Bad Bunny got emotional while teasing the highly anticipated Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show to be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8th.
At an Apple Music press conference on Thursday, the musician was asked about the people who supported him before “the world knew his name,” and tearfully named his mother.
“Because my mother believed in me. I’m not talking about a music career, I’m just talking about everything before,” said the Puerto Rican singer, 31.
“She believed in me as a person, as a human being. In my opinions and choices and preferences, she believed in me as a human being, as a smart man, as talented. And I think that’s what got me here, you know?” Bad Bunny continued through tears.
Elsewhere in the conversation, he was asked if he planned to have any surprise guests on stage.
“I know that’s not something I’m going to tell you. I don’t know why you would ask that,” the three-time Grammy winner laughed off.
Despite being coy about potential musical guests, the rapper revealed that viewers can expect a “huge party” from his performance.
“I just want to have fun. It’s going to be a big party…I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but people just need to worry about dancing. You don’t even have to learn Spanish. Dancing is better, but nothing beats dancing that comes from the heart. …Of course, pick a team in the game.”
Bad Bunny (real name Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio) also spoke about how he feels about performing, especially after his big win at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
“So much has happened. Of course, there’s so much to be grateful for. Through this album, that’s how I’ve felt all year. The biggest feeling is gratitude. I’m just taking things one day at a time and just living.”
Ahead of the show, Bad Bunny tries to “relax” and “not put any pressure on.”
“I’m going to have fun. The staff, the people. That’s what I’m trying to focus on. Enjoy what’s going on right now.”
This press conference comes just weeks after Bad Bunny gave fans a first look at what they can expect from his performance.
The “Monaco” singer posted on social media a lively trailer that was shot entirely in Puerto Rico and set to his hit song “BAILE INoLVIDABLE.”
The clip featured the style icon dancing under a flamboyant tree, one of the symbols of pride and identity of the island.
He used the video to openly invite soccer fans to attend his halftime show, no matter where they come from or what they look like.
Bad Bunny announced that he would be headlining the show in September 2025, telling Page Six in a statement, “What I feel is bigger than myself. It’s for the people who came before me and ran for countless yards so I could go out there and score a touchdown…This is for my people, my culture, and our history.”
He added in Spanish, “Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.” This means, “Go and tell grandma we’re going to be at the Super Bowl halftime show.”
Jay-Z, who plays a key role in selecting the Super Bowl performers through his agency Roc Nation, said of the “I Like It” singer, “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. It’s an honor to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”
However, the decision was controversial as fans were divided over Bad Bunny being chosen as the halftime performer.
Critics took to social media, many saying the singer, who has frequently criticized the Trump administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) brutality, should not be featured.
During that time, many celebrities celebrated and supported Bad Bunny, including the ladies of “The View.”
Whoopi Goldberg said on a talk show in October 2025, “A lot of the MAGA people are apparently very angry with the NFL. But they always are.”
“We’re going to have another great American performer. I have no problem with that because everyone remembers that Puerto Rico is part of America,” she added.
That same month, Bad Bunny also responded to criticism with applause in a monologue on “Saturday Night Live.”
“You guys may not know this, but I’m doing the Super Bowl halftime show, and I’m very happy and I think everyone is happy, too,” he said, then quipped, “Even Fox News!”
“I’m really excited to be playing in the Super Bowl, and I know people all over the world who love my music are happy too,” the “Titty Me Pregnant” singer continued before switching to Spanish.
“All the Latinos and Latinos around the world who have worked hard to open doors, especially here in the United States,” Bad Bunny said in his native language. “This is not just a victory for me, it’s a victory for all of us. Our footprint and contribution in this country cannot be taken away or erased by anyone.”
The King of Latin Trap ended his monologue by saying in English:
Bad Bunny is no stranger to the Super Bowl stage. In 2020, he was a special guest at the halftime show at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, co-headlined by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
