California Declares ‘Bad Bunny Day’ Ahead of Historic Super Bowl Halftime Performance

California Governor Gavin Newsom officially declared February 8, 2026, as “Bad Bunny Day” in honor of the Puerto Rican artist’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. The announcement came in a playful, tongue-in-cheek statement from Newsom’s press office, which also took aim at conservative figures, including Kid Rock and supporters of former President Donald Trump. Bad Bunny, one of the most streamed Latin artists globally, is performing an all-Spanish-language show with appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. The Grammy winner emphasized themes of human dignity and immigrant rights in a recent speech at the Grammys, stating, “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans.” While Trump criticized Bunny’s selection as “ridiculous” and will watch the game from home, Newsom plans to attend the live event, which will be broadcast on NBC, streamed via Peacock, and available in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo. In response to the halftime show, a conservative group led by Charlie Kirk organized an alternative “All-American Halftime Show,” highlighting the political and cultural divides surrounding the event. Apple Music, sponsor of the Super Bowl halftime show, also publicly praised Bad Bunny, reflecting both the artist’s popularity and the NFL’s ongoing efforts to engage Latino audiences.