Alix Earle defends her Super Bowl halftime show cameo amid online criticism

9 February 2026

Alix Earle. Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty

Influencer Alix Earle is pushing back against the backlash she received after making a surprise cameo during Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl LX halftime performance, telling fans that her presence on the field was meaningful and that she felt honored to be part of such a powerful cultural moment.

The 25-year-old TikTok star and reality personality found herself in the spotlight during the February 8 event when Bad Bunny invited a group of celebrities to join him onstage in La Casita, the set-within-a-set that framed his show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Alongside Earle were fellow entertainers such as Cardi B, Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba and Karol G, all of whom appeared with the Grammy-winning artist as he delivered a performance rooted in celebration of Latin culture and community.

Fans and critics alike reacted strongly to Earle’s appearance, with some viewers questioning what she brought to a moment that was otherwise anchored by musicians and actors connected to Bad Bunny or the broader cultural context of the show. One social media user wrote that Earle had never once used her platform and voice for the meanings Bad Bunny conveys in his music, deeming her inclusion undeserved. Such comments highlighted a tension between traditional entertainment credentials and the growing influence of social media personalities in high-profile cultural events.

Earle didn’t shy away from the criticism. In posts to her social media, including TikTok Stories and Instagram, she shared snapshots of her view from the field and expressed gratitude for being included in what she described as a special and powerful performance. She emphasized how much the opportunity meant to her, writing that it was an honor to experience the moment and that she was still shaking from the energy of it. Her posts were accompanied by images and clips from the event, including a powerful end-of-show message that read The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate Is Love, underscoring the cultural resonance of Bad Bunny’s set.

The discussion about Earle’s cameo comes against the backdrop of what was in many ways a landmark halftime show. Bad Bunny’s performance marked the first time a Latino solo artist headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, and he chose to perform primarily in Spanish, bringing his heritage and identity to millions of viewers in a way that reverberated culturally and commercially. More than 128 million people watched the broadcast, and the performance sparked conversations about representation, inclusion and the evolving narrative of American identity in mainstream entertainment.

Earle’s presence in the show amplified a broader dialogue about the role of influencers and digital creators in traditional media events. Unlike musicians or actors with long bodies of work, social media personalities like Earle build their followings through personal branding, vlogging and lifestyle content. That difference contributed to the mixed reactions online, with some fans celebrating her moment in the spotlight and others questioning the criteria by which celebrities are chosen for such high-visibility appearances.

In defending herself, Earle also highlighted that she has used her platform for works she believes in, asserting that participation in cultural moments like the Super Bowl is about more than mere visibility. She pointed to her support of Bad Bunny’s performance and its message of unity and love, suggesting that her inclusion was not random but connected to her genuine appreciation for the artist and the event.

The conversation around Earle’s cameo reflects larger shifts in how entertainment is consumed and how influence is measured. With digital platforms enabling personalities to build enormous followings outside traditional Hollywood or music industry channels, crossover opportunities like this Super Bowl appearance are becoming more common. Such moments test the boundaries of celebrity and raise questions about what qualifies as merit in massive cultural productions.

Despite the pushback, many fans continued to support Earle, applauding her for speaking out and standing by her experience. Some commentators noted that being invited to participate in one of the most watched live performances in the world is itself a testament to her reach and relevance, while others pointed out that criticism of her role often missed the larger point of Bad Bunny’s message and the celebratory spirit of the show.

In the days after the halftime show, Earle also reflected on her broader Super Bowl weekend, sharing that she had enjoyed spending time with friends and taking in the excitement of the event beyond just the performance itself. That sense of camaraderie and celebration echoed the themes of love, inclusion and cultural pride that Bad Bunny’s set aimed to highlight, further contextualizing why the moment meant so much to her personally.

Whether viewers saw her appearance as justified or not, Alix Earle’s response underscored a growing reality in entertainment: influence no longer flows only through traditional routes. Digital creators now intersect with global pop culture in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago, and as events like the Super Bowl halftime show continue to reflect that evolution, the conversations around who belongs on those stages are likely to continue.