Bad Bunny Previews Super Bowl Halftime Show with Focus on Music and Celebration
In San Francisco, just three days before his highly anticipated Super Bowl LX halftime performance, global music sensation Bad Bunny took the stage at a press conference to discuss the celebratory party he plans to bring to Levi's Stadium on Sunday. Notably absent from his remarks were any mentions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or former President Donald Trump, topics that have previously surrounded the artist.
A Press Conference Focused on Art and Family
The conference room was packed with international media who waited two hours to hear from the superstar. Bad Bunny fielded questions exclusively from two Apple Music representatives and a trio of junior reporters, keeping the discussion centered on his music, family life, and the challenge of balancing an ongoing tour with preparations for the halftime show.
"To be honest, there's a lot," he admitted on Thursday. "I'm still in the middle of my tour. I just was at the Grammys last week. All that, I mean, I've been working on this show, on what we're gonna do next Sunday, so it's been a lot."
He continued, expressing gratitude: "But, of course, there's a lot of grateful and agradecimiento (gratitude). It's how I've been feeling this whole year with the album. The biggest feeling is being grateful. I'm happy but I'm just processing and taking one day at a time and just living, you know what I mean? So, I'm excited about this performance."
Background and Controversy
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, was announced as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LX in September. This decision drew criticism from figures like former President Trump, who labeled the choice "absolutely ridiculous" in an interview with Newsmax. However, the NFL defended its selection, with Commissioner Roger Goodell stating during his annual Super Bowl press conference that Bad Bunny is "one of the greatest artists in the world." This endorsement came shortly after the Puerto Rican artist won three Grammy awards, including Album of the Year.
Known for his outspoken stance against ICE, Bad Bunny has kept his tour outside the United States and declared "ICE out" while accepting his Grammy. This history fueled speculation about potential political statements during the halftime show, but at Thursday's event, he kept the focus squarely on the performance itself.
What to Expect from the Halftime Show
When asked about special guests, Bad Bunny remained coy, but he promised a vibrant celebration. "I just want people to have fun," he said. "There is going to be a huge party, it is going to be what people always can expect from me. Of course, a lot of my culture, but I really don't want to give any spoilers. It is going to be fun and it is not going to be hard. It is going to be easy and people only have to worry about dance."
For those unfamiliar with his Spanish lyrics, he offered reassurance: "I know that I told them that they had four months to learn Spanish. They don't even have to learn Spanish. It is better if they learn to dance, but I think (there is no) better dance than the one that comes from the heart. The heartbeat dance, that is the only thing that they need to worry about and have fun and enjoy."
A Return to the Super Bowl Stage
This will mark Bad Bunny's second appearance on the Super Bowl halftime stage, following a guest spot six years ago during the Super Bowl LIV show featuring Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. This time, he headlines as one of the world's biggest music stars. Since 2019, he has consistently ranked among the top-five most-streamed artists on Spotify, leading the platform in streams for 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Reflecting on the pressure, Bad Bunny shared that he often wakes up at night thinking about the show, but he aims to stay grounded. "I want to think that it's just... 13 minutes of doing something that I love, that I like. And it's just like that. I'm trying to enjoy it and I know that I'm gonna have fun," he said. "Just enjoy the moment, enjoy ... what's happening, what I'm doing."
When a junior reporter asked what he would be doing if not for music, Bad Bunny smiled and quipped, "Watching the Super Bowl at home?"—a lighthearted moment that underscored his focus on the upcoming celebration rather than political divides.
