Bad Bunny Makes Super Bowl History as First Latino Soloist Headliner
For the first time in Super Bowl history, a Latino soloist will take center stage during the halftime show with a completely Spanish-language performance. This groundbreaking moment feels particularly significant and long overdue in the world of American sports entertainment.
Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio in Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny has spent the last decade redefining global stardom without relying on English as his primary language. His distinctive sound, which the Recording Academy describes as "an ultra-catchy brand of Latin trap, a Spanish-language take on Atlanta-born trap music," has transcended borders, dominated charts, and influenced cultures worldwide while remaining authentically rooted in his heritage.
Perfect Timing for Representation
The historic moment aligns perfectly with the NFL's evolving halftime stage, which has gradually embraced more diverse identities and musical styles in recent years. The timing carries even greater weight given current heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. Spotlighting a proudly Latino, politically vocal artist from the Caribbean on one of the world's biggest stages in Santa Clara, California, feels particularly intentional and powerful.
Before the stadium lights illuminate and the bass reverberates through Levi's Stadium, it's essential to examine the artist behind this cultural milestone and the remarkable journey that brought him here.
Beyond Tabloid Headlines
While mainstream American media initially noticed Bad Bunny through celebrity gossip columns—particularly rumors about his relationship with supermodel Kendall Jenner in 2023—reducing him to tabloid material overlooks his substantial artistic achievements. Long before paparazzi attention, he was already revolutionizing Latin music from within.
Bad Bunny's Grammy achievements include:
- Four-time Grammy winner
- Best Latin Pop or Urban Album for "YHLQMDLG" in 2021
- Inaugural Best Música Urbana Album for "El Último Tour del Mundo" in 2022
- Repeat Best Música Urbana Album for cultural phenomenon "Un Verano Sin Ti" in 2023
- Album of the Year for "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" on February 1, 2026—just one week before his Super Bowl performance
In his Spanish acceptance speech for Album of the Year, Bad Bunny declared: "Believe me when I tell you that we are much bigger than just 100 by 35," referencing Puerto Rico's approximate measurements. "And there is nothing that we cannot achieve. Thank God, thank the Academy, thank all the people who have believed in me throughout my entire career."
Remarkably, none of his award-winning albums relied on full-length English tracks. At most, he sprinkled occasional English phrases into select songs, maintaining his Spanish identity while expanding his global audience.
Humble SoundCloud Beginnings
Bad Bunny's journey began years before his international fame. While studying audiovisual communication at the University of Puerto Rico, he balanced daytime studies with nighttime experimentation in reggaeton and trap music. He uploaded tracks to SoundCloud, recording wherever possible, driven more by creative instinct than industry strategy.
One early upload, "Diles," caught attention for its raw energy and unconventional flow. Producer DJ Luian encouraged wider distribution through YouTube, where the track eventually reached Noah Assad, who would become his longtime manager. Assad recognized "Diles" as something special—a gritty reinterpretation of Atlanta trap beats filtered through Latin rhythm and attitude.
Major collaborations soon followed with artists like J Balvin, who helped globalize reggaeton and Latin pop. In 2018, another milestone arrived when Bad Bunny teamed with Drake on "MIA," solidifying his position in the US market.
Part of Bad Bunny's universal appeal lies in his distinctive voice. As The Guardian noted in 2020: "Even if you don't understand the Spanish lyrics, the very sound of his voice is appealing..." Whether growling into the microphone or drifting into melody, his vocal texture conveys emotion that transcends language barriers.
Global Touring and Super Bowl Significance
Nearly a decade ago, Bad Bunny worked as a grocery store bagger when a producer discovered his SoundCloud uploads. Today, he stands as a Grammy darling with multiple nominations, a cultural disruptor, and now a Super Bowl headliner.
As of 2026, Bad Bunny is midway through his "Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour," covering South America, Europe, and Australia—noticeably excluding the United States due to concerns about immigration enforcement. This makes his Super Bowl appearance even more striking: a singular return to an American stage that cannot ignore his presence.
In the official halftime show trailer, Bad Bunny's song "BAILE INoLVIDABLE" (meaning "unforgettable dance") plays as he performs alongside dancers of various ages and diverse cultural backgrounds. The trailer prominently features the phrase "The world will dance."
Bad Bunny will headline Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8 (Monday, February 9, Philippine Time), marking a historic moment for Latino representation in global entertainment.
