LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bad Bunny will bring his Latin trap and reggaeton swagger to the NFL’s biggest stage next year. The Grammy winner has been announced as the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show in Northern California.
The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation revealed on Sunday that Bad Bunny will lead the halftime festivities at Levi’s Stadium on February 8 in Santa Clara, California. The Puerto Rican superstar’s selection comes amid another career-defining run. He is fresh off a historic Puerto Rico residency this month that drew more than half a million fans and is currently the leading nominee at the Latin Grammys this November.
Bad Bunny has become one of the world’s most streamed artists, thanks in part to albums such as Un Verano Sin Ti, an all-Spanish-language LP that has received widespread acclaim. In addition to his musical achievements, Bad Bunny will host Saturday Night Live on October 4.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” Bad Bunny said in a statement. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z praised the artist, saying, “What Bad Bunny has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”
The 31-year-old artist, born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, has won three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys. He has become a global ambassador for Latin music, starred in films such as Bullet Train, Caught Stealing, and Happy Gilmore 2, and collaborated with top fashion houses.
Bad Bunny will enter the Latin Grammys as the leading nominee with 12 nods, dethroning producer and songwriter Edgar Barrera.
Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show, with Hamish Hamilton directing. Jon Barker, Senior Vice President of Global Event Production for the NFL, said: “We know his dynamic performances, creative vision, and deep connection with fans will deliver the kind of unforgettable experience we’ve come to expect from this iconic cultural moment.”
Last year, Kendrick Lamar shined with guest SZA in New Orleans, setting the record for the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show with 133.5 million viewers. His performance surpassed the audience for Michael Jackson’s 1993 show.
Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Apple Music and Beats, commented, “His music has not only broken records but has elevated Latin music to the center of pop culture, and we are thrilled to once again partner with the NFL and Roc Nation to deliver this historic performance to millions of fans worldwide. We know this show will be unforgettable.”