Bad Bunny headlined the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show last night at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, delivering a historic performance featuring surprise appearances by Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Pedro Pascal, and Jessica Alba.
The Puerto Rican megastar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, became the first male solo Latin artist to perform the halftime show, as well as the first to perform their set entirely in Spanish.
His performance took place a week after his latest album, Debí Tirar Más Foto,s became the first Spanish-language record to win Album of the Year at the Grammys.
Accepting the prize, Bad Bunny denounced President Donald Trump’s administration for its expansion of immigration arrests, and said: “ICE out.”
Trump previously claimed he wouldn’t watch the Super Bowl, as he disapproves of Bad Bunny and Green Day, who performed before kick-off. However, on the night, the president said the halftime show was “an affront to the Greatness of America” in a lengthy post on Truth Social.
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Super Bowl 2026 - key points
- PHOTOS: Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show
- Trump weighs in on Bad Bunny's halftime show performance
- Bad Bunny’s key symbols to watch for in his Super Bowl halftime show, and what they mean
- The message on Bad Bunny's football
- What did Green Day say during their set?
Did you catch Charlie Puth's much-loved pre-game performance?
21:00 , Inga ParkelBefore the championship game’s kickoff, pop star Charlie Puth took the field to perform the national anthem.
His arrangement, which he had previously teased would be “special,” featured a jazzy flair.
Puth, playing a keyboard and singing, was joined by an orchestra and choir.
His flawless performance silenced critics who had initially expressed skepticism about his vocal talents.
Read more:
Charlie Puth silences critics with ‘flawless’ Super Bowl national anthem performance
Pop star previously promised his arrangement would be ‘one of my best vocal performances’
Why was Alix Earle included in halftime show?
20:30 , Inga ParkelBad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance was filled with well-known faces, from Ricky Martin to Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal. However, many viewers were shocked to see podcaster and social media personality Alix Earle dancing in the background.
So why was the 25-year-old included?
Read more:
The influencer was one of the many cameos made during Sunday’s halftime show
Thousands of anti-ICE towels were handed out during show: report
20:00 , Carsen HoladayMore than 25,000 Super Bowl attendees received a rally towel featuring a bunny punting a football inside a block of ice with the message “ICE OUT” on it, according to SFGate.
About 50 activists with Contra-ICE handed out the towels ahead of Bad Bunny’s halftime show Sunday.
Thousands of Bad Bunny-themed anti-ICE towels were handed out at Super Bowl: report
Luis Fonsi celebrates Bad Bunny
19:32 , Carsen HoladayPuerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi shared a heartfelt message in Spanish to Bad Bunny after his Super Bowl halftime show performance.
“Dear Benito, what you did for Puerto Rico today is unprecedented,” Fonsi wrote on X, along with a video of the two performers hugging after the show.
“Many saw a halftime show by a Latino, we saw someone shouting out who we are: joy, resilience, strength, music and unity.”
He continued: “Today I danced with you, I sang with you and I also cried. Today you won the Super Bowl, we won it with you and your message reached those who don’t want to hear it.”
“What Boricua pride. We’re América together. It can’t be said any louder or any clearer. Bravo. THANK YOU,” he continued.
Setlist in full
19:00 , Carsen HoladayThe following songs were performed during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show:
- “Tití Me Preguntó”
- “Yo Perreo Sola”
- “SaFaeRa”
- “Party”
- “VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR”
- “EoO”
- “MONACO”
- “Die With A Smile” (Lady Gaga)
- “BAILE INoLVIDABLE”
- “NUEVAYoL”
- “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” (Ricky Martin)
- “El Apagón”
- “CAFÉ CON RON”
- “DtMF”
Jon Hamm was in attendance at the halftime show
18:28 , Carsen HoladayJon Hamm, who has previously shared his love for Bad Bunny, was in attendance during Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime show.
The Mad Men actor was seen dancing on the field as he watched the rapper perform.
Read more here:
Meghan McCain weighs in
18:00 , Carsen HoladayTV personality Meghan McCain has spoken out about the divide in options over Bad Bunny’s halftime show.
“And everything in life doesn’t have to be ruined with politics,” she wrote.
I’m sorry but I just genuinely question your taste level if you didn’t enjoy the Bad Bunny halftime show.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) February 9, 2026
And everything in life doesn’t have to be ruined with politics.
Ice T shows support for Bad Bunny
17:45 , Carsen HoladayActor-rapper Ice T has shown support for Bad Bunny after his performance.
“Bad Bunny was dope at the Supebowl last night.. And I don’t give a F how you feel about it,” Ice T wrote.
Bad Bunny was dope at the Supebowl last night.. And I don’t give a F how you feel about it. 💥
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) February 9, 2026
How much were the trees paid?
17:32 , Carsen HoladayThe people who were in the bushes during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance were paid $18.70 per hour, according to a report by CLLCT Media’s Darren Rovell.
Rovell said that the tree performers worked 70 hours after game day and eight days of rehearsals, bringing their total pay to $1,309.
