Get ready for a historic showdown! Super Bowl 60 is almost here, and the stakes have never been higher. But here's where it gets controversial: as the New England Patriots aim to etch their names in NFL history with a record-seventh victory, the spotlight isn't just on the field. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, is set to deliver a groundbreaking halftime show—entirely in Spanish. But will his performance unite or divide viewers? And this is the part most people miss: the political undertones surrounding the event, with President Donald Trump notably absent and critical of the lineup. Let’s dive into the details.
After a week of electrifying build-up in the San Francisco Bay Area, the biggest game in America is finally upon us. Held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Super Bowl 60 pits the Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks, who enter as slight favorites. But this game is about more than just the Lombardi Trophy. It’s a global spectacle, drawing millions of viewers worldwide—more than any U.S. TV event since the 1969 Moon landing. For many, the halftime show is the main event, and Bad Bunny’s performance promises to be historic, though it’s already sparked debate.
Can the Patriots make history? After a six-year drought, one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises is back, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye. A win would give them their seventh title, breaking a tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This rematch of Super Bowl 49 (2015) sees the Patriots aiming to deny the Seahawks their second championship. Seattle, meanwhile, is making their first appearance since then, thanks to quarterback Sam Darnold and a formidable defense led by British coordinator Aden Durde—the first overseas coach to reach this stage.
Who’s performing at halftime? Bad Bunny, the first solo male Latin artist to headline the show, is set to make waves. The 31-year-old Spotify sensation, also an actor and WWE champion, will perform entirely in Spanish—a bold move that’s already polarizing opinions. Rock band Green Day, California natives, will kick things off with an anniversary performance, but the NFL has hinted at surprises during halftime. However, Bad Bunny’s selection hasn’t been without controversy. His criticism of Trump’s immigration policies and his decision to avoid touring the U.S. due to ICE raid concerns have made him a target for right-wing media. Conservative group Turning Point USA even planned an alternative halftime show featuring Trump ally Kid Rock.
Will Trump attend? After becoming the first sitting president to attend last year, Trump has opted out, calling the West Coast location “too far away.” He’s also slammed the performer choices, claiming they “sow hatred.” Meanwhile, fears of ICE raids in the Bay Area this weekend have been addressed by NFL security chief Cathy Lanier, who confirmed no such operations are planned.
Where’s the Super Bowl, and who’s showing up? While the game is at Levi’s Stadium, 45 miles south of San Francisco, the Bay Area has been buzzing with events. Celebrities like Jon Hamm, Shaquille O’Neal, and Post Malone have hosted parties, while stars like Roger Federer, Jay Z, and Cardi B are expected to attend. Jon Bon Jovi and Chris Pratt will introduce the Patriots and Seahawks, respectively.
Super Bowl 60 by the numbers:
- Cheapest resale ticket: $4,388 (£3,222)
- Last year’s U.S. viewership: 127.7 million
- Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 halftime show: 133.5 million viewers (record)
- Average 30-second ad cost: $8m (£5.9m), with some at $10m
- Estimated U.S. betting: $1.76bn (£1.29bn)
- Chicken wings consumed: 1.48 billion
- Local economic impact: Over $500m (£367m)
How to watch: Kickoff is Sunday, 8 February, at 23:30 GMT, live on Channel 5, Sky Sports, and DAZN. Follow along on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, or the BBC Sport website and app.
Thought-provoking question: Is Bad Bunny’s halftime show a celebration of cultural diversity or a political statement? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a discussion!
