Imagine a global superstar turning the tables on critics with sharp wit and unapologetic pride—right on live TV. That's exactly what happened when Bad Bunny took the stage for Saturday Night Live's season 51 opener, firing back at the uproar over his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show gig. But here's where it gets controversial: his response wasn't just about music; it touched on immigration, culture, and politics in ways that have fans and detractors buzzing. Stick around, because this monologue might just change how you see celebrity pushback.
Dated October 5, 2025, the Puerto Rican icon, known for his chart-topping hits and boundary-pushing style, stepped in as host for the October 4 episode of SNL (that's Saturday Night Live, the iconic sketch comedy show that's been a staple of American TV since 1975, perfect for poking fun at current events). Joining him was Doja Cat as the musical guest, bringing her own flair to the night. In his opening monologue, Bad Bunny directly confronted the criticism that erupted after the NFL announced him as the headliner for Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
'You might not be aware, but I'm set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, and I'm thrilled about it,' Bad Bunny shared with the audience in a straightforward tone. 'I believe everyone's excited—even Fox News.' To drive the point home, the show aired a hilarious satirical video mashup of Fox News segments, cleverly edited to depict the hosts raving about the 'DTMF' artist, proclaiming things like, 'Bad Bunny is my top musician, and he ought to run for president next.'
Continuing his address, he expressed, 'I'm genuinely pumped for the Super Bowl. I realize that supporters of my music worldwide are celebrating too.' Then, shifting seamlessly to Spanish, he addressed his community more intimately. 'Particularly all the Latinos and Latinas across the globe, especially those in the United States who've busted down barriers,' he said in his mother tongue. 'This isn't merely a personal victory; it's a triumph for everyone. Our mark and our impact in this nation can't be erased or forgotten by anyone.'
Bad Bunny wrapped up his speech on a lighthearted note in English, quipping, 'And if you didn't catch what I just said, you've got four months to brush up on it!' This playful jab added a fun twist, encouraging viewers to engage with his cultural roots—perhaps even learn some Spanish basics, which could be a great way for beginners to connect with Latin music scenes.
These remarks come amid a flurry of divided opinions following the July announcement that Bad Bunny would lead the halftime extravaganza. For context, the Super Bowl halftime show is one of the biggest platforms in entertainment, drawing billions of viewers and often sparking debates over who gets the spotlight. And this is the part most people miss: the backlash wasn't just about musical taste; it veered into political territory.
Take Corey Lewandowski, a former advisor to President Trump who's now involved with the Department of Homeland Security. He issued a stark warning on The Benny Show, stating that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers would be on site at the game. 'You can't offer refuge to those here illegally anywhere,' Lewandowski declared. 'Not at the Super Bowl, not anywhere else. We'll track you down, detain you, and deport you.' He emphasized that this is a firm policy under the current administration, a shift from past approaches. This statement has fueled heated discussions—some see it as necessary enforcement, while others view it as an overreach that could intimidate fans and overshadow the event. Is this a fair precaution, or does it unfairly target communities? It's a point that's dividing opinions, and we'd love to hear your take in the comments.
Looking forward, SNL's October schedule promises more star power: Amy Poehler will host on October 11 with newcomer Role Model as the musical guest, and Sabrina Carpenter will take the reins on October 18, serving double duty as both host and performer. While this marks Carpenter's first hosting gig, she's no stranger to the show—she appeared as a guest in 2024 and even popped up in the SNL50: The Anniversary Special this year.
Don't miss out—check out Bad Bunny's full SNL monologue right below to see the magic unfold.
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What do you think—does Bad Bunny's defense hit the mark, or is there a counterpoint we're missing? Share your thoughts below and let's discuss!
