Bad Bunny Fires Back at Critics Over Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show: “It’s a Win for All of Us”
Bad Bunny is taking the criticism in stride — and serving it back with a smile.
The Puerto Rican superstar, 31, addressed his upcoming Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show during his Saturday Night Live monologue this weekend, responding to backlash over his headlining slot with his trademark humor and pride.
“You might not know this, but I’m doing the Super Bowl Halftime Show. And I’m very happy, and I think everybody’s happy about it,” Bad Bunny told the crowd, before adding with a sly grin, “Even Fox News!”
The NBC sketch comedy show then cut to a mock montage of various Fox News hosts enthusiastically declaring, “Bad Bunny is my favorite musician and he should be the next president,” eliciting laughter from the live audience.
“A Win for All of Us”
Shifting to a more heartfelt tone, Bad Bunny thanked fans around the world and spoke in Spanish about what the moment means for the Latino community.
“I’m really excited to be doing the Super Bowl. I know that people all around the world who love my music are also happy,” he said before switching languages.
“Especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the United States who have worked to open doors. It’s more than a win for myself — it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”
He ended the segment with a lighthearted challenge for non-Spanish-speaking viewers:
“And if you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!”
A Major Moment for Music — and Representation
Last week, the three-time Grammy winner, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, officially announced that he will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The announcement marks a milestone for Latin artists on one of the world’s largest stages — but it hasn’t been without controversy.
Backlash and Response
Shortly after the news broke, some critics questioned the NFL’s decision to select Bad Bunny, citing his outspoken political views and Spanish-language discography.
Former race car driver Danica Patrick joined the conversation on X (formerly Twitter), responding to a fan’s post calling Bad Bunny a “massive [Donald] Trump hater,” “anti-ICE activist,” and pointing out that he has “no songs in English.”
Patrick replied:
“Oh fun. No songs in English should not be allowed at one of America’s highest rated television events of the year… not just for sports.”
Her remark quickly drew backlash of its own, with thousands of fans defending the artist and celebrating the NFL’s growing embrace of diversity and international talent.
“Music doesn’t need translation,” one user wrote. “It’s energy, it’s culture, and Bad Bunny brings both.”
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Era
Bad Bunny’s selection continues the NFL’s trend of highlighting global artists and tapping into broader audiences. Previous halftime performers have included Rihanna, Dr. Dre, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyoncé — all artists who helped push the event beyond football into global pop culture territory.
Since emerging from Puerto Rico’s vibrant trap and reggaeton scenes, Bad Bunny has become one of the most streamed artists in the world, known for blending activism, humor, and swagger into his art. His halftime show promises to carry that same mix — a celebration of culture and confidence on a stage seen by more than 100 million viewers worldwide.
Whether his critics like it or not, Bad Bunny made it clear on SNL: this performance is about more than just him.
“It’s a win for all of us,” he said. “And if you don’t get that… you have four months to learn.”
