Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Celebrated Puerto Rican Culture
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, became a vibrant showcase of Puerto Rican culture on , as Bad Bunny delivered a high-energy Super Bowl LXI halftime performance. The show, which featured guest appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, was a celebration of the artist’s roots and a powerful statement about Puerto Rico’s place within the American landscape.
Bad Bunny opened the performance with his 2022 hit, “Titi Me Preguntó,” immediately establishing a lively and festive atmosphere. The football field was transformed to resemble a Puerto Rican village, complete with workers wearing traditional pava straw hats and a recreation of Bad Bunny’s iconic casita stage. This immersive set design underscored the artist’s commitment to showcasing his heritage on a global stage.
The setlist spanned a range of Bad Bunny’s popular songs, including “Yo Perreo Sola,” “EoO,” “Safaera,” “Voy a Llevarte Pa’ PR,” “Monaco,” and “Café Con Ron.” He also performed “Die with a Smile” with Lady Gaga, a salsa-influenced rendition of her collaboration with Bruno Mars, and “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” alongside Ricky Martin. The full setlist, as reported by USA Today, also included “Baila Inolvidable,” “NUEVAYoL,” “El Apagón,” and “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.”
Beyond the music, the performance was rich with cultural references. NPR reported that Bad Bunny’s set included imagery of barber shops, bodegas, family gatherings, and elders playing dominoes – all elements deeply ingrained in Puerto Rican life. He addressed the audience with the phrase “Que rico es ser Latino,” a sentiment that resonated with many viewers and highlighted the pride in Latin identity.
The performance wasn’t just about celebrating Puerto Rican culture; it also acknowledged the island’s complex relationship with the United States. As NPR noted, Puerto Rico often finds itself navigating a space “too Latin for some in the United States, as reinforced by much of the controversy leading up to Sunday night’s performance and too closely associated with the United States to be fully accepted by some in Latin America.” Bad Bunny, however, turned this “in-betweenness” into a strength, creating an inclusive and “All-American” image.
The Super Bowl halftime show also included appearances from other celebrities, including Pedro Pascal, Karol G, Jessica Alba, and Cardi B, adding to the spectacle and drawing even more attention to the event.
While Bad Bunny commanded the halftime stage, another musical event unfolded simultaneously. Turning Point USA aired its “All-American Halftime Show,” featuring Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett, which reportedly attracted over 4.8 million viewers on YouTube. This counter-programming highlighted the diverse musical tastes present during the Super Bowl broadcast.
The buzz surrounding Bad Bunny’s performance extended beyond the music itself. Leading up to the show, there was a surge of interest in learning Spanish, with fans eager to understand the lyrics of his songs. ABC7 Los Angeles reported on this phenomenon, noting the increased desire among viewers to connect with the artist’s music on a deeper level.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance was more than just a concert; it was a cultural moment. It was a vibrant and energetic display of Puerto Rican identity, a celebration of Latin pride, and a testament to the artist’s ability to connect with audiences worldwide. The show’s impact is likely to be felt for years to come, solidifying Bad Bunny’s status as a global icon and a powerful voice for his culture.
