Bad Bunny Claps Back at Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Backlash During ‘Saturday Night Live’ Monologue
Bad Bunny isn’t letting his critics get the best of him.
The “Baile Inolvidable” singer spoke out following criticism of his upcoming performance at the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show during the season 51 premiere of Saturday Night Live Oct. 4, where he served as host.
“I’m very happy,” he said during his opening monologue, “and I think everyone is happy about it—even Fox News.”
The sketch comedy series then showed a clip montage featuring news coverage of the 31-year-old’s halftime slot, which was edited to say, “Bad Bunny is my favorite musician and he should be the next president.”
Bad Bunny went on to say that “people all around the world who love my music” were looking forward to the Feb. 8 performance, adding in Spanish, “Especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the world here in the United States who have worked to open doors. It’s more than a win for myself, it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”
“If you didn’t understand what I just said,” he concluded, “You have four months to learn.”
As for what fans can expect from the musician (born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) during his halftime set, he previously promised fans they won’t be disappointed come showtime.
Will Heath/NBC
“I’m always doing everything with purpose and of course everywhere I go, I always represent and I always put my country, my music,” he told Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden during Apple Music’s Halftime Headliner Special Sept. 29. “I really am figuring out yet what I’m going to do on this show. But it’s going to be good.”
After all, Bad Bunny feels his best work is still to come.
“I’m always doing my best and working with so much passion,” he continued. “And also, I’m still working. I’m a rookie. I’m still hungry to conquer and to show what I can do.”
Keep scrolling for a look back at some of the best Super Bowl Halftime Show performances of years past…
Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
2025
Not only did Kendrick Lamar deliver a poignant performance filled with symbolism about the racial and political divide in America, but he also managed to sneak in a few digs at Drake amid their heated feud.
L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
2024
Usher gave an OMG-worthy performance, with Alicia Keys, will.i.am, Lil Jon, Ludacris and H.E.R. making special appearances.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
2023
Rihanna’s red hot performance also served as her announcement for her pregnancy with baby No. 2.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
2020
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira made history with their performance at the 2020 Super Bowl, becoming the first two Latinas to lead a halftime performance. Lopez even had the chance the share a sweet moment on the stage with her child, Emme, performing together in front of the large crowd.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
2017
Lady Gaga made quite the impression at the when she dropped in from the sky at the NRG Stadium in Houston. Complete with pyrotechnics and multiple costume changes, the performance featured electric renditions of her hits “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” “Telephone,” “Just Dance,” “Million Reasons” and “Bad Romance.”
Rob Carr/Getty Images
2015
Katy Perry attracted the largest audience in the history of Super Bowl halftime shows with a powerhouse medley that included “Roar,” “Teenage Dream” and “Firework” with appearances from Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
2014
Joined by special guests The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bruno Mars brought the funk to Super Bowl XLVIII with smash hits like “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Just the Way You Are.”
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
2013
Beyoncé reunited with Destiny’s Child band members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for a sizzling group performance during her headliner set.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
2012
Madonna‘s powerhouse performance (including her hits “Give Me All Your Luvin,” “Vogue,” “Like a Prayer” and more) was almost upstaged my M.I.A.’s middle finger. Almost.
Kevin Mazur/Wireimage
2011
The Black Eyed Peas had a tough act to follow after The Who killed it in 2010. But the Grammy-winning group brought down the house during the Super Bowl XLV halftime show with their hits “I Gotta Feeling,” “Boom Boom Pow” and “Let’s Get It Started.”
Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images
2010
The Who‘s lead singer Roger Daltrey and lead guitarist Pete Townshend added some serious rock n’ roll to Super Bowl XLIV.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
2009
Jennifer Hudson belted out the National Anthem like only a Dreamgirl could at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa.
Theo Wargo/WireImage
2007
From “Purple Rain” to “Let’s Go Crazy,” Prince brought the party to Florida during Super Bowl XLI.
Michael Zagaris/Getty Images
2006
The Rolling Stones were dishing out plenty of satisfaction during the Super Bowl XL halftime show with their classic rock hits “Start Me Up,” “Rough Justice” and “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.”
Michael Zagaris/Getty Images
2005
Paul McCartney rocked out during the Super Bowl XXXIX halftime show, playing a medley of songs including “Live and Let Die” and the Beatles hit “Hey Jude.”
Al Bello/Getty Images
2003
No doubt Super Bowl XXXVII’s halftime show was going to be a hit when Gwen Stefani joined Sting onstage for a duet of “Message in a Bottle.”
KMazur/WireImage
2003
Beyoncé is no stranger to the big game. She got her Latin flare on with Carlos Santana during the Super Bowl XXXVII pregame show and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXXVIII the following year.
KMazur/WireImage
2002
Bono and the boys performed three of their hit songs when U2 hit the stage for a special 9/11 tribute performance during Super Bowl XXXVI.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
2001
Rock gods met pop superstars midgame at Super Bowl XXXV when Aerosmith was joined by *NSync, Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige for a star-studded halftime performance of “Walk This Way.”
KMazur/WireImage
2001
Super Bowl XXXV began in true boy-band fashion with a Backstreet Boys rendition of the national anthem.
Brian Bahr / Getty Images
2000
Phil Collins delivered with his performance of “Two Worlds” during Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta.
Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives
2000
Christina Aguilera and Enrique Iglesias helped entertain millions of fans with their performance of “Celebrate The Future Hand in Hand.”
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