Honestly, it feels like we’ve been here before. Every single year, the second that 12-minute timer starts ticking down at the Super Bowl, half of America is on their feet cheering while the other half is frantically typing a manifest on X about why the "music died." It’s basically a national tradition at this point.
But this time? The vibe is different.
With Super Bowl LX looming on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium, the decision to have Bad Bunny headline has sent the internet into a complete tailspin. It’s not just about the music. It’s about the language, the culture, and a whole lot of political baggage that most people didn't see coming. If you're looking to react to halftime show trends right now, you'll notice the conversation isn't just about whether Benito can sing; it's about whether the "World's Biggest Stage" is ready for a show that is almost entirely in Spanish.
The Polarization of Benito: Why Everyone is Talking
Bad Bunny—born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—is no stranger to massive crowds. He literally just finished a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico that saw half a million people show up. Yet, the announcement for the Apple Music Halftime Show has faced a weirdly specific brand of pushback.
President Donald Trump even weighed in, telling Newsmax he’d "never heard of" the guy and calling the choice "absolutely ridiculous." That sparked a firestorm. On one side, you have the "One Million Moms" group and various conservative circles calling for a boycott, even going so far as to organize a "Christian alternative" halftime show through Turning Point USA. On the other side? A massive, global fan base that sees this as a long-overdue crowning moment for Latin music.
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It’s a lot to process.
The NFL is clearly betting on the numbers. Last year, Kendrick Lamar’s performance in New Orleans pulled in 133.5 million viewers, officially dethroning Michael Jackson’s 1993 record. The league wants to keep that momentum. Jay-Z and Roc Nation, who are co-executive producing again with Jesse Collins, are leaning hard into the "global" aspect of the game. They aren't looking back.
What to Expect on February 8
If you've seen the trailers, you know diversity is the big theme. One specific promo showed Bad Bunny dancing salsa with people of all ages and backgrounds to the tune of "BAILE INoLVIDABLE." It’s vibrant. It’s loud. It’s very... him.
But there’s a technical side to this that people are worried about.
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- The Language Barrier: Critics argue a primarily Spanish-language set won't resonate with the "average" football fan.
- The Content: His history of LGBTQ+ activism and cross-dressing in videos has made him a target for groups who want a more "traditional" show.
- The Setlist: Fans are already arguing over whether we'll get "Tití Me Preguntó" or if he'll stick to newer tracks from Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
The reality is that Bad Bunny doesn't usually compromise. When he hosted SNL, he addressed the backlash with his usual "I do what I want" attitude. We should probably expect a guest list that reflects that. Names like SZA (who crushed it with Kendrick last year) or even past collaborators like J Balvin are floating around the rumor mill, though nothing is confirmed.
Why the "React to Halftime Show" Discourse Matters
We’ve seen this play out with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira back in 2020. People complained then, too. Yet, that performance remains one of the most-watched and most-searched halftime shows in history.
There's a specific psychology at play here. Sports fans often feel like the halftime show is "invading" their space with pop culture that doesn't always align with the grit of the game. But the Super Bowl isn't just a game anymore. It’s a commercial juggernaut.
When you react to halftime show performances today, you're participating in a giant litmus test for where American culture actually stands. Are we a melting pot that embraces a Puerto Rican superstar who refuses to switch to English? Or is the halftime show still supposed to be a safe, middle-of-the-road rock performance from 1985?
Actionable Insights for the Big Night
If you’re planning on hosting a watch party or just want to be the smartest person in the room (or the group chat) when the show starts, here is how to handle the inevitable chaos:
- Check the Audio Settings: Halftime shows are notorious for bad sound mixing in the first two minutes. If you’re watching on Peacock or NBC, make sure your surround sound isn't drowning out the vocals.
- Follow the Real-Time Data: If you want to see the real reactions, keep an eye on TikTok and X (Twitter) about three minutes into the set. That’s usually when the memes peak.
- Ignore the "Alternative" Streams: Unless you really want to watch a low-budget broadcast with no announced performers, stick to the main event. The production value of a Hamish Hamilton-directed show (he’s back for LX) is impossible to replicate.
- Look for the Easter Eggs: Bad Bunny loves political symbolism. Watch the backup dancers' outfits and the stage layout for nods to Puerto Rican history—he’s already said this show is for "his people."
The countdown to Santa Clara is on. Whether you think he's the greatest artist of our generation or you're still wondering why they didn't just book Taylor Swift (who reportedly turned it down for the third time), you're going to be watching. We all are. That's the power of the halftime show—it's the only time the whole world stops to argue about the same 12 minutes of television.
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To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official Apple Music "Road to Halftime" playlists. They usually tip their hand on which hits will make the final cut about two weeks before kickoff.