JAY-Z Issues Statement Amid Criticism Over Bad Bunny Being Selected 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show Headliner: “We Are Honored to Have Him”

Bad Bunny hopped to the top of headlines on Sunday (September 28) after the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation dropped jaws with the announcement the Reggaeton and Trap hitmaker will serve as the 2026 headliner of the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

And while for some Bunny was a clear choice given that he’s the most-streamed Latin artist in history, some divided critics pointed to the singer-rapper’s limited English, relatively short career (compared to previous headliners), and modest number of hits in America as a reason to give the appointment a thumbs down.

Undeterred by the naysayers, a few of the folks involved with making the decision – including rapper, music mogul, and Roc Nation CEO JAY-Z – are standing proudly by their choice.

Ahead of the big game’s kick off next year, Bunny (born Benito Martínez Ocasio) bounced to social media to share his elation over securing the coveted gig.

“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” Ocasio 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 (Go tell your grandma we’re going to be the SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW).”

JAY joined the NFL in sharing the sentiment.

“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,” he said in the official NFL statement.

His praise of Ocasio was echoed by NFL Senior Vice President of Global Event Production Jon Barker.

“Bad Bunny represents the global energy and cultural vibrancy that define today’s music scene. As one of the most influential and streamed artists in the world, his unique ability to bridge genres, languages, and audiences makes him an exciting and natural choice to take the Super Bowl halftime stage. 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,” Barker relayed.

Super Bowl LX is set for Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8, 2026.