“What is a bad bunny?”: social media reacts to shock Super Bowl announcement

The NFL has surprised fans worldwide by naming Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX halftime show. The Puerto Rican superstar, known as the “King of Latin Trap,” will take the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026, ending months of speculation that Taylor Swift, Adele, Miley Cyrus or Dua Lipa might perform at the season’s biggest football spectacle.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the world’s most popular musicians. He finished 2023 as the second most-streamed artist globally on Spotify, behind only Swift. His selection marks a historic shift for the NFL, bringing Spanish-language music to the league’s grandest stage for the first time.

Mixed reaction from fans and politicians

Reaction online has been anything but unanimous, with strong opinions coming from both musical and political corners.

Ironically, Bad Bunny purposely skipped the United States on his current “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour” because of concerns about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.

In an interview with ID, he explained, “Latinos and Puerto Ricans of the United States could also travel here, or to any part of the world. But there was the issue of, like, fucking ICE could be outside [my concert]. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.”

Right-wing backlash and political jabs

Soon after the announcement, right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson accused the NFL of “self-destructing year after year” for choosing a “massive Trump hater” and “anti-ICE activist” who has “no songs in English.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom responded with a tongue-in-cheek jab, posting on X, “Benny calm down, we all know you listen to Bad Bunny,” followed by a “lol” for good measure.

Bad Bunny has never shied away from political statements. His 31-show residency in Puerto Rico included pointed social commentary, and his Super Bowl set could carry a similar message.

Support from music heavyweights

Of course, it’s not only about politics. Between those who don’t understand Spanish and others who simply aren’t fans of Latin trap, it’s clear Bad Bunny wasn’t at the top of everybody’s wish list. 

However, Bad Bunny has also received plenty of high-profile backing.

Jay-Z, whose entertainment company Roc Nation has produced the last six halftime shows, called Bad Bunny “truly inspiring” and said he was “honored” to have him involved.

Bruno Mars, who headlined in 2014 and appeared as a special guest two years later, shared a simple message of encouragement for the Puerto Rican star: “Go get em!”

Super Bowl LX kicks off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026.

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