Bad Bunny Fires Back with Humor and Pride: A Bold Message of Unity on SNL Before His Super Bowl Halftime Show

Bad Bunny isn’t backing down — and he’s certainly not toning it down either.
On the October 4 episode of Saturday Night Live, the global superstar turned late-night TV into his personal stage of empowerment, laughter, and cultural pride. Hosting the iconic show for the second time, the 31-year-old artist delivered an opening monologue that was equal parts comedy, confidence, and conviction — and a clear statement to critics of his upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show performance.

A Night of Confidence and Comedy

Wearing his trademark charisma and mischievous grin, Bad Bunny — born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — addressed the controversy surrounding his Super Bowl LX headlining slot head-on. With perfect comedic timing, he joked,

“I’m very happy, and I think everyone is happy about it — even Fox News.”

The audience erupted in laughter as the screen behind him played a playful montage of news clips edited to show anchors gushing, “Bad Bunny is my favorite musician, and he should be the next president.”

The moment perfectly captured the essence of Bad Bunny’s appeal — a mix of irony, humor, and self-assuredness — while acknowledging the cultural debate swirling around his upcoming halftime performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, this February.

A Celebration Beyond Music

After the laughs came a more heartfelt message. Bad Bunny shifted gears, addressing the significance of this moment for Latino artists and communities across the United States.

“I’m very excited to be doing the Super Bowl, and I know that people all around the world who love my music are also happy,” he said sincerely.
Then, switching to Spanish, he added, “Especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the world here in the United States who have worked to open doors. It’s more than a win for myself — it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”

The crowd responded with cheers and applause — a visible moment of pride not only for the artist but for millions who see his rise as a symbol of representation and inclusion in American culture.

“You Have Four Months to Learn”

Before wrapping up, the “Tití Me Preguntó” singer delivered one last punchline — a witty clapback that instantly went viral.

“If you didn’t understand what I just said,” he quipped, “you have four months to learn.”

The line — part challenge, part joke — was his way of addressing complaints about his music being in Spanish, as well as criticism that the Super Bowl’s halftime show might be inaccessible to some audiences. It was a quintessential Bad Bunny moment: unapologetically bilingual, proudly cultural, and irresistibly cool.

The Road to the Super Bowl

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl announcement came on September 28, when the NFL confirmed that the Puerto Rican artist would be the official headliner for Super Bowl LX, presented by Apple Music. The decision immediately made headlines, with reactions ranging from excitement and pride to — inevitably — political and cultural debate.

In a post on the same day, the artist reflected on the enormity of the opportunity:

“I’ve been thinking about it these days, and after discussing it with my team, I think I’ll do just one date in the United States.”

It was a subtle reference to his decision earlier this year to skip U.S. stops on his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour, citing personal and creative reasons, but also indirectly pointing to his stance on immigration policies and cultural inclusion.

In a later statement, Bad Bunny emphasized that this performance was more than just a concert — it was a cultural milestone.

“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown,” he said.
“This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”

A Symbol of Cultural Pride

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance will mark a major milestone for Latin music on the world’s biggest stage. Following in the footsteps of past halftime legends such as Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, his upcoming show is being hailed as a cultural moment — one that celebrates the diversity and evolution of American entertainment.

Industry insiders have described the show as “genre-bending” and “emotionally powerful,” with rumors suggesting a blend of reggaeton, trap, salsa, and visual storytelling that represents both his Puerto Rican roots and his global impact.

Critics who once doubted whether Spanish-language music could dominate mainstream American entertainment are now witnessing history in real time. From topping global charts to headlining Coachella, and now the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny has defied every expectation set for non-English artists — proving that language is no barrier to connection.

The Political Undercurrent

While Bad Bunny’s remarks on SNL focused on unity and humor, the political backdrop surrounding the event remains complex. Corey Lewandowski, a top adviser on Donald Trump’s campaigns, recently stated on The Benny Show that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will have a presence at the upcoming Super Bowl, underscoring heightened immigration enforcement policies.

Lewandowski commented,

“There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else.”

Days later, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized security as the top priority for the event, noting,

“I have the responsibility for making sure everybody who goes to the Super Bowl has the opportunity to enjoy it and to leave, and that’s what America is about.”

Bad Bunny, for his part, has remained focused on his art and message of inclusivity. His performance is expected to blend spectacle with purpose — a show that transcends politics, celebrating unity through rhythm and expression.

A New Era for the Halftime Show

In recent years, the NFL has made deliberate efforts to broaden the cultural reach of its halftime programming. Usher’s 2024 show was a masterclass in R&B showmanship; Rihanna’s 2023 performance redefined pregnancy announcements; and Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 appearance alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige was a love letter to hip-hop.

Now, with Bad Bunny, the stage is set for a new chapter — one where reggaeton, trap, and Latin culture take center field.

Industry analyst Mark Feldman notes,

“The Super Bowl has always reflected the cultural heartbeat of America. This year, that heartbeat speaks Spanish — and it’s global.”

Looking Ahead to February

Super Bowl LX will air live on Sunday, February 8, from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The show, sponsored by Apple Music, is expected to draw hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

If his SNL performance was any indication, Bad Bunny’s halftime show will be more than a concert — it will be a celebration of resilience, culture, and the power of joy in the face of criticism.

As the lights go up in Santa Clara next February, the world will be watching.
And somewhere between the beats, the bass, and the bilingual lyrics, Bad Bunny’s message will ring clear: music is universal — and this time, it’s louder, prouder, and more unapologetically Latino than ever.