Katy Perry took to social media to urge Bad Bunny to “remind the world what the real American dream looks like” prior to his highly anticipated performance at the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. The pop star’s message came on February 8, 2026, just hours before Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was set to take the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the New England Patriots would face off against the Seattle Seahawks.
Perry’s post, shared on X, included a football and heart emoji, reflecting her excitement and support for the Puerto Rican artist. As a major figure in the entertainment industry, Perry’s endorsement highlights the significance of Bad Bunny’s performance, not just as a musical act but as a cultural moment.
In the days leading up to the event, Bad Bunny expressed his intention to create an inclusive atmosphere during his performance. He humorously remarked that English speakers had “four months” to learn Spanish but emphasized that the focus should be on dancing. “They don’t even have to learn Spanish,” he stated during a press conference on February 5. “It’s better they learn to dance. There’s no better dance than the one that comes from the heart.”
During the same press conference, Bad Bunny became emotional while speaking about his mother, Lysaurie Ocasio. “She believed in me, and I’m not talking about my music career,” he shared. “I’m just talking about everything. She believed in me as a person, as a human.”
Bad Bunny’s selection as the Halftime Show headliner has elicited mixed reactions among fans, public figures, and even NFL players. A survey conducted by The Athletic revealed that 41.4 percent of NFL athletes expressed disapproval of his selection. One anonymous player remarked, “I don’t even know who Bad Bunny is. I always think it should be an American.” Another player, however, acknowledged the importance of diversity in America, stating, “I think it’s cool to have him, because America is based on diversity. America was built on immigration.”
Days before the game, Bad Bunny celebrated a significant milestone at the Grammy Awards, where he won the Album of the Year for his album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos. Expressing gratitude, he said in Spanish, “There is nothing that exists that we can’t accomplish. Thank God, thank you to the Academy, and thank you to all the people who have believed in me throughout my career.” He dedicated the award to those who have left their homeland to pursue their dreams, acknowledging their struggles and resilience.
Bad Bunny’s performance at Super Bowl LX is poised to be a landmark event, not just for the artist but also for the NFL as it seeks to broaden its appeal internationally. As his fan base expands, the significance of his presence on such a prestigious platform cannot be understated.
The intersection of sports and culture at events like the Super Bowl continues to evolve, and Bad Bunny stands at the forefront of this transformation, embodying a modern interpretation of the American dream.
