The internet is divided over Bad Bunny’s decision to perform at the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show next year, following the Puerto Rican reggaeton star’s previous comments about Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The 31-year-old “Me Porto Bonito” artist, who frequently uses his platform to express his political leanings, had recently stated he didn’t set any U.S. dates for his forthcoming “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” tour due to fears that ICE would endanger his predominately Latino and Hispanic fan base.
Now, his Super Bowl gig, scheduled to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Feb. 8, 2026, has given some the impression that he has abandoned his stance.
“(S)orry but not touring in the US specifically because of the government and ICE but agreeing to do the Superbowl Halftime show is a choice,” wrote X user @erenfromtargets, amassing 24,000 likes.
Still, many others came to the Grammy winner’s defense, pointing out that his concerns about touring in the U.S. were due to the demographics of his fan base. The Super Bowl is more likely to be packed with NFL supporters and not die-hard Bad Bunny fans.
“He didn’t perform in the states because of concern of ice being outside of his 30+ locations with his predominately all Hispanic fanbase. He’s performing at the Super Bowl which is attended by mostly non Latinos. Why isn’t it clicking for yall?” X user @JLoBardi wrote, earning 28,000 likes.
The musician’s vocal opposition to President Donald Trump and his policies have also drawn concern from right-wing figures such as Benny Johnson, who wrote on X that “the NFL is self-destructing” for selecting an artist with “No songs in English” and strong liberal views.
To that extent, others are viewing Bad Bunny’s forthcoming performance as a power move.
“Cut the US entirely out of his biggest tour, made a whole album about American colonialism the experience of the people living under it, does every interview in Spanish, critiques Trump, ICE, US govt whenever he can & he still booked the biggest most American performance there is,” wrote X user @deepimactcrier, earning 3,400 likes.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom also shared support for the artist on X, responding to Bad Bunny’s own post about the performance: “California is excited to welcome you to Super Bowl LX.”
Bad Bunny previously revealed that he isn’t bringing his upcoming tour to the U.S. due to fears that Immigration and Customs Enforcement will pose a threat to his fans. (Evan Agostini/Invision/Associated Press)
Apple Music, the NFL and Roc Nation announced Bad Bunny’s forthcoming performance on Sunday, Sept. 28, following weeks of speculation that it may be Taylor Swift, Metallica or Miley Cyrus, among other major acts.
The Spanish language hitmaker previously performed at the 2020 Super Bowl, where the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs, joining Shakira and Jennifer Lopez for their co-headling show.
“I’ve been thinking about it these days, and after discussing it with my team, I think I’ll do just one date in the United States,” Bad Bunny wrote in Spanish on X.
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z said in a statement that what Bad Bunny has “done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has become one of the world’s most streamed artists, with hit Spanish-language records such as “Un Verano Sin Ti” and “YHLQMDLG.” He’s also broken through in Hollywood with film credits such as “Bullet Train” (2022), opposite Brad Pitt, and most recently “Happy Gilmore 2,” alongside Adam Sandler, Eminem and Travis Kelce.
Next year’s Super Bowl will mark the first time the big game has been in the Bay Area since 2016’s 50th anniversary face-off between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers. That halftime show had Coldplay as its main act, with guest appearances by Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson.
“We are confident that Bad Bunny will deliver an unforgettable experience for fans in Levi’s Stadium and watching globally,” Zaileen Janmohamed, president and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee, said in a statement released Sunday. “This selection further amplifies the Bay Area’s position as a premier destination for world-class events, and we look forward to a spectacular show that showcases the unique spirit and diversity of our region.”
The halftime show announcement comes at the end of Bad Bunny’s historic run in San Juan, where he spent the summer performing a sold-out 30-show residency that drew more than half a million fans.
Keeping busy, he’s set to host “Saturday Night Live” on Saturday, Oct. 4, and is scheduled to kick off his “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” tour on Nov. 21, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” he said of his forthcoming Super Bowl performance in a statement. “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.”
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