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Bad Bunny admits nerves ahead of historic Super Bowl performance
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has revealed he is struggling to stay calm before Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show, the first ever performed entirely in Spanish.
Speaking at a press conference in San Francisco, the Grammy-winning artist confessed to sleepless nights, waking at 4am obsessing over the performance. "Last night, I couldn't sleep," he said, though he later appeared relaxed on stage, draped in a long faux-fur coat.
Political tensions overshadow performance
Bad Bunny's selection as halftime headliner last September sparked controversy among U.S. conservatives, particularly after his past criticism of former President Donald Trump's immigration policies. The backlash included plans for an alternative halftime event featuring Trump ally Kid Rock.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt weighed in Thursday, suggesting Trump "would much prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny." The rapper, however, avoided addressing the tensions during the press conference, where hosts kept questions light.
Security was tight at the Apple Music-sponsored event, with journalists subjected to bag searches and metal detectors.
A message of unity amid pressure
Despite the political noise, Bad Bunny hinted his performance would focus on joy and inclusivity. "I know the world is gonna be happy this Sunday," he said. "They're gonna dance and have a good time."
Preparing for the 13-minute set amid a grueling world tour has taken a toll, he joked. "I'm not even playing dominoes that much, and that is killing me, bro," he said, admitting to losing three straight games. "I need to talk to my therapist."
When asked about potential surprise guests, he laughed off the question: "You know that's something I'm not going to tell you."
Historic moment for Latin music
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has dominated global streaming since 2020, topping Spotify's most-played artist list four times-until Taylor Swift broke his streak. His genre-blending sound, merging reggaeton, trap, and Latin pop, has redefined música urbana.
His 2018 debut album, x100pre, showcased his versatility, from punk-infused tracks to political anthems like Estamos Bien, which became a rallying cry after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. In 2020, El Último Tour del Mundo became the first all-Spanish album to top the Billboard 200.
Known for defying conventions-performing in drag, advocating for Puerto Rican independence, and criticizing U.S. immigration policies-he skipped a U.S. tour last year over fears fans could face ICE scrutiny. Instead, he hosted a residency in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory.
Super Bowl halftime show: What to expect
The halftime show, one of music's most-watched events, could draw over 100 million U.S. viewers. Last year's performance by Kendrick Lamar set a record with 133.5 million viewers.
The game kicks off at 23:30 UK time (18:30 in San Francisco), with halftime expected between 01:00-01:30 UK time. U.S. viewers can watch on NBC or Peacock; UK audiences can tune in via Channel 5, Sky Sports, or Now TV. The NFL will post the full show on YouTube afterward.
Bad Bunny joins a lineup of pre-game performers, including Charlie Puth (National Anthem), Coco Jones (Lift Every Voice), and Brandi Carlile (America the Beautiful).
Why the Super Bowl halftime show matters
The performance is a cultural lightning rod, with past shows generating iconic moments-from Prince's rain-soaked Purple Rain to Katy Perry's "left shark" meme. Despite the exposure, artists typically perform for free, earning only a $1,000 union fee. The NFL covers production costs, which can exceed $1 million per minute.
For Bad Bunny, the stage is both a triumph and a provocation. As he told reporters: "You always have to be proud of who you are... but don't let that limit yourself."
