Shakira celebrates Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show: ‘It’s about time’

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Global superstar Shakira is all for Bad Bunny taking center stage at the 2026 Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show.

The Colombian singer, 48, who co-headlined the 2020 Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside Jennifer Lopez, called the Puerto Rican rapper’s upcoming performance “long overdue” during an interview with Variety published on Tuesday, October 21.

Shakira calls Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl spotlight 'long overdue'

“It’s about time,” Shakira told Variety, reflecting on how far Spanish-language music has come in the global arena. The 'Hips Don’t Lie' hitmaker recalled her own 2020 halftime show, where Bad Bunny, now 31, joined her and Jennifer Lopez on stage in Miami.

“I remember when we did ours that even having part of our set in Spanish was a bold move… Acceptance of Spanish-language music as part of the mainstream has come so far from when I started,” she said.

The Grammy winner added that the early resistance she faced from English-speaking audiences only strengthened her resolve. “All the times my music was met with resistance or puzzlement before it was embraced helped forge the path to where we are now,” she noted proudly.

Shakira and Jennifer Lopez praise Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 2026 performance

Shakira expressed deep admiration for Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, saying she’s “so proud” to see him represent not just Puerto Rico but Latin culture as a whole. 

“He represents how important Spanish-language music has become on a global scale and how universal it has become,” she said. “It’s the perfect moment for a performance like this. I can’t wait to watch it."

Fellow performer Jennifer Lopez also shared her support, urging fans to keep an open mind. “Don’t do that to yourself. That’s what I would say. I’m telling you, just give it a chance,” Lopez, 56, told CBS Mornings on October 9.

Bad Bunny says the Super Bowl stage is ‘for my people, my culture, and our history’

Bad Bunny, who will become the first Spanish-language solo headliner in Super Bowl history, said in a press statement that the moment transcends personal success. “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” he said. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”

His selection has stirred both celebration and criticism, especially after political figures like Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that ICE agents would be present at the 2026 Super Bowl.