Photo Credit: Creative Commons. Bad Bunny performs onstage in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, 2025.
Discourse over American language and identity has sparked across the nation in light of the announcement that Bad Bunny will perform for the 2026 Superbowl.
On Feb. 8, 2026, Bad Bunny is set to make history as the first primarily Spanish-language artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. However, this announcement has sent many into in an uproar as critics oppose to his performance.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson expressed his unhappiness with Bad Bunny headlining one of the most popular events in the country. He also suggested that country artist Lee Greenwood would be a better choice for the Super Bowl halftime performance.
“I didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was…but it sounds like a terrible decision, in my view, from what I’m hearing, “Johnson said.
President Donald Trump also expressed his discontent with the NFL’s decision, calling it “crazy” and “absolutely ridiculous.”
In a press release, President Trump stated that he was unfamiliar with Bad Bunny and called out the NFL for making a poor decision.
“I never heard of him. I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it,” President Trump said. “It’s like crazy… I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”
This statement highlights Bad Bunny’s dislike for both the president and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with which the president has taken offense. ICE agents have been instructed to be present at the halftime show.
“We’re going to enforce the law…so I think people should not be coming to the Super Bowl unless they are law-abiding American citizens who love this country,” said Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA is set to counterprogram the Super Bowl halftime show. The alternate program, airing at the same time as the Super Bowl halftime performance, will be called “The All American Halftime Show.”
Despite all the chaos and controversy, fans of the Spanish singer are celebrating this announcement, many of whom are excited to see their culture represented on a big stage.
A lot of Latino fans view this future performance as a powerful symbol and a milestone for Latinx and Puerto Rican visibility.
“What makes this moment so powerful is that it’s not just about one artist making it to the Super Bowl stage. It’s about everything and everyone he represents,” one fan said, according to indy100. “When Bad Bunny says it’s for his people, his culture, and his history, you feel the weight of that.”
Celebrities like Jay-Z, Bruno Mars and Shakira have taken to the media, expressing their support and excitement of Bad Bunny’s performance.
“What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage,” Jay-Z said.
Even thosewho are not as fond of the singer also expressed their excitement and unity, sharing on social media that they plan on learning Spanish just for the halftime show.
Recently addressing the announcement, Bad Bunny expressed his excitement, stating, “I am very happy, and I think everyone is happy about it.”
The singer did not seem concerned with the backlash, and even mocked the controversy during his monologue on SNL on Oct. 4. After speaking Spanish, the singer jokingly stated, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”
Although critics continue to oppose the NFL’s decision for headlining a Spanish singer, many fans around the world are excited to watch a historic performance during the country’s more viewed television event.