The question of "who is doing the halftime show" has finally been answered for the next major NFL event, and the news is historic. As of today, December 18, 2025, the National Football League (NFL) and Apple Music have officially confirmed that Puerto Rican global sensation Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show. This groundbreaking selection marks a major cultural moment, as Bad Bunny—whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—is set to become the first solo Latin act to lead the world's most-watched musical performance, promising a spectacle that blends Latin trap, reggaeton, and global pop on the biggest stage in the world, Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.
The announcement, which was made back in September, immediately ignited a global conversation, shifting the focus from the game itself to the cultural significance of a Latin music icon taking center stage. Fans are already speculating wildly about the setlist, the stage production, and the inevitable parade of surprise guest performers. This is not just a concert; it's a statement about the power and reach of Spanish-language music in the 21st century, ensuring that the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show at Levi's Stadium on February 8, 2026, will be one for the history books.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio: A Global Icon's Biography and Career Timeline
To truly appreciate the magnitude of Bad Bunny’s selection for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, one must understand the meteoric rise of the artist behind the stage name.
- Real Name: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio
- Date of Birth: March 10, 1994
- Place of Birth: Bayamón, Puerto Rico (raised in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico)
- Genre: Latin Trap, Reggaeton, Hip Hop, Rock, Pop
- Early Career: Began singing at a young age and later worked as a bagger at a supermarket while studying at the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo. He gained initial traction by releasing music on SoundCloud.
- Breakthrough: Rose to prominence in 2016 with his hit single "Soy Peor," which led to a record deal with Hear This Music.
- Major Albums (Entities): X 100pre (2018), Oasis (with J Balvin, 2019), YHLQMDLG (2020), El Último Tour Del Mundo (2020), Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), and his latest project, *DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS* (2024).
- Historic Achievements: His album *Un Verano Sin Ti* was the first Spanish-language album to be nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. He also won the IFPI’s Global Album of the Year award.
- Recent Awards: Nominated for six awards at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards (2026) for *DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS*. Won Album of the Year at the 2025 Latin Grammys.
- Other Ventures: Has had a successful career in professional wrestling (WWE) and made appearances in film and television.
The Cultural Significance of a Solo Latin Headliner
Bad Bunny's selection is far more than an entertainment choice; it is a profound cultural and political statement by the NFL. The Super Bowl Halftime Show has historically been dominated by English-language pop and rock acts. While artists like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez co-headlined in 2020, Bad Bunny is the first solo Latine artist to be given the coveted headlining spot.
This decision acknowledges the massive global influence and commercial success of the Latin music genre, particularly Latin trap and reggaeton, which Bad Bunny has spearheaded. His music resonates deeply with listeners worldwide, breaking language barriers and topping charts previously reserved for English-speaking artists. The choice reflects a growing recognition of the diverse audience the NFL commands and the undeniable power of a performer who has consistently used his platform for socio-political engagement.
Bad Bunny is well-known for his activism, particularly regarding issues in his native Puerto Rico. He has used his music to challenge social norms, promote gender fluidity, and speak out against American investors buying up land and displacing locals. His song "Una Velita" highlights the political turmoil and living conditions in Puerto Rico. His performance will not only be a musical celebration but also a massive spotlight on the culture and political landscape of the island.
Halftime Show Predictions: Setlist, Surprise Guests, and Stage Spectacle
The 13-minute Super Bowl Halftime Show is a high-pressure, high-stakes production, and the speculation surrounding Bad Bunny's performance is already at a fever pitch. Given his expansive catalog, the setlist will be a tight curation of his biggest, most energetic hits.
Potential Setlist and Song Predictions (LSI Keywords)
A successful halftime show needs high-energy, recognizable anthems. Experts and fans predict a mix of his genre-defining tracks. A core setlist might include:
- "Tití Me Preguntó": A global hit from *Un Verano Sin Ti* that is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and showcases his versatility.
- "Dákiti": One of his most streamed songs, a high-octane Latin trap anthem perfect for a massive stadium performance.
- "Yo Perreo Sola": A powerful track that became an anthem for female empowerment, which would make a significant statement on the Super Bowl stage.
- "Me Porto Bonito": A collaboration that is a staple of his live shows and a massive commercial success.
- "Soy Peor": The song that launched his career and a must-include for a reflective, career-spanning segment.
The Buzz: Who Will Be the Surprise Guests?
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is famous for its surprise guest appearances, and Bad Bunny has a legendary list of collaborators. The presence of one or more major stars is almost guaranteed to add to the topical authority of the performance. Potential surprise entities include:
- J Balvin: A long-time collaborator and fellow reggaeton star. Their joint album *Oasis* and numerous singles make him a top contender.
- Karol G: A massive female Latin music star whose presence would further cement the show's focus on global Latin power.
- Drake: A major global artist with whom Bad Bunny collaborated on the massive hit "Mia." A crossover appearance would break the internet.
- Rauw Alejandro or Daddy Yankee: Bringing out a pioneer like Daddy Yankee would be a powerful symbolic moment, passing the torch to the new generation of Latin superstars.
- Cardi B: Their collaboration on "I Like It" is a perfect, explosive crossover hit for the stadium environment.
The Pre-Game Show Lineup
While Bad Bunny is the main event, the pre-game performances set the tone for the day. For Super Bowl LX, the NFL has also announced a star-studded lineup that includes:
- Charlie Puth: Scheduled to perform the National Anthem.
- Brandi Carlile: A multi-Grammy-winning artist who will perform a pre-game set.
- Coco Jones: Also set to perform on the Levi's Stadium field before kickoff on February 8.
The 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show is poised to be an unforgettable cultural phenomenon. Bad Bunny’s fusion of Latin trap, reggaeton, and pop, combined with his powerful stage presence and history of activism, guarantees a performance that will be discussed for years to come. The countdown to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is on, and the world is ready to witness history.
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