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Gabby Barrett’s New Song, ‘Ain’t Supposed To Be’ Proves Love Can Bloom In The Most Unexpected Places

Gabby Barrett is leading with her heart once again in her brand-new release, “Ain’t Supposed To Be,” out now via Warner Music Nashville. Today’s drop marks another look into a fresh chapter as it flips the script on the typical love story to show how the best relationships often form in the most unexpected places.

The new track was penned by Barrett with Nashville elites, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman, and Chase McGill and produced by Copperman and Zach Kale. The Pennsylvania native’s knack for powerful storytelling comes to life as her rich vocals swiftly graze over the warm and intimate melody.

Gabby Barrett; Photo by Zack Dougan
Gabby Barrett; Photo by Zack Dougan

Following the soft piano chords and delicate guitar strums, Barrett’s vocals emerge to begin the story of two people who weren’t looking for anything more than some fun somehow find the love of their lives in a “last call bar.” This narrative hits close to home for the country singer who’s own love story with her now husband Cade Foehner took on a similar course. While they didn’t meet in a bar, their connection did form unexpectedly during their indivudal journeys on Season 16 of American Idol.

“Ours was supposed be just for fun/ Yeah, you were never supposed to be the one I wasn’t either, but before I knew, we were, oh, oh/ Wildflowers growing through the cracks of the concrete/ In the downtown sea of lonely Baby/ I found you, and you found me,” she sings in the opening verse.

The song gradually unfolds, moving from reflective verses into a soaring chorus that captures the incredible feeling of unexpectedly finding a lifelong connection.

She continues, “And we found love where it ain’t supposed to be/ In a last call bar where we were supposed to leave/ We were two lost hearts unbreaking broken things/ And we found love where it ain’t supposed to be/ Supposed to be, supposed to be.”

The vivid tune feels like a natural progression in Barrett’s string of 2025 releases. “Ain’t Supposed To Be” continues building on the momentum of “The Easy Part,”her bold breakup anthem that arrived in August, and comes as 2020’s 8X PLATINUM “I Hope” recently landed at No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Hot Country Songs of the 21st Century.

This weekend, Gabby Barrett will wrap up her 30-date headlining run, the LIFE I’M LIVING TOUR 2025. She kicked off the trek on September 6 with a milestone headline show in her home state at Timber Rock Amphitheater in Farmington. Getting to perform to a packed out crowd of fans who have been behind her career since day one was something the singer says was “really special.”

“To come back now to Pa. with my family, singing these songs for people who believed in me first, that’s something that’s really special to me. And it feels like I’m coming home to celebrate with everybody, not just perform for them. And I think Pa. crowds just go harder. I do,” Barrett told Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “I just swear they are the loudest. And I think it’s because it just feels more like family when people know your roots and your story. It’s not just another show. You know, it’s pride. You feel like the whole city is pulling for you.”

PennWest California Drumline (of Pennsylvania Western University); Photo by Zack Dougan
PennWest California Drumline (of Pennsylvania Western University); Photo by Zack Dougan

To top it all off, she had the pleasure of welcoming some local talent, the PennWest California Drumline of Pennsylvania Western University. Under the direction of Dr. Frank Stetar, the band kicked off the memorable evening with an epic performance that started inside the venue and traveled to the stage.

Throughout Barrett’s set, she kept the crowd captivated with her run of top-charting hits performed with her husband and guitarist Cade Foehner and later welcomed a second special guest, a Competitive Team from First Position Dance Academy. The group performed a choreographed routine behind her during “Cowboy Back.”

Fans have one final chance to catch Barrett this Sunday, October 5 in Ocean City, MD.

The post Gabby Barrett’s New Song, ‘Ain’t Supposed To Be’ Proves Love Can Bloom In The Most Unexpected Places appeared first on Country Now.

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Hip Hop

50 Cent Warns Cardi B & Nicki Minaj As Feud Crosses Line Into Family Attacks

50 Cent stepped into the middle of the ongoing war of words between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj this week, urging both rap stars to cool off before things spiral further out of control.

“I hope the girls stop fighting before things escalate,” the Hip-Hop mogul wrote on Instagram, posting a photo of himself in a tailored suit. “I read some of the s### they are saying to each other and this is not gonna end well.”

