Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Sets Viewership Record as NFL Expands Latin American Reach

Key facts

• Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a six-time Grammy winner and 16-time Billboard Music Award winner.
• His Super Bowl 60 halftime show at Levi’s Stadium was the first all-Spanish set in Super Bowl history.
• Bad Bunny’s halftime show set a new viewership record.
• He wore a custom Zara jersey with the number 64 to honor a close relative during the performance.
• Bad Bunny’s sixth studio album ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’ was released in early 2025 and earned him three Grammys in 2026.
• He appeared at the 2026 Met Gala on May 4 aged 53 years with white hair and a cane, calling it a chance to ‘express yourself in a different way.’
• The NFL and Roc Nation faced backlash over Bad Bunny’s selection due to his history of political comments.
• Bad Bunny has 113 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and is the first non-English-language act to be Spotify’s most streamed artist of the year.

A Historic Halftime Show Draws Record Eyes

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 60 halftime performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara became the most-watched in the event’s history, Jay-Z’s entertainment company. The all-Spanish set marked a first for the Super Bowl, drawing massive global interest and reinforcing the NFL’s push into Latin American markets. Commissioner Roger Goodell has openly sought to expand the league’s footprint in Latin America, and sources said the risky choice of Bad Bunny was a calculated business decision.

Controversy and Backlash Before the Big Game

The selection of Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, did not come without controversy. Critics pointed to his history of political comments, and some fans on social media expressed discontent with an English-only backlash. The NFL and Roc Nation held firm despite the criticism, betting on the artist’s global appeal. The decision also stirred debate among U.S. audiences, with a Blabbertok debate over American values erupting after the show.

A Star’s Rise: From Puerto Rico to Global Icon

Bad Bunny first gained traction in the United States in 2018 with a feature on Cardi B’s hit ‘I Like It’ and solidified his status with the 2020 album ‘YHLQMDLG.’ Known as the ‘King of Latin Trap,’ he has since amassed 113 Billboard Hot 100 entries and become the first non-English-language act to be Spotify’s most streamed artist of the year. His sixth studio album, ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos,’ released in early 2025, powered him to three Grammy Awards at the 2026 ceremony, held just one week before Super Bowl 60.

The Met Gala Transformation and Acting Ventures

On May 4, 2026, Bad Bunny arrived at the Met Gala unrecognizable, having artificially aged himself 53 years with white hair and wrinkle makeup. Dressed in an all-black suit with a large bow and carrying a cane, he told Vogue co-host La La Anthony, ‘It’s getting a part of my life, trying to do something different. This day of the Met is a perfect day to explore and be creative and express yourself in a different way.’ Beyond music, he is set to star in a film about Puerto Rico directed by Residente, following acting roles in ‘Bullet Train’ and ‘Happy Gilmore 2.’ He has also hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ twice.

Social Media Stunts and Personal Tributes

In the weeks following the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny wiped his Instagram account clean before returning with a new photo. He also revealed that the number 64 on his custom Zara jersey during the halftime show was a tribute to a close relative. Meanwhile, a curious TikTok glitch caused thousands of users to discover they had supposedly blocked the superstar without ever visiting his profile, just before the Super Bowl. The incident added to the whirlwind of online chatter surrounding the artist.

Celebrity Cameos and a Wedding on Stage

Bad Bunny’s halftime show featured a casita set where celebrities including Jessica Alba, Alix Earle, Pedro Pascal, and Cardi B made appearances. In a memorable moment, a couple got legally married during the performance. Lady Gaga also joined the star on stage, adding to the spectacle. The show’s guest list underscored Bad Bunny’s crossover appeal, drawing A-listers from film, television, and music.

What Comes Next: Touring and Continued Influence

Bad Bunny’s Most Wanted Tour is set to hit Chicago’s United Center in 2025, promising a night of reggaeton, trap, and global hits. With a record-breaking streak on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart—where ‘DtMF’ earned the longest reign ever—and a string of high-profile appearances, the artist shows no signs of slowing down. The NFL’s bet on him appears to have paid off, as the league eyes further expansion into Latin America, while Bad Bunny continues to redefine the boundaries of Latin music on the world stage.

The bottom line

• Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 60 halftime show set a viewership record, validating the NFL’s risky choice and its Latin America expansion strategy.
• The all-Spanish performance sparked a debate over American values but solidified Bad Bunny’s status as a global crossover star.
• His Met Gala 2026 look—aging himself 53 years—demonstrated his commitment to artistic expression and surprise.
• With three Grammy wins in 2026 and a historic Billboard Hot Latin Songs record, Bad Bunny’s influence continues to grow.
• The artist’s upcoming film about Puerto Rico, directed by Residente, signals a deepening of his involvement in storytelling beyond music.
• Bad Bunny’s ability to draw celebrity cameos and even a wedding on stage highlights his unique cultural pull.