Bad Bunny Kicks Off SNL Season 51, Addresses 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show Controversy

Global superstar Bad Bunny made a highly anticipated return to Saturday Night Live, hosting the Season 51 premiere on October 5, 2025. During his monologue, the three-time Grammy winner directly tackled the recent backlash surrounding his selection as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Poking fun at conservative criticism, Bad Bunny humorously declared that “everyone is excited” about his performance, even quipping, “Even Fox News!” He then delivered a powerful message in Spanish, emphasizing that his Super Bowl performance is “more than a win for myself, it’s a win for all of us,” particularly for Latinos and Latinas in the United States, acknowledging their contributions and footprints.

The premiere also featured a star-studded cold open with Colin Jost portraying U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, alongside James Austin Johnson’s return as Donald Trump. Trump’s character lightheartedly critiqued SNL’s new season, mentioning cast changes and making references to the Riyadh Comedy Festival and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Bad Bunny’s previous concerns regarding ICE, which reportedly influenced his U.S. tour dates, were subtly highlighted in the context of recent comments from Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem regarding ICE presence at the upcoming Super Bowl.

Other notable moments included a surprise appearance by EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, who performed “Golden.” The episode also marked significant changes behind the scenes, following a cast exodus after Season 50 and the removal of the popular “Please Don’t Destroy” sketches. Doja Cat served as the musical guest, making her SNL debut.

Upcoming hosts and musical guests for SNL Season 51 include Amy Poehler with Role Model on October 11, and Sabrina Carpenter pulling double duty on October 18.

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