The controversies (and fake news) about the Super Bowl halftime show

Bad Bunny is one of the major artists of these years, in terms of numbers and the almost unanimous recognition of having been able to bring Latin music into new territories. Almost: after the announcement that he will be the protagonist of the Halftime Show of the next Super Bowl (8 February 2026, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara), controversies and “alternative” initiatives have multiplied, up to a fake news that forced Carlos Santana to deny it.

It was above all the American right that took sides against Bad Bunny: former President Donald Trump commented – “I don’t know who he is, I’ve never heard of him: I don’t know why they called him, it’s ridiculous.” Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican, had in the past declared that he did not want to perform concerts in the United States so as not to expose his audience to the aggressive anti-immigration policies of ICE, the federal agency at the center of controversy for its methods.

In response to the climate of protest, the conservative organization Turning Point USA announced an alternative event to be held at the same time as the official show. Founded by activist Charlie Kirk (recently murdered), it has not yet announced who will perform, but has made it known that “The All American Halftime Show” will be centered on the celebration of “Faith, Family & Freedom.”

At the same time, fake news circulated according to which Carlos Santana would have promoted a petition to replace Bad Bunny: the guitarist was forced to deny it, issuing an official statement:

“I congratulate and celebrate the success of Bad Bunny and his place, at this moment, in the world and in relation to the Super Bowl. I feel total unity with what he is doing, because we are here to use art to integrate and bring the world closer to harmony and unity. However, we are living in a time of fear, division, separation, superiority and inferiority. Fear is the flavor of the moment. It is fear that drives ignorant people to putting words in my mouth — saying I didn’t want Bad Bunny represented at the Super Bowl. I have never said it, nor would I ever say it.”