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Bad Bunny inaugurated the 51st season of Saturday Night Live this Saturday, turning his monologue into a strong and sarcastic response to the criticism he has received for being chosen as the headlining artist of the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show.
The Puerto Rican reggaeton artist took the opportunity to speak about pride, Latin identity, and cultural resistance, while jokingly targeting conservative sectors in the United States that have reacted with annoyance and even threats regarding his involvement.
“Even Fox News is happy”
From the beginning of his monologue, Bad Bunny made it clear that he is not willing to shy away from controversy.
"I think everyone is happy about that, even Fox News," he joked.
Immediately, the phrase gave way to an audiovisual satire in which presenters from Fox News - through ironic editing, repeated together: “Bad Bunny is my favorite musician, and he should be the next president.”
It was just the first of several blows to the conservative media discourse, which has tried to turn his performance at the Super Bowl into a battleground for the so-called "culture war" in the U.S.
"It is an achievement for everyone."
The tone changed when Bad Bunny switched to Spanish to speak from the heart.
“All the Latinos and Latinas around the world and here in the United States, all those people who have worked to open doors, more than my achievement, it is an achievement for all, demonstrating that our impact and our contribution in this country can never be erased or forgotten,” he said, and his statement elicited a standing ovation in the studio.
And it was right after speaking in Spanish that he returned to English with a warning that instantly went viral on social media
"If you didn't understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!"
The phrase, aimed at those who criticize the use of Spanish or question its presence at one of the country’s most important sporting events, was celebrated as a gesture of cultural defiance.
Bad Bunny will not only perform in Spanish at the Super Bowl, but he humorously and confidently demands that the United States adapt to an undeniable reality: the immense influence of Latin culture.
ICE, raids and veiled threats
That message of inclusion, pride, and Latino legacy contrasted with the attacks the artist has faced in recent months due to his political stance.
The Puerto Rican reggaeton artist has publicly positioned himself against Donald Trump's immigration policy, even stating that he does not want to tour in the U.S. for fear of ICE raids that may affect his immigrant fans.
The designation of Bad Bunny as the lead artist for the halftime show of Super Bowl 2026 has sparked a virulent reaction from conservative sectors of the U.S. government.
Among the most outraged voices is Corey Lewandowski, an advisor at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and former campaign manager for Donald Trump in 2016, who has issued a direct warning: ICE agents will be present at the event "to detain and deport" undocumented migrants.
During his appearance on the ultraconservative podcast The Benny Show, Lewandowski was emphatic in noting that the most-watched sporting event in the country will not be an exception to the strict enforcement of Trump’s immigration policies.
"There is no place in this country that provides a safe haven for people who are here illegally. Not at the Super Bowl or anywhere else," he asserted emphatically.
Shortly thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem confirmed that ICE would be present at the Super Bowl to "ensure safety."
Noem warned that “people should not come to the Super Bowl unless they are law-abiding Americans who love this country.”
The comment was perceived by many as a veiled threat against the immigrant community and a direct provocation following the announcement of Bad Bunny as the headliner.
Noem even launched a tirade against the NFL, stating: “Well, they suck and we will win... They are so weak that we will fix it.”
The response on SNL also came through its humorous segment Weekend Update, where co-host Michael Che joked: “A Trump advisor said that ICE agents will attend the Super Bowl after it was announced that Bad Bunny will perform at halftime... You know, to attract all those farmworkers who can afford Super Bowl tickets.”
Political satire in a Trump key
Politics was also present at the start of the program. James Austin Johnson reprised his role as Donald Trump in the opening sketch, in which the president—who has hosted SNL in the past and is a recurring critic of the show—declared:
"I'm just here watching 'SNL', making sure they don't do anything too bad about me... Daddy is watching."
The sketch included references to media control, political surveillance, and the tension between SNL and the Trump administration, which has flirted with taking action against late-night comedy shows deemed "hostile."
A Super Bowl with a Latino accent
Bad Bunny's performance at Super Bowl 2026 will be a historic milestone: it will be the first time an artist performs entirely in Spanish during the halftime show of the event.
And that, beyond the show, represents a deep change in the cultural narratives of the United States.
With his appearance on Saturday Night Live, Bad Bunny not only defended his presence on the Super Bowl stage but also transformed it into an act of resistance and representation.
She did it with humor, pride, and a clear conviction: Latin culture is not an add-on; it is an integral part of the present and future of the United States.
"No one can erase our mark," she declared. And from the most iconic live television stage in the country, it became clear that they will not succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bad Bunny's Performance at Super Bowl 2026
Why has Bad Bunny been chosen for the halftime show of Super Bowl 2026?
Bad Bunny has been chosen for his immense influence on global music, being the first Latin artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show solo. His selection represents an acknowledgment of Latin culture and its impact in the United States.
What controversies has Bad Bunny's participation in the Super Bowl generated?
The choice of Bad Bunny has generated criticism from conservative sectors in the United States, who have raised warnings about the presence of ICE agents at the event to carry out immigration raids. These actions have been seen as a threat to the Latin community, in a context of immigration tension under the government of Donald Trump.
What has Bad Bunny's response been to the criticism regarding his participation in the Super Bowl?
During his appearance on Saturday Night Live, Bad Bunny responded to criticism with humor and Latino pride, highlighting that his performance is an achievement for the entire Latino community. He has emphasized the importance of Latino culture in the United States and has challenged his critics to adapt to this cultural reality.
Why has Bad Bunny decided not to hold any more concerts in the United States?
Bad Bunny has decided not to perform any more concerts in the United States due to fears of ICE raids that could impact his immigrant fans. This decision aims to protect his audience, many of whom are undocumented Latinos, from the aggressive immigration policies in the country.
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