Background
Artists in contention
On September 9, 2025, it was reported that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hinted that American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift could be headlining the halftime show. He said when asked if it's possible that Swift could do the show on February 8, 2026: "We would always love to have Taylor play. She is a special, special talent, and obviously she would be welcome at any time". When asked by co-host Savannah Guthrie if an appearance from Swift was in the works, Goodell said "I can't tell you anything about it". Swift, for the third time out of the past four years, declined the opportunity. [2] [3] It was initially reported that Swift had asked for an appearance fee and full copyright over the show, which the NFL does not provide to performers. [4] However, Swift later stated that she had rejected the possibility during early conversations with Roc Nation because she was unwilling to perform in a game in which her fiance Travis Kelce could be a participant, since it would detract from her enjoyment of the game by having to focus on the details of a concert. [5]
Billboard also previously reported that potential headliners included Lady Gaga (who previously headlined the 2017 Super Bowl LI halftime show), Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Drake, BTS, Green Day, Metallica and Jay-Z. [6] Adele and Miley Cyrus were also reported to be in talks, with Adele reportedly turning it down.
Headliner announcement
Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap artist Bad Bunny was officially announced as the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on September 28, 2025, by the NFL, in partnership with Apple Music and Jay-Z's Roc Nation, during halftime of NBC's Sunday Night Football broadcast. The performance is scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. [7]
In a statement, Bad Bunny highlighted the cultural significance of the event, saying, "This is for my people, my culture, and our history". [8] The announcement followed Kendrick Lamar's 2025 show and marks Bad Bunny as the first primarily Spanish-language artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show as a solo act. [9] He previously performed at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez as a special guest. [10]
Reception to selection
Reactions to the announcement were mixed. Some responses were positive, celebrating the selection as a milestone for Latino representation. California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted that "California is excited to welcome you". [11] Univision highlighted the pride of the Latino community, [12] while celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Bruno Mars, Shakira, and Jelly Roll expressed their support. [13] Jay‑Z of Roc Nation praised Bad Bunny's achievement, [13] and reports emphasized the economic and cultural impact of his concerts in Puerto Rico. [14]
Other responses were critical, particularly from conservative commentators. Donald Trump described the announcement as "absolutely ridiculous". Some commentators also noted that Bad Bunny performs primarily in Spanish and reportedly avoided including U.S. dates in his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour due to concerns about potential ICE raids. [15] Conservative influencers and political figures questioned Bad Bunny's selection, [16] with Ryan Fournier stating that "whoever picks these people should be fired". [17] Benny Johnson described him as a "massive Trump hater" and "anti-ICE activist", and criticized that he primarily performs in Spanish. [18] In response to the controversy, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl. [19] Speaker of the House Mike Johnson noted Bad Bunny's niche audience and lack of crossover appeal to the critical mass of Americans that watch the Super Bowl halftime, suggesting Lee Greenwood as an alternative. [20] Bad Bunny later addressed the backlash, notably during his Saturday Night Live appearance, where he jokingly told critics they had "four months to learn" Spanish. [19] Conservative organization Turning Point USA announced that it intended to set up its own halftime musical performance as counterprogramming. [21]
Goodell dismissed criticism of the selection as typical for an event of its caliber and rejected calls to change the artists in an October 22 press conference, stating it had been "carefully thought through" and that the selection was an intentional effort to cater to a global audience: "that's what we try to achieve." Goodell's only concession in the conference was that additional acts could possibly be added before the show. [22]
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