AOC calls out Jake Paul
17:14 , Carsen HoladayCongresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called out Jake Paul for criticizing Bad Bunny as a “fake American citizen.”
“Didn’t you MOVE to Puerto Rico to avoid paying your taxes while kids across America go hungry?” AOC wrote on X.
“Meanwhile Benito actually funds low income kids’ access to arts and sports programs, while you defund them. Of course you’re mad. He makes you look small.”
'What happened on my Twitter last night?'
17:02 , Carsen HoladayJake Paul has joked that he does not remember criticizing Bad Bunny after his Super Bowl performance.
Guys i love bad bunny idk what happened on my twitter last night ?? wtf
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 9, 2026
Jake Paul backtracks on Bad Bunny criticism
16:34 , Carsen HoladayJake Paul has backtracked on his claims that Bad Bunny is a “fake American citizen” after his brother, Logan Paul, called him out for the offensive comments.
To clarify: I wasn’t calling anyone a “fake citizen” because they’re from Puerto Rico. I live in Puerto Rico, and I love Puerto Rico. I have used my platform to support Puerto Rico time and time again and will always do so.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 9, 2026
But if you’re publicly criticizing ICE who are doing…
Majority of Americans chose to watch Bad Bunny instead of alternative halftime show
16:00 , Carsen HoladayThe majority of Americans opted to watch Bad Bunny’s half-time performance instead of conservative group Turning Point USA’s “All-American” Super Bowl show, which streamed live at the same time as the official show.
Frank Luntz, a veteran political consultant and pollster, said that TPUSA’s halftime show drew “more than five million” viewers, but The New York Times reports that 6.1 million people opted to watch the event, which was streamed on YouTube.
Read more:
Turning Point USA Super Bowl halftime show viewing figures revealed
Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton seen together
15:30 , Carsen HoladayFrom Bad Bunny’s halftime show to the big game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, there was a lot to watch on the field at Levi’s Stadium Sunday night — but there were also some big moves happening in the audience.
Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton made their first public outing together at the game, fueling online rumors about them dating.
Bad Bunny wipes out his Instagram page
14:56 , Carsen HoladayHours after his historic Super Bowl halftime show performance, Bad Bunny removed all pictures from his Instagram page — including his profile picture.
He also unfollowed everyone, though he still has over 50 million followers. The only thing left on his page is a link to his latest album.
The clean slate has left fans speculating about the rapper’s next move.
'I wouldn't miss it for the world'
14:29 , Carsen HoladayLady Gaga took to Instagram after the performance to share how honored she felt to join Bad Bunny during his monumental halftime show.
“It was my absolute honor to be a part of Benito’s halftime show,” Gaga wrote, sharing a video of her dancing with the rapper.
“Thank you Benito for inviting me and thank you to the entire cast for welcoming me onto your stage. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Boy in halftime show thanks Bad Bunny
14:14 , Carsen HoladayLincoln Fox, the five-year-old boy who was handed the Grammy during Bad Bunny’s halftime show, shared a message of gratitude on his social media account.
“I’ll remember this day forever!” a message shared on Lincoln’s Instagram page said, along with a video of his family reacting to the halftime show.
“It was my truest honor,” the caption read.
Who was the little boy in the halftime show?
13:43 , Carsen HoladayDuring Bad Bunny’s halftime show, a young boy was shown sitting on a couch with his family, watching a TV showing the moment Bad Bunny won the Grammy a week earlier.
Bad Bunny then appeared on the set and handed the trophy to the boy as he smiled.
Although online speculation initially wondered if the boy was Liam Conejo Ramos, whose now-viral image showed him detained in the snow as federal officers arrested his father in Minneapolis, a representative for Bad Bunny clarified that the boy was a child actor.
Read more:
Boy in Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show identified – and he wasn’t taken by ICE
All of the guest stars in Bad Bunny's performance
13:30 , Carsen HoladayBad Bunny’s heartfelt Super Bowl performance was filled with blink-and-you-miss-it cameos, so here’s a round-up of the guest stars, including the ones you might not have caught:
- Lady Gaga
- Ricky Martin
- Karol G
- Cardi B
- Alix Earle
- Jessica Alba
- Pedro Pascal
- Young Miko
Yes, a couple actually got married during Bad Bunny's performance
12:53 , Ellie MuirThe performance began with the Grammy winner standing amid a high-grass set evoking that of his Puerto Rico residency, featuring a barber shop, liquor store, and the iconic “casita” — the small house where he regularly hosted celebrity guests.
At one point, the camera panned to a large stage featuring a wedding party, with a bride and groom standing before a justice of the peace. The official appeared to pronounce them married, prompting fans to quickly question whether the ceremony was real.
Read more here:
Couple gets married in the middle of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show
Logan Paul calls out his brother’s Bad Bunny criticism
12:01 , Ellie MuirLogan Paul has called out his brother, Jake, after the boxer claimed Super Bowl headliner Bad Bunny was a “fake American citizen performing who publicly hates America.”
Jake said on X that he was turning off the halftime show and urged viewers to do the same.
