Shakira knows what it takes to light up the Super Bowl stage.
The NFL and Roc Nation shared on Sept. 29 that Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny will be the 2026 Halftime Performer at Levi's Stadium next February. Since the announcement was released last month, there have been mixed opinions from the public on the "MONACO" singer headlining. Some view it as a celebration of Latin culture and a powerful statement for representation, while others criticize it due to his political views, use of Spanish and perceived anti-establishment stance.
Shakira, who performed at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez, recently shared her thoughtson Bad Bunny taking the iconic stage next February. She spoke with Varietyon Tuesday to promote her upcoming Spotify Anniversary Series to celebrate the special milestones of her iconic albums Pies Descalzos and Oral Fixation (Vol 1 and 2), which hit their 30th and 20th anniversaries this year, respectively.
Bad Bunny joined the "Hips Don't Lie" singer briefly on stage during her halftime performance in 2020, to sing a verse from Shakira's hit song "I Like It" and a mash-up of "Chantaje" and "Callaita."
Shakira performs with Bad Bunny during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida.
"I remember when we did ours that even having part of our set in Spanish was a bold move," Shakira wrote in an email to Variety. "Acceptance of Spanish-language music as part of the mainstream has come so far from when I started. I hope and like to think that all the times my music was met with resistance or puzzlement from the English-speaking world before it was embraced, [it] helped forge the path to where we are now."
"I'm so proud that Bad Bunny, who represents not only Latin culture but also how important Spanish language music has become on a global scale and how universal it has become, is getting to perform on the biggest stage in the world," she concluded. "It's the perfect moment for a performance like this. I can't wait to watch it."
The Super Bowl LX will take place in Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif, on Feb 8, 2026.
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