The Super Bowl halftime show is more than just a break from the game. It’s a global spectacle that millions of people watch every year. Some tune in for the football. Many others just want to see the performance. The NFL brings in top music artists to deliver a blockbuster show every single year.
Super Bowl LX features Bad Bunny as the headliner. He will make history as the first male Latin American artist to headline the show solo. This guide covers everything you need to know about the start time, performers and how to watch for free.
What Time is the Super Bowl Halftime Show 2026?
Super Bowl LX takes place on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Kickoff starts at 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Halftime typically begins around 8:00 PM Eastern Time. The exact timing depends on how long the first half lasts.
Here’s the estimated halftime start time across different time zones:
- Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 PM
- Central Time (CT): 7:00 PM
- Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 PM
- Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 PM
- Alaska Time (AKST): 4:00 PM
- Hawaii Time (HST): 3:00 PM
- United Kingdom (GMT): 1:00 AM (Monday, Feb 9)
- Canada (ET): 8:00 PM
- Australia (AEDT): 12:00 PM (Monday, Feb 9)
The halftime show starts after the second quarter ends. Game pace determines the precise start time.
How Long is the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
A regular NFL halftime break runs 12 to 15 minutes. The Super Bowl halftime show lasts much longer. The entire break extends to about 25 or 30 minutes. This gives crews time to set up the elaborate stage and prepare for the live performance.
The actual performance runs 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll see high-energy performances, choreography and special effects packed into that time.
Who is Performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show 2026?
Bad Bunny headlines this year’s show. He becomes the first male Latin American artist to perform solo at a Super Bowl halftime show. This represents a major milestone for Latino culture on the world’s biggest stage.
Bad Bunny will perform primarily in Spanish. He’s known for Latin trap and reggaeton music that blends contemporary sounds with his Puerto Rican heritage. His previous Super Bowl appearance came in 2020 as a guest performer alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
The Puerto Rican superstar ranks as one of the most-streamed artists worldwide. He has won three Grammy Awards and earned 12 Latin Grammy nominations for 2025. His recent 30-show residency in Puerto Rico drew more than half a million fans.
Pregame Performances
The NFL has not announced the pregame performers yet. These artists usually get revealed in late December or early January.
The pregame show includes three performances:
- National Anthem
- “America the Beautiful”
- “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Last year’s pregame featured Jon Batiste singing the National Anthem. Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle performed “America the Beautiful.” Ledisi delivered “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Do Super Bowl Halftime Performers Get Paid?
Super Bowl halftime performers do not receive a performance fee. The NFL covers all production costs which can exceed $13 million. Artists don’t get direct payment for performing.
The halftime show provides massive exposure instead of money. Usher’s 2024 performance boosted his Spotify streams by 550%. Rihanna’s 2023 halftime show drove an 833% increase in Fenty Beauty sales.
Artists see this as a prestige opportunity. The career boost from performing on the world’s biggest stage is worth more than a paycheck.
What Channel is the Super Bowl Halftime Show On?
The Super Bowl and halftime show will air on major networks around the world.
United States
NBC broadcasts the game on television. Peacock and NFL+ provide streaming options. Telemundo offers Spanish-language coverage for viewers who prefer watching in Spanish.
United Kingdom
Channel 5 carries the game on free-to-air television. Sky Sports also broadcasts it for satellite and cable subscribers. ITVX offers free streaming with a free account.
Canada
CTV and TSN broadcast the game on television. DAZN provides a streaming option for cord-cutters.
Australia
Channel Seven shows the game on free-to-air TV. 7Plus streams it live online. ESPN (via Disney+) also carries the broadcast.
Mexico
Azteca 7 broadcasts the game for free on television. ESPN, Fox Sports and Televisa also carry coverage.
Germany
ProSieben broadcasts the game for free on television. Their website offers free streaming with simple registration.
Can I Watch the Super Bowl Halftime Show for Free?
Yes. You can watch the Super Bowl halftime show for free in several countries.
- United States: NBC broadcasts the game for free on over-the-air television. Peacock requires a subscription for streaming. Last year Tubi offered a free 4K stream but no confirmation exists yet for 2026.
- United Kingdom: Channel 5 broadcasts for free. ITVX streams the game with a free account.
- Australia: 7Plus streaming service provides free access. No subscription or payment required.
- Canada: CTV broadcasts the game for free on traditional television.
The NFL YouTube channel uploads the full halftime performance after the game ends. This usually happens within a few hours of the show.
A VPN can help you access free streaming options from other countries. This works best for viewers in regions without free broadcast options.
Can I Watch Only the Super Bowl Halftime Show Without the Game?
The halftime show is part of the full Super Bowl broadcast. You cannot watch it separately during the live event.
The NFL YouTube channel uploads the complete performance after the game. This typically happens within hours of the show ending. You can watch just the halftime show at that point without sitting through the entire game.
Where Can I Rewatch the Super Bowl Halftime Show After It Airs?
Several platforms will host the halftime show after it airs:
- NFL YouTube Channel (usually available within hours)
- NFL’s Official Website
- Peacock (replay availability may vary)
- Social Media Platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
The NFL YouTube channel typically provides the best quality replay. Most people find it there first.
Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show FAQs
Has a Country Artist Ever Performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Yes. The 1994 show featured Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt and The Judds. Shania Twain performed in 2003. She remains the last country artist to headline the show.
How Much Does It Cost to Produce the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Production costs average around $13 million. The 2020 show with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira exceeded that amount. The NFL covers all these costs.
Why Do Artists Perform for Free at the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl reaches over 100 million viewers worldwide. This massive exposure drives significant benefits for artists. Usher’s 2024 halftime show increased his music streams by 550%. Rihanna’s 2023 performance boosted Fenty Beauty sales by 833%. Many artists also secure major sponsorship deals after performing.
What Was the Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Show Ever?
Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance set the record with 133.5 million viewers. This surpassed Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance that drew 133.4 million viewers. Other highly-watched shows include Usher’s 2024 performance (123.4 million viewers) and Rihanna’s 2023 show (121 million viewers).
Is the Super Bowl Halftime Show Live or Pre-Recorded?
Most lead vocals are performed live. Background instrumentals and certain vocal elements are pre-recorded. This ensures sound consistency during the performance. Major live events use this common practice to maintain audio quality.
Has Bad Bunny Performed at the Super Bowl Before?
Yes. Bad Bunny appeared as a special guest during the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show. He performed alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. This marks his first time as the main headliner.
Where is Super Bowl LX Being Held?
Super Bowl LX takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This is the home stadium of the San Francisco 49ers. The venue previously hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016.
What Time Does the Super Bowl Start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The pregame show starts earlier with the National Anthem around 6:20 PM ET.
