- Primary Subject: Super Bowl LX Halftime Show
- Key Update: Bad Bunny headlined the first-ever solo Spanish-language halftime show, drawing praise for its cultural celebration and backlash from conservative groups who organized an alternative performance.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 9, 2026
- Quick Answer: Bad Bunny performed at Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026, alongside guests Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, amid political controversy and a counter-programmed conservative concert.
The 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show proved controversial, with Bad Bunny headlining the event and prompting a conservative group to organize alternative musical performances in response.
But this isn’t the first time the halftime show has sparked controversy. From Janet Jackson’s infamous “Nipplegate” to Bad Bunny’s criticism of Donald Trump, here’s a look at some of the most divisive Super Bowl Halftime performances.
Whitney Houston’s Lip-Sync
Okay, this may not have been a halftime show per se, but Whitney Houston’s pregame performance of the national anthem at Tampa Stadium before the New York Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills in 1991 sparked its own controversy.
Houston was found to have lip-synced the performance, but for a very good reason.
This wasn’t an attempt to deceive the public; the NFL had insisted she record a “protection copy” of the song in case anything went wrong.
At the time, Houston was also developing laryngitis, and the event couldn’t risk a mishap. Today, however, her recording is widely regarded as one of the greatest renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Janet Jackson’s ‘Wardrobe Malfunction’
Janet Jackson’s 2004 Super Bowl Halftime Show controversy with Justin Timberlake, dubbed “Nipplegate,” might be the mother of all wardrobe malfunctions.
While performing a medley of her hits, surprise guest Timberlake joined Jackson on stage to perform his song “Rock Your Body.”
At the end of the performance, Timberlake grabbed Jackson’s outfit and appeared to tear off part of it, exposing her right breast. Fortunately, Jackson was wearing a nipple shield, preventing full exposure, but the incident still sparked a nationwide debate over broadcast standards.
The Federal Communications Commission initially fined CBS $550,000, though the penalty was later overturned by a judge. It was also the time the NFL cut its ties with MTV, citing "wardrobe malfunction” as an excuse.
M.I.A. Flips the Finger
M.I.A., along with LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, and CeeLo Green, joined Madonna at the 2014 Super Bowl Halftime Show at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
While performing “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” M.I.A. didn’t sing the word “s***” as expected. Instead, she flipped the finger, surprising many in the audience.
Both the NFL and NBC issued apologies, and the league later sued M.I.A. for up to $16 million, though the case was ultimately settled out of court.
Beyonce’s Formation
Coldplay headlined the 2016 Super Bowl Halftime Show, joined by special A-list guests Beyoncé and Bruno Mars.
The set didn’t just feature a rainbow-colored stage and a pride flag, which already drew some conservative backlash, but Beyoncé also celebrated Black identity and history during her performance.
She and her backup dancers wore social justice-inspired Black Panther-style costumes, complete with clenched fists symbolizing Black power, resistance against oppression, and solidarity.
They even formed an “X,” widely interpreted as a reference to Malcolm X, the iconic advocate for Black nationalism and empowerment.
Jennifer Lopez’s Caged Children
During Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s 2020 Super Bowl Halftime Show, which celebrated Latin culture in Miami, Lopez’s daughter, Emme Muniz, showed up on stage to sing “Let’s Get Loud.”
Later, Lopez appeared wearing a cape featuring both the Puerto Rican and US flags while singing Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.”
On the field, children appeared in cage-like structures, which many interpreted as a depiction of the US-Mexico border crisis. The performance generated controversy among viewers, particularly conservatives.
Eminem’s Colin Kaepernick–Style Knee Bend
The 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show was one for the books, celebrating the history of hip-hop with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, along with surprise appearances by 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak.
Each performer delivered their iconic hits, including Eminem performing his 2002 anthem “Lose Yourself.”
At the song’s conclusion, Eminem lowered his head and bent his knee in honor of Colin Kaepernick, who had been effectively blackballed by the league for his social protest.
Kendrick Lamar’s Black History
Donald Trump had just been inaugurated when Kendrick Lamar headlined the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show and delivered a lesson in Black history on stage.
Samuel L. Jackson appeared as Uncle Sam, calling the event “too loud” and urging Lamar to “play the game,” a nod to the conservative commentary that once told LeBron James to “shut up and dribble,” criticizing athletes for speaking out.
Unsurprisingly, Trump wasn’t amused. Additionally, a performer was banned by the NFL after unfurling a combined Sudanese and Palestinian flag during the show.
Bad Bunny’s Cultural Backlash
Bad Bunny delivered a spectacular performance as he headlined the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, joined by guest stars Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, with cameos from Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G, Jessica Alba, and more.
However, long before he took the stage at Levi’s Stadium, his performance had already stirred controversy, with 125 official complaints filed with the FCC.
Critics were upset that the Puerto Rico-born performer had openly criticized Trump, expressed pro-immigrant views, and performed songs in Spanish, sparking a broader cultural backlash.
Despite this, Bad Bunny delivered, performing his hits amid a whirlwind of surprise guests and cameos.
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