's, those 40 carts full of stage pieces are beginning to inch toward the field. Stage managers have timed their manoeuvre to coincide with breaks in play; the goal is to be ready the moment the first half ends.
If you’re in the stands following this feed, keep an eye on the tunnel entrances—you might see the skeleton of the stage peek through. Just don’t tweet any spoilers; we’re all pretending not to look.
I'll have a halftime burger, please. Wait! What???
Our Will has been checking out the cost of snacks at Levi's Stadium and when he shared details of the LX Hammer Burger with me I was quick to change my order.
Actually, just give me some fries.
Culture check
We may not know the setlist, but we know the stakes. Latin stars are rallying behind Bad Bunny: J Balvin said he's excited because if Benito wins, “we all win, not just Latinos, but all immigrants in the U.S.”.
Rauw Alejandro added that people should expand their minds and enjoy all cultures—today it’s Latinos, tomorrow it could be an Asian or French artist. Even Nicki Nicole shrugged off the controversy, saying music has no borders.
As the second quarter winds down, the conversation online is less about run–pass ratios and more about representation... with the usual hatred mixed in.
Whether or not you're paying attention to the game (Pats down by six), the clock is already under 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter. That means our musical extravaganza isn't far away.
Rihanna reminder
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Throwback: Rihanna 2023
Before Kendrick and Usher, Rihanna delivered a pregnancy‑revealing performance that blended a decade‑plus of hits into a 13‑minute spectacle.
Suspended on floating platforms, she opened with “Bitch Better Have My Money,” then segued through “Where Have You Been,” “Only Girl (In the World),” “We Found Love,” “Rude Boy,” “Work,”“Wild Thoughts,” “Pour It Up,” “All of the Lights,” “Run This Town,” “Umbrella,” and closed with “Diamonds”.
She performed solo—no guests—and used the moment to reveal that she was expecting her second child. The medley reminded everyone why she's one of the best‑selling artists of the century and how easily she shifts between pop, dancehall and R&B.
Super bowl meets history lessons
For all the political positioning – read my earlier chat if you've missed it – Jerome sends a simple reminder to anyone questioning Benito's roots. Sure, it won't make a difference to those who don't want it to.
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The history of reggaeton (cont...)
Reggaeton faltered commercially for a few years, but the rise of streaming services and new artistic hubs revived it.
Nicky Jam and other veterans relocated to Medellín, Colombia, where they found new audiences. A younger generation – J Balvin, Maluma and Karol G from Colombia, and Bad Bunny from Puerto Rico – embraced trap, EDM and pop influences while keeping lyrics in Spanish, turning reggaeton into a global pop language. Collaborations with artists like Drake and Madonna further blurred genre lines.
Today, reggaeton's dembow pulse powers hits across continents, from stadium anthems to TikTok dances. What began as a Panamanian‑Puerto Rican subculture has become one of the world’s biggest pop genres – and it continues to evolve, one beat drop at a time.
Luis Fonsi - Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee
I thought you'd enjoy a little of this...
The history of reggaeton (cont...)
Around the turn of the 21st century, “underground” rebranded itself as reggaeton.
Tego Calderón's socially conscious “Loíza” and Daddy Yankee’s 2004 smash “Gasolina” kicked the door open – the latter became a global club anthem and the first true breakout hit. That success encouraged U.S. labels to sign artists and inspired a second wave of reggaetoneros in the mid‑2000s; Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Calle 13 and others blended hip‑hop swagger with Caribbean melodies.
“Gasolina” also cleared a path for crossover hits such as Pitbull’s “Culo” and, years later, the record‑smashing “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, whose Justin Bieber‑assisted remix dominated global charts...
The history of reggaeton (cont...)
Meanwhile, hip‑hop was exploding in New York. Puerto Rican rappers like Vico C began spitting in Spanish, and by the 1990s the island's underground scene blended hip‑hop with reggae en español. This fusion incubated in San Juan nightclubs like The Noise, where Ivy Queen, Daddy Yankee and other pioneers tested out provocative lyrics and perreo dance moves.
It was raw and often controversial – addressing racism and life in Puerto Rico's caseríos – and police crackdowns only burnished its rebellious edge.
