Shakira has publicly championed Bad Bunny’s selection to headline the upcoming Super Bowl LX Apple Music halftime show. The news of the "Moscow Mule" singer’s headlining gig broke less than a month ago. Shakira expressed her strong support for the NFL’s decision.
She spoke to Variety in an interview published on October 21. "It was about time!" Shakira, 48, declared. She recalled that including Spanish repertoire during her 2020 Super Bowl performance was considered a bold move.
The acceptance of Spanish music in the mainstream has significantly advanced since her early career. Shakira hopes that the past resistance her music faced in the English-speaking world helped pave the way. She believes this contributed to the current global recognition.
Shakira stated she is very proud of Bad Bunny, 31. He represents not only Latin culture but also the global importance of Spanish music. She called his upcoming performance "the perfect moment."
Her own Super Bowl performance in 2020 saw her share the stage with Jennifer Lopez. They performed major hits, showcasing the broad appeal of their music.
However, the decision to book Bad Bunny for the February 2026 show has drawn criticism. The event is scheduled for Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. A Change.org petition has been launched to replace the Puerto Rican superstar with country singer George Strait.
More than 58,000 individuals had signed the petition at the time of reporting. Public figures like Danica Patrick and former President Donald Trump have also criticized Bad Bunny’s selection.
Bad Bunny addressed his detractors during his October 4 appearance on Saturday Night Live. He stated he was "very excited to perform at the Super Bowl." He noted that fans worldwide who love his music were equally happy.
After speaking briefly in Spanish, Bad Bunny quipped that those who did not understand had "four months to learn!"
Jennifer Lopez, 56, has also publicly supported Bad Bunny. During an October 6 interview on Today, Lopez enthusiastically predicted he would "blow everybody away." She views his performance as an opportunity to introduce him to a new audience.
Lopez lauded his ability to make "music that transcends language" and highlighted his "amazing accomplishments." When NBC News’ Craig Melvin brought up the backlash, Lopez claimed she was unaware of any controversy.
"Why? But why? I don’t get it," Lopez responded. She asserted that Bad Bunny is "one of the biggest artists in the world right now, probably the biggest."