Bad Bunny Makes History as Super Bowl Halftime Show Headliner

In a memorable episode of “Saturday Night Live” in October, Bad Bunny gave audiences a playful homework assignment to brush up on their Spanish before his Super Bowl halftime performance. “You have four months to learn,” he humorously suggested after greeting both Latinos and Latinas in Spanish. Regardless of whether non-Spanish speakers took up the rapper’s advice, fans, who have dubbed the upcoming show the “Benitobowl,” are eagerly anticipating that his performance will keep everyone on their feet.

As Bad Bunny steps onto the Super Bowl stage, he will become the first Spanish-speaking Latin solo artist to headline this iconic event. This milestone perfectly aligns with the Puerto Rican artist’s significant influence, as demonstrated by his groundbreaking achievement at the Grammys earlier this year. For those unfamiliar with how Bad Bunny rose to global stardom, NBC News provides an insightful guide to his journey.

From Supermarket Bagger to International Music Icon

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, began his climb to fame a decade ago in his hometown of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. At that time, he was bagging groceries in a supermarket, releasing his own Latin urban music tracks on SoundCloud, which quickly attracted millions. He released a sequence of successful singles and remixes, collaborating with prominent reggaeton artists and globally recognized stars like Marc Anthony, Jennifer López, and Cardi B. By the time he released his debut album “X 100PRE” on Christmas Eve 2018, he had already become one of the top 10 most streamed artists worldwide.

Now, with six studio albums and six Grammys, Bad Bunny stands at the forefront of reggaeton’s worldwide expansion. This music genre, which has deep roots in Puerto Rico, was once considered underground and controversial. He now holds the distinction of being the first reggaeton artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Bad Bunny’s vast array of record-breaking feats includes being Spotify’s globally most streamed artist from 2020 to 2022 and again in 2025. Additionally, his album “El Último Tour Del Mundo” became the first all-Spanish-language album to top the Billboard 200 chart.

Spanish Language Phrases for Bad Bunny Fans

In anticipation of the Super Bowl performance, learning some of Bad Bunny’s commonly used Spanish-language terms might prove useful. Among them, “Acho, P.R. es otra cosa” (“Bro, Puerto Rico is something else”) is a phrase that enthuses his audiences at live events. “Baile inolvidable” and “Debí tirar más fotos” are titles of some of his hit tracks. “Flamboyán” refers to the stunning royal poinciana tree native to Puerto Rico, adding cultural depth to his performances.

Cultural and Political Advocacy

Described as an “artist of resistance,” Bad Bunny’s music and performances frequently reflect the political and cultural issues affecting Puerto Ricans. During his tenure, he has not shied away from speaking about social issues, addressing Puerto Rico’s debt crisis, Hurricane Maria’s aftermath, and unjust events like the murder of a transgender woman in 2020. His political activism is also demonstrated by his involvement in the mass protests of 2019, contributing to the resignation of a governor.

Despite some backlash from conservative figures, Bad Bunny remains committed to his artistic intentions. The NFL has consistently supported its decision to have Bad Bunny headline, with Commissioner Roger Goodell stating that the halftime show is meant to unite and inspire people, affirming his belief in Bad Bunny’s ability to deliver an outstanding performance.