The result was a new genre locals called “underground,” built on the dembow beat and sung primarily in Spanish...
The history of reggaeton
You likely have already realized that Reggaeton didn't spring fully formed from the studios of San Juan – it's the product of decades of cross‑Caribbean musical traffic.
In the 1970s West Indian workers on the Panama Canal brought reggae and dancehall with them. Panamanian MCs such as Shabba Ranks, Nando Boom, Renato and El General began translating those Jamaican riddims into Spanish. Songs like “Dem Bow” and “Tu Pun Pun” fused Jamaican reggae with Spanish lyrics and helped create the dembow rhythm that still anchors reggaeton.
This dembow beat travelled through the Caribbean; when it landed in the Dominican Republic in the early 1990s, the mash‑up of Jamaican riddim, repetitive rhythm and faster BPM gave birth to a sub‑genre called dembow that caught on quickly...
Trump no, Newsom si
While we're more than aware that the sitting president is “anti” Bad Bunny, a prospective future White House dweller is way more positive about the singer's influence.
Gavin Newsom, or at least his social media team, has named today after him.
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If you've got an eye on the game, you'll maybe have spotted a few famous faces around. We asked our Jen to round up those that she eyed...
Jlo sends Bunny love
She's been on this stage before. She even brought on Bad Bunny to join in the fun. And now she's sending a special message to tonight's main man...
“Bad Bunny… sending you all the love, positivity, and the biggest hug in the world. We're all with you tonight! I know you’re going to absolutely crush it. I’m here with you in the same way you were there for me. So proud to be Boricua! Go hard, Benito. Like only you can!”
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Backstage hustle
While the players trade early possessions, hundreds of volunteers are stretching in the tunnels. Halftime set‑up crews rehearse for months to roll out the stage in just six minutes, using around 40 carts to transport stage pieces, audio equipment and lighting. The choreography is almost as precise as the dance numbers we'll see on stage, and it has to happen while NBC goes to a commercial break. Seamless perception, baby!
Clearly somewhere under the stands, a guy with a headset is nervously checking his stopwatch.
Super Bowl LX is go!
And we're underway! The Patriots and Seahawks have taken over the field in what is clearly the prelude to the main event, but I’ll leave the gridiron analysis to the other desk.
For our purposes, the opening whistle means the countdown to halftime has truly begun. In the breaks, watch for this year’s commercial themes: brands are focusing hard on artificial intelligence, wearable tech and weight‑loss drugs, with executives promising a plethora of AI units and tech giants like Google, Amazon, Rippling and Squarespace buying spots.
There’s even a first‑ever ad from Anthropic touting its chatbot Claude, while Meta will hawk smart glasses with cameos from Marshawn Lynch and Spike Lee. If your uncle asks you what a large language model is, refer him to the nearest search bar.
Did you have a little wager on the length of Puth's anthem? Many people do.
We clocked it in at 1:52.23... with Charlie likely keen to get the game rolling.
Anthem done, fireworks pop, planes fly overhead and Puth exhales hard.
The interpreter takes a bow, captains head to midfield, and you can almost hear producers backstage counting down to kickoff. Not a bad way to wrap up the pre‑game pomp.
I've just been asked about Charlie's eyebrow scar from some eagle-eyed watchers-on. Here's the story.
Presenting Puth's perfect pitch
Charlie Puth ready
Finally, it's Charlie Puth's turn. The pop‑star‑with‑perfect‑pitch stands alone with a mic and promises a straightforward National Anthem—no crazy runs, no guitar heroics. There’s an ASL interpreter ready to rock with him, and he looks more nervous than he did singing with BTS.
Puth starts soft with “O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, what so proudly we hailed …” then pushes into the meat of the anthem: “Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”
He stays on pitch, keeps the melisma to a minimum and nails the big leap. The crowd goes nuts.
Here's a little more info on the woman who has been described as Brandi's muse.
Carlile leans into the hook: “America! America! God shed his grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.”
It's understated but heartfelt, and the interpreter's expressive signing gives the lines an extra punch.
