Halftime show or football game? With the 2026 NFL Super Bowl coming up soon many people begin to wonder whether the actual game or the halftime show is more important. In order to gauge that, let’s take a look at this year’s performer, Bad Bunny.
The 31-year-old Puerto Rican singer and rapper, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has had quite the year since his latest album release, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS”. He was named Spotify’s Global Top Artist of 2025 with 19.8 billion streams this year, which is his fourth time with this title including 2020, 2021, 2022. He is currently on tour with his “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour” which followed his 30 date residency in Puerto Rico. His residency, called “No Me Quíero Ir De Aquí,” which translates to “I Never Want To Leave Here” is a literal statement and title for him not wanting to leave his home of Puerto Rico. He will tour all over the world including Europe, Japan, Australia, and London, though excluding the United States.
Along with the recent success that comes with his new album, also comes a lot of controversy surrounding him and his own personal opinions. After the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids Benito has decided against performing in the United States. This makes his Super Bowl performance so highly anticipated as this is the only time he will perform this tour in the United States.
Bad Bunny is not only the “King of Latin Trap” but he’s also become a political advocate for Puerto Rico, who embraces his culture and invites others to enjoy it with him. In 2018 when Hurricane Maria impacted Puerto Rico, he performed on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon and dedicated his performance to the recovery of the island. More recently, with his first 2025 Latin Grammy “Album of the Year” win, he dedicated it to the children and youth of Latin America emphasizing his home of Puerto Rico. He states, “Never stop dreaming and being yourselves; never forget where you come from. There are many ways to serve your country; we chose music.”
Along with speaking up for the island he is from, he also incorporated his culture and love for it in his newest album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” which translates to “I Should’ve Taken More Pictures”. In the album, through a variety of songs he not only discusses a heartbreak but also a passion and love for Puerto Rico. He brings lots of impact from classic salsa and traditional Puerto Rican influences while also maintaining his own creativity and personal style. Such as his song “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” (Unforgetable Dance) which describes not being able to forget a relationship after it’s over. He uses heart-wrenching lyrics with a salsa melody that makes it impossible not to find it stuck in your head.
This new influence of salsa and traditional Puerto Rican style is fairly new to Benito but not uncommon. He has previously bordered on reggaeton styles in his music such as his album with reggaeton artist J Balvin. His music has stayed consistent throughout the years yet also developed into a beautiful diverse discography ranging from salsa and reggaeton to pop and rap.
Regardless of what influences and topics Bad Bunny brings to the table, he never fails to create something impactful and memorable. With that said, it will be very exciting to see what he can bring to the field on the 8th this coming month.
