In a monumental announcement that reverberated through the global music scene, the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation have confirmed that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8, 2026. The highly anticipated performance will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and will be broadcast live on NBC. This landmark event marks the first time a solo Latino artist will command the world’s most-watched musical stage, signaling a significant moment for Latin music and cultural representation.
A Global Music Phenomenon Takes Center Stage
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has ascended to the pinnacle of global music stardom, celebrated for his innovative fusion of reggaeton, trap, and Latin pop. He has consistently been one of the most-streamed artists worldwide on platforms like Spotify for multiple years, and is a three-time Grammy Award winner. His meteoric rise includes breaking streaming records, such as his album ‘YHLQMDLG’ becoming the highest-charting all-Spanish album on the Billboard 200 at the time of its release. The artist’s “World’s Hottest Tour” also became the highest-grossing tour by a Latin artist in history. His ability to transcend language barriers and connect with a massive, diverse audience positions him as a truly global music sensation.
A Milestone for Culture and Representation
Bad Bunny’s selection as the solo headliner is being hailed as a significant achievement for Latin culture. The artist himself expressed the profound meaning behind this opportunity, stating, “This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL”. His music and public persona have consistently championed Puerto Rican identity, social justice, and inclusivity, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and challenging traditional norms. This performance is seen not only as a personal triumph but as a collective victory for the millions who find representation and empowerment through his art. The Super Bowl halftime show, which typically draws over 100 million viewers, provides an unprecedented global platform for these messages.
The Apple Music and NFL Partnership
This historic halftime show is presented by Apple Music, continuing its multi-year partnership with the NFL as the sponsor of the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Apple Music took over the sponsorship from PepsiCo Inc. starting in 2023, aiming to celebrate music and offer an unparalleled listening experience through its vast catalog and Spatial Audio technology. Roc Nation, led by Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, plays a crucial role as the strategic entertainment advisor and co-executive producer for the live performance. Roc Nation has been instrumental in shaping recent halftime shows, focusing on thematic coherence and cultural relevance. Jon Barker, SVP of Global Event Production for the NFL, highlighted Bad Bunny’s selection as a testament to his “global energy and cultural vibrancy” and his unique ability to “bridge genres, languages, and audiences”. Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Music, Sports and Beats, noted Bad Bunny’s “authentic representation of the intersection of music and culture”.
Voices of Celebration
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from all parties involved. Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter praised Bad Bunny’s impact, 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 emphasized Bad Bunny’s appeal, noting his “unique ability to bridge genres, languages, and audiences makes him an exciting and natural choice”. Oliver Schusser added that Apple Music has had the “privilege of working closely with Bad Bunny over the years and watching his meteoric rise”. The production team also includes Jesse Collins as a co-executive producer and Hamish Hamilton as director.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl LX
Super Bowl LX is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the state-of-the-art Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. This will be the second Super Bowl hosted at Levi’s Stadium and the third in the Bay Area. Bad Bunny’s performance follows a tradition of impactful halftime shows featuring global music icons such as Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Kendrick Lamar. While Bad Bunny previously made a guest appearance during the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, this upcoming performance will see him as the sole headliner, a distinction that further underscores the historical significance of his selection.
The anticipation for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX Halftime Show is palpable. His ability to command a massive audience, coupled with his cultural resonance and boundary-pushing artistry, promises an unforgettable spectacle that will undoubtedly celebrate the power and diversity of global music for years to come.
