In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny addressed the backlash surrounding his upcoming half-time performance at the 2026 Super Bowl. The 31-year-old singer, known for his outspoken views on immigration and his criticism of the Trump administration's policies, took the opportunity to joke about threats made by Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security. Noem had previously warned that federal immigration enforcement agents could be present at the event, indicating that only Americans should attend.
During his opening monologue, Bad Bunny expressed excitement about his role in the Super Bowl, stating, “I’m doing the Super Bowl half-time show. I’m very happy and I think everyone is happy about it.” This statement was accompanied by a humorous montage of Fox News contributors, each uttering one word that collectively suggested, “He should be the next President.” The artist's playful tone served to deflect the seriousness of Noem's threats, showcasing his ability to mix humor with important social commentary.
In a heartfelt moment, Bad Bunny dedicated part of his monologue to “all the Latinos and Latinas in the entire world and here in the United States.” He emphasized that his Super Bowl performance is not just a personal triumph but a significant achievement for the entire Latino community. “More than being an accomplishment of mine, it’s an accomplishment for everybody,” he stated, asserting that their contributions to American society are undeniable and cannot be erased.
The announcement of Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl half-time performer sparked a wave of conservative outrage, particularly from Noem. Appearing on a right-wing podcast, she claimed that the NFL would “not be able to sleep at night” over their decision to choose Bad Bunny. She also threatened that ICE agents “will be all over” the Super Bowl, raising concerns for the safety of his fans. In response to these fears, Bad Bunny decided to exclude the United States from his upcoming world tour, illustrating the impact of such political tensions on artists.
Bad Bunny recently completed a triumphant three-month concert series in his home city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, which attracted approximately 600,000 attendees. “My residence was beautiful, everyone loved it,” he reflected during his Saturday Night Live appearance, celebrating the success of his recent performances.
In addition to his monologue, Bad Bunny's episode featured various sketches, including one where Colin Jost impersonated former Fox News host Pete Hegseth. The sketch humorously critiqued military policies, with Jost stating, “Our military will now have the same rules as any good frat party: No fat chicks.” This pointed commentary highlighted ongoing debates about diversity and body image in the military.
James Austin Johnson also made a brief appearance as Donald Trump, positioning himself as a self-appointed monitor of the show. “I’m just here keeping my eye on SNL, making sure they don’t say anything too mean about me,” he quipped, adding another layer of political humor to the episode.
Bad Bunny's Saturday Night Live performance successfully blended humor with vital social issues, particularly surrounding immigration and representation. As he prepares for his high-profile Super Bowl half-time show, the artist continues to amplify the voices of the Latino community while navigating the complexities of the current political landscape.
