Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl halftime show this February, the NFL announced last Sunday, a moment that goes far beyond entertainment.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, 31, has become a global music powerhouse, topping Spotify’s streaming charts in 2022 and dominating Billboard with his sixth studio album, DE MI BARRIO MÁS FOTOS. But what makes this announcement truly historic is not just his star power, it’s the unapologetic celebration of his Puerto Rican heritage on one of America’s largest stages.
“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,” Bad Bunny said in a statement with the NFL.
These words are more than symbolic—they are a declaration that Hispanic culture matters, deserves recognition and will be celebrated in the heart of American culture.
This moment comes at a time when Hispanic heritage is under threat, often marginalized or misunderstood in public discourse. Bad Bunny’s music and artistry are a proud, vibrant assertion of identity, evident even in decisions like his recent world tour schedule, which included no stops in America. In September, he explained that U.S. immigration crackdowns influenced his choice not to tour stateside, a reminder of the real challenges his community faces. Yet, through his art, he continues to showcase the beauty, resilience and richness of his culture.
Bad Bunny’s recent 2025 tour, “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí,” featured a 30-show residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico, drawing roughly 400,000 attendees. The setlist combined global hits like Tití Me Preguntó, Me Porto Bonito, and Neverita with tracks rooted in Puerto Rican culture, including El Apagón, Voy a Llevarte Pa PR, and La Santa. The stage featured a traditional Puerto Rican house, natural elements like Flamboyan trees and plantain crops, and a mountain landscape with a cave and billboard, evoking the island’s heritage. High-energy choreography, elaborate lighting and audience interaction made the performances immersive, connecting the music to local traditions, nightlife and everyday life.
Having Bad Bunny perform at the Super Bowl halftime show is more than a career milestone—it is a cultural milestone. Millions of viewers, many of whom might not regularly engage with Hispanic music, will witness an artist who embraces his roots unapologetically. It’s a reminder that representation matters, that heritage matters and that Hispanic voices belong front and center in American culture.
In a nation wrestling with issues of immigration, identity and inclusion, Bad Bunny’s performance is a celebration of what it means to honor one’s history while sharing it with the world. For Puerto Rico, for Hispanic communities and for fans everywhere, this Super Bowl halftime show is not just a concert—it’s a cultural touchdown.