America the Beautiful: sing along
Oh beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self, their country loved
And mercy more than life
America, America may God thy gold refine
'Til all success be nobleness
And every gain divined
And you know when I was in school
We used to sing it something like this, listen here
Oh beautiful, for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain
But now wait a minute, I'm talking about
America, sweet America
You know, God done shed his grace on thee
He crowned thy good, yes he did, in brotherhood
From sea to shining sea
You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this
(America, America, God shed his grace on thee)
America, I love you America, you see
My God he done shed his grace on thee
And you oughta love him for it
Cause he, he, he, he crowned thy good
He told me he would, with brotherhood
(From sea to shining Sea)
Oh Lord, oh Lord, I thank you Lord
(Shining sea)
Patriots assemble!
You'll no doubt have noticed that some politics have dipped into this year's Halftime Show, with the right leaning Turning Point arranged an alternative viewing option between the sporting halves.
Headlining for the Christian-backed TP is Kid Rock (you know, that guy born into wealth who went on to sing lyrics like “Young ladies, young ladies, I like 'em underage. See some say that's statutory but I say it’s MANDATORY’!”
If Captain America was choosing who to pick for his team, I think the U.S. citizen Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio would get his full support. We'll not be switching over!
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Brandi Carlile’s turn
Next on deck: Brandi Carlile. The Washington state singer‑songwriter is taking on “America the Beautiful.” She's got a guitar, a gravel‑tinged voice and another ASL interpreter by her side. Expect an Americana feel rather than a diva moment.
She opens with “O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,” which immediately conjures purple mountains and fruited plains. Brandi's acoustic take feels like a campfire jam dropped into a 70,000‑seat stadium.
Players are being welcomed onto the field at the moment, Chris Pratt doing the honors for the Seahawks, Bon Jovi for the Patriots.
Jenner in the Super Bowl house
In answer to our earlier question, she's officially here.
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Kick-off is approaching
Don't worry, it's still a while till our Benito kicks off, but the Seahawks and Patriots are getting closer. Vince Lombardi awaits...
Remember that our musical protagonist said he only took the gig because he believes “our culture should be shown”, not because he needed the paycheque (performers aren't paid).
As well as following here, you can also tune in on NBC or Peacock, or on Telemundo for Spanish‑language coverage. By the way, keep an eye on the sign‑language interpreters, who can often steal the show.
Green Day say hi
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Best Day of Our Lives
Green Day are here! The big hair is on show and they're straight into Best Day... then the much anticipated American Idiot.
Earlier today Billie Armstrong had a message at Spotify's Super Bowl party.
“To all the ICE agents out there, wherever you are, quit your sh*tty-ass job. Quit that shitty job you have. Because when this is over — and it will be over at some point in time — Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller, JD Vance, Donald Trump, they're gonna drop you like a bad f*cking habit. Come on this side of the line.”
Less of that during this appearance.... or I missed it if there was.
Global watch party
It's not just the U.S. tuning in. In Bad Bunny’s home island of Puerto Rico, viewing parties have sprung up in plazas and bars. Across Latin America, fans are celebrating a moment they see as their own. Even in Europe, night owls are brewing extra coffee: halftime should hit around 2 or 3 in the morning depending on where you are on the Old Continent.
Don't get too excited!
If you haven't seen some of the rumors, then this may rock your world.
Some of the chat doing the rounds is that Travis Scott and The Weeknd could be involved in some way once the first half of football is done with.
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Coco pops the notes
Here she is lifting every voice.
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Why the HT Show matters
Super Bowl halftimes long ago transcended the game. U2's 2002 tribute scrolled the names of 9/11 victims; Beyoncé’s 2016 “Formation” nod referenced the Black Panthers; Eminem took a knee in 2022. Last year Kendrick Lamar delivered the most‑watched halftime show ever with 133.5 million viewers, topping Usher’s record from the year before. Bad Bunny enters that lineage not only as the first solo Latino headliner but also as a musician who refuses to compromise his language or message.
The game itself averaged 127.7 million viewers last year, and the halftime slot regularly eclipses that. The stakes aren’t just musical; they’re cultural and commercial. For Spanish‑speaking viewers across the Americas, tonight is a watershed moment. For everyone else, it’s a chance to broaden the playlist.
