Bad Bunny Set To Headline Apple Music Super Bowl

Bad Bunny Set to Headline Apple Music Super Bowl

In a captivating video shared on social media, Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, can be seen perched atop a goal post in a football end zone, a fitting visual for an artist who has made significant strides in both music and cultural representation. Accompanying the visuals is a snippet of his hit single “Callaita,” a track that has become emblematic of his rise to fame. He captioned the post with the enthusiastic announcement, “Super Bowl LX. Bay Area. February 2026,” signaling his excitement for the monumental occasion.

In a subsequent press release, Bad Bunny reflected on the significance of this opportunity, stating, “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.” The artist’s heartfelt words resonate with the pride he feels for his heritage and the journey that has led him to this moment. He further urged his followers in Spanish to “Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL,” which translates to, “Go and tell your grandmother, that we are the halftime show of the Super Bowl.”

Bad Bunny’s recent accomplishments have only amplified the excitement surrounding his Super Bowl performance. The artist recently wrapped up a sold-out residency in Puerto Rico that broke records to become the most-watched Amazon Music livestream event, as noted by Rolling Stone. His previous experience on the Super Bowl stage, where he made a special guest appearance during the 2020 halftime show alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, further solidifies his connection to this iconic event. During that performance, he delivered a medley that included his chart-topping hit “I Like It” and collaborated seamlessly with Shakira on “Chantaje” and “Callaita.”

Jay-Z, a key figure in selecting Super Bowl performers through his company Roc Nation, expressed his admiration for Bad Bunny, stating, “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.” Jon Barker, the Senior Vice President of Global Event Production for the NFL, echoed this sentiment, praising Bad Bunny’s “global energy and cultural vibrancy that define today’s music scene.” Barker added, “As one of the most influential and streamed artists in the world, his unique ability to bridge genres, languages, and audiences makes him an exciting and natural choice to take the Super Bowl halftime stage.”

The announcement of Bad Bunny as the headliner follows a series of tantalizing hints dropped by the NFL and Apple Music on social media earlier in the day. Fans were left speculating about possible performers after the two organizations cryptically teased, “Tune into Sunday Night Football halftime for a big announcement,” accompanied by emojis of a football, an apple, and a shushing face.

Leading up to the announcement, many had speculated that pop sensation Taylor Swift might be the one to take the stage at Super Bowl LX, especially given her recent acquisition of her music masters and her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The Chiefs have made a remarkable run to the championship game for three consecutive seasons, prompting fans to hope for an unforgettable finale to the current NFL season featuring Swift.

However, Swift has maintained a lower profile at Chiefs games recently due to serious threats made against her, raising security concerns that have overshadowed her appearances. Other artists rumored to be in the running included Miley Cyrus and Adele, with sources confirming to Page Six that Adele had been “in talks” for the halftime show. Adele’s fiancé, Rich Paul, is one of the most prominent sports agents in the industry, and her history as a Super Bowl attendee further fueled speculation about her potential performance.

The rock band Metallica also emerged as a contender, given their deep-rooted connections to the San Francisco area, where the Super Bowl will take place. As fans eagerly anticipated the announcement, the speculation about potential headliners highlighted the diverse range of musical talent associated with the Super Bowl halftime show.

The Super Bowl halftime show has a storied history, with past performers including Kendrick Lamar, Usher, Rihanna, and a star-studded lineup featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar himself in previous years. Iconic artists such as Aerosmith, Katy Perry, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga, Prince, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and The Rolling Stones have graced the stage, making it one of the most coveted performance slots in the music industry.

Super Bowl LX will mark the third time the Bay Area has hosted an NFL Championship Game, and the second time it will take place at Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. The venue previously hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016, where the Denver Broncos triumphed over the Carolina Panthers with a score of 24-10. That year’s halftime show was headlined by Coldplay, featuring special guest performances by Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, setting a high bar for future halftime spectacles.

As Bad Bunny prepares to take the stage for this historic event, fans are already buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable performance. The combination of his dynamic musical style, vibrant cultural representation, and the grandiosity of the Super Bowl halftime show creates a unique opportunity for celebration and connection on a global scale.

With the Super Bowl just over two years away, Bad Bunny’s announcement has ignited excitement among fans, athletes, and music lovers alike. The event is poised to showcase not just a performance but a cultural moment that honors the contributions of Latin music and the rich history of the artist himself. As February 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Levi’s Stadium, where Bad Bunny is set to make history as the first reggaeton artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, continuing to pave the way for future generations of artists from diverse backgrounds.