Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Show: A Big Party in Spanish

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show was a big, happy party. He sang all his songs in Spanish, showing pride in his culture. Many famous friends joined him on stage.
By Newsroom | Music, Sports |

Bad Bunny's halftime show at Super Bowl LX became a focal point for cultural expression and political undertones, transcending a typical musical performance. The event was marked by the artist's deliberate choices in attire, language, and symbolic elements, which resonated with his global fanbase and sparked broader discussions about identity and representation. This performance, held on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, was anticipated to be a significant moment, given Bad Bunny's immense popularity and his history of using his platform for advocacy.

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Performance Overview

The Super Bowl LX halftime show, orchestrated by Bad Bunny, was characterized by its vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture and its significant linguistic choice. Bad Bunny delivered his entire set in Spanish, a move that underscored his identity and heritage. This was a historic moment, marking him as the first Latino and Spanish-speaking artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show as a solo act. The performance featured a series of his hit songs, including "Tití Me Preguntó," "Yo Perreo Sola," and "Voy a Llevarte Pa' PR," culminating in "DtMF."

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  • The show was described as a "big dance party, filled with love."

  • It included surprise guest appearances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, as well as Cardi B, Karol G, Young Miko, Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Alix Earle, David Grutman, Ronald Acuña Jr., and boxers Xander Zayas and Emiliano Vargas.

  • A notable element was the on-stage legal marriage of a couple who had previously proposed during the show.

  • The performance also highlighted symbols of Puerto Rican life, such as "jibaros in pavas" climbing power poles that exploded, referencing the island's power grid issues.

  • Bad Bunny concluded the performance with the phrase "God bless America," which was seen as a message of unity and a response to criticism.

Fashion and Symbolism

Bad Bunny's attire for the halftime show was a carefully considered aspect of his presentation, with multiple sources highlighting its symbolic depth. He opted for a monochromatic look, predominantly in cream or white, which defied expectations of a more overtly theatrical or protest-oriented costume.

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  • White Suit and Jersey: For much of the performance, Bad Bunny wore a white suit, which was compared to that of a "classic salsero." He also wore a jersey with the number "64" on it, reportedly a nod to his real name, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.

  • Zara Collaboration: A significant aspect of his fashion was the choice to wear an outfit from Zara, a Spanish retailer. This decision was seen as meaningful, given that the majority of his songs are performed in Spanish, aligning the brand with his linguistic and cultural choices.

  • Accessories: He accessorized with cream gloves and an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak timepiece.

  • Adidas Collaboration: His Adidas BadBo 1.0 sneakers were also noted, specifically in a cream colorway.

  • Minimalist Approach: The overall aesthetic was described as "pared-back, minimalist," with "no prints, no patterns, no overt subtext," focusing on "celebration."

Linguistic and Political Context

The decision for Bad Bunny to perform entirely in Spanish was a central theme, interpreted as both a cultural assertion and a political statement. This choice occurred in the context of ongoing discussions about immigration and cultural representation in the United States.

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  • Spanish as a Statement: Bad Bunny's consistent use of Spanish was a direct affirmation of his identity and his audience. It also contrasted with the expectation that a performer on such a large stage might default to English.

  • Critiques and Rebuttals: The performance drew criticism from some conservative commentators who questioned the choice of a Spanish-speaking artist for the event. President Donald Trump reportedly criticized the performance on Truth Social, stating that "nobody understands a word this guy is saying." Bad Bunny had previously addressed such sentiments, humorously suggesting critics had "four months to learn" Spanish.

  • ICE and Immigration: Bad Bunny's past use of his platform, such as his Grammy speech protesting ICE, informed the context of his Super Bowl performance. His decision to perform in Spanish was seen by some as a subtle but potent response to the current administration's immigration policies.

  • "God Bless America": His closing remarks in English, "God bless America," were interpreted as a powerful message of inclusion and patriotism, aimed at countering notions that he did not love the U.S.

  • Cultural Pride: The performance explicitly named and celebrated Latino countries, alongside the U.S. and Canada, emphasizing collective pride and shared identity.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime show was widely viewed as a landmark event, celebrated for its cultural significance and its success in engaging a diverse audience.

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  • Historical Significance: As the first solo Latino and Spanish-speaking headliner, his performance was seen as a triumph for representation in mainstream American entertainment.

  • NFL Strategy: The NFL's selection of Bad Bunny was acknowledged as part of a broader strategy to engage its growing Latino fanbase.

  • Fan and Celebrity Reactions: The performance was met with widespread support from fans and celebrities alike. Country star Kacey Musgraves and stock car driver Bubba Wallace were among those who shared their positive reactions.

  • Counterprogramming: In response to Bad Bunny's selection, conservative groups organized their own halftime musical performance featuring Kid Rock.

  • Symbol of Resilience: The show was framed by some as an "act of resilience and resistance," showcasing cultural pride on a global stage.

  • Economic and Cultural Impact: Reports highlighted the significant economic and cultural impact of Bad Bunny's concerts, particularly in Puerto Rico.

Expert Analysis

The performance generated considerable discussion among cultural critics and analysts, who offered various interpretations of its meaning and impact.

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"Bad Bunny’s decision to defy any theatrical fashion expectations on the Super Bowl stage on Sunday night made sense within the context of his style history." - Vogue

"Bad Bunny’s selection came amid the NFL's intensified efforts to grow its Latino fanbase, which the league identified as essential to its expansion strategy." - Wikipedia

"Even before he said a word, his presence alone was a triumph. In this, Bad Bunny shouldn’t have to fashion himself a perfect messenger, but his halftime made a statement without offering any ammo to his conservative critics…" - Vanity Fair

"The Super Bowl half-time show is inherently about compromise. Instead, Benito highlighted the song’s many, many bleeps and a notoriously FCC-unfriendly line." - The Guardian

"Goodell dismissed criticism of the selection as typical for an event of its caliber and rejected calls to change the artists in an October 22 press conference, stating it had been 'carefully thought through' and that the selection was an intentional effort to cater to a global audience: 'that's what we try to achieve.'" - Wikipedia (referencing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell)

Conclusion

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime performance was more than just a musical spectacle; it was a meticulously crafted statement of cultural pride, linguistic assertion, and symbolic defiance. His choice to perform entirely in Spanish, coupled with his deliberate fashion selections and inclusive messaging, resonated deeply with his audience and generated widespread discussion about representation in mainstream media. The performance highlighted his status as a global artist capable of leveraging the world's largest stages for cultural and social commentary. The event solidified his role as a significant cultural figure, capable of uniting diverse audiences while affirming his core identity and values. The NFL's embrace of Bad Bunny signals a growing recognition of the importance of diverse audiences and a willingness to incorporate cultural nuance into major sporting events.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who performed at the Super Bowl LX halftime show?
Bad Bunny was the main performer at the Super Bowl LX halftime show. Many famous guests also appeared.
Q: What language did Bad Bunny use for his performance?
Bad Bunny sang all his songs in Spanish. This was a historic moment as he was the first solo Spanish-speaking artist to headline.
Q: What was special about Bad Bunny's performance?
It was a big celebration of Puerto Rican culture. He also had surprise guests and showed symbols important to his home island.
Q: Did everyone like Bad Bunny's show?
Most people enjoyed the show and saw it as a proud moment for culture. Some people talked about him singing in Spanish, but he ended with a message of unity.