Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, witnessed a historic Super Bowl halftime show on , as Bad Bunny delivered a performance deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture. The show, marking the artist’s first U.S. Performance since the release of his Grammy Award-winning album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos), wasn’t just a concert; it was a vibrant, meticulously crafted tribute to his homeland and a powerful statement of identity on the world’s biggest stage.
From the moment he emerged from a recreation of Puerto Rico’s sugarcane fields, surrounded by jíbaros (rural farmers in traditional straw hats), older men playing dominoes, and a piragua (shaved ice) stand, Bad Bunny established a clear narrative. The set wasn’t merely a backdrop; it was a living, breathing representation of Puerto Rican life, a deliberate effort to transport the Super Bowl audience to the island. This wasn’t a typical spectacle of lights and choreography, but a carefully curated experience designed to evoke a sense of place and belonging.
The performance unfolded as a journey through a Latin landscape, incorporating diverse set pieces – a nail salon, a bar, and more – each contributing to the immersive atmosphere. Bad Bunny seamlessly transitioned through a medley of his biggest hits, including “Tití Me Preguntó,” “MONACO,” and “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” captivating the audience with his signature blend of reggaeton and Latin trap. The inclusion of classics like Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” served as a nod to the artists who paved the way for his global success, acknowledging the lineage of Puerto Rican musical innovation.
Beyond the music, the show was punctuated by moments of profound symbolism and emotional resonance. A surprise appearance by Lady Gaga, performing a Latin-inspired rendition of “Die With a Smile” alongside a salsa band, added another layer of musical depth. But it was the more intimate moments that truly resonated. A young couple was married on stage, surrounded by Latino dancers, celebrating love and community. Perhaps the most poignant gesture was Bad Bunny handing his Grammy award to a young boy, accompanied by a replay of his 2026 acceptance speech on a small television – a powerful message of inspiration and hope for the next generation.
The performance also addressed the hardships faced by Puerto Rico, most notably the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Bad Bunny climbed an electrical pylon, seemingly referencing the widespread power failures that plagued the island in the wake of the storm, and continued to rap, a powerful visual statement about resilience and remembrance. He also wore a beige sweater emblazoned with the number 64, which some believe represents the official death toll, a figure that was initially significantly lower than the estimated thousands who perished.
The choice to perform entirely in Spanish was itself a landmark moment, breaking with Super Bowl tradition and asserting the importance of Latin culture on a global platform. While some, including former President Donald Trump, criticized the performance as “absolutely terrible” and “an affront to the Greatness of America,” the show was widely celebrated for its cultural significance and artistic merit. Trump’s comments, delivered via his social media platform Truth Social, underscored the political undertones of the performance and its challenge to conventional American entertainment norms.
Bad Bunny’s message extended beyond Puerto Rico, encompassing a broader call for unity and inclusivity. Before listing nations of Central, South, and North America as dancers carried their flags, he offered a single line in English: “God bless America.” Behind the dancers, a billboard displayed the message “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” and he concluded the segment holding a football bearing the slogan “Together, We Are America.” This deliberate inclusion of both Spanish and English, and the emphasis on pan-American solidarity, signaled a desire to bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of shared identity.
The inclusion of celebrity cameos – Pedro Pascal, Karol G, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, and Alix Earle – dancing in front of the casita (little house) that has become a signature element of his shows, further amplified the performance’s cultural impact. A particularly touching moment involved Bad Bunny sharing a shot with Tonita, the owner of Brooklyn’s Caribbean Social Club, one of the last remaining Puerto Rican social clubs in New York City, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural traditions within the diaspora.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show was more than just entertainment; it was a cultural statement, a political act, and a deeply personal expression of identity. It was a celebration of Puerto Rican heritage, a tribute to the artists who came before him, and a message of hope and unity for the future. The performance cemented Bad Bunny’s status not only as a global music superstar but also as a cultural icon, capable of using his platform to amplify the voices and stories of his community.
