Bad Bunny: The Super Bowl Star Dividing America Over Language & Identity
Bad Bunny’s fame extends far beyond the music world following his performance at the Grammy Awards last weekend. The Latin star paused on stage and, before offering any thanks, declared “ICE out,” then calmly added, “We are not wild. We are people, and we are Americans.” This moment has ignited a cultural flashpoint in the United States, touching on issues of language, migration, and identity.
A Dual Identity
Born in 1994 in Puerto Rico, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known professionally as Bad Bunny, first gained attention online. He uploaded songs to SoundCloud and YouTube while working at a supermarket, and quickly resonated with a generation. His style blends reggaeton and trap aesthetics with a versatile voice, representing a culturally multilingual America where Latin America is increasingly present.
Bad Bunny maintains a connection to both Puerto Rico and Los Angeles, owning multiple properties in the latter city. He visibly returns to Puerto Rico, notably forgoing a U.S. Tour in favor of a concert series in San Juan, sparking both tourism and debate regarding investment and gentrification on the island.
The Super Bowl Stage
Bad Bunny has received numerous awards and is a streaming giant. He has consistently ranked among the world’s most streamed artists. This narrative reaches its peak on Sunday when he headlines the Halftime Show at Super Bowl LVIII in Santa Clara. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation officially announced his performance on February 8, 2026.
The Super Bowl is the most-watched television event in the U.S., and the Halftime Show is a cultural ritual where the nation presents itself to the world. Bad Bunny’s selection has been interpreted as a political statement, drawing criticism from conservatives.
Political Positioning
Prior to the Grammys, Bad Bunny took a political stance by omitting U.S. Dates from a tour, expressing concern that ICE agents might target concertgoers. He publicly stated “ICE out” at the Grammys, a phrase that has become a rallying cry.
Conservative television host Greg Kelly criticized the choice in a Newsmax rant, claiming Bad Bunny “hates America, hates Trump, hates ICE, and hates the English language,” calling him “a terrible person.” Former President Trump labelled the decision “absolutely ridiculous.”
Sein Ruf «ICE out» bei der Verleihung der Grammys wirkte wie eine Vorrede zum Super Bowl.
Chris Pizzello / AP
The organization Turning Point USA has announced a parallel “All-American Halftime Show” as an alternative to Bad Bunny’s performance, featuring artists like Kid Rock, Gabby Barrett, and Lee Brice. Kid Rock described his performance as playing “great songs for folks who love America.”
More Than Just Music
This situation is not simply a matter of musical taste. It’s about belonging, about language, and about what it means to be American. Bad Bunny embodies a vision of America that differs from the one held by Trump, conservative figures, and ICE.
His “ICE out” call at the Grammys can be seen as a prelude to the Super Bowl. He is using this mainstream platform to renegotiate the conditions of that mainstream. This is likely why his opposition is so strong. Bad Bunny cannot be ignored or deported; he is at the centre of the national conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bad Bunny say at the Grammys?
Bad Bunny said “ICE out” and then stated, “We are not wild. We are people, and we are Americans.”
Why is Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance controversial?
His performance is controversial because some conservatives believe he is anti-American and oppose his political stances, particularly regarding immigration.
Who is Turning Point USA?
Turning Point USA is an organization founded by Charlie Kirk that is hosting an alternative Halftime Show in response to Bad Bunny’s performance.
As Bad Bunny prepares to take the stage at the Super Bowl, what does his presence signify about the evolving definition of American identity in the 21st century?