Bad Bunny made an exciting return to Saturday Night Live (SNL) as the host of its season 51 premiere. His appearance was marked by a direct response to the criticism surrounding his upcoming performance as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Bad Bunny Addresses Super Bowl Halftime Criticism
During his monologue, the Grammy-winning artist addressed backlash from conservative media. He humorously claimed, “I’m doing the Super Bowl Halftime Show. And I’m very happy, and I think everybody’s happy about it,” which drew applause from the audience. He added, “Even Fox News!” This prompted a video montage of Fox News hosts saying they were fans of Bad Bunny.
Bad Bunny expressed his excitement for the Super Bowl, stating, “I know that people around the world who love my music are also happy,” specifically recognizing his Latino audience. He emphasized the significance of his performance as a triumph for the Latino community in the U.S.
Cultural Significance
- Bad Bunny highlighted the importance of representation, asserting, “It’s more than a win for myself, it’s a win for all of us.”
- He encouraged viewers to learn Spanish, saying, “if you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!”
His comments reflect a commitment to celebrating Latino culture and acknowledging the struggles for recognition within the entertainment industry.
Season 51 Premiere Highlights
In addition to Bad Bunny, the SNL premiere featured various sketches, including a segment with actor Jon Hamm. Hamm was seen dancing to Bad Bunny’s music, adding to the show’s lively atmosphere. The cold open included Colin Jost impersonating U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, joking about military regulations.
The season opened amid significant changes, with five cast members departing after the landmark 50th season. This season introduces 17 new cast members, aimed at revitalizing the series. Despite this cast overhaul, the comedic tone remained strong, with sketches like Please Don’t Destroy making a comeback.
Upcoming Guest Appearances
- Amy Poehler: Scheduled to host on October 11.
- Role Model: Musical guest on October 11.
- Sabrina Carpenter: Scheduled to host and perform on October 18.
This season promises to deliver a mix of new talent and familiar faces while maintaining its legacy of humor. Fans are eagerly anticipating more musical performances and sketches as the show progresses.
