This was previously published in our October 2025 issue.

Bad Bunny has never been afraid to break boundaries, making him one of the most influential artists of his generation. The Puerto Rican superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, blends reggaetón, Latin trap, and pop into a sound that is uniquely his own. With multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, sold-out tours, and billions of streams, Bad Bunny has turned his creativity into global success.
On Sept. 28, the National Football League, alongside Apple Music and Roc Nation, announced that Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, making him the first Latin American male to lead the performance. His rise has become a symbol of cultural pride, representation, and artistic freedom.
While this marks an historic solo appearance, he isn’t new to the Super Bowl stage, as he previously joined Shakira and Jennifer Lopez as a surprise guest during Super Bowl LIV. Fresh off a Puerto Rico residency and the release of his latest album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” Bad Bunny is now preparing to step into the spotlight on his own.
According to Rolling Stone, Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation is producing the show, issued a statement praising the decision.
“What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring,” Jay-Z said. “We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”
However, not everyone is cheering. President Donald Trump called the announcement “absolutely ridiculous” during an interview on Newsmax’s Greg Kelly Reports. The announcement has sparked debate about politics and cultural representation at major events. Adding to the controversy, Bad Bunny stated during an interview with i-D that he refused to tour in the U.S. because of the fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raiding his concerts, a decision some may see as politically charged.
Even with the criticism, the star seems unfazed. During his opening monologue on Saturday Night Live, he joked, “You have four months to learn Spanish.” Some critics have expressed concern that his Super Bowl set will feature mostly Spanish music, arguing it may alienate viewers unfamiliar with the language, but for many fans, that’s exactly what makes this performance significant.
Bad Bunny’s decision to stay true to his roots offers an opportunity for millions of people to experience Latin music and culture. His unapologetic confidence, willingness to speak out, and refusal to conform makes him one of today’s most talked-about performers. All eyes will be on him when he takes the stage at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026.