Latin music icon Shakira has vocally thrown her full support behind Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, declaring it “about time” and expressing deep pride for his groundbreaking performance, despite a wave of criticism from conservative figures and a public petition. Her endorsement highlights the growing mainstream acceptance of Spanish-language music, a path she helped pave.
The announcement that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in February 2026 has ignited a passionate debate across the cultural and political spectrum. While some celebrate this historic moment for Latin music, others have voiced strong opposition. Standing firmly with Bad Bunny is none other than Shakira, a veteran of the Super Bowl stage herself, who sees his appointment as a long-overdue triumph for Spanish-language music and culture.
The Colombian singer, who co-headlined the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show in 2020 with Jennifer Lopez and featured Bad Bunny as a surprise guest, expressed her sentiments in an interview with Variety. “It’s about time!” Shakira exclaimed, highlighting her immense pride that Bad Bunny is “getting to perform on the biggest stage in the world.” She further emphasized that this moment is not just for him but for the entire Latin culture and the global recognition of Spanish-language music.
Shakira’s Pioneering Path for Latin Music at the Super Bowl
Recalling her own experience in 2020, Shakira reflected on the challenges and progress made in the music industry. “I remember when we did ours that even having part of our set in Spanish was a bold move… acceptance of Spanish-language music as part of the mainstream has come so far from when I started,” she told Variety. She believes her own journey, facing “resistance or puzzlement from the English-speaking world before it was embraced,” helped pave the way for where artists like Bad Bunny are today. This historical context underscores the significance of Bad Bunny’s solo headlining role, transforming what was once a “bold move” into an embraced mainstream reality.
Bad Bunny: A Global Icon on the World’s Biggest Stage
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is undeniably a global phenomenon. As Spotify’s most-streamed artist from 2020 to 2022, his influence transcends linguistic barriers. Shakira noted that he represents “not only Latin culture but also how important Spanish language music has become on a global scale and how universal it has become.” His upcoming performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8, 2026, is set to be a powerful testament to this universality.
In his own words, Bad Bunny emphasized the broader implications of his Super Bowl appearance. On Saturday Night Live, he stated, “It’s more than a win for myself — it’s a win for all of us,” referring to the Latinos and Latinas who have worked to open doors in the United States. He proclaimed that their “footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take away or erase it.”
The Storm of Criticism: From Political Figures to Public Petitions
Despite the celebratory mood among many fans and artists, Bad Bunny’s selection has been met with significant backlash, making him arguably one of the most controversial halftime show artists ever. Former President Donald Trump, in an October 6 interview with Newsmax, expressed his disapproval, claiming he had “never heard” of the artist and found the choice “absolutely ridiculous.” Conservative host Greg Kelly had alleged that Bad Bunny “hates ICE” and “accuses everything he doesn’t like of racism,” fueling the conservative opposition.
The controversy extended to a Change.org petition advocating for his replacement with country music legend George Strait, which garnered nearly 60,000 signatures as of October 21. Furthermore, prominent figures like President Donald Trump’s adviser Corey Lewandowski and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly stated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be present at the 2026 Super Bowl and its halftime show, a remark that drew ire given Bad Bunny’s past criticisms of the Trump administration’s immigration policies and his decision not to bring his “Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour” to the U.S. partly due to ICE crackdowns.
Bad Bunny’s Unapologetic and Defiant Response
Undeterred by the criticism, Bad Bunny has met his detractors with characteristic wit and defiance. During his Saturday Night Live monologue on October 4, he playfully mocked the outrage, saying, “I think everyone is happy about it, even Fox News.” He then directly challenged his critics, asserting that they had “four months to learn Spanish” before his performance. This bold stance resonates deeply with fans who admire his commitment to his identity and culture.
His official statement on headlining the Super Bowl further solidified his position: “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history.” This powerful declaration underscores that for Bad Bunny and his supporters, this is not just an entertainment spectacle, but a significant cultural milestone.
A Call for Acceptance: Jennifer Lopez Weighs In
Adding her voice to the conversation, Jennifer Lopez, who shared the stage with Shakira and Bad Bunny in 2020, urged fans to embrace the upcoming performance. During an October 9 appearance on CBS Mornings, Lopez encouraged sports enthusiasts to “avoid closing themselves off to ‘something wonderful.'” She advised, “Don’t do that to yourself. That’s what I would say. I’m telling you, just give it a chance,” signaling a unified front among Latin music’s biggest stars in support of Bad Bunny.
The Road to Super Bowl LX
As the countdown to Super Bowl LX continues, the anticipation for Bad Bunny’s halftime show builds. Scheduled to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the performance promises to be a pivotal moment. It represents not only a monumental achievement for Bad Bunny but also a powerful statement on the evolving landscape of global music and the undeniable impact of Latin culture on the world stage.