However, Logan profoundly disagreed with his brother, stating: “Puerto Ricans are Americans and I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island.”
Read more here:
Logan Paul calls out his brother’s Bad Bunny criticism: ‘Puerto Ricans are Americans’
Charlie Puth silences critics with ‘flawless’ Super Bowl national anthem performance
11:13 , Jacob StolworthyHere’s a report on Charlie Puth’s national anthem performance and how people reacted:
Charlie Puth shocks viewers with Super Bowl national anthem performance
Adam Sandler praises Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance
11:00 , Jacob StolworthyAdam Sandler is proud of his Happy Gilmore 2 co-star Bad Bunny.
The actor said after his halftime performance: "He was unbelievable, Loose, happy, made everybody ecstatic. Congrats to the Bunny. He's a great human being."
Adam Sandler praised Bad Bunny after his historic Super Bowl performance. pic.twitter.com/BkjxbuoPqr
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 9, 2026
Full list of songs and celebrity appearances
10:30 , Jacob StolworthyThe Independent has recapped all the celebrity cameos you might have missed – from Pedro Pascal to Jessica Alba – in Bad Bunny’s halftime show. Plus, his setlist in full.
All the songs and celebrity guests featured in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show
The message on Bad Bunny’s football at the end of the halftime show
10:00 , Jacob StolworthyTowards the end of the set, the Puerto Rican star was handed a ball with the words “Together, we are America” written on it.
He then said “God bless America” before listing the names of every country in the Americas.
Read more:
Bad Bunny ends halftime show with a pan‑American call for unity
Trump slams halftime show
09:30 , Jacob StolworthyDonald Trump posted to his Truth Social account during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, calling it “one of the worst EVER”.
Bad Bunny’s meteoric rise
09:00 , Jacob StolworthyAfter making history at the Grammys, the Latin trap titan is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show this weekend. Kevin E G Perry reports.
Bad Bunny’s meteoric rise, from grocery store bagger to Super Bowl halftime headliner
ICYMI: Bad Bunny's sweet interaction with young fan
08:30 , Jacob StolworthyHeartfelt moment Bad Bunny gives his Grammy award to a young boy during 2026 Super Bowl Halftime performance
Trump party watched Bad Bunny on big screens
07:50 , Jacob StolworthyDespite all the bluster from Team Trump over Bad Bunny’s halftime show performance, they had his set showing on big screens at the president’s golf club Super Bowl party...
Footage from inside Trump’s golf club Super Bowl party reveals the Bad Bunny half time show played on the big screens.
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) February 9, 2026
What a bunch of hypocrites. pic.twitter.com/hF5scOGYek
Bad Bunny puts on 'effervescent' halftime show
07:00 , Inga ParkelIn a four-star review of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, The Independent’s Mark Beaumont found that the Puerto Rican trap superstar’s “wild, inclusive fiesta” was “Old America at its best.”
Read more:
The Latin trap king delivered an effervescent, field-wide montage of Puerto Rican culture
And the West Coast team reigns supreme
06:30 , Inga ParkelAgain, if anyone forgot that there was still a football game taking place during a Bad Bunny concert, it has since concluded with the West Coast team, the Seattle Seahawks, beating the New England Patriots 29-13.
Read more:
-and-defensive-end-Leonard-Williams-(99)-react-after-de.jpeg)
Seahawks secure Super Bowl glory after ferocious defense dominate Patriots
The Seahawks dominated with their defense, tormenting Patriots quarterback Drake Maye with six sacks, to land a second-ever title and gain revenge from a loss to New England 11 years ago
Most of the songs included in his groundbreaking halftime show were off his latest Grammy-winning album, DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS,” which translates to “I should have taken more photos.”
The deeply personal album highlights nostalgia and serves as a political tribute to Bad Bunny’s homeland, Puerto Rico. It celebrates the island’s rich culture, while also criticizing the country’s colonization and gentrification.
Yes, that indeed was a real-life wedding ceremony!
05:30 , Inga ParkelAt one point during the halftime show, the cameras panned to a couple surrounded by a wedding party and an officiant.
Variety has confirmed that the ceremony was indeed legit, and the real-life couple tied the knot in front of millions of viewers.
Read more:
Couple gets married in the middle of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show
Many viewers wondered if the wedding was real
WATCH: Heartfelt moment Bad Bunny gives grammy to young boy during 2026 Super Bowl Halftime performance
05:00 , Inga ParkelElmo shares a message with Bad Bunny
04:30 , Inga ParkelIconic Sesame Street character Elmo was similarly enamored of Bad Bunny’s showstopping performance.
“That Bunny was AMAZING. Elmo thinks he should be called Good Bunny! Elmo loves you, Mr. Good Bunny!” reads a post on Elmo’s X account.
That Bunny was AMAZING. Elmo thinks he should be called Good Bunny! Elmo loves you, Mr. Good Bunny! ❤️🎶🐰
— Elmo (@elmo) February 9, 2026
Ricky Martin thanks Bad Bunny for inviting him as a guest
04:00 , Inga ParkelFollowing his surprise cameo toward the end of Bad Bunny’s set, where he performed a cover of the rapper’s song “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,” fellow Puerto Rican star Ricky Martin thanked the Grammy-winner for inviting him to share the stage.
