In what can only be described as a remarkable reversal, global music sensation Bad Bunny has been announced as the headline performer for Super Bowl LX’s halftime show, scheduled for February 8th in Santa Clara, California. This announcement comes, notably, on the heels of the artist’s own declaration that he would “never perform in the United States again.”
The 31-year-old Puerto Rican-born entertainer, whose meteoric rise has included three Grammy Awards and starring roles in major motion pictures such as “Fast & Furious 9” and “Bullet Train,” had previously expressed serious concerns about performing in the mainland United States. His primary stated reason was the safety of his fans, specifically citing potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence at his venues.
“Honest, I can’t risk the safety of my fans like that,” the artist had stated. “Mainland America just doesn’t feel necessary to me anymore. I’ve already performed there many times. Fans in the U.S. have had plenty of chances to see me perform live.”
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However, in what appears to be a carefully orchestrated announcement during NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast, Bad Bunny modified his stance. In a tweet posted in Spanish moments before the official announcement, he stated, “I’ve been thinking about it these days, and after talking with my team, I think I’ll do just one date in the United States.”
The artist, who recently completed a two-month residency in his native Puerto Rico, had previously explained his decision to exclude U.S. dates from his upcoming “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos World Tour,” which extends into 2026. In his words: “There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate—I’ve performed there many times. All of them have been successful. All of them have been magnificent. I’ve enjoyed connecting with Latinos who have been living in the US.”
He had further elaborated on his concerns regarding Puerto Rico’s status as an unincorporated U.S. territory, suggesting that American fans could travel to see him perform there or elsewhere globally. His specific worry about ICE’s presence at his concerts remained a central theme in his previous statements.
It’s worth noting that Bad Bunny, who publicly supported Kamala Harris in her unsuccessful presidential bid against Donald Trump last year, is scheduled to host NBC’s Saturday Night Live on September 18th.
The Super Bowl halftime show, traditionally one of the most-watched musical performances of the year, represents a significant platform for any artist. Bad Bunny’s selection marks another milestone in the NFL’s efforts to embrace diverse musical talent for its premiere event.