His warning came after an already volatile back-and-forth between the two artists on X (Twitter) took a disturbing turn, with both women dragging each other’s children into the feud.

Cardi B, in one of her most aggressive posts yet, accused Minaj of serious mental health issues and substance abuse.

“Quiet as kept the truth is you BEEN diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar for almost 9 years,” she posted. “You also on heavy drugs COCAINE.. PERCS.. AND XANAX!!!.”

Minaj responded by calling for a boycott of any brands affiliated with Cardi.

“We will boycott every company attached to her. Just like we did with BET,” she tweeted. “You have 3 days to cut ties. That is it. That is all.”

But things escalated even more after 50 Cent’s public plea.

Minaj posted an open letter to Cardi’s 7-year-old daughter, Kulture. What began as a strange apology quickly turned into a string of insults. She referred to Kulture as “a cute child” but said she had “funny looking gums” and warned that Cardi and others would be “brought to their knees” for crossing her son, whom she called a “young prophet.”

Cardi B fired back with a scathing letter of her own, this time directed at Minaj’s 5-year-old son. She accused Minaj of neglect and drug use, and claimed her son carried “pedophilia blood” from Minaj’s grandfather, father and uncle. She ended the message with a warning: Minaj should keep her child’s name out of the beef.

The feud between the two rap heavyweights has been simmering since 2017 and turned physical once before, during a 2018 New York Fashion Week event. This latest exchange marks one of the ugliest chapters yet in their long-running rivalry.

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Nicki Minaj Declares Taylor Swift Battle Rapper After Hearing Charli xcx Diss

Nicki Minaj praised Taylor Swift for being a “battle rapper” while dissecting her new album early Friday(October 3), honing in on the pop star’s lyrical jabs aimed at Charli XCX in a track many believe reignites their long-rumored feud.

Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, features the song “Actually Romantic,” which listeners quickly interpreted as a pointed response to Charli XCX’s “Sympathy is a Knife.”

The track references Charli allegedly calling Swift “boring Barbie” while high and mocking her past relationship with a member of The 1975.

Minaj didn’t hold back in her commentary, tweeting, “The fact that Taylor is a battle rapper is sending me.”

She quoted the lyric, “Taylor said ‘I heard you called me boring Barbie when the Coke’s got your brain’. Why all the SAG’s giving out lashings tonight? Oh wow.”

Swift’s track sarcastically reframes Charli’s digs as a twisted form of admiration, flipping the insult into a backhanded compliment.

Between her ongoing spat with Cardi B, Minaj took time to live-tweet her reactions to Swift’s album, offering praise for both its romantic and confrontational moments.

She singled out the track “Wood,” which appears to reference Swift’s relationship with NFL player Travis Kelce.

“Oh Taylor #WOOD was EXACTLY what I needed tonight. Thank you,” Minaj tweeted. She followed up with, “lol yall I promise this is my last tweet about it but #Wood is exactly what falling in love with your soul mate ‘sounds like’.”

The public exchange marks a full-circle moment for the two stars, who clashed briefly in 2015 over MTV VMA nominations.

That disagreement ended swiftly with a joint performance at the awards show, and since then, they’ve remained publicly supportive.

In December 2023, Nicki Minaj told a fan she’d collaborate with Taylor Swift “in a heartbeat.”

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Diddy Heading To Prison, Judge Gives Him Hard Time At Sentencing

Diddy received four years and two months in federal prison on Friday (October 3) in Manhattan after being convicted of transporting women across state lines for prostitution. The Court also imposed a fine of $500,000, including to defray the costs of imprisonment. There’s no restitution, but there is forfeiture as reflected in the order. There is a $5000 fine under the statute, and special assessment, $200.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian handed down the ruling following a July verdict where a federal jury found Diddy guilty on two counts of transportation for the purpose of prostitution. Each count carried a maximum of 10 years, but the judge opted for a sentence of 135 months—just over 11 years—matching the prosecution’s recommendation.

Prosecutors described Diddy as “unrepentant” and said he failed to take responsibility for his actions.

“The defendant tries to argue this is just a sex, drugs and Rock n’ Roll lifestyle. But this is a case about transportation for prostitution and violence. The defendant admitted to the violence at trial. The defendant’s respect for the law is lip service,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik said during sentencing.

