Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, announced that songwriter and artist Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, otherwise known as Bad Bunny, would be performing the halftime show in the 2026 Super Bowl on Sept. 28, 2025. The announcement received mixed reviews and opinions about his suitability to perform such an event.
Saul Flores-Valdez, a longtime fan, is excited for the performance. “I feel like he’s a perfect representation. He’s No. 1 if you look at charts, he’s been number one for a long time, and he brings lots of different dynamics.”
Flores-Valdez also described the positive impacts that Ocasio’s performance could have on Latin America as a whole.
“I visit Mexico at least once a year, and I see that the NFL program over there in general is getting really popular. People are wearing jerseys around, it shows that Latin America in general is growing in interest in the Super Bowl and NFL in general,” Flores-Valdez said.
Bad Bunny’s influence doesn’t only reach the students; Spanish teacher Ms. Celina Ulloa is a devoted fan with plenty of supportive thoughts on the plans for the 2026 show.
“He is very inclusive. He is a world icon, and he has traveled throughout the whole world, and people recognize his music no matter what the language is,” Ulloa said.
While Kayla White wouldn’t call herself a fan of Ocasio, she respects him and his culture.
“Even though I don’t listen to him, I think it’s good that he represents the Latin community,” White said.
Ocasio’s music is almost exclusively in spanish, which raises concerns about listeners understanding his performance.
“I just feel like a lot of people aren’t going to understand what he’s saying, which is ok, but it would be better if an artist who everyone knew performed,” White said.
“I think they should do something that’s more pop that everyone knows, something basic, like Taylor Swift because everyone knows her songs,” White suggested.
While the language barrier between Ocasio and a majority of Super Bowl viewers is a factor, Flores-Valdez and Ulloa both agree that listeners will enjoy the show regardless. In his Saturday Night Live monologue, Ocasio said, “You have four months to learn.” in response to the issue.
“While it’s gonna be annoying not being able to understand it, I feel like they still think it’s gonna be fun or just different in general, because he has more party music. He brings energy,” Flores-Valdez said.
Ulloa shared a similar stand point.
“Hopefully they’re open to listening and seeing how the fans react and how everyone enjoys his performance.” Ulloa said.
By RAIA CRIFASI & ETHAN SMITH
