Bad Bunny Earns First Emmy Nomination for 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show

Bad Bunny has received his first Primetime Emmy Award nomination. His 2026 Super Bowl halftime show is nominated for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.

The performance celebrated Puerto Rican culture with music, dancing, and visuals inspired by San Juan and Bayamón. It featured appearances by Pedro Pascal and Cardi B, along with surprise performances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. Bad Bunny performed several of his biggest hits, including “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Yo Perreo Sola,” “Safaera,” and songs from his album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.

The show also included a message of unity. A screen displayed the words, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” before Bad Bunny ended the performance by saying in Spanish, “My homeland, Puerto Rico, we are still here.”

The halftime show drew criticism from some conservative politicians and commentators because Bad Bunny performs mainly in Spanish and has spoken about immigration issues. President Donald Trump publicly criticized the performance, and some Republican lawmakers called for it to be investigated. Turning Point USA also held a separate online event during the game.

Despite the controversy, the halftime show was a major success. According to the NFL, Roc Nation, and Apple Music, it reached more than 4 billion views across television, YouTube, and social media in its first 24 hours. The performance also boosted Bad Bunny's music, helping his song “DtMF” reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sending his album back to the top of the Billboard 200.

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on Sept. 14 on NBC and Peacock.