The world’s most streamed artist is set to take the Super Bowl stage. Bad Bunny will perform during halftime of the NFL championship game on Sunday, February 8, to Monday, February 9, in Santa Clara, California, and in a bold move, he’ll be doing it entirely in Spanish—a first for the event.
A Grammy Win and a Historic Super Bowl Performance
The Puerto Rican singer, whose music blends reggaeton, Latin trap, and hip-hop, recently cemented his status as a global icon, winning a Grammy Award for Album of the Year on February 1 for I SHOULD TAKE MORE PHOTOS. He’s the first artist to achieve this honor with a fully Spanish-language project, dedicating the award “to all those who had to leave their homeland to pursue their dreams.” More than 150 million viewers worldwide are expected to tune in to watch the Super Bowl, which will pit the Seattle Seahawks against the team from Holy Clara, California.
From Church Choir to Global Superstar: The Story Behind the Name
Born Benitop Antonio Martínez Ocasio on March 10, 1994, in Bayamón, Bad Bunny grew up immersed in the sounds of salsa, merengue, and ballads thanks to his mother. The son of a truck driver, Tito Martínez, and a teacher, Lysaurie Ocasio, he also has two younger brothers, Bernie and Byseal. He described himself as a homebody in a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, saying, “I’m not the kid who frequents the streets. I like to be at home with my family.”
The origin of his stage name is a playful memory from his school days. Forced to wear a rabbit costume for a photo, he struck a furious pose, and “Bad Bunny” was born. He began writing songs at age 14, sharing them on Soundcloud while working to support himself—including a stint as a supermarket cashier in Puerto Rico in 2016—before his career took off with the release of “tell them” that same year. Since then, he’s collaborated with artists like Drake, J Balvin, Cardi B, and Jennifer Lopez, earning the nickname “The Pop Rel” from Forbes in 2023 for his impact on bringing reggaeton to a global audience.
Beyond the Music: Fashion, Wrestling, and a Multifaceted Career
Bad Bunny’s influence extends far beyond music. He’s made appearances in films, including Bullet Train alongside Brad Pitt, and has become a fashion icon. His 2023 Met Gala look—a tweed suit with a backless design, a long floral train, and a custom necklace—made headlines, as did his custom Schiaparelli corset at the Grammy Awards, as noted by Les Inrocks.
Perhaps surprisingly, he’s also a passionate wrestler. A lifelong fan, he debuted in WWE in 2021, even becoming a WWE 24/7 Championship champion. He competed at WrestleMania, facing his friend-turned-rival Damian Priest in a memorable match in San Juan, Puerto Rico, entering to fireworks and his own music—a moment destined for wrestling history, which he ultimately won.
Basic saw – Da Silva / Bestimage
A Look at Bad Bunny’s Relationships
Despite his public profile, Bad Bunny remains relatively private about his personal life. He was in a long-term relationship with Carliz De La Cruz from 2011 to 2017 and later dated designer Gabriela Berlingeri, whom he met in Porto after a Zion and Lennox concert, according to Elle. He recounted their first meeting, saying, “I met her in a restaurant, while I was having dinner with my parents and brothers. We started talking, and from there we continued to see each other.” They made their public debut as a couple at the Premios Billboard de la Musica Latina in September 2020, with Berlingeri appearing in his music videos and even contributing vocals to his 2022 track, “The Blackout.” The pair separated in August 2022 but remained on good terms.
Rumors of a romance between Bad Bunny and Kendall Jenner surfaced in early 2023, with a source telling Entertainment Tonight that they were “attracted to each other and there is clearly a connection.” The relationship was confirmed with appearances at events like a Gucci fashion show in Milan before ending in 2024. As of September, a source told Us Weekly that they were “still friends, but had distanced themselves and were no longer dating.” In 2020, Bad Bunny described his sexuality as fluid, rejecting labels and embracing his non-conformist identity.
A Voice for His Community and Beyond
Bad Bunny is also a politically engaged artist, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and criticizing U.S. immigration policies. In 2025, he canceled his U.S. tour out of concern that his concerts could be used as a pretext for ICE raids. Conversely, he performed 31 concerts in Puerto Rico, injecting approximately $200 million into the local economy, as reported by Radio France. He consistently champions his island, celebrating its culture, resilience, and pride.
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