As Coco wraps and the interpreter takes a bow, Levi's erupts. This hymn was written in 1900, but it lands with players and fans alike; you can see head coaches applauding. Who knew a nearly 125‑year‑old anthem could get everyone so amped?
Here's an article with more info about Jones.
Music starts now
Right, Coco Jones just stepped up to belt out “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Fresh off her Grammy, she's tackling the hymn that's often called the Black national anthem, with an ASL interpreter signing along. No pressure, right? She told reporters she's honored to lead this moment, and the vibe is genuinely uplifting.
Her rendition starts, rather predictably, with “Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring … Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea.” Then she invites everyone to “sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.” It’s a sweeping mix of history and hope, and the stadium actually goes quiet to soak it in.
So, as I mentioned at the start of this build-up, there are some people who actually came here for the football. If you're one of them, and ended up with me talking music and culture by accident, then fire over to my colleagues on the Super Bowl live feed. What they don't know about gridiron could fit on a Janet Jackson exposed tattoo.
Obviously, if you, like me, love it all, then just get two windows open on your device and follow them simultaneously.
Knowing your sport
A friendly reminder from Jason that almost made me chuckle, so thought I'd share.
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Behind the curtain
If you've ever marvelled at how quickly a halftime stage appears, know that it takes an army—and a strict casting call. Volunteers who assemble and roll out the platform must stand between 5′7″ and 6 feet tall; those who join the on‑field “cast” of dancers are required to be 5′10″ to 6′1″ with slender builds. That’s taller than some quarterbacks. It may seem arbitrary, but uniformity makes the human wall of props look seamless on television.
Tonight’s show is capped in length with the second half beckoning. Every second counts, so expect rapid‑fire transitions and medley versions of hits. Rehearsals have been taking place under strict non‑disclosure agreements; the only leaks so far involve volunteer height charts and the inevitable speculation about wardrobe. If you’re tempted to search for spoilers, consider using that energy for calf stretches—stage hands reportedly burn hundreds of calories during the changeover.
Throwback: Usher 2024
Before Bad Bunny blurs genres, recall how Usher turned Allegiant Stadium into a Vegas club last year. He opened with “Caught Up” and closed with the chart‑busting “Yeah!” while roller‑skating across the stage. The R&B icon jammed through hits like “U Don't Have to Call,” “Love in This Club,” “Confessions Pt. II,” “U Got It Bad,” “Bad Girl,”and “OMG.”
He also shared the spotlight: Alicia Keys joined for “If I Ain't Got You” and their duet “My Boo,” while H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, Ludacris, and even a marching band popped in. It was a master class in showmanship—and a reminder that halftime can be a family reunion.
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What the players think
Even inside the league, reactions range from rapturous to head‑scratching. In an anonymous survey of 126 NFL players, 58.6 % backed Bad Bunny as the headliner, while a smaller share lamented that he isn't “American”. One respondent admitted he enjoys Bad Bunny’s songs but still would rather see a domestic act.
Outside the gridiron, NBA star Luka Dončić gushed that he listens to Bad Bunny “all the time” and can’t wait for the show. In other words, the audience is divided between those who have been perreando for years and those who still think “Gasolina” is his.
Bunny jumping in Coachella
Time for a little more teasing. Here's tonight's protagonist with Titi Me Preguntó.
Politics in the popcorn break
No modern halftime show escapes political crossfire. Bad Bunny has ruffled conservative commentators by speaking out against strict immigration policies and singing almost exclusively in Spanish; a right‑wing group organized an “All‑American Halftime Show” as counter‑programming, though it lacks a headliner. Meanwhile, an anonymous survey of 126 NFL players found that 58.6 % support the choice of Bad Bunny. A smaller group wished for an “American” artist—apparently forgetting that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory.
Commissioner Roger Goodell shrugged off the blowback, praising Bad Bunny as a world‑class artist whose music crosses cultures and insisting that the halftime show is meant to bring people together. He also reminded everyone that security protocols are tight and the focus is on entertaining viewers rather than making political statements. The kicker? Many of the same critics still hum along when “Mía” comes on the radio.
Do. Not. Be. Distracted.
While we're going to be having a lot of fun tonight, sporting and musical, there are, of course, much bigger things needing our continued attention.