“They need to give me several hours to even begin processing the tsunami of emotions I’m feeling,” Martin, 54, wrote in Spanish on Instagram. “Gracias @sanbenito, gracias @ladygaga thank you @NFL, rocknations and @AppleMusic.”
Alongside his message, he included a picture of himself, Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga smiling off-set and a clip of Bad Bunny warmly embracing him.
Ben Stiller, Kacey Musgraves applaud Bad Bunny's performance
03:30 , Inga ParkelBoth Ben Stiller and country music star Kacey Musgraves were thoroughly impressed by Bad Bunny’s performance.
“Incredible Half time show Bad Bunny,” the Zoolander star, 60, wrote on X.
Incredible Half time show Bad Bunny
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 9, 2026
🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷
Meanwhile, despite what MAGA has said — that his Spanish-language show was un-American — Musgraves argued that it “made me feel more proudly American than anything Kid Rock has ever done.”
Well. That made me feel more proudly American than anything Kid Rock has ever done.
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) February 9, 2026
Bad Bunny's love letter to Puerto Rico
03:02 , Tom MurrayThe Independent’s music editor, Roisin O’Connor, has summed up Bad Bunny’s mesmerising performance at the Super Bowl.
“In a set spanning approximately 13 minutes, the rapper and singer born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio delivered an energetic and colourful set comprising some of his biggest hits, during which he was joined by surprise guests including Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.
“Jaw-dropping camera work and choreography followed Bad Bunny around a maze featuring dancers, actors and musicians, with cameos from stars such as Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal and Cardi B, the latter of whom collaborated with Bad Bunny on her 2018 hit “I Like It”. There were also plenty of nods to his Puerto Rican heritage and album artwork.”
Read more:
Bad Bunny delivers clear message for America with historic Super Bowl set
Some sports is also happening
02:32 , Tom MurrayFor those who got caught up in Benito Bowl, I’ve been reminded that a game of football is underway.
Our Sports Editor Jack Rathborn sums up how the game is going:
“This game is boiling down to the Patriots defense not just keeping their offense in this game, but ultimately they might need to do the scoring for them too.
“A 12-0 deficit, a pick or a forced fumble might lift the Pats? Maye is digging in, but there's no spark.
“Remember, there's never been a shutout in the Super Bowl, some unwanted history on the horizon unless the Pats come to life soon.”
Yes, that was a real couple getting married
02:28 , Tom MurrayAt one point during the halftime show, the camera panned to a large stage featuring a bride and groom standing before a justice of the peace. The official appeared to pronounce them married, prompting fans to quickly question whether the ceremony was real.
A representative for Bad Bunny has now confirmed that the couple really did tie the knot on stage.
Talk about a wedding party.
Read more:
Couple gets married in the middle of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show
The message on Bad Bunny’s football at the end of the halftime show
02:13 , Tom MurrayDid anyone catch what was on Bad Bunny’s football?
Towards the end of the set, the Puerto Rican star was handed a ball with the words “Together, we are America” written on it.
He then said “God bless America” before listing the names of every country in the Americas.
Read more:
Bad Bunny ends halftime show with a pan‑American call for unity
PHOTOS: Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show
01:55 , Roisin O'Connor
Reactions to Bad Bunny's halftime performance
01:42 , Roisin O'ConnorBad Bunny just broke Twitter bro😭😭😂
— stevekerrhater (@mgnetbller) February 9, 2026
Bad bunny def did this thing man loved this halftime show! And lady Gaga out of nowhere too! Last time she showed up patriots came back 28-3 just saying tho
— YosheSensei (@YosheSensei) February 9, 2026
Bad Bunny ended that so beautifully 🥹
— Key (@YaMomsAHo3) February 9, 2026
Bad Bunny is a generational performer.
— Aaron (@PhoggyThoughts) February 9, 2026
ver a gaga bailando salsa con bad bunny definitivamnete no estaba en mi bingo card 2026 pic.twitter.com/P1A8fIudGn
— ann (@analisissss) February 9, 2026
Bad Bunny was amazing!!! What a production! 😍
— kariLou 🇻🇪 (@karil0u) February 9, 2026
Crying a bit
01:35 , Roisin O'ConnorThat was so beautiful. Also, I called the last song. Perfect. Loved the guests. Tiny bit sad Cardi B didn’t do “I Like It” but I guess that would have required an English-language bit. Perfect as it was.
It's RICKY MARTIN
01:31 , Roisin O'ConnorI knew he’d turn up, there was no way Bad Bunny wasn’t bringing the OG out.
Thoughts so far on Bad Bunny's set
01:30 , Roisin O'ConnorThis is, essentially, exactly what I was expecting - a dazzling, colourful celebration of Latino culture, including Bad Bunny’s beloved Puerto Rico. I love the coordination, which must have taken so much rehearsal time - he’s commanding the stage and looks like he’s having so much fun too. Each tune melding seamlessly into the next. Just wow.
