Music icon Shakira has unequivocally championed Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl LX halftime performance, hailing it as a pivotal moment for Spanish-language music and global Latin culture despite a wave of conservative criticism. Her strong endorsement underscores the incredible journey of Latin artists to the world’s biggest stages, marking a significant milestone in mainstream acceptance.
The announcement of global superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX halftime show has stirred a significant cultural conversation. Amidst a wave of conservative backlash, another icon, Shakira, has stepped forward to offer her resounding support, declaring, “It’s about time!” Her endorsement highlights a crucial turning point for Spanish-language music on the world stage.
Shakira, who co-headlined the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show with Jennifer Lopez, shared her thoughts with Variety, emphasizing the progress made in mainstream acceptance. “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,” the “She Wolf” singer remarked.
Her own journey, marked by initial resistance to her Spanish music from the English-speaking world before widespread embrace, has, in her view, paved the way for moments like Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance. She hopes that such instances of “resistance or puzzlement” ultimately contribute to greater understanding and acceptance of diverse musical expressions.
A Shared History on the Super Bowl Stage
This isn’t the first time Shakira and Bad Bunny have shared the Super Bowl stage. During Shakira’s electrifying 2020 set, Bad Bunny appeared as a guest performer. Together, they performed “I Like It,” which features a guest verse from Bad Bunny on the original Cardi B recording, and Shakira’s “Chantaje.” This prior collaboration foreshadowed the rising global influence of Spanish-language artists.
Shakira expressed immense pride in Bad Bunny’s achievement, telling Variety, “I’m so proud that Bad Bunny, who represents not only Latin culture but also how important Spanish language music has become on a global scale and how universal it has become, is getting to perform on the biggest stage in the world.” She believes it’s “the perfect moment for a performance like this” and eagerly anticipates watching it.
The Conservative Backlash and Misconceptions
The NFL’s decision to name Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl LX halftime performer in September was met with immediate and harsh criticism from several conservative political figures. This included Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and even former President Donald Trump, who reportedly labeled the decision as “crazy” and “absolutely ridiculous.”
The pushback escalated with a Change.org petition calling for Bad Bunny to be replaced by country singer George Strait, accruing over 50,000 signatures. Furthermore, Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, announced plans for an “All American Halftime Show” as an alternative, despite the fact that Bad Bunny is an American citizen from Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. These criticisms often overlook the global nature of entertainment and the diverse background of past Super Bowl performers.
NFL’s Stance and a Call for Unity
Despite the controversy, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell staunchly defended the league’s choice. Speaking at the NFL’s fall meeting, Goodell noted that criticism is not uncommon when selecting halftime artists. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism,” Goodell stated, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. He expressed confidence in Bad Bunny’s understanding of the platform and predicted “it’s going to be exciting and a united moment.”
The Future of Global Pop on the Grandest Stage
Bad Bunny’s ascendancy to the Super Bowl halftime show signifies more than just a performance; it represents the powerful global rise of Spanish-language pop music. As Spotify’s third most-streamed artist globally in 2024, behind only Taylor Swift and The Weeknd, his reach and influence are undeniable. His statement upon the announcement resonated deeply: “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.”
Scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Super Bowl LX, Bad Bunny’s performance is poised to be a landmark event, not just for American football fans, but for the millions worldwide who celebrate the universal language of music and the vibrant tapestry of global cultures.
