Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance Sparks Political Debate and Cultural Celebration
Bad Bunny is poised to make history on , as the first Latin solo artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. The performance, coming shortly after the Grammy Awards where Bad Bunny and other artists alluded to criticism of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, has ignited a political firestorm even as the artist himself has largely remained above the fray.
The NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny has drawn sharp criticism from conservative figures. Former President Trump reportedly called the choice “absolutely ridiculous,” admitting he was unfamiliar with the artist. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggested that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl, stating, “I think people should not be coming to the Super Bowl unless they’re law-abiding Americans who love this country.”
The controversy echoes similar debates surrounding cultural representation at major events. A parallel was drawn to the recent opening ceremonies of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, where the inclusion of Arabic verses by Gianni Rodari faced backlash, mirroring the resistance to Bad Bunny’s primarily Spanish-language performance. The situation highlights a broader “culture war” playing out on prominent stages.
Despite the political opposition, industry insiders view Bad Bunny’s selection as a strategic move. Roc Nation, the entertainment company overseeing the Super Bowl halftime show since 2019, reportedly aimed to reach the growing Latino audience in the United States. Bad Bunny’s global appeal, surpassing even artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé in reach and critical acclaim, made him a logical choice.
Bad Bunny’s music transcends language barriers, achieving a level of international success previously unseen for a Latin artist in the U.S. His album, Debi tirar mas foto, was described as a “wonderful” work of nostalgia and forward-looking energy. At the Grammys, Bad Bunny stated, “Ice Out! We are not savages, aliens, we are humans and Americans,” a sentiment seen as a direct response to the political climate and concerns about increased ICE presence at his concerts.
The artist canceled all U.S. Concerts last year due to fears of ICE intervention, a concern that remains relevant as the Super Bowl approaches. The anticipation surrounding his performance is palpable, with a trailer posted on his Instagram account garnering over 5.8 million likes and nearly 80 million views.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the selection, stating Bad Bunny “understands the platform he was on and that this platform is used to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talents.” He added that Bad Bunny would use the performance to “unite people.”
Bad Bunny will be performing with the rock band Green Day, adding another layer to the anticipated spectacle. The performance is expected to be largely, if not entirely, in Spanish – a first for the Super Bowl halftime show. This decision, while celebrated by many Latinos as a cultural victory, has fueled criticism from those who question the appropriateness of a non-English performance on such a traditionally American stage.
The debate surrounding Bad Bunny’s performance underscores a growing tension between inclusivity and tradition and the increasing politicization of entertainment events. As the Super Bowl approaches, all eyes will be on Bad Bunny to see how he navigates this complex landscape and delivers a performance that resonates with a diverse audience.