Lady Gaga is here!
01:27 , Roisin O'ConnorLady Gaga looks absolutely sensational, we have a full floor of dancers, as she performs her Bruno Mars collab with some added heat: “Die with a Smile.”
Let's gooooo 'Eoo'
01:26 , Roisin O'ConnorThis is absolutely PHENOMENAL. Cameos from Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Jessica Alba... and here’s ‘Monaco’!
Bad Bunny opens with Titi Me Pregunto!
01:23 , Roisin O'ConnorAbsolutely gorgeous set, incredibly immersive camera work as well as Bad Bunny moves around a maze filled with dancers and actors.
Bad Bunny’s key symbols to watch for in his Super Bowl halftime show, and what they mean
01:20 , Roisin O'Connor
Bad Bunny’s key symbols to watch for in his Super Bowl halftime show
Bad Bunny's set is being brought onto the field
01:13 , Roisin O'ConnorI see grass... can anyone see a casita?
Game analysis: a woeful performance from the Patriots
01:13 , Jack RathbornSeattle up 9-0 in a defensive battle, the Patriots are fortunate to be down just 9-0, it's been a woeful performance on offense. A long break, then, to refocus.
New England head coach Mike Vrabel: "We have to do a much better job, our defense has done a great job to restrict them to field goals, we'll settle down. We've got to set a good edge.”
The Seattle defense is as advertised, a shutout first half for them, and a perfect platform to finish the job in the second half and clinch a second-ever title and first since 2013.
Inside Bad Bunny's unstoppable rise
01:05 , Roisin O'ConnorDonald Trump certainly knows about Bad Bunny now. In October last year, the president claimed he’d “never heard” of the trailblazing 31-year-old, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. As recently as 2016, Ocasio was working as a grocery store bagger in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, uploading tracks to SoundCloud between shifts. Today, the Puerto Rican star has made himself simply inescapable.
Kevin E G Perry reports:
Bad Bunny’s meteoric rise, from grocery store bagger to Super Bowl halftime headliner
Bad Bunny is on in TWO MINUTES
00:59 , Roisin O'ConnorIt's Bad Bunny time, let's gooooooooooo
What's going on with the Turning Point show?
00:56 , Roisin O'ConnorMy colleagues in the US are keeping an eye on that one so I don’t have to;
TPUSA halftime show latest: NFL legend says he’ll watch Kid Rock over Bad Bunny
Our setlist predictions for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 2026 halftime show
00:48 , Roisin O'ConnorIt’s almost time for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 2026 halftime performance, a reminder of the setlist we’re predicting....
Our setlist predictions for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 2026 halftime show
Latest game analysis: Nothing is working for the Patriots
00:43 , Jack RathbornThe frantic huddle on the Patriots touchline shows the urgency they have to switch up their woes on offense. Just down six, but nothing is working for the Pats and Maye is not even able to get out and use his legs as he was able to do in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Seattle, on offense, are leaning heavily on Ken Walker, with his sudden movement adding chunk yardage. Darnold is able to escape, too, with Walker spinning out and able to catch the ball. A pivotal player in this game, 6-0 does not reflect how well things are going for Seattle.
What did Green Day say during their set?
00:42 , Roisin O'ConnorUnsurprisingly, Green Day didn’t say anything too provocative during their set at the Super Bowl, but frontman Billie Joe Armstrong did take a few swipes at Trump and his administration on Friday night at a pre-Super Bowl party in San Francisco.
The band changed the lyrics of their song “Holiday” to, “The representative of Epstein’s Island now has the floor.”
Armstrong also addressed ICE agents while onstage, telling them to “quit your s****y job.”
Charlie Puth's national anthem comes in at 1.56 - I called it, spot on
00:35 , Roisin O'ConnorMy colleagues will attest to this, we were taking bets on whether Puth would go “under or over” the usual two-minute mark for his national anthem performance. I said 1.56 and... I was bang on! Unbelievable. For the record, I’ve never actually bet money on this kind of thing because it feels weirdly unethical, I’m just psychic at this point.
VIDEO: DC Studios releases Super Girl trailer during 2026 Super Bowl
00:30 , Roisin O'ConnorBad Bunny’s key symbols to watch for in his Super Bowl halftime show, and what they mean
00:24 , Roisin O'ConnorThe Puerto Rican singer will surprise audiences with a performance that will be a landmark moment for Latino culture
Bad Bunny’s key symbols to watch for in his Super Bowl halftime show
What to expect from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show
00:12 , Press AssociationSunday's show is expected to be a "huge party" infused with Puerto Rican culture and full of dancing.
The singer recently told Apple Music's Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden: "I just want people to have fun. It's gonna be a huge party. I want to bring that to the stage, a lot of my culture.
"People only have to worry about dancing. I know I told people they had a month to learn Spanish, but they don't even need to do that! It's better that they learn to dance. There's no better dance than the one that comes from the heart."
It is also expected that he will make some form of political statement following his call for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) officers to leave cities alone and opt for love during his Grammy acceptance speech last week.
