13 Minutes of History
Bad Bunny has kept his cards close to his chest, but the anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. During his official press conference on Thursday, he promised a “huge party” that celebrates his Puerto Rican culture. Here is what we know so far:
- The Setlist: Expect a heavy focus on his latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos (DTMF). Rumors suggest the show will open with the modern salsa hit “Baile Inolvidable” and include his Grammy-winning global track “EoO.”
- Cultural Symbols: Look for imagery of the Flamboyán tree, traditional instruments like the cuatro, and various versions of the Puerto Rican flag. The show will also feature a historic multilingual signing program in Puerto Rican Sign Language.
- Surprise Guests: While not confirmed, Cardi B is the heavy favorite to join him for “I Like It,” especially since she’s in town supporting her partner, Patriots star Stefon Diggs. Other rumored appearances include Rosalía, Daddy Yankee, and J Balvin.
The Critics and the Controversy
While the selection has been hailed as a landmark for Latino representation, it hasn’t been without its detractors.
- Political Tension: Bad Bunny’s vocal criticism of anti-immigrant policies led to a “rival” broadcast announcement from Turning Point USA, which is hosting an “All-American Halftime Show” headlined by Kid Rock at the same time.
- The Spanish Factor: Critics questioned the choice of a primarily Spanish-language headliner, to which Bad Bunny cheekily replied on Saturday Night Live last year: “You have four months to learn.”
- The Support: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the choice, calling him “one of the greatest artists in the world,” while peers like Jennifer Lopez and Shakira have publicly cheered his solo debut.
Award Season Dominance
Bad Bunny arrives at the Super Bowl as the most decorated man in music this year. Just one week ago, at the 2026 Grammy Awards, he made history when Debí Tirar Más Fotos became the first all-Spanish album to win Album of the Year.
His 2026 Accolades include:
- Grammy Award: Album of the Year (DTMF)
- Grammy Award: Best Música Urbana Album
- Grammy Award: Best Global Music Performance (“EoO”)
- Billboard: Artist of the Year (2025/2026)
How to Watch
The game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The Halftime Show is expected to begin at approximately 8:00 p.m. ET and will be available for streaming on Peacock.