The Unstoppable Latin Superstar: Who Will Headline The Super Bowl Halftime Show In 2026?

The question that dominates music and sports headlines every year has finally been answered for the upcoming championship: who will perform in the Super Bowl? As of today, December 12, 2025, the National Football League (NFL) and Apple Music have officially confirmed that the global phenomenon and Puerto Rican superstar, Bad Bunny, will headline the highly anticipated Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in February 2026. This announcement, which came in September, ended months of intense speculation and solidified the choice of a groundbreaking artist for one of the world's most-watched musical events.

This is not just a performance; it is a cultural moment. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, will bring his unique blend of Latin trap, reggaeton, and pop anthems to the center stage at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The decision to select an artist of his magnitude reflects the NFL’s continued commitment to diversity and showcasing music that transcends language barriers, following the success of previous headliners who have embraced global sounds and diverse genres.

Bad Bunny: The Confirmed Headliner for Super Bowl LX

The announcement that Bad Bunny would headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show for Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, sent shockwaves of excitement across the music industry and among the millions of NFL fans. The three-time Grammy Award winner and multiple Latin Grammy recipient is one of the most streamed artists in the world, consistently breaking records on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

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The significance of his selection cannot be overstated. Bad Bunny is set to become the first solo male Latin artist to headline the prestigious event, a powerful statement about the influence of Latin music on the global stage. While he previously made a memorable appearance during the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show in 2020 alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, this performance marks his triumphant return as the sole headliner, commanding the entire 13-minute spectacle.

The Setlist Challenge: Which Global Hits Will Make the Cut?

With a catalog full of chart-topping hits, the biggest question now revolves around the setlist. The Halftime Show is notoriously short, forcing artists to condense their careers into a high-energy, fifteen-minute medley. Fans are eagerly anticipating which tracks from his critically acclaimed albums will be featured. Potential anthems include:

• "Tití Me Preguntó" (from *Un Verano Sin Ti*)
• "Moscow Mule" (a quintessential reggaeton track)
• "Dákiti" (a collaboration with Jhay Cortez)
• "Yonaguni" (showcasing his versatility)
• "Mía" (his massive collaboration with Drake)

The seamless transition between songs, the stage production, and the inevitable surprise guests are what define a legendary Halftime Show. Given Bad Bunny’s track record for elaborate performances and high-octane energy, the 2026 show is poised to be a spectacle of light, choreography, and pure musical force. His performance will be broadcast live to over 100 million viewers in the United States alone, making it a career-defining moment.

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The Star-Studded Guest Lineup and Collaboration Rumors

The Super Bowl Halftime Show is rarely a solo affair. Historically, headliners bring out surprise guests to elevate the performance and showcase their biggest collaborations. For Bad Bunny, the possibilities are endless, and the inclusion of other artists is a key element in generating topical authority and excitement around the event.

While the main headliner is confirmed, early reports and speculation have already named several high-profile musicians who are expected to join the performance or have a role in the pre-game and post-game festivities. Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile, and Coco Jones have all been mentioned in connection with the 2026 Super Bowl events, though their specific roles are yet to be officially defined.

The most anticipated surprise guests for Bad Bunny, based on his career-defining collaborations, are:

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• J Balvin: A long-time collaborator and fellow Reggaeton pioneer, a reunion on the Super Bowl stage would be a powerful nod to their influence on the genre.
• Rosalía: The Spanish sensation has an undeniable chemistry with Bad Bunny, and a performance of their hit "La Noche de Anoche" would be a viral moment.
• Karol G: Another Latin music powerhouse, a collaboration would further solidify the show's focus on global music dominance.
• Drake: The appearance of the Canadian rapper would be a monumental surprise, especially if they perform their 2018 smash hit "Mía."

The inclusion of guests not only provides variety but also helps the headliner cover more ground in their limited time slot, ensuring the maximum number of hit songs are delivered to the massive television audience. The production, managed by the NFL and Roc Nation, always aims for maximum impact, making surprise appearances a near certainty for the Super Bowl LX event.

The Intense Speculation and Rumors That Preceded the Announcement

The road to the official announcement was paved with rumors and intense speculation, a tradition for the Super Bowl Halftime Show every year. Before Bad Bunny’s confirmation, the media was buzzing with a list of A-list artists who were rumored to be in talks with the NFL and Apple Music. This speculation generates massive organic buzz and is a crucial part of the Halftime Show's marketing cycle.

The Taylor Swift and Pop Icon Debate

The biggest name consistently mentioned was Taylor Swift. Her record-breaking *Eras Tour* and her high-profile relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce made her the subject of endless debate. However, the rumors were ultimately put to rest, with reports confirming that Swift would not be performing in 2026. This left the door open for other major artists.

Other pop and rock icons whose names were frequently floated included:

• Adele: The British vocal powerhouse was rumored, but her preference for intimate, seated performances makes a high-energy stadium show less likely.
• Miley Cyrus: Known for her electrifying stage presence and recent resurgence with hits like "Flowers," she was a popular fan choice for the Super Bowl 2026 slot.
• Metallica: The legendary heavy metal band, whose history is deeply tied to the San Francisco Bay Area, was a popular dark horse candidate, particularly given the game's location in Santa Clara, California.
• Jay-Z: As the founder of Roc Nation, which co-produces the Halftime Show, his name is always in the mix, though he often prefers to focus on the production and curation aspects.

The intense scrutiny over the performer reflects the cultural weight of the event. The Super Bowl Halftime Show is more than just a concert; it’s a global platform that defines an artist's legacy. Bad Bunny's selection is a testament to his unparalleled success and his ability to command a diverse global audience, ensuring that Super Bowl LX will be a truly unforgettable event for music fans worldwide. The focus now shifts from "who will perform" to how the Latin music icon will utilize his 13 minutes to deliver a legendary performance that will be talked about for years to come.

The Apple Music sponsorship, which began in 2023, has ushered in a new era for the show, focusing on securing the biggest and most culturally relevant acts. Following the incredible success of Rihanna at Super Bowl LVII and the groundbreaking performance by Usher at Super Bowl LVIII, and the recent Kendrick Lamar show at LIX, Bad Bunny is under immense pressure to deliver a show that lives up to the hype and further cements the Halftime Show's status as the ultimate musical showcase.