The Super Bowl halftime show is a performance between the first and second halves of the Super Bowl. Since 2019, the halftime performer is chosen by the NFL, Roc Nation, an entertainment company owned by Jay-Z, and the host city for the Super Bowl. Examples of previous performances and host cities include Kendrick Lamar’s performance during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana and Usher’s performance during Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, also known as Bad Bunny, is a Puerto Rican three-time Grammy winner, rapper, singer and actor set to perform for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California. Bad Bunny was previously a guest performance during the Super Bowl LIV in 2020 during Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s halftime show. On Sep. 28, Bad Bunny announced on Instagram his collaboration with the NFL. “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,” said Bad Bunny. The post itself generated 131 million views and 6.8 million likes.
While the announcement was met with hype, it has also received criticism. Fox News host Tomi Lahren argued against Bad Bunny, claiming he is not an American artist, something untrue as Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S. territory. Other critics are against Bad Bunny’s set list being entirely in Spanish at an American event. On Oct. 4, Bad Bunny hosted the season premiere of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) mocking Fox News and ended the premiere with a few sentences in Spanish. “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn,” said Bad Bunny referring to the time left before the Super Bowl.
Each year, the Super Bowl brings together music, entertainment, and sports to many different cultures. The increasing diversity of performers demonstrates how the event as a whole is changing with its audience. With Bad Bunny set to headline Super Bowl LX, his performance represents a step in showcasing Latin culture and diversity within mainstream American media.