As the NFL gears up for its pinnacle event, Super Bowl LX marks a monumental milestone — the 60th edition of the championship game. Scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, this year's showdown promises not only thrilling football but also a spectacular halftime performance by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny.
Home to the San Francisco 49ers, the venue will host the clash between the NFC and AFC champions, blending athletic prowess with cultural celebration.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT), with pre-game festivities kicking off earlier.
A Brief History of the NFL and the Super Bowl
The National Football League (NFL) traces its roots back to 1920, when it was founded as a professional American football organization. In 1960, the American Football League (AFL) emerged as a rival, quickly gaining popularity and challenging the NFL's dominance. To crown the ultimate champion, the Super Bowl was born as a showdown between the winners of each league. The first game, held in 1967 (retroactively called Super Bowl I), pitted the NFL's Green Bay Packers against the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs.
By 1970, the leagues merged under the NFL banner, but the division into the National Football Conference (NFC) and American Football Conference (AFC) persisted. Teams from these conferences rarely face off during the regular season, making the Super Bowl their only potential playoff encounter — and the grand finale.
The Evolution of the Apple Music Halftime Show
Since 2022, Apple has sponsored the Super Bowl Halftime Show, rebranding it as the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show after taking over from Pepsi. While Apple provides the platform, the NFL selects the performers in collaboration with Jay-Z's Roc Nation. Artists perform for free, viewing it as unparalleled exposure, with the league covering production costs.
Recent headliners have included:
| Year | Artist |
For 2026, Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) takes the stage, becoming the first Latino and Spanish-speaking solo artist to headline. This historic choice aligns with Apple's focus on the Spanish-speaking audience, evident in campaigns like the AirPods 4 ad featuring Pedro Pascal.
Bad Bunny: A Global Phenomenon
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap sensation, dominated 2025 as Spotify's most-streamed artist for the fourth time in five years.
His album Debí Tirar Más Fotos made history at the 2026 Grammys, winning Album of the Year — the first Spanish-language album to claim the top prize. He also secured Best Música Urbana Album and other nods, solidifying his influence.
Bad Bunny's performance is expected to be a "huge party," blending his hits with cultural flair. His music, even for non-Spanish speakers, captivates with infectious rhythms — definitely check out his latest album for a taste.
Apple's All-Out Promotion
Apple is maximizing the moment with extensive activations:
- Website Branding: The homepage features Bad Bunny promotions, including exclusive playlists and interviews.
- Apple Music Hub: A dedicated "Road to Halftime" section offers interviews, albums in Spatial Audio, themed playlists (e.g., "Dance Bunny," "Party Bunny"), DJ mixes, and past halftime videos.
- Promo Teaser and Press Conference: A one-hour event with Bad Bunny and stars builds hype.
- Shazam Activation: Shazam a track for custom wallpapers on Apple Watch and iPhone.
Expect more, like podcasts and events, as Apple leverages Bad Bunny's appeal.
Also read:
- Aronofsky, No Camera Needed? Hollywood's First AI-Generated Series
- We are excited to announce a strategic partnership between QUASA and Reown!
- The Foundational Bug in Crypto That Led to the Industry's Collapse
Pregame Entertainment and More
The pregame lineup is star-studded: Green Day opens, Charlie Puth sings the National Anthem, Brandi Carlile performs "America the Beautiful," and Coco Jones delivers "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
Super Bowl LX isn't just a game — it's a cultural spectacle. With Bad Bunny's historic set, it celebrates diversity and innovation. ¡Viva Puerto Rico! (The unincorporated organized territory of the U.S.)
