Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Show Celebrates Puerto Rico

Bad Bunny performed at the Super Bowl halftime show. He shared Puerto Rican music and culture with everyone watching. Many famous people joined him on stage.
By Newsroom | Music, Culture |

Halftime Spectacle Showcases Latin Heritage Amidst Wider Cultural Currents

The Super Bowl LX halftime show, headlined by Bad Bunny, offered a potent display of Puerto Rican culture and Latin music to a global audience. The performance, held at Levi's Stadium, transcended traditional halftime entertainment, acting as a vibrant celebration of heritage and a statement of cultural authenticity. This event comes at a time when discussions around globalization and cultural representation in mainstream American events are prominent. The halftime show featured a multigenerational cast and highlighted both traditional folk elements and modern reggaeton beats.

A Historically Significant Performance

The Super Bowl LX halftime show, which took place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, saw Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny deliver a performance that has been widely described as a love letter to Puerto Rico and Latin America. The event occurred on February 9, 2026, according to published reports. This marked a significant moment as Bad Bunny became the first halftime performer to sing his entire set in Spanish, a deliberate choice to center his cultural heritage without compromise. His performance contrasted with previous halftime shows, such as those by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, who incorporated English into their Spanish-language segments.

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Bad Bunny Delivered Love, Puerto Rico, and Pedro Pascal to the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show - 1

  • The show occurred at a time of "widespread fear and distrust in the United States," with Bad Bunny aiming to offer an "optimistic vision."

  • He was joined by a diverse group of singers, dancers, and musicians, showcasing a broad spectrum of talent.

  • The performance drew parallels between the folk traditions of Puerto Rico and the reggaeton sounds that have garnered him international acclaim.

Cultural Authenticity and Global Appeal

Bad Bunny's approach to the Super Bowl halftime show was characterized by a focus on cultural specificity rather than broad crossover appeal. This intentional choice aimed to resonate deeply with his existing fanbase and introduce a wider audience to the richness of Puerto Rican and Latin American culture.

  • The performance featured entirely Spanish-language lyrics, a bold move on one of America's largest stages.

  • Scenes depicted elements of Puerto Rican life, including farmers, domino players, and boxers, underscoring the performance's thematic core.

  • The emphasis was on celebrating his heritage and cementing reggaeton's place in mainstream American culture.

Notable Guest Appearances

The halftime show was further amplified by a series of high-profile guest appearances, adding layers of star power and reinforcing the cultural narrative. These cameos contributed to the spectacle and underscored Bad Bunny's widespread influence across the entertainment landscape.

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Bad Bunny Delivered Love, Puerto Rico, and Pedro Pascal to the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show - 2

  • Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance, performing a song with Bad Bunny.

  • Ricky Martin also joined Bad Bunny on stage, performing a specific song.

  • Other notable cameos included Pedro Pascal, Karol G, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, and Alix Earle, who were seen dancing in various segments.

Thematic Messages and Cultural References

Beyond the music and guest stars, Bad Bunny's halftime show incorporated powerful thematic messages and specific cultural references. These elements aimed to evoke emotion and provoke thought, connecting the performance to broader social and cultural dialogues.

  • The song "El Apagón" was performed, referencing Puerto Rico's history of power outages, with dancers twirling around prop power lines.

  • A visual message displayed in the stadium stated, "The only thing more powerful than hate is love."

  • The show concluded with the title track from his Grammy-winning album, "Debí Tirar Más Fotos."

Reactions and Wider Context

The decision to feature Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, as the halftime performer was met with varied reactions, including criticism from some conservative figures due to his past outspokenness on U.S. immigration policy. However, for many, the performance represented a landmark moment for Latin music.

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  • The halftime show was seen as a calculated risk by the NFL, potentially aimed at globalizing its fan base.

  • Bad Bunny had previously achieved significant milestones, including being Spotify's most-streamed artist globally for four years and winning Album of the Year at the Grammys for "Debi Tirar Mas Fotos," the first Spanish-language work to receive this honor.

  • Green Day, a veteran Bay Area punk band, also performed a brief set to mark the Super Bowl's 60th anniversary.

The Super Bowl LX halftime show served as a platform for Bad Bunny to deliver an unapologetically Puerto Rican and Latin American cultural statement, utilizing his global fame to amplify his heritage and connect with a diverse audience.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who performed at the Super Bowl halftime show?
Bad Bunny performed at the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
Q: What was the show about?
The show was a celebration of Puerto Rican culture and music. Bad Bunny sang his songs in Spanish.
Q: Who were the special guests?
Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin were some of the famous guests who joined Bad Bunny on stage.