Ice officers have been sent to US cities as part of Mr Trump's mass deportation initiative, and have come under strong criticism over their aggressive approach, most notably in Minnesota and Minneapolis, where about 2,000 federal agents have been deployed.
Most recently, Ice agents fatally shot two people on the streets of Minneapolis: Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24.
Charlie Puth silences critics with ‘flawless’ Super Bowl national anthem performance
00:03 , Roisin O'ConnorHere’s a report from my colleague Inga on Charlie Puth’s national anthem performance and how people are reacting:
Charlie Puth silences critics with ‘flawless’ Super Bowl national anthem performance
VIDEO: Green Day performs hit song "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" at 2026 Super Bowl
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:50 , Roisin O'ConnorSome game analysis from an actual sport expert
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:48 , Roisin O'ConnorThanks to my colleague Jack Rathborn on the sports desk who explains:
Seattle with the ball first up, then, New England's priority to remain in contention this half. To be more specific, stop the run, Ken Walker is expected to rush plenty. And while Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the man to stop in the passing game, what an amazing second option Cooper Kupp has been for Sam Darnold, with all his experience and blocking ability.
Seattle are rightfully 4.5-point favourites, an opening score could put New England behind the eight ball early. A young quarterback in Maye will not want the added stress of chasing and keeping up if they fall behind.
The 10 best Super Bowl halftime show performances
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:48 , Roisin O'ConnorRanked!
The 10 best Super Bowl halftime show performances, from Rihanna to Kendrick Lamar
The 'All-American halftime show' just can't catch a break
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:42 , Roisin O'ConnorApparently Kid Rock’s gig, organised by right-wing organisation Turning Point USA, has been hit by licensing restrictions on X so they’re now telling anyone who wants to watch him sing (anyone?) to tune in on YouTube. But people in the comments section are complaining that the YouTube app isn’t working on their phones. Carnage.
VIDEO: Donald Trump shares his pick to win the 2026 Super Bowl
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:32 , Roisin O'ConnorCharlie Puth performs the national anthem
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:29 , Roisin O'ConnorOK, so he’s going with a soft lounge jazz version backed by a gospel choir and strings, while he plays the keyboard.
It’s very schmaltzy, almost like a Christmas song...
Brandi Carlile performs 'America the Beautiful'
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:26 , Roisin O'ConnorWonderful Brandi Carlile has one of the best voices out there, and she’s doing a lovely job of a very daunting task with a song that can prove tricky for even the most experienced of performers.
Bon Jovi introduces New England Patriots
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:25 , Roisin O'ConnorMy pal Jon Bon Jovi just announced the New England Patriots - for those asking why, he’s close mates with the team’s owner, Robert Kraft, as well as their former head coach Bill Belichick.
Bon Jovi appeared on my Good Vibrations podcast last year, in case you care to listen:
MAGA congressman Tim Burchett tells bizarre animal sex story when asked about Bad Bunny
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:25 , Roisin O'Connor
Rep. Tim Burchett tells bizarre sex story when asked about Bad Bunny Super Bowl show
Jon Bon Jovi announces the New England Patriots
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:21 , Roisin O'ConnorMy pal Jon Bon Jovi just announced the New England Patriots - for those asking why, he’s close mates with the team’s owner, Robert Kraft, as well as their former head coach Bill Belichick.
Bon Jovi appeared on my Good Vibrations podcast last year, in case you care to listen:
Bad Bunny’s key symbols to watch for in his Super Bowl halftime show, and what they mean
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:18 , Roisin O'ConnorBad Bunny’s key symbols to watch for in his Super Bowl halftime show
PHOTO: Green Day perform at the 2026 Super Bowl
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:12 , Roisin O'Connor
Logan Paul is charming as always when asked about the Super Bowl halftime show
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:08 , Roisin O'ConnorGreen Day open with 'Holiday' and 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams'
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:08 , Roisin O'ConnorCracking start from Billie Joe Armstrong’s band. ‘American Idiot’ going off.
Shakira and Katy Perry share messages for Bad Bunny ahead of Super Bowl halftime show
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:01 , Roisin O'Connor
Bad Bunny gets message from Super Bowl headlining legend ahead of halftime show
Jay-Z, Rumi and Blue Ivy are at the Super Bowl
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:00 , Roisin O'ConnorJAY-Z, Rumi, and Blue Ivy have arrived at the Super Bowl. 🏈❤️
— BEYONCÉ LEGION 𐚁 (@BeyLegion) February 8, 2026
pic.twitter.com/nPj9twMZXo
Not long until Green Day and Charlie Puth take to the stage
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:53 , Roisin O'ConnorGreen Day are up first, no doubt with a blistering performance of “American Idiot”, before Charlie Puth sings the US national anthem.
RFK Jr. details how Mike Tyson wound up in a Super Bowl ad talking about junk food addiction
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:48 , Roisin O'ConnorHere’s Josh Marcus reporting on the ad the health and human services secretary has called “the most important message in Super Bowl history”... but not everyone’s convinced with the “shaming” message.
