He has the world's biggest stage. What will Bad Bunny do with it?

February 7, 2026

Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl LIX's halftime show on Sunday, marking the first time the performance will be conducted entirely in Spanish. His selection has sparked intense political controversy, with Republican leaders and President Trump criticizing the choice due to Bad Bunny's vocal opposition to current immigration enforcement policies and his advocacy for Puerto Rican rights. The backlash has prompted a conservative counter-programming event featuring Kid Rock during the halftime slot.

Who is affected

Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio), the halftime show headliner
Latino community members and fans, including Eddie Miranda (Chicago DJ), Kimberly Contreras (New York fan), and Victor Almeda (Orlando resident)
Puerto Ricans on the island and mainland US
President Donald Trump and Republican politicians including an Alabama senator and the Speaker of the House
The NFL and its commissioner Roger Goodell
Green Day (joining the performance)
Immigrants and those facing ICE detention operations
Conservative organization Turning Point USA and Kid Rock (hosting counter-programming)
Two American citizens killed by federal agents in Minneapolis

What action is being taken

Bad Bunny is preparing to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are leading large-scale detention operations in cities across the US
Turning Point USA is airing an "All American" counter-programme during Bad Bunny's performance
The NFL is attempting to attract more Latino audiences to American football

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's halftime performance represents a significant cultural milestone as the first entirely Spanish-language show at one of the world's most-watched sporting events, which regularly draws over 100 million US viewers. His appearance symbolizes broader debates about American identity, immigration policy, and Latino representation at a time of heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. As Puerto Ricans are US citizens from a territory that lacks voting representation in Congress, Bad Bunny's platform highlights ongoing questions about Puerto Rico's political status and the treatment of Latino communities. The NFL's decision to feature him signals the league's strategic shift toward inclusivity and global expansion while sparking nationwide political conversations about who gets to represent American culture on its biggest stages.

What's next

At a Thursday press conference, Bad Bunny hinted his performance would focus on unity and healing. Fans and experts anticipate he will address divisive political issues either explicitly or through symbolism, potentially performing politically charged songs from his Grammy-winning album or featuring La Casita (a structure representing traditional Puerto Rican homes) from his world tour.

Read full article from source: BBC