When Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, took the stage at Saturday Night Live Studio 8H, New York City he didn’t shy away from the heat.
The 31‑year‑old Puerto Rican star used his opening monologue to slam far‑right pundits and the backlash swirling around his upcoming Super Bowl LX halftime show Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas. It’s a move that signals he won’t back down, even as the National Football League (NFL) and Apple Music gear up for what could be a historic, politically charged performance.
Why Bad Bunny’s Selection Sparked a Firestorm
The NFL announced Bad Bunny as the halftime act on September 28, 2025, during a livestream that also highlighted the league’s partnership with Apple Music. The choice was hailed by some as a nod to Latinx influence in mainstream culture, but immediately drew fire from a vocal segment of the media.
Critics on Fox News argued that the Puerto Rican star was “too international,” despite his U.S. citizenship—a point that tripped many listeners who forget that Puerto Ricans are American citizens by birth.
Adding fuel, Cory Lewandowski, a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security, warned in a recent "The Benny Show" podcast that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl, declaring, "There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally, not the Super Bowl and nowhere else. We will find you, we will apprehend you, we will put you in a detention facility and we will deport you."
Bad Bunny’s SNL Response: Satire Meets Defiance
Instead of a defensive press release, Bad Bunny delivered a bilingual, satirical montage that featured a looping clip of a Fox News anchor – edited to say he was the network’s “favorite musician” and urging him to run for president. The tongue‑in‑cheek bit got a collective gasp from the studio audience.
He then switched to English, saying, “I’m very excited to be doing the Super Bowl and I know people around the world who love my music are also happy, especially all Latinos.” A swift transition to Spanish followed: “All Latinos and Latinas throughout the world and here in the United States, all people who have worked to open doors…more than an achievement of mine.” He wrapped up with a playful jab at non‑Spanish speakers: “And if you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”
Here’s the thing: the four‑month timer lines up perfectly with the countdown to February 2, 2026, when the halftime show kicks off at Allegiant Stadium.
Supporters Rally Behind the Performer
While the right‑wing media tossed stones, stars on the left offered applause. Jennifer Lopez tweeted a video clip of Bad Bunny’s early hits, captioning, “Can’t wait to see you light up the stage!” Whoopi Goldberg took to her talk show and called the selection “a celebration of culture.”
Even politics got in on the cheer. Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X, “California is excited to welcome you to Super Bowl LX,” reinforcing the state’s embrace of Latinx talent.
Backlash Over Tour Decisions and ICE Concerns
Bad Bunny’s decision to skip the continental United States during his "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" tour raised eyebrows. He explained that recent ICE raids made it unsafe for fans and staff, and that he preferred to finish a 31‑concert residency in Puerto Rico.
Immigration advocates argue the move highlights a broader fear: that high‑profile events will become flashpoints for enforcement. “If the Super Bowl becomes a hunting ground for ICE, it changes the entire cultural landscape,” said a representative from the civil‑rights group RAICES.
What This Means for the 2026 Super Bowl
Financially, the halftime slot is a $12 million deal, plus a marketing boost that can catapult a performer’s streaming numbers into the stratosphere. Bad Bunny’s last major U.S. appearance, the 2023 Coachella set, netted a 35% spike in Spotify listeners.
Politically, the show could become a stage for immigration discourse, especially if Bad Bunny weaves in references to the ICE controversy. That possibility has security teams and the NFL’s event planners drafting multiple contingency plans.
- Super Bowl LX date: February 2, 2026
- Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Halftime performer: Bad Bunny (Apple Music‑sponsored)
- Key controversy: ICE presence and criticism from Fox News
- Support from: Governor Gavin Newsom, Jennifer Lopez, Whoopi Goldberg
What’s Next?
Bad Bunny is slated to rehearse at the stadium in November, according to an anonymous NFL source. Whether the rehearsal will feature overt political symbols remains to be seen.
The NFL says security will be “robust but unobtrusive,” a phrase that feels increasingly hollow as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle push for statements about immigration policy at the game.
Meanwhile, fans are already petitioning for subtitles on the halftime broadcast, echoing Bad Bunny’s own comment about giving non‑Spanish speakers four months to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How might Bad Bunny’s halftime show address the ICE controversy?
Analysts expect the performance to include visual motifs—like chains or border signage—that reference immigration enforcement. Bad Bunny has hinted at using “stage art” to tell a story about freedom and cultural pride, which could subtly critique ICE actions without breaking league policies.
Who are the main supporters of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl slot?
Support has poured in from entertainment figures like Jennifer Lopez and Whoopi Goldberg, as well as political leaders such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, who praised the artist’s cultural impact on social media.
What legal or security measures are being taken for the Super Bowl?
The NFL collaborates with the Department of Homeland Security and local law‑enforcement agencies to develop a multi‑layered security plan. While officials promise it will be “unobtrusive,” increased patrols and coordinated immigration checks have been reported.
When and where will the Super Bowl LX halftime show take place?
The halftime concert is scheduled for February 2, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bad Bunny is set to perform during the NFL’s championship game, which will feature the AFC and NFC champions.
Why did Bad Bunny skip the continental U.S. on his recent tour?
He cited safety concerns amid heightened ICE enforcement actions that targeted venues and fans. The decision allowed him to conclude a 31‑concert residency in Puerto Rico without exposing attendees to potential raids.
