It’s Not Politics, It’s Spanish: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl

When the NFL announced Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, the internet erupted. Suddenly, everyone had something to say from political analysts to pop culture critics. But here’s the truth: this isn’t really about politics. It’s about language, identity, and what it means to be proudly Latino on one of the world’s biggest stages.

In The New York Times, Molly Jong-Fast called Bad Bunny an “anti-ICE pop star,” while conservative voices like podcaster Benny Johnson labeled him an “anti-ICE activist” and “massive Trump hater.”

However, none of those labels actually fit. Bad Bunny isn’t known for scandals, drama, or political commentary. His focus has always been on music, culture, and representing his home — Puerto Rico. The few times he’s mentioned politics, it’s been about issues close to home.

In a past interview with i-D Magazine, Bad Bunny explained that his decision to limit U.S. performances was not motivated by politics or resentment. He clarified that he had always received strong support from American audiences but admitted that concerns over immigration enforcement at concerts played a role in his decision.

That’s not rebellion, but reality. And yet, many are twisting his words or politicizing his presence on stage.

As a Puerto Rican artist, Bad Bunny is a U.S. citizen who pays taxes, votes in primaries, etc. What sets him apart is that he sings in Spanish.Many still interpret performing in Spanish as a political act rather than what it truly represents — an expression of identity.

While artists like Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Gloria Estefan have performed bilingual Super Bowl sets, Bad Bunny will make history by performing entirely in Spanish and will stay true to who he is.

As he said during Saturday Night Live, “Especially for all the Latinos and Latinas in the whole world and here in the United States… our mark and our input in this country cannot be thrown out or erased.”