Mr. Combs has booked speaking engagements for Miami for NEXT WEEK. That is the height of hubris… He did this for 15 years. He was responsible for transporting many escorts. That’s a lot of freak offs and a lot of hotel nights. He knew it was illegal,” Slavick added, referencing a story AllHipHop broke last night (October 2).

The court heard disturbing testimony during the trial, including accounts from Diddy’s former partner, Cassie Ventura, and another woman referred to as “Jane.” Witnesses described being coerced into sex acts at drug-fueled parties orchestrated by the Hip-Hop mogul.

“He had an escort urinate in Cassie’s mouth until she choked. Her victim impact statement makes clear she still has nightmare and flashbacks, and the scars on her body. Jane’s text make clear her anguish and trauma,” Slavik told the judge during sentencing.

Judge Subramanian denied motions from Diddy’s legal team seeking to overturn the convictions or secure a new trial. He said the evidence presented was “overwhelming,” including detailed accounts of abuse and manipulation.

Diddy’s assuser, Mia backed out of giving her impact statement, claiming she was bullied by Diddy and his defense team.

“Mia no longer wishes to address the court here today – in part due to the letter submitted by the defense, bullying,” AUSA Christy Slavik told the Judge. “We think the defense’s letter violated your Honor’s rules.”

The judge agreed, saying I thought the tone was inappropriate and it should not happen again.”

Diddy’s lawyers made an impassioned plea to the judge, noting the businesses he founded, including Bad Boy and Revolt.

“There were not many black owned labels. Mr. Combs had the audacity. It sent a message that You can do it. Clothing, too. It was not just urban street wear. It was upscale. It bought unity. It inspired change. In spirits, our community finally had a seat at the table. A voice. A real voice. Then there was Revolt,” Diddy’s lawyer Nicole Westmoreland said.

“Mr. Combs is just a man. And he’s made some mistakes. He has flaws like we all do. But how many of us can say that we’ve helped so many lives? Countless lives. He’s been in jail and he’s remorseful,” Westmoreland added.

Diddy’s kids also addressed the judge and begged for mercy.

“He is transformed, he will not jeopardize his freedom again. As his children, we wish to heal together,” Quincy Brown said, while Justin Combs added: “I ask you to give my father a second chance. My father is my superhero. My father always told me to believe in God.I talk to my father every day, every other hour.”

“I am the one who most resembled my pops, my mannerism,” Christian “King” Combs said. “My whole life I studied my dad up and down. He is the greatest man in the world, my superhero.”

“Your Honor, please, let us move forward not as a headline but as a family,” Diddy’s daughter D’Lila Combs said.

Diddy, 55, also addressed the court and pleaded for leniency.

“Sometimes you have to go through life experiences,” he said. “These are not excuses. I can’t change the past, but I can change the future. I beg your Honor for mercy, to be a father again, to be a son again, a leader in my community again. To get the help I need. I don’t want to let God down. I have no one to blame but myself. I know I will never put my hands on another person again. I’m willing to comply with any conditions. Me sharing my story, it’s not a scheme to get less time—this story is tragic.”

He added, “I take full responsibility for my Mann Act convictions,” he said. “They want you to make an example of me. I want you to think about making an example of what a person can do if they get another chance. Consider the beautiful children who spoke for me.

“No matter what anyone say, I know that I am truly sorry. Thank you your Honor.”

The defense pushed for a significantly lighter sentence, asking for 14 months and noting that Diddy had already served 13 months in pretrial detention. They argued that the government exaggerated the extent of his involvement and that the jury acquitted him of the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges.

The conviction followed a yearlong investigation that intensified after Ventura filed a civil lawsuit in November 2023. She accused Diddy of rape, trafficking, and years of physical abuse.

The lawsuit triggered a federal probe, culminating in a multi-state raid by Homeland Security agents in March 2024. Authorities seized a massive amount of baby oil, electronics, drugs and firearms from Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York.

In September 2024, Diddy was indicted on four federal charges: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and two counts of interstate transportation for prostitution. The racketeering and trafficking charges were ultimately dismissed by the jury.

Opening arguments in the trial began May 12, 2025, with prosecutors portraying Diddy as the leader of a criminal network that used wealth and celebrity to exploit women.

Ventura testified the next day, describing a decade of abuse and what she called “freak-off” parties, where women were allegedly drugged and forced into sex acts.

