As Super Bowl LX approaches, the halftime show conversation has grown louder, more political, and more culturally charged than it has been in years. This is not just about music. It is about representation, messaging, backlash, and the NFL doubling down on its vision despite the noise. Here is where things stand right now, clearly separating what is officially confirmed from what remains speculation, and why this Super Bowl is shaping up to be one of the most talked about in recent history.
The biggest confirmed headline is the halftime show headliner. Bad Bunny is officially set to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show. This is not a rumor, not a leak, and not a last minute pivot. The NFL announced the decision months ago and has repeatedly reaffirmed it despite criticism. This makes Bad Bunny the first Latin artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show solo, a milestone moment for a global audience that increasingly reflects Latin music’s dominance in streaming, touring, and cultural influence. The performance will take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and will air live during the NBC broadcast and on Peacock.
What is also confirmed is that the NFL is not reconsidering its decision. League leadership has publicly stated that the halftime show lineup is locked in. The backlash from conservative commentators and political figures has not changed the plan. If anything, the league’s response has been firm and unusually direct, signaling that this is a deliberate cultural choice rather than a compromise pick.
Green Day’s involvement has been another major point of confusion, so it is important to be precise. Green Day is confirmed to perform during Super Bowl LX, but not during the halftime show. The band will take part in the opening ceremony and pre game festivities as part of the Super Bowl’s 60th anniversary celebration. Their role is to help kick off the event and welcome generations of players and fans before kickoff. Green Day will not be sharing the halftime stage with Bad Bunny, and they are not a surprise co headliner. That distinction matters, especially given how some headlines have blurred the two.
Also confirmed is the pre game musical lineup. Charlie Puth will perform the national anthem. Brandi Carlile will sing America the Beautiful. Coco Jones will perform Lift Every Voice and Sing. These selections follow the NFL’s recent pattern of blending mainstream pop, Americana, and contemporary R and B voices into the opening broadcast.
Now to the speculation, because there is plenty of it. Cardi B has emerged as one of the most talked about potential guest performers during Bad Bunny’s halftime set. This has not been confirmed by the NFL, by Bad Bunny, or by Roc Nation. It is driven by fan polling, social media chatter, and industry logic. Cardi B’s crossover appeal, cultural alignment, and Super Bowl level presence make her a plausible guest, but at this point it remains speculation only. The same goes for other rumored surprise appearances that circulate every year around this time. Until the NFL or the artists themselves confirm it, those names stay firmly in the rumor category.
There has also been speculation around alternative programming. Conservative groups have floated the idea of hosting counter events or parallel halftime programming as a response to the official lineup. While announcements have been made, no confirmed performers, venues, or broadcast plans have materialized in a meaningful way. For now, these remain more symbolic gestures than actual competing productions.
What makes this year’s halftime show especially charged is the cultural context. Bad Bunny and Green Day both have histories of social commentary, whether through lyrics, visuals, or public statements. That alone has drawn political attention. The NFL appears to be fully aware of this and is not retreating from it. The result is a halftime show that is already generating conversation weeks before the game, which is exactly what the league wants.
And then there is the game itself, which promises to be just as compelling. Super Bowl LX will feature two teams that have earned their place through grit, momentum, and postseason dominance. While the focus leading up to kickoff will be on matchups, injuries, and coaching strategy, the energy in the stadium will be amplified by everything surrounding the event. The halftime show controversy, the historic nature of the performances, and the weight of a championship on the line all converge into one night.
By the time the halftime stage is cleared and the lights come back up, one team will still be chasing history and the other will be trying to hold onto it. That tension, paired with a halftime show that refuses to play it safe, is what makes Super Bowl LX feel electric already.
Whether viewers tune in for the football, the music, or the cultural moment, one thing is certain. This year’s Super Bowl is not going to fade quietly into the background. It is designed to be debated, dissected, and remembered long after the final whistle.
