The Super Bowl LXI halftime show wasn’t just a performance; it was a vibrant, unapologetically Latino celebration led by Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar delivered a spectacle at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, that resonated far beyond the football field, making history as the first halftime show performer to sing primarily in Spanish.
Bad Bunny, 31, opened with his 2022 hit “Tití Me Preguntó,” immediately establishing a high-energy atmosphere. But the show quickly evolved into something more profound – a love letter to Puerto Rico, meticulously crafted with visual storytelling. The stage transformed into a lush landscape filled with palm trees, sugar cane, and other native vegetation, populated by figures representing the island’s culture: sugar cane farmers in traditional pavas (straw hats), a coconut vendor, a piragua cart, and boxers. This wasn’t simply a backdrop; it was a deliberate immersion into the heart of Puerto Rican life.
The performance seamlessly transitioned through a medley of his most popular songs, including “EoO,” “NUEVAYoL,” and “DTMF,” all while maintaining a consistent visual narrative. “NUEVAYoL,” in particular, served as a poignant tribute to the Puerto Rican diaspora in New York City, acknowledging the enduring connection between the island and its communities abroad.
The surprise appearances of Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin elevated the performance even further. Lady Gaga joined Bad Bunny for a rendition of “Die With a Smile,” infused with a Latin sound, and the duo then performed “BAILE INoLVIDABLE.” Martin’s presence was a particularly meaningful gesture, representing a passing of the torch and a celebration of Latino musical heritage.
Beyond the musical guests, the show featured cameos from prominent figures like actor Pedro Pascal, rapper Cardi B, and singer Karol G, all seen enjoying the performance from the iconic “casita” – a small, traditionally decorated house that frequently appears in Bad Bunny’s shows and music videos. This inclusion felt like an invitation to the party, a welcoming gesture to fans and a symbol of community.
The performance wasn’t without its subtle, yet powerful, political undertones. The set design and song choices alluded to the challenges faced by Puerto Rico, most notably the ongoing issues with the island’s aging electrical grid. During “El Apagón,” Bad Bunny performed atop a replica of a utility pole, a direct reference to the frequent power outages that plague the island. The number 64 on his jersey, while seemingly a personal choice (his last name, Ocasio), has been linked by some to the initial, tragically underestimated death toll following Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the show was Bad Bunny’s unwavering commitment to performing in Spanish. Despite pre-show concerns from some corners, he refused to dilute his artistic vision for a wider audience. Instead, he embraced his identity and delivered a performance that celebrated Latino culture on the world’s biggest stage. Before launching into his final song, he addressed the audience, stating, “Dios bendiga a América,” then proceeded to name countries throughout the Americas, emphasizing that “America is a continent, not a country.”
The reaction to the performance was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Bad Bunny for his artistry, cultural pride, and refusal to compromise. However, the show also drew criticism from some, including former President Donald Trump, who dismissed it as “one of the worst halftime shows in history” and lamented that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying.”
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show was more than just entertainment; it was a cultural moment. It was a testament to the power of music to transcend language barriers, a celebration of Latino identity, and a bold statement about the importance of representation. Coming off a win at the 2026 Grammys for his album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” the performance solidified Bad Bunny’s position as a global superstar and a cultural icon. He ended the show by handing one of his Grammy awards to a young fan, a gesture that underscored his message of believing in oneself and reaching for one’s dreams.
