Bad Bunny's Groundbreaking Halftime Show: A Celebration of Latin Culture at Super Bowl 60
At the Super Bowl halftime show, Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny captivated audiences with a remarkable 15-minute performance that shone a spotlight on Latin culture and music. His appearance was hailed as one of the most successful and surprising displays in Super Bowl history, especially as he showcased his original reggaeton entirely in Spanish—a first for the event. Bad Bunny, recognized as the world's most famous singer thanks to his 2025 album 'Debí tirar más fotos,' concluded his performance with a powerful message of unity aimed at both Latin and North American audiences.
Taking the stage at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Bad Bunny made a dramatic entrance from a sugarcane field, surrounded by performers dressed as traditional Puerto Rican farmers, known as jíbaros, sporting straw hats. He launched into some of his most popular tracks, including 'Tití Me Preguntó' and 'Yo Perreo Sola.' Speaking to the audience in Spanish, he introduced himself: 'My name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, and if I am here today at Super Bowl 60, it is because I have never stopped believing in myself. You should believe in yourselves too; you are worth more than you think.'
Adding to the spectacle, Lady Gaga joined him on stage to perform at a wedding reception setting, where the two served as witnesses for a couple. The performance was peppered with appearances from other celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, and Jessica Alba. The wedding party developed into a vibrant neighborhood celebration reminiscent of the public housing areas in Puerto Rico, as Bad Bunny serenaded the audience with 'Baile Inolvidable' and 'Nuevayol' from his album.
The performance hit significant emotional chords, with Ricky Martin making a cameo to sing Bad Bunny’s 'Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii.' This poignant tribute included visuals of jíbaros climbing broken utility poles, symbolizing the frequent power outages in Puerto Rico. He also honored the origins of reggaeton by incorporating Daddy Yankee’s 2005 hit 'Gasolina' and performed a segment from 'El Apagón'—a 2022 song addressing Puerto Rico's struggles post-Hurricane Maria.
Bad Bunny concluded his performance with a heartfelt message in English: 'God bless America,' melding a well-known patriotic phrase with the names of various countries across the continent. A screen backdrop at the finale displayed the phrase: 'The only thing more powerful than hate is love.' This element of the show not only aimed to transcend cultural divides but also resonated with broader social themes.
His performance held significant political connotations, as Bad Bunny has emerged as a voice against the violent anti-immigration policies associated with former President Trump. Notably, Bad Bunny made headlines for boycotting tours in the United States to focus on concerts in Puerto Rico, combating local economic struggles. Trump criticized the performance as 'terrible'; however, the media praised it extensively. Many compared it to Prince's iconic halftime show in 2007, applauding its creativity, choreography, and the political undertones that revitalized the halftime narrative during the Super Bowl.
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl debut symbolized not just a musical milestone but also a cultural renaissance, championing the voices and stories of Puerto Rico and Latin communities. His bold strides in a platform as monumental as the Super Bowl not only entertained but also inspired hope and unity among viewers.
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