The Official Lineup: 5 Shocking Facts About Who Is Playing The Super Bowl Halftime Show In 2026

The question of "who plays at the Super Bowl Halftime Show" is arguably one of the biggest annual mysteries in music, but as of December 10, 2025, the wait is officially over for the next spectacle. The National Football League (NFL), in partnership with Apple Music and Roc Nation, has confirmed that global music sensation Bad Bunny will headline the highly-anticipated Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. This announcement not only sets the stage for a historic performance but also continues the tradition of featuring the world's most dominant artists, following the success of Kendrick Lamar's critically acclaimed show at Super Bowl LIX. The selection of Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican superstar who has shattered streaming records worldwide, marks a profound cultural moment for the NFL's premier event. His performance at Levi's® Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, is poised to be one of the most-watched musical events of the year, cementing the Super Bowl Halftime Show's status as a global pop culture phenomenon that transcends sports.

The Global Icon: Bad Bunny's Complete Biography and Career Profile

The artist selected to headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show is more than just a musician; he is a cultural force who has redefined global music consumption.

Real Name: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio

Date of Birth: March 10, 1994

Place of Birth: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

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Genres: Reggaeton, Latin Trap, Hip-Hop

Key Career Highlights and Milestones:

• Global Streaming Dominance: Bad Bunny became the first non-English language artist to be the most-streamed artist of the year on Spotify for multiple consecutive years, solidifying his status as a global icon.
• Musical Style: He is credited with helping to bring the sounds of reggaeton and Latin trap music to a massive, worldwide audience, often blending these urban music styles with other genres.
• Cultural Activism: Known for his outspoken views and social commitment, Bad Bunny frequently uses his platform to advocate for various social and political causes in Puerto Rico and beyond.
• Crossover Success: Beyond music, he has successfully ventured into acting and professional wrestling, making notable appearances in WWE.
• Grammy Recognition: His albums have consistently received critical acclaim and major awards, including multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy wins, showcasing his artistic versatility.

What to Expect from the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in Santa Clara

The Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi's® Stadium in Santa Clara, California, promises a groundbreaking spectacle. Bad Bunny's selection is a deliberate and historic choice, signifying the NFL's acknowledgment of the massive global shift toward Latin music. This performance will be a landmark moment, as Bad Bunny is expected to deliver a high-energy setlist drawn from his chart-topping discography, which includes hits from albums like *Un Verano Sin Ti* and *YHLQMDLG*. The show is being produced in partnership with Roc Nation, ensuring a level of stage production and choreography that matches the event's monumental scale.

The Supporting Acts and Cultural Significance

While Bad Bunny is the headliner, the Super Bowl Sunday entertainment begins well before the main event. The pre-game performances for Super Bowl LX are set to feature a diverse lineup of talent, including singer-songwriters Charlie Puth and Brandi Carlile, alongside rising R&B star Coco Jones. This curated mix of artists highlights the NFL's commitment to showcasing a wide range of musical genres and cultural backgrounds throughout the day. The decision to feature a Latin Trap and Reggaeton artist as the solo headliner is a massive cultural statement. It follows a trend of featuring diverse, global superstars, such as The Weeknd, Rihanna, and the joint performance by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. Bad Bunny's global appeal ensures that the broadcast will capture not just the North American audience, but hundreds of millions of viewers across Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

A Look Back: The Reign of Kendrick Lamar at Super Bowl LIX (2025)

To understand the magnitude of Bad Bunny's upcoming performance, it is helpful to look at the immediate predecessor: the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. Rap megastar Kendrick Lamar headlined the show, a performance that was widely celebrated for its artistic depth and powerful delivery. The show featured guest appearances from R&B singer-songwriter SZA, adding a dynamic layer to the setlist. Lamar’s performance, which included hits like "HUMBLE." and "DNA.," was a masterclass in lyrical and visual storytelling, further raising the bar for future Halftime Show production. The success of the Super Bowl LIX show, which also saw pre-game performances by artists like Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty, Lauren Daigle, and Ledisi, demonstrated the continued evolution of the event as a premier showcase for diverse musical talent. This recent history underscores the pressure and the opportunity facing Bad Bunny to deliver a moment that is equally memorable and culturally significant.

From Marching Bands to Mega-Stars: The Cultural Evolution of the Halftime Show

The Super Bowl Halftime Show has undergone a radical transformation since its inception. What started in the 1960s as a simple intermission featuring college marching bands, drill teams, and local entertainers, has evolved into a 12-minute, multi-million dollar global concert.

The Key Turning Points:

• The Michael Jackson Effect (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993): This performance is widely credited with establishing the Halftime Show as a must-watch pop culture event. His show was the first to bring a concert-quality sound system to the stadium, dramatically improving the experience for the television audience.
• Moments of Cultural Reflection: The show has often served as a mirror to broader societal shifts. U2’s emotional tribute following the 9/11 attacks at Super Bowl XXXVI remains one of the most powerful and poignant moments in its history. Beyoncé’s performance at Super Bowl XLVII was another example of a powerful, culture-rocking moment.
• The Sponsorship Shift (Pepsi to Apple Music): For a decade, Pepsi was the title sponsor, but in a significant shift, Apple Music took over in a multi-year deal. This partnership, which began with Rihanna’s performance at Super Bowl LVII, signals a new era focused on digital music integration and global reach, aligning the event with a tech giant that revolutionized the music experience.
• The Roc Nation Partnership: The involvement of Jay-Z's Roc Nation as the strategic entertainment partner ensures that the selection process and production quality consistently feature the biggest names in music and the highest level of artistic integrity.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show is no longer just a break in a football game; it is a global entertainment platform that commands one of the largest single television audiences of the year. The artist chosen is guaranteed an unprecedented surge in music sales, streams, and overall cultural relevance. The announcement of Bad Bunny for Super Bowl LX is a continuation of this legacy, promising a vibrant, genre-bending performance that will undoubtedly make history. The stage is set for Latin music to dominate the biggest night in American sports.