The Super Bowl is an iconic symbol of American culture and identity. Come game day, a sizable amount of Americans will be huddled around their televisions to watch one of the world’s biggest sporting events. If you plan to participate in Super Bowl festivities next year, then you’re in good company; the big game is one of America’s most anticipated and watched broadcasts.
As the performer for the 2026 Super Bowl was just announced to be Latin singer and rapper Bad Bunny, many questions and complaints alike have been surfacing online. Why Bad Bunny? Who else was considered?
Bad Bunny, also known as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was chosen not only because he is one of the world’s most-streamed and influential artists, but also for his his ability to “bridge genres, languages, and audiences makes him a natural fit for the Super Bowl halftime stage,” according to The NFL’s Senior VP of Global Event Production, Jon Barke.
There has always been a variety of different performers chosen for the halftime show, so it’s a surprise that Bad Bunny’s announcement has ignited so much confusion.
However, as these questions start appearing, they raise an even better one: Who has the potential to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in the future?
The NFL partners with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation to produce the halftime show, and Jay-Z is the one that makes the final decision on the headliner each year. The only requirement to be a performer is to be an artist with massive global appeal, with an extensive catalog of hits and the ability to put on a high-energy show.
But what makes a good Super Bowl halftime performance?
According to past ratings, a great halftime performance needs several key elements: spectacle, visuals and cultural relevance. The NFL also typically selects artists who are at the peak of their career or who represent a significant moment, like when Beyonce joined Coldplay on stage, or when Missy Elliot joined Katy Perry. Looking ahead, several artists are strong contenders to headline a future Super Bowl halftime show, as they align with these specific criteria.
Potential artists that have been mentioned who fulfill these requirements are Taylor Swift (who actually declined the request to perform this year), Adele, Green Day, Miley Cyrus, Metallica, Post Malone, Drake, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber.
While the choice of Bad Bunny has sparked debate, the decision reflects the NFL’s strategy: to select artists with global, record-breaking appeal who can create culturally significant moments and keep the halftime show as fresh and relevant as the game itself. Whoever is chosen in the coming years will have the pressure of that global spotlight, expected to deliver not just a concert, but a defining moment in pop culture. While Bunny hasn’t yet performed, many are hoping for a great performance that could potentially top Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 show and the many great ones before.