Many of the commercials being shown today will make you laugh. The one by the Epstein survivors will not. Justice must prevail, no matter your political colors.
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Will the Seahawks give Seattle a night to remember?
Who will go down in history as Super Bowl LX MVP?
How many people around the world will tune in for the game?
Stop being silly. The biggest question of the night is clearly whether or not Kendall Jenner will show up to support her ex-boyfriend's big night on the HT Show stage, and if the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan will be in tow.
Here's what our Jen thinks.
Meanwhile, in the parking lot
Beyond the main event, Super Bowl week in the Bay Area has been a full‑scale music festival. Tonight's Tailgate Concert presented by NetApp puts Teddy Swims centre stage and features local favourite LaRussell as the in‑stadium house band. Earlier this week, the BAHC Live! concert series at the Palace of Fine Arts hosted Chris Stapleton and Sierra Ferrell, while Sting headlined On Location’s Studio 60 show at the same venue.
And for those who prefer touchdowns to tunes, YouTube’s flag‑football game today featured teams captained by J Balvin and comedian Druskiwith quarterbacks Cam Newton and Michael Vick—an under‑card match full of memes and bruised egos.
There are worse ways to burn nervous energy than watching former MVPs try not to pull a hamstring.
Throwback: Kendrick Lamar 2025
Last year's halftime show set a high bar. Kendrick Lamar delivered an 11‑song medley that opened with an unreleased teaser and sprinted through “Squabble Up,” “Humble,” and “DNA.” He later brought out longtime collaborator SZAfor “Luther” and “All the Stars” before closing with his chart‑topping Drake diss “Not Like Us” and “TV Off”.
Actor Samuel L. Jackson narrated the performance in a red‑white‑and‑blue suit, satirically chiding Lamar for being “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto” while the show's visuals riffed on American iconography. The set proved that storytelling and social commentary can coexist with pyrotechnics and record‑setting viewership.
Given all the talk about a c15-minute concert all in Spanish (I've got a funny feeling some choice English will be thrown in for effect), we thought you lovely readers would appreciate some understanding of the potential lyrics coming our way.
So, thanks to the translation skills of our very own William, here's an article devoted to that. But before clicking on it, can you guess which tracks have these lines?
1. “Life is a party that one day ends; And you were my unforgettable dance”
2. “If you wanna have fun; With charm and delight; You just have to live (Where?)”
3. “Auntie asked me if I have a lot of girlfriends, heh, a lot of girlfriends; Today I have one, tomorrow I'll have another”
Right, click away
Trying to predict a Bad Bunny setlist is like trying to forecast Bay Area weather. Most pundits expect a 13‑minutesprint through his biggest hits. Obvious candidates include “Tití Me Preguntó”, “Dákiti”, “Yo Perreo Sola,”“Moscow Mule,” “WHERE SHE GOES” and maybe a throwback to “Safaera”. Will he dip into his latest album Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana or lean on 2022's summer‑soundtrack Un Verano Sin Ti?
Don’t bet the mortgage on any sequence. With only minutes to play with, there’s no room for B‑sides.
Rumor mill
No halftime build‑up is complete without guest speculation. Reggaeton pioneers Daddy Yankee, Arcángel and Nicky Jam have been tossed into the rumour mill, as have Bad Bunny's 2020 Super Bowl collaborators Jennifer Lopez and Shakira; some fans even fancy Cardi B after a popular poll ranked her the top desired guest. For now, it’s just wish‑casting. One name you can cross off: J Balvin. He told reporters he will be cheering from the sidelines, not onstage, and later reiterated that he’ll happily watch his friend make history. (This can always flip, obviously!)
Given the tight runtime, the safer bet some say is that Bad Bunny goes it alone to showcase his Spanish‑language hits. Back in September he hinted that he’s still sorting out the show’s details but promised it will be good—and after doing those aforementioned pull‑ups, who are we to doubt his preparation?
From SNL to NFL for BB
Since its all about Benito tonight – what do you mean there are athletes also involved? – here's a flashback to his second time on Saturday Night Live. Enjoy!
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President Donald Trump confirmed that he will not attend the Super Bowl and was blunt in explaining his reasons during an interview with The New York Post.