Over the course of six weeks, the government called 34 witnesses, including former employees, alleged victims, and law enforcement officials. The defense called only two witnesses and focused on discrediting Ventura and challenging the credibility of the other accusers.

In July, the jury cleared Diddy of running a criminal enterprise under the RICO Act and of sex trafficking involving force or coercion. However, they found him guilty of transporting women across state lines for sex, which prosecutors said was part of a broader pattern of exploitation.

After the verdict, Diddy’s attorneys filed motions seeking acquittal or a new trial, but Judge Subramanian rejected them in August, stating that the jury’s decision was supported by “substantial and credible evidence.”

Diddy will serve his sentence in federal prison and will be eligible for supervised release after completing 85 percent of his term. He has also been ordered to register as a sex offender.

The sentencing closes a high-profile legal saga that began nearly two years ago and has drawn national attention.

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Hip Hop

Hayley Williams Dubs Morgan Wallen A “Racist Country Singer”

Hayley Williams Called Out Morgan Wallen by Name

Nashville native Hayley Williams didn’t mince words when she confirmed that Morgan Wallen was the target of a pointed lyric in her new solo track. During a recent appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast, the Paramore lead singer directly identified Wallen as the “racist country singer” referenced in her song “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.”

“It could be a couple, but I’m always talking about Morgan Wallen,” Williams said. “I don’t give a s**t. I don’t care.”

The line in question—“the biggest star / At this racist country singer’s bar”—takes direct aim at Wallen’s Nashville venue, This Bar and Tennessee Kitchen, which opened in 2023.

Wallen’s 2021 Racial Slur Incident Still Resonates

Wallen, a Grammy-nominated country artist, came under fire in 2021 after he was filmed using a racial slur while intoxicated. The video, which surfaced via TMZ, led to swift backlash across the music industry. He was pulled from major radio stations and digital playlists, though his commercial success remained largely intact. His albums continued to perform well, and he eventually opened his own bar in downtown Nashville, named after his hit song “This Bar.”

Despite the fallout, Wallen has not publicly addressed Williams’ recent remarks.

Williams Unpacks Southern Identity and Racial Hypocrisy

Williams, who was born in Mississippi and raised in Tennessee, has long spoken out about the racial and cultural contradictions she experienced growing up in the South. Her recent solo work, including the track “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” explores the intersections of race, religion and identity.

“I’m never not ready to scream at the top of my lungs about racial issues,” she said on Popcast. “I don’t know why that became the thing that gets me the most angry. I think it’s because it’s so intersectional that it overlaps with everything from climate change to LGBTQIA+ issues.”

Her latest project continues that exploration, confronting the social and political frameworks that shaped her upbringing in a conservative Christian environment.

Song Highlights Themes of Privilege and Cultural Contradictions

“Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party” appears on Williams’ newest solo album, which delves into themes of hypocrisy, privilege and cultural tension. The song’s lyrics reflect her discomfort with the sanitized version of Southern pride that often ignores systemic racism..

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Dave Chappelle Calls Out America’s Cancel In Saudia Arabia, Name Checks Charlie Kirk

Dave Chappelle used his time on stage at the Riyadh Comedy Festival to draw a stark comparison between speech in Saudi Arabia and the United States, telling the crowd, “It’s easier to talk here than it is in America.”

The Emmy-winning comic made the remark during his set in the Saudi capital, where he also addressed cancel culture by referencing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

“Right now in America, they say that if you talk about Charlie Kirk, that you’ll get cancelled,” Chappelle said, according to The New York Times. “I don’t know if that’s true, but I’m gonna find out.”

Chappelle’s appearance at the festival has stirred backlash, with critics pointing to Saudi Arabia’s widely reported human rights violations and history of censorship.

The country has been accused of silencing dissent and restricting artistic freedom, prompting some to question why Western comedians would perform there.

Comedian Marc Maron didn’t hold back during a recent set, mocking the event’s location with biting sarcasm.

“I mean, how do you even promote that? ‘From the folks that brought you 9/11. Two weeks of laughter in the desert, don’t miss it!’” he said. “But don’t let that stop the yucks, it’s gonna be a good time!”

The controversy deepened after comedian Atsuko Okatsuka publicly declined an invitation to perform, citing strict contractual language that she said would have forced her to “adhere to censorship rules” about her material.

