Shakira welcomed the announcement that Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February 2026, calling the decision long overdue.

Speaking about the news in a Variety interview published Oct. 21, 2025, she simply reacted, “It’s about time!” and went on to praise the cultural significance of his selection.

Shakira added that she’s thrilled Bad Bunny — who she said symbolizes not only Latin culture but also the global rise of Spanish-language music — will take the sport’s biggest stage. She described the timing as ideal and said she’s eager to watch his performance.

She also recalled Bad Bunny’s earlier Super Bowl appearance as a guest during the joint halftime set with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, noting that including Spanish-language material on such a platform was then seen as a bold move.

Reflecting on the broader impact, Shakira observed how acceptance of Spanish-language songs in mainstream markets has grown since she first started, and suggested that her own struggles with resistance from English-language audiences helped pave the way for today’s more inclusive pop landscape.

Despite widespread excitement for Bad Bunny’s Levi’s Stadium headlining slot in Santa Clara, Calif., some conservative figures criticized the choice because his repertoire is predominantly Spanish. Public commentary included disparaging remarks from former President Donald Trump and commentary from other right-leaning voices, while groups like Turning Point USA announced plans for alternative halftime programming. Supporters have pushed back, noting Bad Bunny’s U.S. citizenship and emphasizing that language should not disqualify an artist from major stages.

Leila Cabo, Billboard’s chief content officer of Latin/Español, argued in a recent op‑ed that the selection is not inherently political but does expose lingering biases toward Spanish and Spanish-speaking communities — and that acknowledging those biases helps explain why Bad Bunny’s appearance is both symbolic and significant.

Shakira’s comments arrive as she marks major milestones: the 30th anniversary of Pies Descalzos and the 20th anniversary of Oral Fixation, Vol. 1. In the same Variety conversation she named Gen‑Z artist Chappell Roan as someone she’d love to collaborate with on a reimagined version of “La Pared,” calling Roan’s voice and artistry “incredible.”

Read the Variety interview for full remarks.

Billboard’s Live Music Summit will be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025. For tickets and details, visit the event website.

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