“I'm anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible,” said the president, referring directly to the artists selected for the event.
Trump also dismissed the idea that his absence reflects a lack of interest, hinting at logistical reasons.
Bay Area takeover
For those not inside Levi's, the Bay Area has turned the big game into a week‑long street party. Opening Night at the San Jose Convention Center kicked things off with player interviews and a drone show, while the Super Bowl Experience at Moscone Center lets fans run 40‑yard dashes and lift Lombardi replicas. Over at the BAHC Live! Fan Zone, local artists and chefs are showcasing the Bay's culture.
There's even a Big Game Block Party downtown and a Pro Bowl flag‑football tournament for kids. Traffic? Horrible. Vibes? Immaculate.
Remembering Trump LIX
You may recall that the recently, ahem, crowned president made an appearance at last year's NFL finale. Not this time... or at least that's what he's said but, well, you know.
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Which artists have appeared in multiple Super Bowl Halftime Shows?
So, while not headlining in 2020, Bad Bunny did make an appearance alongside Latina gems Shakira and J-Lo. But there are a few others who have already made the HT stage more than once:
Gloria Estefan 1992, 1995 and 1999
Nelly 2001 and 2004
Mary J. Blige 2001 and 2022
Justin Timberlake 2004 and 2018
Bruno Mars 2014 and 2016
Usher 2011 and 2024
Who came before Bad Bunny?
This year's headliner is clearly making history, but so many have come before him, and it's a truly remarkable list of artists.
Check it out...
2026: Bad Bunny
2025 Kendrick Lamar
2024: Usher
2023: Rihanna
2022: Eminem, Dr. Dre. Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige
2021: The Weeknd
2020: Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, J Balvin
2019: Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi
2018: Justin Timberlake, The Tennessee Kids
2017: Lady Gaga
2016: Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars
2015: Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott
2014: Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers
2013: Beyoncé
2012: Madonna
2011: The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash
2010: The Who
2009: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
2008: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
2007: Prince and the Florida A&M marching band
2006: The Rolling Stones
2005: Paul McCartney
2004: Janet Jackson, Kid Rock, P. Diddy, Nelly and Justin Timberlake
2003: Shania Twain, No Doubt and Sting
2002: U2
2001: ‘The Kings of Rock and Pop’ with Aerosmith, ‘N’Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nell’
2000: ‘A Tapestry of Nations’ with Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton
1999: ‘Celebration of Soul, Salsa and Swing’ with Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
1998: ‘A Tribute to Motown’s 40th Anniversary’ with Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Queen Latifah, Martha Reeves and The Temptations
1997: ‘Blues Brothers Bash’ with Dan Akroyd, John Goodman, James Belushi, James Brown and ZZ Top)
1996: Diana Ross
1995: ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye’ with Tony Bennett, Patti LaBelle, Arturo Sandoval, the Miami Sound Machine.
1994: ‘Rockin’ Country Sunday’ with Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Wynonna & Naomi Judd.
1993: ‘Heal the World’ with Michael Jackson.
1992: ‘Winter Magic’ with Gloria Estefan, Brian Boitano and Dorothy Hamill
1991: ‘A Small World Salute to 25 Years of the Super Bowl’ with New Kids on the Block
1990: ‘Salute to New Orleans’ with trumpeter Pete Fountain, Doug Kershaw & Irma Thomas
1989: ‘Be Bop Bamboozled’, 3D effects
1988: ‘Something Grand’ with 88 grand pianos, the Rockettes and Chubby Checker
1987: ‘Salute to Hollywood’s 100th Anniversary’
1986: ‘Beat of the Future’
1985: ‘A World of Children’s Dreams’
1984: ‘Super Bowl XVIII’s Salute to the Superstars of the Silver Screen’
1983: ‘KaleidoSUPERscope’
1982: ‘A Salute to the 60s and Motown’
1981: ‘A Mardi Gras Festival'
1980: ‘A Salute to the Big Band Era’ with Up with People
1979: ‘Super Bowl XIII Carnival’ with Ken Hamilton and various Caribbean bands
1978: ‘From Paris to the Paris of America’ with Tyler Apache Belles, Pete Fountain and Al Hirt
1977: ‘It’s a Small World’
1976: ‘200 Years and Just a Baby,’, tribute to America’s Bicentennial
1975: ‘Tribute to Duke Ellington’ with Mercer Ellington and Grambling State band
1974: ‘A Musical America’ with the University of Texas band
1973: ‘Happiness Is’ with the University of Michigan band and Woody Herman
1972: ‘Salute to Louis Armstrong’ with Ella Fitzgerald, Carol Channing and Al Hirtt
1971: Florida A&M band
1970: Carol Channing
1969: ‘America Thanks’ with the Florida A&M University band
1968: Grambling State Band
1967: University of Arizona and Grambling State Marching Band
Tiny Bunny
If you want to hear a very different side of this particular bunny, check out his live feature on the Tiny Desk. Tonight's show is not going to be like this... but I think it's a nice taste to warm you up.