Despite the criticism, the festival has drawn a roster of high-profile talent.

In addition to Chappelle, other headliners include Bill Burr, Pete Davidson, Jack Whitehall and Jimeoin, all of whom are scheduled to perform during the multi-day event.

The Riyadh Comedy Festival is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to boost tourism and entertainment as part of its Vision 2030 plan, a government-led effort to diversify the kingdom’s economy.

The festival continues through early November in Riyadh.

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Dave Chappelle Mocks American Censorship, Charlie Kirk, At Riyadh Comedy Festival

Chappelle Says It’s Easier to Speak in Saudi Arabia Than the U.S.

Dave Chappelle didn’t hold back during his set at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, using the stage to compare speech rights in the Middle East to those in the United States. The comedian told the crowd, “It’s easier to talk here than it is in America.”

His comments, delivered in a country widely criticized for its crackdown on dissent and press freedoms, immediately drew attention for both their substance and their setting.

“Right now in America, they say that if you talk about Charlie Kirk, that you’ll get cancelled,” Chappelle said, according to The New York Times. “I don’t know if that’s true, but I’m gonna find out.”

Other Comics Weigh In on the Controversial Venue

Chappelle wasn’t the only high-profile name at the event. The festival lineup also featured Bill Burr, Pete Davidson, Jack Whitehall and Jimeoin. But not everyone in the comedy world was on board with the venue choice.

Marc Maron took a jab at the festival during a recent performance, questioning how it could even be marketed. “I mean, how do you even promote that? ‘From the folks that brought you 9/11. Two weeks of laughter in the desert, don’t miss it!’” he said. “But don’t let that stop the yucks, it’s gonna be a good time!”

Comedian Declined Offer Over Censorship Rules

Atsuko Okatsuka turned down an invitation to perform, citing strict content restrictions in her contract. She revealed that she would have had to “adhere to censorship rules” regarding what topics she could joke about.

Her decision highlighted the tension between performing in a country with known speech limitations and maintaining creative autonomy.

Festival Continues Despite Scrutiny

Despite the criticism, the Riyadh Comedy Festival remains on the calendar and is expected to run through early October 2025. The event continues to draw international acts, even as debate grows over the implications of performing in a country with a restrictive record on civil liberties.

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Jimmy Fallon To Avoid Politics After Jimmy Kimmel Suspension & Pressure By Trump

Fallon Distances Himself From Political Jokes

Jimmy Fallon made it clear from New York this week that The Tonight Show won’t be diving into political waters, especially after Jimmy Kimmel was briefly taken off air by ABC. Speaking to CNBC on Tuesday, Fallon emphasized his commitment to keeping his show focused on humor, not headlines.

“Our show has never really been that political, you know,” Fallon said. “We hit both sides equally, and we try to make everybody laugh, and that’s really the way our show works.”

Kimmel’s Suspension Prompted Industry Buzz

Kimmel’s late-night program, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was temporarily pulled by ABC on September 17 after his remarks about conservative figure Charlie Kirk drew attention from the Federal Communications Commission. He returned to the network six days later.

Fallon used his own monologue on September 18 to address the confusion surrounding the situation with his usual comedic tone.

“Well guys, the big story is that Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by ABC after pressure from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), leaving everyone thinking WTF? What’s going on?” Fallon joked. “This morning I woke up to 100 text messages from my dad saying, ‘I’m sorry they cancelled your show.’ And I go, ‘That’s not me!’ That’s Jimmy Kimmel!’”

Fallon Praises Kimmel But Stays His Course

Despite the controversy, Fallon had kind words for Kimmel during his interview and on air.

“He’s a decent, funny and loving guy,” Fallon said. “And I hope he comes back.”

While Kimmel’s suspension sparked larger conversations about free speech and content boundaries in late-night television, Fallon said he’s sticking to his formula.

“Our monologues are kind of the same that we’ve been doing since Johnny Carson was hosting The Tonight Show,” Fallon said. “So really, I just keep my head down and make sure the jokes are funny.”

Writers Keep the Show Balanced

Fallon credited his team for helping maintain the show’s tone and direction.

“We’re just trying to make the best show we possibly can and entertain everybody,” he said. “We have a lot of clever, smart writers.”

Kimmel resumed hosting duties on September 23.

