The announcement that Bad Bunny will be in charge of the halftime show at Super Bowl LX, to be held in February 2026, has sparked a wave of mixed reactions. While millions of Latino fans in the U.S. and Latin America are celebrating this historic achievement, some U.S. political figures have harshly criticized the decision.
The Puerto Rican artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, will make history as the first Latino to headline a solo halftime show at the NFL Finals, one of the world’s most watched sporting events. For many, his presence on stage represents a cultural milestone that highlights the growing influence of the Latino community in global music and entertainment.
Bad Bunny, known for hits such as Booker T, Tití Me Preguntó and Callaíta, promised a vibrant show that will include several of his songs in Spanish. In a humorous tone, the performer warned the U.S. audience that they “had four months to learn Spanish,” anticipating that his performance will maintain the hallmark of his Latin identity.
This approach has been celebrated by millions of fans who see in the artist a voice that brings Hispanic culture to international stages. However, this same decision has provoked discomfort in some conservative political sectors who believe that the show could generate divisions instead of uniting the public.
The most notorious criticisms have come from Republican figures. First, Kristi Noem, governor of South Dakota, expressed her displeasure with the NFL’s choice, arguing that the artist “does not represent the values that the Super Bowl show should promote.”
Subsequently, former U.S. President Donald Trump added his voice to the criticism. During an appearance on the Greg Kelly Reports program, broadcast by the conservative NewsMax network, host Greg Kelly openly questioned the selection of Bad Bunny for the halftime show. Kelly claimed that the singer “hates ICE” (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), that he accuses everything he doesn’t like of racism and that he is “not someone who can bring people together with his entertainment.”
Trump responds with disdain about Bad Bunny
Donald Trump, known for his controversial statements and his firm stance on immigration issues, reacted by dismissing the artist. In the interview he commented: “I’ve never heard of him, I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they do it, it’s crazy.”
The former president criticized the NFL, which he blamed for wrongly choosing the performer for the show, since the decision rests with the production company in charge of organizing the show.
“And then they blame it on some promoter they hired to take care of the entertainment… I find it absolutely ridiculous,” he added, showing his disapproval.
Trump’s statements contrast with the reality of Bad Bunny’s career. The Puerto Rican singer has managed to fill stadiums in cities such as New York, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles, becoming one of the highest-grossing and most played artists on digital platforms in the United States. His meteoric rise in the music industry has allowed him to collaborate with global stars and win awards such as the Grammy and Latin Grammy, consolidating himself as a cultural phenomenon.
The announcement of his participation in Super Bowl LX represents not only a personal achievement, but also a recognition of cultural diversity and the impact of Latin music on the international scene.
Bad Bunny’s participation in the halftime show of Super Bowl LX symbolizes a significant step towards greater inclusion on the main entertainment stages in the United States. His show promises to be one of the most highly anticipated in recent years, with a repertoire that will include big hits and, possibly, surprise collaborations.
While political controversy has surrounded the announcement, for millions of Latino fans it represents a source of cultural pride. Anticipation is growing not only for the musical performance, but also for the social debate it has generated, reflecting the increasingly visible role of the Latino community in U.S. culture.
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