The World is invited
This is the show you don't want to miss.
Even those telling you to avoid it will be talking (likely the trash variety) about it later.
Cargando...
You might have seen the viral call sheet: volunteers for the halftime show must be at least 5′7″ tall, and members of the on‑field cast must reach 5′10″ with a “slender build”. Social media responded with mock castings of NBA rosters and photos of fans measuring themselves against door frames. Jokes aside, the requirement is about camera symmetry, not a secret pro‑basketball tryout. If you're reading this and you're under the threshold, you’ll just have to dance in your living room.
Bad Bunny's moment
In case you've been in a cave, as already stated, tonight's halftime is headlined by Bad Bunny, the first solo Latino artist to top the Super Bowl bill. The Puerto Rican global superstar accepted the gig because he wants to represent his friends, family, Puerto Rico, and “all Latinos,” promising to show the world “our music, our culture”. He confessed that he celebrated the call from Jay‑Z by doing 100 pull‑ups—proof that not everyone celebrates good news with a doughnut.
It’s a big ask: a halftime set typically runs only 12 to 15 minutes. Bad Bunny has just wrapped a 31‑date residency in Puerto Rico and hasn’t toured the continental U.S. recently because of immigration‑enforcement concerns reported by major outlets. Tonight will be his biggest stateside stage in years and, for many mainstream viewers, an introduction to an artist who sells out stadiums worldwide without ever switching from Spanish.
Trailer talk
Apple Music's teaser for Bad Bunny’s halftime show dropped like a reggaeton beat last month. In the 30‑second clip he strolls through a field, turns up his single “Baile Inolvidable” and is soon joined by a swirling crowd of dancers; the message “THE WORLD WILL DANCE” flashes across the screen.
Within hours the video had broken record‑like counts for a Super Bowl promo. Critics who complained he spoke Spanish in the trailer got the perfect clapback: he reposted a clip from his SNL monologue reminding viewers, “¿Por qué no aprenden español?”—why not learn Spanish?
A polite invitation, not mandatory, but many fans have taken it up.
It's sunny, hace sol
I thought I'd get you prepared for the mix of English and Spanish coming at you tonight.
Yes, for some, it appears to now be a controversial thing to have Puerto Ricans (aka ‘Americans’) singing at the halftime show but here on AS USA we'll be embracing the cultures.
Any doubts you may have about the language used by Benito, feel free to drop me a note and puedo intentar explicar sin problema...
Cargando...
Good afternoon from Santa Clara, where the sun still hangs high over Levi's Stadium. At 1:30 p.m. local time, fans are already filing in after a day of fan‑fest events downtown. The NFL toasted its 60th birthday earlier with a Green Day–fronted opening ceremony that ushered generations of Super Bowl MVPs onto the field. Later this evening, expect the patriotic prelude to be equally star‑studded: Charlie Puth will tackle the national anthem, Brandi Carlile sings “America the Beautiful,” and Coco Jones will belt “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” each accompanied by American Sign Language performers.
Kickoff remains locked for 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT), which means our headliner won’t take the stage until everyone has made their first dash to the restrooms.
If you’re still at home, there’s plenty to watch before the whistle. Over at the tailgate outside the stadium, soul‑pop singer Teddy Swims leads the official concert, with Bay Area rapper LaRussell serving as in‑stadium house band. Consider it your warm‑up before the real show. Yes, yes, there's a game too and I'll get to that...