The Super Bowl Halftime Show is arguably the most-watched musical performance on the planet, and the anticipation for the 2026 edition, Super Bowl LX, is already reaching a fever pitch. As of December 12, 2025, the biggest news dominating the headlines is the rumored, yet highly controversial, selection of a global superstar, a choice that has sparked intense debate across social media and traditional media alike.
This year’s event returns to the Bay Area, promising a spectacle that merges Silicon Valley innovation with world-class entertainment. With the game scheduled for early 2026, the official announcement is imminent, but a series of leaks and insider reports have seemingly revealed the headliner, along with a list of other megastars who were—or still are—in the running for the coveted 15-minute slot.
Super Bowl LX: The Essential Event Details
Before diving into the electric rumors, here are the confirmed and essential facts about Super Bowl LX, which sets the stage for the massive halftime performance.
- Event: Super Bowl LX (60)
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- Host City: Santa Clara, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)
- Stadium Capacity: Approximately 68,500 (expandable)
- Sponsor: Traditionally sponsored by Apple Music (as of recent Super Bowls)
- First Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium: Super Bowl 50 (2016)
The Controversial Headliner: Bad Bunny and the Backlash
The most concrete and talked-about rumor for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show is the alleged selection of Puerto Rican superstar, Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio). While the NFL has not made an official public statement, multiple reports from entertainment and sports news outlets have indicated that the "Música Urbana" icon is set to take the stage.
Why Bad Bunny is a Game-Changer
Bad Bunny's selection would be historic for several reasons. He is one of the most streamed artists globally, consistently breaking records on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. His performance would cement the NFL's commitment to global reach and diverse musical genres, following recent acts like The Weeknd, Dr. Dre, and Rihanna. A Bad Bunny show would likely feature high-energy reggaeton and Latin trap, bringing a vibrant, international flavor to the American football spectacle.
The Source of Controversy
Despite his massive popularity, the news of Bad Bunny headlining has reportedly sparked some controversy, with some critics expressing outrage or questioning his suitability for the traditional American audience. However, the NFL is reportedly standing firm on the decision, recognizing his immense cultural impact and global appeal. This controversy itself has generated significant buzz, ensuring the 2026 halftime show will be one of the most discussed in recent memory.
Potential Guest Appearances and Bay Area Connections
If Bad Bunny does indeed headline, the next question is: who will he bring out? The Super Bowl Halftime Show is famous for surprise collaborations. Given his extensive catalog of hits, the possibilities are endless. Potential guest artists could include:
- J Balvin: A frequent collaborator and fellow Latin music giant.
- Cardi B: Known for their massive hit "I Like It."
- Drake: A major global star who has collaborated with Bad Bunny and could provide a crossover moment.
- Rosalía: Another international star who would add to the show's global flavor.
Furthermore, the location in Santa Clara, near San Francisco, often sparks rumors about local legends. The Bay Area is home to iconic rock acts, leading to speculation that a local legend might be involved.
- Metallica: The legendary heavy metal band, based in the Bay Area, has been a perennial rumor for a Levi's Stadium show. While a full headlining slot is unlikely, a guest appearance with a genre-bending artist like Bad Bunny would be an unforgettable moment.
- Green Day: Another major rock act with strong ties to the region.
The A-List Artists Who Were Also Rumored for Super Bowl LX
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is a short list of the world's biggest performers. Even with a strong headliner rumor, the names of other megastars consistently surface in the pre-announcement speculation, driving up the topical authority and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) for the event.
1. Adele
The British powerhouse is a perennial favorite, and rumors have circulated that the NFL was actively courting her for the 2026 show. Adele's immense vocal talent and catalog of global hits would make her an instant classic choice. However, she has previously expressed reservations about the scale and pressure of the event, making her participation a long shot, but a persistent rumor.
2. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is arguably the biggest name in music, and her Super Bowl Halftime Show is the music industry's white whale. The rumors for 2026 were strong, especially given her record-breaking tours and cultural dominance. However, early reports have confirmed that due to scheduling conflicts and her ongoing commitments, Swift will not be performing at Super Bowl LX. This confirmation immediately shifted the focus onto other potential headliners.
3. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, fresh off several successful albums and singles like "Flowers," has seen her name pop up in the 2026 speculation. Her ability to blend rock, pop, and country, combined with a dynamic stage presence, makes her a compelling candidate for the high-energy show. A performance in the Bay Area, a region known for its diverse music scene, would be a perfect fit for her genre-fluid style.
4. Justin Bieber
The Canadian pop icon has been mentioned as another strong possibility. With a massive global fanbase and a long list of chart-topping songs, Bieber has the cultural cachet required for the Super Bowl stage. His performance would appeal to a younger, international demographic, aligning with the NFL's efforts to expand its global viewership.
As the countdown to February 8, 2026, continues, the world waits for the official confirmation. Whether it’s Bad Bunny, a surprise rock legend, or an unexpected A-list artist, the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show at Levi's Stadium is guaranteed to be a spectacular, water-cooler moment that will define the start of the year.
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