Super Bowl LX Halftime Features Bad Bunny, Charlie Puth

SANTA CLARA (Azat TV) – Super Bowl LX is set to kick off today, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, culminating in one of the most anticipated halftime shows in recent memory, headlined by global music sensation Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar is expected to deliver a performance that not only entertains millions but also prominently showcases his island’s vibrant culture on the world’s biggest stage, a significant moment for both the artist and the National Football League’s (NFL) expanding international reach.

The event, broadcasting live on NBC and streaming on Peacock and NFL+, will also feature a star-studded pregame lineup, including Charlie Puth performing the national anthem. As fans gather in the Bay Area and around the globe, attention is keenly focused on how Bad Bunny, known for his genre-bending Latin trap and reggaeton, will translate his unique charisma and global appeal to the iconic Super Bowl stage.

Bad Bunny Brings Puerto Rican Culture to Super Bowl Halftime

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, is poised to make a monumental impact as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX halftime show. The 31-year-old artist, who previously appeared as a guest during Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s 2020 halftime performance, has spoken about his desire to connect with people through his music. His selection follows a year in which he released a new album, described as a love letter to Puerto Rico, and earned two top awards at the Grammys last Sunday, including Album of the Year for his Spanish-language record “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.” This historic win marked the first time an all-Spanish album received the night’s biggest honor, as reported by CBS News.

Bad Bunny’s performance is expected to be a generational moment for Puerto Ricans, similar to his recently completed historic residency in San Juan. The NFL’s partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, which began in 2019, plays a significant role in selecting halftime performers, aiming to find artists with global understanding. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has defended the choice of Bad Bunny amidst some backlash, emphasizing the importance of the stage for entertainment value. The Bay Area’s diverse and welcoming culture is also seen as an ideal backdrop for a performer whose music is primarily in Spanish, further aligning with the NFL’s goal to expand its global footprint, according to The New York Times.

The halftime show is scheduled to begin between 7:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. ET, lasting approximately 25-30 minutes, which is roughly twice the length of a typical NFL game halftime, to accommodate the elaborate musical production.

Star-Studded Pregame Lineup for Super Bowl LX

Before the game officially kicks off, Super Bowl LX will feature several notable performances. Singer and songwriter Charlie Puth, a New Jersey native known for his Grammy-nominated work, will perform ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ He will be joined by 11-time Grammy-winner Brandi Carlile, who will sing ‘America the Beautiful,’ and Grammy-winning artist Coco Jones, performing ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ often referred to as the Black national anthem, CBS News confirmed. Local favorites, punk rockers Green Day, are also scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl opening ceremony, setting the stage for the highly anticipated game.

NBC’s pregame coverage began at 1 p.m. ET, with the final half-hour from 6-6:30 p.m. featuring team introductions and musical performances on the field.

Super Bowl LX Kicks Off in Santa Clara

Super Bowl LX is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET today, Sunday, February 8, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the home of the San Francisco 49ers. The actual kickoff is commonly a few minutes past 6:30 p.m. ET, following the national anthem, which typically takes place between 6:25 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET, as detailed by Democrat and Chronicle.

The game will be broadcast on NBC, with Mike Tirico calling his first Super Bowl as play-by-play announcer alongside Cris Collinsworth as analyst. Melissa Stark and Kaylee Hartung will serve as sideline reporters. Fans can also stream the game on Peacock and NFL+, as well as various live streaming services.

The Evolving Spectacle of the Super Bowl Halftime Show

The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved dramatically since its origins as a series of marching band and drill team performances. A significant turning point came with Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance, which transformed the show into a massive production featuring pop music stars. This shift was reportedly prompted by the NFL losing millions of viewers to a competing sketch comedy show the year prior, according to The New York Times.

Today, halftime shows cost between $10 million and $20 million to produce, with headlining artists often not receiving payment and sometimes contributing their own funds to realize their vision. The show’s popularity continues to grow, with recent performances setting new viewership records. Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance, featuring SZA, drew 133.5 million viewers, surpassing Michael Jackson’s record and even the game itself. Usher’s 2024 show attracted 123.4 million viewers, and Rihanna’s 2023 performance garnered 121 million. With Bad Bunny topping Spotify as the world’s most-streamed artist for the fourth time in 2025, with 19.8 billion plays, his Super Bowl LX performance could potentially set a new viewership benchmark.

Bad Bunny’s headline performance at Super Bowl LX underscores the NFL’s strategic pivot towards global cultural relevance, leveraging a universally recognized artist to bridge sports and international entertainment and connect with diverse audiences beyond traditional American football fandom.