Puerto Rican music sensation Bad Bunny used his hosting debut on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live to poke fun at the backlash surrounding his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, delivering a cheeky monologue that blended humor, pride, and cultural commentary.

Addressing the audience in Spanish, the Grammy-winning artist described his selection as halftime headliner as a personal and collective “accomplishment,” saying it represents a milestone not just for himself but for Latinos across the United States. “Our contribution to this country will never be able to be removed or erased by anybody,” he declared.

Bad Bunny, whose music is almost entirely in Spanish, joked that viewers have “four months to learn” the language before the February performance. He also mocked conservative criticism with a satirical video montage of Fox News personalities edited to appear as if they were praising him as their “favorite musician” and suggesting he should be “the next president.”

The artist’s halftime show announcement last week drew immediate backlash from right-wing commentators, who criticized his Spanish lyrics and past opposition to U.S. immigration policies. Bad Bunny previously refused to perform in mainland U.S. venues during his recent sold-out residency in Puerto Rico, citing concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeting his fans.

In response to the controversy, Homeland Security officials have confirmed that ICE will conduct enforcement operations at the Super Bowl venue, regardless of the performer. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Friday that agents would be “all over” the event.

Despite the political tension, Bad Bunny’s economic impact is undeniable. His three-month residency generated an estimated $250 million for Puerto Rico’s economy, drawing over 600,000 fans, according to Moody’s Analytics.

This won’t be his first Super Bowl appearance. He previously joined Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and J Balvin on stage during the 2020 halftime show, marking a historic moment for Latin representation in American pop culture.

With his signature blend of swagger and satire, Bad Bunny’s SNL monologue signals that he’s ready to take the Super Bowl stage on his own terms—and he’s bringing his language, his culture, and his fans with him.