Latin Superstar Tapped to Headline 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show

The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation dropped a cryptic teaser during Sunday Night Football — then followed it up with a reveal that had netizens instantly divided.

Apple Music sent fans into a frenzy after dropping a mysterious teaser about who would headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The cryptic Instagram post featured only three emojis — a football, a red apple, and a shushing face — igniting a firestorm of guesses.

Not long after the buzz began, Apple Music put the rumors to rest with a dazzling reveal — global Latin sensation Bad Bunny will take center stage at the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in February 2026, set to unfold in the vibrant Bay Area.

The confirmation came via a visually arresting Instagram post — a sunset-hued silhouette seated atop towering goalposts — that amassed hundreds of thousands of likes within moments.

Adding to the spectacle, Bad Bunny himself doubled down, posting a sleek, cinematic video to his own Instagram. In the clip, the megastar sits serenely beneath palm trees as the words "Super Bowl LX" and "February 2026" appear on screen.

The visual ended with a zoomed-out shot of the artist, followed by the halftime show logo, sealing the moment with dramatic flair.

NFL and Apple Executives Sing Bad Bunny's Praises

As netizens digested the announcement, top brass from both the NFL and Apple Music were quick to shower the choice with glowing endorsements.

Jon Barker, Senior Vice President of Global Event Production for the NFL, described the artist as perfectly in sync with today's cultural climate. "Bad Bunny represents the global energy and cultural vibrancy that define today’s music scene," Barker said.

"As one of the most influential and streamed artists in the world, his unique ability to bridge genres, languages, and audiences makes him an exciting and natural choice to take the Super Bowl halftime stage," he added.

"We know his dynamic performances, creative vision, and deep connection with fans will deliver the kind of unforgettable experience we've come to expect from this iconic cultural moment," the senior VP continued.

Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Apple Music, Sports, and Beats, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing Apple's close relationship with the artist and the massive cultural waves he's made.

"The Halftime Show is the ultimate celebration of music and culture, and few artists embody that intersection more perfectly and authentically than Bad Bunny," Schusser said.

"At Apple Music, we've had the privilege of working closely with Bad Bunny over the years and watching his meteoric rise into one of the most influential artists of our time has been truly incredible," he continued.

"His music has not only broken records but has elevated Latin music to the center of pop culture and we are thrilled to once again partner with the NFL and Roc Nation to deliver this historic performance to millions of fans worldwide. We know this show will be unforgettable," Schusser added.

Social Media Reactions

Despite the strong endorsements from key figures behind the event, reactions online were mixed. One excited fan wrote, "Wepaaaaaa 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Will be the most watched Super Bowl in the history🇵🇷🇺🇸," while another declared, "It's going to be epic!! 🔥" A third chimed in, "This will be the most watched superbowl calling it now [sic] !!!"

Yet skeptics were just as vocal. "Excellent time to refresh drinks and food," one netizen quipped. Another flatly stated, "Skipping this for sure."

Harsh critiques rolled in, as another person shared, "This is a mistake no!!!!!" and another asked, "What does he even sing [?]" Others expressed confusion, still clinging to rumors about other possible performers. "Wait! I thought Adele was doing the halftime show…🤔" one person wrote.

Another added, "I'm mean, I'm sure he will do great but I honestly wanted Miley Cyrus to perform [sic]." "Mixed feelings about this. I like Bad Bunny, but he's been everywhere lately. Plus, plenty country artists are big right now 🥺," someone else commented.

The Man Behind the Super Bowl Halftime Show Magic

While netizens continued to debate the announcement, according to Apple Music's Zane Lowe, the final call on who headlines the Super Bowl halftime show has rested with one man.

"In the end, it’s only one person who makes that decision — Jay-Z," Lowe said during a September 2024 appearance on "TODAY with Hoda & Jenna."

Since partnering with the NFL more than five years ago, Jay-Z's Roc Nation has taken the reins on halftime show curation — elevating the performance into a full-blown cultural moment year after year.

From Puerto Rican Roots to Spotify Domination

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl slot is just the latest jewel in a crown built on groundbreaking moments and boundary-smashing records.

In January 2025, the artist released "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (I Should Have Taken More Photos)," a deeply personal album inspired by Puerto Rican genres like salsa, bomba y plena, and reggaetón. The project was a love letter to his roots, blending musical tradition with intimate storytelling.

His legacy of firsts runs long. In 2020, his album "El Último Tour Del Mundo (The Last Tour of the World)," became the first all-Spanish-language album to top the Billboard 200. Then, in 2022, "Un Verano Sin Ti (A Summer Without You)" shattered records, becoming the most-streamed album ever on Spotify.

And his World's Hottest Tour? It crushed the competition — outgrossing global juggernauts like Ed Sheeran to become the highest-grossing tour by a solo artist in a single year.

Beyond music, Bad Bunny has flexed his star power in TV and film, making memorable appearances on "Saturday Night Live" and landing roles in "Bullet Train," "Caught Stealing," and the recent Netflix hit "Happy Gilmore 2."

A Legacy to Live Up To

Bad Bunny's highly anticipated halftime show places him among an elite roster of artists who've turned the Super Bowl stage into a global spectacle. In 2025, Kendrick Lamar delivered a jaw-dropping performance at Super Bowl LIX.

Decked in a custom varsity jacket, Lamar lit up the stage with hits like "Humble," "They Not Like Us," "Peekaboo," and more, flanked by vibrant visuals and pulsating choreography. Cameos from SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, and Serena Williams added star power to a show that was both urgent and celebratory.

Now, the spotlight turns to Bad Bunny, whose cultural influence, commercial dominance, and genre-crossing sound have made him a global phenomenon. With millions watching, all eyes will be on the Puerto Rican superstar to bring his signature energy, artistry, and vision to the biggest stage in the world.