RFK Jr. details how Mike Tyson wound up in a Super Bowl ad about junk food addiction
More mocking of the 'alternative' halftime show
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:47 , Roisin O'ConnorThis has tickled me.
The funniest part about the Turning Point halftime show is 90% of the fan base is going to be too old to figure out where to watch it and the other 10% are going to have to watch Kid Rock
— Imagine Dragons Hate Account. (@_21Average_) February 8, 2026
A reminder of the setlist I'm predicting
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:38 , Roisin O'ConnorI need a Cardi B and J Balvin guest appearance for “I Like It” plus Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Rosalia, Rauw Alejandro...
Also, this is the actual order of songs I think my perfect Bad Bunny setlist would be in:
- “EoO”
- “BAILE INoLVIDABLE”
- “Callaita”
- “Tití Me Preguntó”
- “VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR”
- “PERRO NEGRO”
- “El Apagón”
- “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii”
- “LA NOCHE DE ANOCHE”
- “NUEVAYoL”
- “LA MuDANZA”
- “La Santa”
- “Una Velita”
- “I Like It”
- “KLOuFRENS”
- “Si Veo a Tu Mamá”
- “DtMF”
Mack Hollins's get-up is causing a stir
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:31 , Roisin O'ConnorI thought this might be an ICE protest but my more sport-interested colleagues tell me Patriots WR Mack Hollins pulls this kind of stunt a lot. Like, sure pal, whatever makes you happy.
Patriots WR Mack Hollins shows up to #SuperBowlLX barefoot and in full restraints.pic.twitter.com/rZPytxdD2T
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 8, 2026
Bad Bunny’s meteoric rise: from grocery store bagger to Grammy awards and a Super Bowl stage MAGA can’t silence
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:22 , Roisin O'ConnorDonald Trump certainly knows about Bad Bunny now. In October last year, the president claimed he’d “never heard” of the trailblazing 31-year-old, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. As recently as 2016, Ocasio was working as a grocery store bagger in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, uploading tracks to SoundCloud between shifts. Today, the Puerto Rican star has made himself simply inescapable.
My colleague Kevin EG Perry traces how he got here:
Bad Bunny’s meteoric rise, from grocery store bagger to Super Bowl halftime headliner
Shakira also shares her support for Bad Bunny ahead of Benito Bowl
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:17 , Roisin O'Connor“Remembering our first performance together at the 2020 Super Bowl and wishing you, Benito, all the best tonight.”
Guest star rumours....
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:16 , Carsen HoladayLast year, Kendrick Lamar was joined onstage by several notable guests, including R&B singer SZA, to perform their collaborations on songs like “Luther” and “All the Stars.” He also had actor Samuel L. Jackson appear as “Uncle Sam” throughout the show, and tennis legend Serena Williams made a surprise on‑field cameo.
Rapper Cardi B is nearly guaranteed to join Bad Bunny on stage for their 2018 hit “I Like It,” and she’s definitely already attendance at the game to show support for her Patriots wide receiver boyfriend Stefon Diggs.
“I Like It” also features J Balvin, who said he will be in the crowd to support Bad Bunny during the show. J Balvin and Bad Bunny famously joined Shakira and Jennifer Lopez during their electric halftime performance in 2020, but J Balvin recently appeared to shoot down speculation that he will return to the stage in an interview with TMZ. He then said on the Grammys red carpet, “I just wish my boy to kill it, and destroy it... But I’ll be there, definitely, to support him.”
Other artists who are speculated to join Bad Bunny on stage include Rosalía, with whom he collaborated on their steamy duet “La Noche de Anoche,” and Daddy Yankee, who has appeared on several reggaeton songs with the singer. Ozuna, Ricky Martin, and Chenco Corleone have also all had their names thrown around as potential surprise guests.
Here's the LX Hammer Burger being sold at today's Super Bowl
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:13 , Roisin O'ConnorWe’re discussing this in the work Super Bowl chat and I just said it looks like an amputated foot.
Here it is, folks.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 8, 2026
The LX Hammer Burger.
It’s $180 at the Super Bowl today. @LevyRestaurants is making 200.
It’s a cheeseburger with braised bone-in beef shank, roasted mirepoix demi-glace, and Point Reyes bleu cheese fondue on baked brioche bun. pic.twitter.com/JgkPQwDerN
What Green Day has said about Trump and MAGA as they’re set to perform at Super Bowl
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:03 , Roisin O'ConnorGreen Day have never shied away from making political statements — and the outspoken rock band’s upcoming performance at this year’s Super Bowl is likely to be no exception.
This week, the NFL tapped the longtime Trump critics to perform a special 60th anniversary Super Bowl tribute during the game’s opening ceremony. The rock trio, comprised of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool, is expected to perform a handful of their best-known hits, while previous Super Bowl MVPs are welcomed onto the field.