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Brooklyn Drill That Appeared With President Trump Hauled Off To Prison To Start Five-Year Bid

Sheff G began serving a five-year prison sentence Wednesday morning in Brooklyn after pleading guilty to attempted murder and conspiracy charges tied to a sprawling gang investigation. The 25-year-old rapper, whose real name is Michael Williams, was taken into custody at Brooklyn State Supreme Court at 9 a.m.

The charges stem from a 140-count indictment that targeted 32 alleged affiliates of the “8-Trey Crips” and “9 Ways Gang,” which prosecutors say were responsible for a wave of violence across New York City.

Prosecutors Linked Lyrics to Street Violence

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez described Williams as both a “founding father” of Brooklyn drill music and a “gangland godfather.” The case has reignited national debate over the connection between drill rap and real-life violence, with authorities citing lyrics and social media posts as evidence of criminal activity.

NYPD Assistant Chief of Detectives Jason Savino said during the investigation, “If Sheff said something, it happened. A simple text, ‘We got to get a big one,’ created a war.”

Although prosecutors initially sought a 20-year sentence, the judge reduced it to five years, noting there was no proof that Williams personally fired a weapon. He will also serve five years of post-release supervision.

Career Momentum Halted by Legal Fallout

Before his arrest, Williams was riding a wave of success. He had just wrapped up an 18-city tour with Sleepy Hallow, ending with a packed show at Manhattan’s Terminal 5. In an interview with FOX 5 NY’s Lisa Evers, Williams said, “We be doing the shows, and after the shows we be doing the meet and greets. So we really like getting to talk to the fans and see what songs they like.”

When asked about violence at his performances, he responded, “Not at all. Not at all Lisa.”

Despite his rising profile, Williams had a long history with street gangs. He joined the 83 Gangsta Crips at age 12 and had previously served time before turning to music full-time.

Political Appearance Raised Eyebrows

In May 2024, Williams and Sleepy Hallow appeared on stage with former President Donald Trump during a Bronx campaign rally. Both artists were already facing gang-related charges at the time, and the appearance drew widespread attention.

After posting $1.5 million bail in April, Williams used his brief freedom to launch a record label with Sleepy Hallow, secure a major deal and collect multiple gold and platinum certifications.

Because his conviction came through the state court system and not federal charges, Williams is not eligible for a presidential pardon. He officially began serving his sentence on June 12, 2024.

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Bad Bunny Explains Why He Did 100 Pullups After Jay-Z Called About Super Bowl

Bad Bunny Got the Call Mid-Workout

Bad Bunny was in the middle of a training session when Jay-Z called with career-defining news: he’ll headline the 2026 Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. The Puerto Rican artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, immediately felt the rush.

“I was in the middle of a workout,” he told Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden. “I remember that after the call, I just did like a hundred pull-ups. I didn’t need more pre-workout s— or whatever. It was very special. was so special.”

First All-Spanish Set in Super Bowl History

The 31-year-old will be the first artist to perform an entirely Spanish-language set during the Super Bowl halftime show. His announcement video, filmed on a beach in his hometown in Puerto Rico, was released online by Apple Music, the NFL, Roc Nation and Bad Bunny just a day before the official confirmation.

“I’m really excited for my friends, my family. Puerto Rico, all the Latino people around the world. I’m excited about my culture. I’m excited about everything, not just for me. It feels really good. The beach where we record[ed the announcement] is my hometown beach. So it’s a very special thing for us,” he said.

Jay-Z Praises Bad Bunny’s Cultural Impact

Jay-Z, who has worked with the NFL since 2019 through Roc Nation to produce live music events, praised Bad Bunny’s influence and what he represents.

“What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage,” Jay-Z said in a statement.

Bad Bunny previously appeared at the Super Bowl in 2020, performing alongside Shakira during her halftime set. This time, he’ll be front and center.

Tour Plans and Super Bowl Timing Align

The halftime performance will coincide with Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour. He initially avoided U.S. cities due to concerns about ICE presence at venues. Speaking to i-D magazine, he explained, “There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the U.S., and none of them were out of hate — I’ve performed there many times.”

He has since added U.S. dates, which will now align with his Super Bowl appearance.

“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL,” he said.

Super Bowl LX will be held in the Bay Area on February 8, 2026. The game and halftime show will air on NBC and stream on Peacock and NFL+.

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