Bad Bunny returned to American television with a sharp mix of satire and pride, taking direct aim at critics questioning his place in next year’s Super Bowl halftime show. Hosting the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, the Puerto Rican artist—born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—used the stage to celebrate Latino representation while playfully dismantling political backlash.
Standing before a roaring crowd in New York, Bad Bunny delivered a bilingual monologue that moved effortlessly between humor and cultural assertion. “I’m very excited to do the Super Bowl,” he began, grinning. “I think everyone’s happy about it—even Fox News.” What followed was a cheeky montage of conservative figures seemingly endorsing him, edited for comic effect, drawing loud laughter from the audience.
Switching to Spanish mid-monologue, he addressed the criticism more directly, calling his upcoming performance “a victory for every Latino whose voice and culture shape this country.” His words carried both warmth and defiance: “They can’t erase our footprints or deny our contribution.” Returning to English, he finished with a jab that instantly went viral online: “If you didn’t understand what I said, you’ve got four months to learn.”
The 2026 Super Bowl—set for February 8 in Santa Clara, California—marks another milestone in the NFL’s ongoing partnership with Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by Jay-Z. Since the collaboration began, the league has seen halftime shows from global powerhouses like Rihanna, Usher, Shakira, and The Weeknd. Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance signals both a continuation of that high-profile streak and a deeper cultural shift: one where global artists can headline America’s biggest stage on their own terms.
Beyond the humor and showmanship, the moment underscored something larger. Bad Bunny, known for blending reggaeton, trap, and pop with unapologetic authenticity, has never been content to just entertain—he represents a demographic that refuses invisibility. His SNL moment wasn’t just a clapback; it was a statement of ownership, delivered with rhythm, wit, and unmistakable pride.
