Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican music icon, grew visibly emotional during a press conference for his upcoming Super Bowl LX halftime show, as he reflected on the unwavering support of his mother that shaped his path to stardom. The Apple Music event, held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, provided a poignant glimpse into the personal significance of this career milestone ahead of the February 8 game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
When prompted to name someone who believed in him before fame, Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, immediately cited his mother, Lysaurie Ocasio. With tears in his eyes, he emphasized that her faith was not in his musical talents but in his character and humanity. “She believed in me as a person, as a human. She believed in my decisions, my opinions, my taste, my choices,” he shared, his voice cracking. “I think that’s what got me here, you know?” This raw moment highlighted the deep familial bonds that underpin his success.
The press conference occurred just days after Bad Bunny’s triumph at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where he won three trophies, including the coveted Album of the Year for “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos.” Despite the accolades, he admitted to feeling overwhelmed but focused on gratitude. “It’s been a lot. Of course, there is a lot of gratitude. I am taking things one day at a time and just living,” he said, aiming to “take it easy” and not succumb to pressure.
Regarding the halftime performance, Bad Bunny played coy about potential special guests, humorously deflecting questions with a laugh. However, he assured fans of a spectacular show, describing it as a “huge party” where the primary goal is enjoyment. “I just want to have fun, it’s going to be a huge party … I don’t want to give spoilers, people only need to worry about dancing,” he stated. He also made a point to include all viewers, regardless of language barriers, saying, “They don’t even have to learn Spanish; it’s better if they dance, but there’s no better dance that comes from the heart.”
Bad Bunny’s selection as halftime headliner, announced in September 2025, has been met with controversy. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have denounced the choice due to the artist’s Spanish-language repertoire and his vocal opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump called it a “terrible choice” that “sows hatred,” while conservative groups organized an alternative show featuring Kid Rock. In response, NFL officials confirmed there are “no planned ICE enforcement activities” for Super Bowl 2026.
Amid the debate, Bad Bunny received robust support from fellow celebrities. Whoopi Goldberg defended him on “The View,” reminding audiences that Puerto Rico is part of the United States and celebrating his achievement. Bad Bunny himself addressed critics during an October 2025 “Saturday Night Live” monologue, expressing pride in his heritage and urging detractors to embrace diversity. “It’s more than a win for myself; it’s a win for all of us,” he said in Spanish, emphasizing the cultural significance.
As the Super Bowl approaches, Bad Bunny’s performance is set to be a landmark event, showcasing Latin music on a global platform. He previously contributed to the 2020 halftime show with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, and now as the main act, he aims to deliver an energetic and memorable spectacle. With emotions running high and controversy simmering, his show promises to be a defining moment in Super Bowl history, blending personal reflection with celebratory fervor.
