Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, witnessed more than just a Super Bowl on Sunday; it became a platform for Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny to deliver a halftime show steeped in cultural pride and a pointed message of unity. The performance, a vibrant spectacle of music and dance, culminated in a powerful visual statement that resonated far beyond the football field.
Bad Bunny’s 15-minute set was a dynamic blend of his signature sounds – salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and Latin trap – and a celebration of his heritage. He didn’t shy away from showcasing his roots, referencing his 31-show residency in Puerto Rico with a visual nod to “La Casita,” the colorful buildings that define the island’s streets. The performance also featured cameos from a star-studded lineup including Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, and Karol G, adding to the show’s cultural weight.
However, the most enduring image of the performance wasn’t a musical moment or a celebrity appearance, but a simple football. As Bad Bunny concluded his set, he presented a football to the camera bearing the message: “TOGETHER, WE ARE AMERICA.” This wasn’t merely a patriotic slogan; it was a deliberate expansion of the concept of “America” to encompass North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. He reinforced this message by verbally acknowledging every country within those regions, including the United States and Canada.
The timing of this message is particularly significant. Bad Bunny’s performance was met with pre-game criticism and backlash, fueled by complaints about him performing entirely in Spanish and questions regarding his citizenship. These concerns were quickly dispelled – Bad Bunny is, in fact, a U.S. Citizen – but the controversy underscored the underlying tensions surrounding representation and inclusivity in a traditionally mainstream event like the Super Bowl.
The message also aligns with a broader movement gaining momentum across the country. Calls for boycotting and protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity have been growing, particularly in light of several fatal shootings involving ICE officers in 2026 alone. The “ICE OUT” campaign, which gained traction at the Grammys where Bad Bunny made a powerful anti-ICE speech, reflects a nationwide demand for accountability and reform within the immigration system. A massive billboard displayed during the halftime show further amplified this sentiment, stating: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
Bad Bunny’s decision to use the Super Bowl stage to address these issues is a bold move, transforming the halftime show from a purely entertainment spectacle into a platform for social commentary. It’s a departure from the often-apolitical nature of such performances, and one that has already sparked considerable debate. President Trump, notably, sharply criticized the show, calling it “one of the worst ever,” a reaction that only serves to highlight the performance’s political resonance.
The impact of Bad Bunny’s performance extends beyond the immediate reaction. By centering Puerto Rican culture and Latino identity on one of the world’s largest stages, he challenged conventional expectations of the Super Bowl halftime show. He didn’t simply perform; he made a statement about unity, representation, and resistance. The image of the football, emblazoned with “TOGETHER, WE ARE AMERICA,” is likely to become an enduring symbol of this moment, prompting conversations about identity, belonging, and the evolving definition of what it means to be American.
The Super Bowl halftime show has a history of generating cultural moments, but Bad Bunny’s performance feels particularly significant in the current climate. It’s a reminder that even within the highly commercialized world of professional sports, there’s space for artists to use their platform to advocate for social change and celebrate the diversity of the Americas. The message, delivered with both artistry and conviction, is one that will likely resonate long after the final whistle blew at Levi’s Stadium.
