‘It’s gonna be a huge party’: Bad Bunny set for Super Bowl stage as Trump skips event | Music
Bad Bunny is set to take the stage at the Super Bowl this Sunday, marking a significant moment for both the artist and the event. This performance comes just one week after he received the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for his record, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, a first for a Spanish-language work.
A Historic Grammy Win
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known professionally as Bad Bunny, earned the music academy’s highest honour for an album deeply rooted in Puerto Rican music and culture. Debí Tirar Más Fotos triumphed over albums by Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber. During his acceptance speech for best música urbana performance, Bad Bunny voiced his opposition to ICE, stating, “ICE out,” and affirming, “We are not savages, we are not animals, we are not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”
Controversy and Anticipation
The announcement of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance has been met with a mixed reaction. While celebrated by many, it also drew criticism from figures like Department of Homeland Security adviser Corey Lewandowski, who expressed disapproval of the artist. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that ICE would be present at the Super Bowl. Bad Bunny previously expressed concerns about ICE presence at his concerts, leading him to forgo bringing a 30-night residency from San Juan to the US.
A Platform for Expression
Bad Bunny addressed the anticipation surrounding his performance in a press conference, stating his intention to deliver a “huge party” that showcases his culture. He also playfully acknowledged the increased interest in learning Spanish, following a similar moment after his Saturday Night Live monologue, where he quipped, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.” Since then, there has been an uptick in social media posts about learning Spanish, and Duolingo launched a “Bad Bunny 101” course.
Beyond the Halftime Show
This year’s Super Bowl will also feature commercials starring A-listers like Sabrina Carpenter, Ben Affleck, and Lady Gaga, as well as emerging stars like MrBeast and Addison Rae. The event will also showcase the first mainly AI-generated ad, courtesy of Svedka vodka, and a campaign from Anthropic’s Claude AI assistant targeting OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Notably, Donald Trump will not be attending, citing the distance of the venue in Santa Clara, California, and expressing disapproval of Bad Bunny and Green Day’s performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did Bad Bunny win recently?
Bad Bunny won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for his 2025 album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
What was Bad Bunny’s response to concerns about ICE presence at his concerts?
Bad Bunny decided against bringing his 30-night concert residency from San Juan to the US due to concerns about the potential presence of ICE outside his concerts.
What did the NFL commissioner say about Bad Bunny’s booking?
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called Bad Bunny “one of the greatest artists in the world” and stated that he understood the platform he was on, defending the booking.
As Bad Bunny prepares to perform on the biggest stage in American football, it remains to be seen how he will utilize this platform – will his performance be a celebration of culture, a statement of solidarity, or simply a party for the fans?