Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Show Had Special Guests

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show was a big event. Famous singers Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin joined him on stage. It was special because he sang mostly in Spanish, which was a first for the Super Bowl.
By Newsroom | Music, Sports |

Celebrated Artists Join Puerto Rican Rapper for Landmark Performance

The recent Super Bowl halftime show, headlined by Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, included surprise appearances by established figures in the music industry, namely Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. This event marked a significant moment, as Bad Bunny's performance was predominantly in Spanish, a notable first for a Super Bowl halftime show. The show, held at Levi's Stadium, featured a blend of Bad Bunny's popular songs, interspersed with spoken segments and elaborate staging that drew upon Latin American culture.

The inclusion of Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin alongside Bad Bunny represents a high-profile intersection of diverse artistic talents during a globally televised event.

Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin thank Bad Bunny for inviting them to perform during Super Bowl Halftime Show - 1

Context of the Performance

The Super Bowl halftime show on February 1st saw Bad Bunny, whose birth name is Benito Martínez Ocasio, take center stage. His performance was described as a celebration of his heritage, incorporating elements from Puerto Rico, including a mock sugar-cane field and a vecindad (neighborhood) setup. Beyond the main artist, the stage saw several other personalities, including Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Karol G, Young Miko, and Pedro Pascal, dancing and interacting with the performance.

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  • Bad Bunny's performance came shortly after a historic win at the 68th Grammy Awards, where his album became the first Spanish-language album to receive the "Album of the Year" award.

  • He also recently hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live, further cementing his visibility.

  • Ricky Martin had publicly expressed his support for Bad Bunny in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl, following his Grammy performance.

Key Appearances and Artistic Contributions

The appearance of Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin was a central element of the halftime spectacle.

Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin thank Bad Bunny for inviting them to perform during Super Bowl Halftime Show - 2

  • Lady Gaga expressed that it was an "absolute honor" to be invited by Bad Bunny, referring to him by his first name, Benito. She conveyed gratitude for the invitation and the welcome she received from the cast.

  • Ricky Martin also performed, with one account noting his part of the performance recreated the cover of Bad Bunny's album Debí Tirar Más Fotos. Martin himself described experiencing a "tsunami of emotions" after his performance.

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The event also featured other celebrity attendees dancing on stage, including Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal. A unique aspect of the show was the inclusion of what was confirmed to be a real wedding ceremony during the performance.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Bad Bunny's halftime show is being recognized for its cultural impact and historical precedent.

Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin thank Bad Bunny for inviting them to perform during Super Bowl Halftime Show - 3

  • This was the first primarily Spanish-language performance to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.

  • While Bad Bunny had previously appeared as a guest in 2020 with J Balvin during Shakira and Jennifer Lopez's performance, this marked his debut as a headliner.

  • Gloria Estefan is noted as the only other previous Latin performer at a halftime show, having performed in 1992 with Miami Sound Machine.

The performance itself was an "exuberant and deeply coded celebration of Latin American culture," aiming to share that culture on a global stage. Bad Bunny concluded his set with shouts out to various Spanish-speaking countries and a notable phrase regarding Puerto Rico, "Puerto Rico está bien cabrón!" which translates to "Puerto Rico is the shit!".

Artistic Themes and Staging

The staging of the halftime show was elaborate and thematic.

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Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin thank Bad Bunny for inviting them to perform during Super Bowl Halftime Show - 4

  • The set design included references to Puerto Rican culture, such as a vecindad with a barber shop and liquor store, and an iconic casita (small house) reminiscent of Bad Bunny's previous concert residency.

  • A truck served as a stage element, with Bad Bunny performing on its hood at one point.

  • The performance of the song "El Apagón" focused on themes of blackout and resilience.

The show appears to have aimed for a dual purpose: celebrating Latin culture and sharing it widely, while also delivering a high-energy entertainment spectacle.

Statements from Artists

  • Lady Gaga: "It was my absolute honor to be a part of Benito’s halftime show… Thank you, Benito, for inviting me, and thank you to the entire cast for welcoming me onto your stage. I wouldn’t miss it for the world."

  • Ricky Martin: Described his feelings post-performance as a "tsunami of emotions." He had also penned an open letter in the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Día prior to the event, praising Bad Bunny for representing his language and story on international stages.

Conclusion

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime show has been characterized as a landmark event, noteworthy for its historic firsts as a predominantly Spanish-language performance and for its vibrant display of Latin American culture. The inclusion of internationally recognized artists like Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin amplified its reach and impact. The show’s intricate staging and the presence of multiple celebrity guests contributed to a dynamic and widely discussed spectacle. The performances underscore Bad Bunny's established position as a global music icon and his commitment to cultural representation on major platforms. The event has garnered attention for its artistic ambition and its success in bringing a specific cultural narrative to the forefront of a global audience.

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Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who performed with Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl?
Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin were surprise guests. Many other stars also appeared.
Q: What was special about Bad Bunny's show?
It was the first Super Bowl halftime show where the main artist sang mostly in Spanish. It also celebrated Latin culture.
Q: When was this Super Bowl show?
The show was on February 1st, 2026. It was part of the Super Bowl LX.