My colleague Inga reports:
What Green Day has said about Trump and MAGA ahead of Super Bowl performance
Less love for Kid Rock's alternative Super Bowl halftime show
Sunday 8 February 2026 21:52 , Roisin O'ConnorSocial media has buzzing with mockery for the so-called “All-American halftime show” organised by right-wing political organisation Turning Point USA. They’ve certainly organised my idea of the lineup from hell: Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett. Talk about scraping the barrel.
One critic has labelled the event “Klanchella”.
Anyway, you can follow the latest updates on that debacle thanks to my colleagues in the States, who drew the short straw and get to liveblog that tonight instead of Bad Bunny.
TPUSA halftime show latest: NFL legend says he’ll watch Kid Rock over Bad Bunny
Kid Rock’s MAGA-friendly country music festival canceled in South Carolina after artists drop out
Sunday 8 February 2026 21:40 , Roisin O'ConnorKid Rock is one of the few singers performing at MAGA’s “All-American Halftime Show” tonight (your friendly reminder that Bad Bunny has American citizenship, as do all people born in Puerto Rico).
Anyway, it should be fine, it’s not like any other events he’s involved in are going wrong.
Kid Rock’s MAGA-friendly country music festival canceled in South Carolina
Halftime show alumnus Katy Perry shares her support for Bad Bunny
Sunday 8 February 2026 21:36 , Roisin O'ConnorPast headliner Katy Perry has championed Bad Bunny in a post to X:
you got this @sanbenito remind the world what the real American dream looks like 🏈♥️ #SuperBowlLX
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) February 8, 2026
VIDEO: Bad Bunny busks on New York subway
Sunday 8 February 2026 21:21 , Roisin O'ConnorWhat we said about Bad Bunny's latest album
Sunday 8 February 2026 21:16 , Roisin O'ConnorBad Bunny’s Grammy-winning Debí Tirar Más Fotos was in The Independent’s top five albums of the year in 2025, here’s what the brilliant Hannah Ewens had to say about it.
“Global domination had felt inevitable for years, and with this album the Puerto Rican superstar fully cemented himself as one of the biggest pop artists on the planet – all while singing primarily in Spanish. Debí Tirar Más Fotos (“I Should Have Taken More Photos”) is a soul-achingly vibrant fusion of reggaetón, plena and salsa, its gorgeous lyrics meditating on the fate of Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio’s homeland. From the juicy opener “NUEVAYoL” to the bittersweet ache of “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” Bad Bunny transports listeners into a sensual yet contemplative world where mind, body and soul feel simultaneously activated and alert.
“On “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” he looks back on a past relationship in which memories – especially of dancing – remain painfully vivid. “No, I can’t forget you / No, I can’t erase you / You taught me to love / You taught me to dance,” he sings, each line cutting a little deeper. Since its release in early January, the album’s atmospheric shifts – late-night regret, sun-drenched mornings, genre-blurring moods – have captured the hearts of millions. Between Bad Bunny’s latest and the success of Rosalía’s Lux, it’s clear that English-speaking mainstream listeners are more than ready to have their musical expectations chall
Kid Rock says Turning Point USA’s Super Bowl halftime show is for ‘underserved’ Americans
Sunday 8 February 2026 21:08 , Roisin O'Connor
Kid Rock says TPUSA’s Super Bowl halftime show is for ‘underserved’ Americans
What time are Green Day performing?
Sunday 8 February 2026 20:50 , Roisin O'ConnorDonald Trump’s favourite rock band (ha) are kicking off their performance at the opening ceremony at around 6.30pm ET / 3.30pm PT / 11.30pm GMT.
Billie Joe Armstrong’s band will likely perform a few of their biggest hits, no doubt “American Idiot” will be among them.
After that, Charlie Puth will perform the national anthem, “America the Beautiful”.
Will Bad Bunny's set be in Spanish?
Sunday 8 February 2026 20:42 , Roisin O'ConnorGiven that Bad Bunny's music is recorded in Spanish, yes! He might say a few words in English if he addresses his audience, but that’ll probably be it.
In October, Bad Bunny hosted Saturday Night Live and said a few sentences in Spanish during his opening monologue. When he concluded, he joked in English, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn,” a reference to the Super Bowl and his critics.
On Thursday this week, he joked that fans didn’t actually need to learn Spanish to enjoy his set — but said they should be prepared to dance. Let’s go!
Just back from my annual pre-Super Bowl nap
Sunday 8 February 2026 20:41 , Roisin O'ConnorEvery year I have a two or three-hour nap before logging back on, I’m always groggy but I think my tired brain is hoping I’m about to blog a live episode of Heated Rivalry (no, I won’t tell you how many times I’ve watched it by now). My neighbours are probably going to hear me shouting “KISS” at the TV every time there’s a touchdown.
The 10 best Super Bowl halftime show performances, from Rihanna to Kendrick Lamar
Sunday 8 February 2026 19:43 , Roisin O'ConnorThe 10 best Super Bowl halftime show performances, from Rihanna to Kendrick Lamar
VIDEO: Bad Bunny responds to people saying they need to learn Spanish before his Super Bowl halftime show
Sunday 8 February 2026 19:22 , Roisin O'ConnorClick here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
