Benson Boone shares excitement over Bad Bunny bringing new fans with halftime show

Bad Bunny Super Bowl LX halftime show announced

Bad Bunny, whose full legal name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was officially announced in September 2025 as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LX.

The National Football League confirmed the performance would take place on Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

According to public statements shared at the time, Bad Bunny said the performance would center on his culture, his community, and Puerto Rican history. The halftime show is scheduled to air during the championship broadcast watched by more than 110 million U.S. viewers in recent years.

Benson Boone praises Bad Bunny Super Bowl choice

Benson Boone publicly supported the halftime show selection during a Billboard interview published on Jan. 28, 2026. Boone stated he was excited to see Bad Bunny perform despite mixed reactions circulating online.

Boone explained that the Super Bowl benefits from performers who attract new audiences beyond traditional NFL viewers. He said bringing different genres and fan bases helps expand the reach of the event.

Billboard interview highlights mixed fan reactions

The comments from Benson Boone appeared in an interview with Billboard released on Jan. 28, 2026. Boone acknowledged that online responses ranged from excitement to disappointment. He stated that differing opinions were expected for an event watched by millions of people.

According to Boone, mixed feedback does not indicate failure for a halftime performance. He emphasized that reaching new audiences is a key goal of the Super Bowl entertainment strategy. The interview focused on music industry perspectives rather than television ratings.

Super Bowl LX scheduled for Feb. 8, 2026

Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. The game and halftime show will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The venue previously hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

The halftime performance occurs during the game’s extended midgame break. The show typically lasts about 12 to 14 minutes. It is broadcast live across national and international television platforms.

Bad Bunny frames performance around culture

When announcing his participation, Bad Bunny stated the halftime show would represent Puerto Rican culture and history. He shared this message in a public post shortly after the NFL announcement in September 2025.

This framing aligns with his previous public statements about identity and representation. The Super Bowl platform offers one of the largest stages available to musicians. Past halftime shows have often included cultural themes tied to the performer’s background.

Political criticism emerges after announcement

Following the announcement, former U.S. president Donald Trump publicly criticized the halftime show choice. In media appearances during late 2025 and January 2026, Trump said he opposed the selection. He described the choice as terrible and unnecessary.

Trump also stated he was unfamiliar with Bad Bunny’s music prior to the announcement. His comments were made during interviews with Newsmax and the New York Post. The criticism did not result in any changes to the NFL’s halftime show plans.

Immigration enforcement comments draw attention

After the halftime announcement, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that ICE agents would be active around Super Bowl LX. Her comments were reported days after Bad Bunny was named performer.

The NFL did not issue a policy change in response to the statements. No official connection was made between the halftime show and security planning. The comments remained part of broader national discussions rather than event specific changes.

Bad Bunny previously avoided U.S. tour dates

In 2025, Bad Bunny chose not to bring his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour to the United States. He cited concerns about immigration enforcement and the presence of ICE agents near concert venues. The decision followed internal discussions with his team.

Bad Bunny clarified that the choice was not driven by hostility toward U.S. fans. He said past U.S. concerts had been successful and well received. The concern focused on safety and anxiety for fans attending shows.

Artist explains decision in i-D interview

In an interview with i-D, Bad Bunny explained his reasoning for skipping U.S. tour dates. He said the possibility of immigration enforcement near venues created fear for fans. The concern was discussed internally before final tour decisions were made.

He emphasized that the issue was not about refusing U.S. audiences. Bad Bunny noted that his previous U.S. performances had sold out and received strong responses. The interview was published in late 2025.

Trump criticizes multiple Super Bowl performers

In January 2026, Trump also criticized Green Day alongside Bad Bunny. He stated both artists were poor selections for the Super Bowl stage. The comments were published in a New York Post interview dated Jan. 24, 2026.

Trump said he believed the performances would create division rather than entertainment. He did not reference NFL ratings or audience data. The league did not publicly respond to these remarks.

Boone emphasizes music quality over backlash

Benson Boone focused on musical talent rather than public controversy. In his Billboard interview, he described Bad Bunny’s catalog as strong and consistent. He highlighted songwriting and performance ability as key reasons for his support.

Boone said that online backlash often does not reflect live audience response. He framed the halftime show as an opportunity rather than a risk. His comments remained centered on music industry values.

Halftime show aims to expand audience reach

Boone stated that selecting artists like Bad Bunny can attract viewers who may not regularly watch football. He said reaching new audiences benefits both the NFL and the artists involved. The Super Bowl remains one of the most watched U.S. broadcasts each year.

Past halftime shows have featured performers from pop, hip hop, and Latin music. The NFL has increasingly selected artists with global fan bases. This approach reflects changes in U.S. music consumption trends.

Want to know how the buzz around Bad Bunny even reached the political world? The story behind Trump denying he knows the superstar adds another layer to the conversation.

Super Bowl LX proceeds as scheduled

As of Jan. 2026, Super Bowl LX plans remain unchanged. Bad Bunny is confirmed as the halftime headliner. The game and performance will air live on Feb. 8 from Santa Clara, California.

Despite public debate, no official revisions have been announced. The NFL continues preparations for the event. The halftime show is expected to reach tens of millions of viewers nationwide.

Curious how Bad Bunny has stirred controversy beyond the Super Bowl stage? Read more about why a Mexican museum criticized him after a photo involving a historic artifact drew attention.

What do you think about Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show and Benson Boone’s support for the choice? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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