Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, witnessed a historic Super Bowl L halftime show on , as Bad Bunny became the first solo Spanish-language artist to headline the event. The performance wasn’t just a concert; it was a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture and a broader embrace of Latin American heritage, punctuated by a series of high-profile guest appearances that had social media buzzing throughout the night.
Bad Bunny, who recently earned a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, delivered on his promise of a “huge party,” as he stated during an Apple News news conference. The show opened with a powerful display of Puerto Rican identity, moving from imagery of sugarcane fields to a procession of flags representing North, Central, and South America. This visual narrative underscored the artist’s intention to foster unity and pride within the Latino community and beyond.
The setlist itself was a journey through Bad Bunny’s discography, featuring hits like “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Yo Perreo Sola,” “Safaera,” and “EoO.” A particularly notable moment came with a sample of “Gasolina,” a foundational track in the popularization of reggaeton, acknowledging the genre’s roots and influence. The performance also included newer tracks like “MONACO,” “Baile Inolvidable,” “NUEVAYoL,” “El Apagón,” “CAFé CON RON,” and “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.”
However, it was the surprise appearances that truly elevated the show. Lady Gaga, a Super Bowl veteran having headlined the halftime show in 2017, joined Bad Bunny for a salsa rendition of “Die With a Smile.” Dressed in a striking baby-blue dress with a red floral brooch, Gaga’s presence was a seamless blend of pop spectacle and Latin rhythm. The moment was widely shared online, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) noting the historic pairing: “FROM SUPPORTING HIM AT THE GRAMMYS TO PERFORM WITH HIM AT THE SUPER BOWL, BAD BUNNY AND LADY GAGA MAKING HISTORY.”
Another major surprise came in the form of Ricky Martin, the international superstar known for hits like “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and “She Bangs.” Martin performed “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii,” adding another layer of Latin music royalty to the already star-studded event. Prior to the show, Martin publicly praised Bad Bunny’s success, emphasizing the artist’s commitment to his roots. According to Billboard, Martin stated, “I know what it means to succeed without letting go of where you come from…You won without changing the color of your voice. You won without erasing your roots. You won by staying true to Puerto Rico.”
The guest list didn’t stop there. Bad Bunny also brought out a diverse group of fellow artists and celebrities, including Cardi B, Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Alix Earle, and Young Miko, for brief but impactful cameos. Cardi B’s appearance was particularly noteworthy, given her relationship with New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
The inclusion of Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin wasn’t simply a matter of star power. It signaled a deliberate effort to bridge cultural divides and showcase the breadth of Latin musical talent on a global stage. As noted in a review by The Guardian, the performance was a “thrilling ode to Boricua joy,” highlighting the pride and vibrancy of Puerto Rican culture. The show’s largely Spanish-language delivery was a bold move, reflecting Bad Bunny’s commitment to representing his heritage and challenging traditional Super Bowl halftime show conventions.
Beyond the musical performances, the show also included a reported real wedding ceremony on stage, adding an unexpected and heartwarming element to the spectacle. This detail, alongside the overall celebratory atmosphere, contributed to the overwhelmingly positive reception of Bad Bunny’s halftime show.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl L halftime show wasn’t just a performance; it was a cultural statement. It marked a significant milestone for Latin music, demonstrating its growing influence and mainstream appeal. By centering his performance around his Puerto Rican identity and inviting a diverse range of collaborators, Bad Bunny delivered a show that was both entertaining and deeply meaningful, solidifying his position as a global icon.
