Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar, is set to take center stage for the 2026 Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. The announcement has already generated widespread excitement, with a recent Seton Hall Sports Poll indicating that 32% of Americans eagerly anticipate his performance. That enthusiasm jumps to 44% among adults aged 18 to 34 and 47% among avid sports fans. Interestingly, the appeal cuts across gender lines, with 33% of men and 31% of women expressing interest.

Born Benito Martínez Ocasio, Bad Bunny will bring his 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' World Tour energy to the NFL's biggest stage. Notably, his tour does not include any U.S. stops, as the artist has expressed concerns about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) potentially raiding concert venues. This makes his Super Bowl appearance his only scheduled American performance, adding to its significance.

The NFL has clearly been leaning into international superstars for its halftime show. Following Rihanna in 2023, Usher in 2024, and Kendrick Lamar in 2025, Bad Bunny represents a continuation of that strategy. The league has also expanded its global footprint, hosting games this season in São Paulo, Dublin, London, Berlin, and Madrid. Bad Bunny's halftime gig is thus not just a one-off entertainment moment but a centerpiece of the NFL's broader international ambitions.

While Bad Bunny's selection is generating fresh buzz, the question remains: which past halftime shows have truly stood the test of time? Prince's legendary 'Purple Rain' performance and Katy Perry's 'Left Shark' moment often come to mind, but did they top the search charts? According to Google Trends data collected at the time of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX performance in 2025, the following ten shows have dominated search queries since 2004.

The Top 10 Most Searched Halftime Shows Since 2004

1. Super Bowl LVI (2022): Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent

Held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, this West Coast showcase was a celebration of hip-hop history. The setlist included 'The Next Episode,' 'California Love,' 'In Da Club,' 'Family Affair,' 'M.A.A.D City,' 'Alright,' 'Forgot About Dre,' 'Lose Yourself,' and 'Still D.R.E.' Mary J. Blige delivered a stunning performance in a reflective leopard print bodysuit and thigh-high boots, providing a powerful feminine presence in a male-dominated lineup. Her dramatic collapse during 'No More Drama' went viral. Kendrick Lamar, dressed in an all-black Michael Jackson-inspired outfit, performed against a map of his hometown of Compton. The show ended with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg joined by all the artists on a stage designed as an LED-lit map of Compton, complete with lowriders. It was the first halftime show to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live).

2. Super Bowl XLVII (2013): Beyoncé

Beyoncé headlined at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, delivering a high-energy set that included 'Run the World,' 'Love on Top,' 'Crazy in Love,' 'End of Time,' 'Baby Boy,' 'Bootylicious,' 'Independent Women Part I,' 'Single Ladies,' and 'Halo.' The most unforgettable moment came midway through the show when she was joined by her Destiny's Child bandmates Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland for a three-song reunion. It was a nostalgia-packed performance that cemented Beyoncé's status as one of the greatest live performers of her generation.

3. Super Bowl LIV (2020): Shakira and Jennifer Lopez

This Miami show at Hard Rock Stadium featured two Latin icons sharing the spotlight. Shakira opened with 'She Wolf,' 'Empire,' 'Ojos Así,' and 'Whenever, Wherever,' before bringing out Bad Bunny for 'I Like It' and continuing with 'Chantaje' and 'Hips Don't Lie.' Jennifer Lopez then took over with 'Jenny From the Block,' 'Ain't It Funny,' 'Get Right,' and 'Waiting for Tonight.' The two joined forces for 'Let's Get Loud' and 'Born in the U.S.A.' Lopez ended the performance wearing a cape with the Puerto Rican flag on one side and the U.S. flag on the other. With more than 300 million views on YouTube, it remains the most-watched halftime performance of all time.

4. Super Bowl LV (2021): The Weeknd

At Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, The Weeknd delivered a cinematic performance that drew heavily from his album 'After Hours.' The setlist included 'Call Out My Name,' 'Starboy,' 'The Hills,' 'Can't Feel My Face,' 'I Feel It Coming,' 'Save Your Tears,' 'Earned It,' 'House of Balloons,' and 'Blinding Lights.' One of the most striking visuals was his performance of 'Can't Feel My Face' inside a mirror maze, with dancers wearing bandaged faces identical to his own. The mirrored maze and choreography created an eerie, surreal atmosphere that sparked countless discussions online.

5. Super Bowl 50 (2016): Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara hosted this star-studded show. Coldplay served as headliners, performing 'Yellow,' 'Viva la Vida,' 'Paradise,' and 'Adventure of a Lifetime.' Beyoncé and Bruno Mars joined as special guests, with Beyoncé debuting 'Formation' for the first time. The trio closed with 'Uptown Funk,' 'Fix You,' and 'Up&Up.' Beyoncé's outfit paid homage to Michael Jackson, and the dance break between her and Bruno Mars is still considered one of the most memorable moments in modern halftime history.

6. Super Bowl LIII (2019): Maroon 5

Maroon 5 headlined at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with a set that included 'Harder to Breathe,' 'This Love,' 'Girls Like You,' 'She Will Be Loved,' 'Sugar,' and 'Moves Like Jagger.' They were joined by Travis Scott, who performed 'Sicko Mode,' and Atlanta native Big Boi. The real standout moment, however, was a tribute to SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg, who had recently passed away. A clip from the show's iconic 'Band Geeks' episode introduced Travis Scott's segment, fulfilling a viral petition from fans. It was an unexpected and heartfelt touch that resonated with audiences.

7. Super Bowl LII (2018): Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake's second halftime appearance took place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The setlist spanned his career, from 'Filthy' and 'Rock Your Body' to 'Señorita,' 'SexyBack,' 'My Love,' 'Cry Me a River,' 'Suit & Tie,' 'Until the End of Time,' 'Mirrors,' and 'Can't Stop the Feeling.' The highlight was a tribute to Prince, who was from Minneapolis. Timberlake played a white grand piano while singing 'Until the End of Time,' transitioning into 'I Would Die 4 U' with a video of Prince projected onto a large sheet. The entire downtown Minneapolis skyline was lit up in Prince's signature color, featuring his Love Symbol, making for a stunning visual tribute.

8. Super Bowl XLVIII (2014): Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars brought his retro showmanship to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The performance opened with a children's choir singing 'Billionaire,' followed by a drum solo that kicked off 'Locked Out of Heaven.' He also performed 'Treasure,' 'Runaway Baby,' and 'Just the Way You Are.' Red Hot Chili Peppers joined for a rendition of 'Give It Away.' Mars honored his late mother by having her name on the drum kit, and the show ended with the largest fireworks display in Super Bowl history at that time. It was a high-energy, feel-good performance that solidified Mars as a global superstar.

9. Super Bowl LI (2017): Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga took the stage at NRG Stadium in Houston with a bold opening. She sang 'God Bless America' and 'This

Source: MSN News