The King’s Counsel: Marc Anthony Reveals His Urgent Advice for Bad Bunny Amid Super Bowl Backlash

The stage is set for the most culturally charged Super Bowl Halftime Show in recent memory. On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Latin music powerhouse Bad Bunny is set to headline Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, marking an undeniable, historic milestone for the global reach of Spanish-language music. Yet, the announcement of the Puerto Rican superstar—an artist whose success is built almost entirely outside of the English-language market—has sparked a predictable, intense political and cultural backlash from conservative voices. As critics accuse the NFL of abandoning “American culture,” the artist finds an impassioned defender and trusted advisor in one of Latin music’s most enduring legends, Marc Anthony. Anthony, who calls the young star a mirror of his own youthful ambition, has revealed the specific, measured advice he delivered to Bad Bunny: acknowledge the “massive responsibility” of the moment, and be “responsible with the risk.”

A Cultural Colossus Takes the Field

The magnitude of Bad Bunny’s selection for the Halftime Show cannot be overstated. The artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, represents a cultural shift that has redefined the music industry’s global landscape. His numbers speak to an unprecedented level of success built on raw, innovative merit. In the year preceding the announcement, Bad Bunny maintained his status as one of Spotify’s most popular artists globally, boasting an astronomical 80 million monthly listeners and ranking as the third-most streamed artist in the world in 2024, a feat accomplished without even releasing a new album that year.

This triumph is more than just data; it is a movement. Having charted an astonishing 113 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including 15 cracking the Top 10, Bad Bunny has proven that music transcends linguistic borders. His performance is not merely an entertainment booking; it is a cultural and artistic vindication, placing an unapologetically Spanish-language artist at the center of what is often considered the most distinctly “American” annual television event. For many, this moment is a powerful confirmation of Latin culture’s deep and abiding influence on the modern United States.

The Firestorm of Backlash

Despite the commercial juggernaut that is Bad Bunny, the announcement of his headlining set provoked an immediate and loud wave of criticism, particularly from conservative political figures and commentators. This reaction turned the Halftime Show into an unforeseen battleground for cultural identity, with high-profile figures questioning the appropriateness of placing a non-English-speaking artist on the coveted stage.

The criticism was not limited to anonymous social media accounts. President Donald Trump publicly voiced his disapproval, calling the NFL’s decision “absolutely ridiculous.” The political outcry was echoed in Congress, with House Speaker Mike Johnson suggesting the choice was “terrible” and controversially proposing the substitution of an 82-year-old country singer. Even the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, weighed in, claiming that ICE would be present at the show and predicting the NFL “won’t be able to sleep at night” over the decision. For many critics, the core issue was one of national identity, exemplified by a former racer turned commentator who argued that having “No songs in English should not be allowed” at the Super Bowl. This coordinated, high-level political backlash has intensified the pressure on Bad Bunny, transforming his performance from a celebration into a statement.

The King’s Counsel: Anthony’s Sage Advice

Against this backdrop of intense scrutiny, Marc Anthony—a fellow icon of Puerto Rican heritage and a former Super Bowl performer himself (Anthony sang “America the Beautiful” at Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002)—has emerged as Bad Bunny’s most articulate and authoritative defender. Anthony revealed in a recent interview that he has been in direct contact with the younger star, offering a blend of reassurance and caution.

Anthony’s counsel centered on the enormous cultural weight Bad Bunny is now carrying. “Every time I talk to him, I tell him to just to be responsible with the risk [and] with the responsibility that he’s taking on,” Anthony explained. This advice speaks to the fact that Bad Bunny’s performance is more than just a 15-minute set; it is an act of representation. Anthony observed that Bad Bunny “sees this as a massive responsibility to represent not only his culture, but his music.” This understanding, according to Anthony, is why the artist will “work that much harder to bring an amazing show.”

Defense of Merit and Shared Legacy

Marc Anthony’s support is rooted in a deep professional respect and a personal connection. Anthony sees a reflection of his own youthful, trail-blazing ambition in Bad Bunny’s career. “Bad Bunny reminds me of me when I was younger,” Anthony stated, praising him for doing things “his way” and having “fun with it.” The two artists share a history, having collaborated on the 2018 hit “Está Rico,” and Anthony was a surprise guest at one of Bad Bunny’s final “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” shows in San Juan, where they performed “Preciosa.”

In defending the NFL’s choice, Anthony was quick to dismiss the notion of luck or tokenism. He passionately argued that Bad Bunny’s presence on the world’s biggest stage is purely “based on merit and everything that he’s accomplished.” This defense re-centers the conversation on the artist’s unparalleled achievements, pushing back against the political noise by highlighting the reality of his “astronomical” impact on global pop culture. As a final show of support, Anthony pledged to be physically present at the Super Bowl, stating, “I’ll definitely be there and I’ll be the first one cheering him on.”

The Anticipation on the Turf

The NFL itself has stood by its decision, recognizing the cultural resonance of their selection. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the choice, calling the expected performance an “exciting and a united moment,” and noting that the league has never selected an artist without experiencing “some blowback or criticism.” The Commissioner’s confidence in the show’s quality reflects an awareness that Bad Bunny is a generational talent who transcends niche categorization.

Bad Bunny has also received vocal support from other Super Bowl veterans, including Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, the latter of whom defended the selection as being “about time.” With the stage being built for February 2026, the performance has become one of the most anticipated in the event’s history. It is a moment where music, politics, and cultural identity converge, ensuring that Bad Bunny’s set will be scrutinized not just for its dazzling production, but for its profound symbolic importance. The pressure is immense, but with the wisdom of industry giants like Marc Anthony guiding him, Bad Bunny is poised to embrace the risk and deliver a show that is not only “amazing,” but historic.