Revealed: Who Is Performing The Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show And The Shocking List Of Artists They Beat Out
The mystery is officially over: The headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show has been confirmed, marking a historic moment for the biggest stage in music. As of today, December 10, 2025, global superstar and Latin music icon Bad Bunny has been announced as the performer who will take the stage on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This news puts an end to months of intense speculation and betting market frenzy that saw major artists like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus dominating the conversation.
The selection of the Puerto Rican artist, known for shattering streaming records and dominating charts worldwide, signals a powerful cultural statement by the NFL and Roc Nation, the show's producers. The performance will be a landmark event, not just for the Bay Area host city, but for Latin music’s growing influence on global pop culture, promising a high-energy set that spans reggaeton, Latin trap, and global pop hits.
The Confirmed Headliner: Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio)
The announcement of Bad Bunny (real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) as the headliner for Super Bowl LX is a watershed moment. He is set to become the first solo Latin artist in history to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show, following the precedent set by artists like Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and The Weeknd.
Bad Bunny: Biography and Career Profile
- Full Name: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio
- Born: March 10, 1994 (Age 31 in Feb 2026)
- Hometown: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
- Genre: Latin Trap, Reggaeton, Hip Hop
- Notable Albums: X 100pre (2018), YHLQMDLG (2020), El Último Tour Del Mundo (2020), Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (2023)
- Key Achievements: Multiple Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards, first non-English-language artist to be Spotify's most-streamed artist of the year (three consecutive years), and a major headliner at Coachella and other global festivals.
- Super Bowl LX Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Venue: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Bad Bunny's immense global appeal and commercial dominance made him an undeniable choice. His music consistently breaks language barriers, and his 2022 album, Un Verano Sin Ti, broke numerous streaming records, solidifying his status as a cultural phenomenon.
Predicted Setlist and Potential Special Guests
A Bad Bunny Halftime Show will be a celebration of contemporary Latin music and his diverse catalog. The 13-minute set is expected to feature a whirlwind of his biggest hits, ensuring maximum energy and audience engagement.
Must-Play Hits (LSI Entities):
- “Tití Me Preguntó” (A global smash from Un Verano Sin Ti)
- “Me Porto Bonito” (A high-energy reggaeton track)
- “Dakiti” (An early career defining hit)
- “La Canción” (A reflective collaboration with J Balvin)
- "MIA" (Collaboration with Drake, a potential crossover moment)
- "Yonaguni" (A fan favorite showcasing his softer side)
The Halftime Show is famous for its surprise guests, and Bad Bunny has a long list of high-profile collaborators. The most likely special guests to join him on stage at Levi's Stadium include:
- J Balvin: A frequent collaborator, especially on the album Oasis.
- Cardi B: Their collaboration on "I Like It" would be a massive, high-energy moment.
- Daddy Yankee: The "King of Reggaeton" would provide a legendary nod to the genre's history.
- Drake: A major crossover possibility given their history and Drake's own superstardom.
The Artists Bad Bunny Beat Out: Why The Rumors Persisted
Despite the official announcement, betting odds and fan speculation for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show persisted for months, creating a dynamic of intense curiosity. The persistent favorite in these markets was a major pop icon, while other legends and local heroes were also in contention.
Taylor Swift: The Undeniable Top Favorite (Before Announcement)
For months, Taylor Swift was the overwhelming favorite in prediction markets, with odds as high as 45%. The speculation was driven by several key factors:
- The Eras Tour: Her historic, record-breaking tour solidified her position as the single biggest artist in the world, making the Super Bowl the only stage she had yet to conquer.
- NFL Connection: Her high-profile relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce dramatically increased her visibility within the NFL ecosystem, sparking massive media interest.
- Apple Music Deal: The end of her long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola (a Pepsi Halftime Show sponsor) and the new sponsorship with Apple Music removed a major contractual barrier.
However, reports circulated that Swift either turned down the offer or was unable to fit it into her demanding global touring schedule, paving the way for the new headliner.
Miley Cyrus: The Dark Horse and Bay Area Contender
Miley Cyrus was another strong contender, frequently listed alongside Swift and Dua Lipa in betting odds. Her recent artistic evolution, blending pop with rock and roll, and her massive 2023 hit "Flowers," made her a prime candidate for a high-impact, visually dynamic Halftime Show. Furthermore, her ability to bridge multiple generations—from her Hannah Montana days to her current rock star persona—offered a unique appeal to the broad Super Bowl audience.
Local Legends and Other Global Superstars
The Bay Area location of Levi's Stadium always fuels speculation for local artists. While not headliners, the potential for a guest appearance from a Bay Area legend like Metallica or Green Day remains high, especially given the stadium's proximity to San Francisco.
Other global artists who were heavily favored in the betting and fan polls included:
- Dua Lipa: Known for her disco-pop revival and high-energy choreography, she was a popular modern choice.
- Jay-Z: While his company Roc Nation produces the show, his name consistently appeared as a potential performer, either solo or as a guest, given his legendary status.
- Justin Bieber: Following a period of renewed musical activity, the pop icon was a strong candidate for a massive comeback performance.
Super Bowl LX: The Event Details
The Super Bowl LX Halftime Show is set to be one of the most-watched television events of 2026, building on the momentum of recent, critically acclaimed performances.
Date, Location, and Broadcast
Super Bowl LX, which marks the 60th anniversary of the NFL's championship game, will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The game will be held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the home of the San Francisco 49ers. This marks the second time Levi's Stadium has hosted the event, following Super Bowl 50 in 2016.
The game and the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show will be televised nationally in the United States by NBC and streamed on Peacock.
The Significance of Bad Bunny's Selection
Bad Bunny's confirmed role is a massive win for the global music market. His performance is expected to draw a record number of international viewers, especially from Latin America and Spanish-speaking communities worldwide. The selection of a Latin trap artist demonstrates the NFL's commitment to cultural diversity and tapping into the massive international fanbase of modern music. It promises a show that will be vibrant, culturally rich, and unlike any Halftime Show before it.
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