The Super Bowl LX halftime show, headlined by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny on , has ignited a cultural and political firestorm, extending far beyond the gridiron. The performance, a vibrant celebration of Latin American identity delivered almost entirely in Spanish, drew both widespread acclaim and sharp criticism, culminating in a direct rebuke from former President Donald Trump.
Bad Bunny’s set, staged at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, wasn’t merely a concert. it was a statement. The performance incorporated tributes to his Puerto Rican heritage, a staged wedding scene, and a rooftop performance culminating in the artist waving the Puerto Rican flag while holding a football inscribed with the message “Together We Are America.” These visual cues, coupled with lyrics referencing Puerto Rican struggles and unity, resonated deeply with many viewers as a powerful expression of cultural pride and resilience. The show also featured appearances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, alongside a diverse group of celebrities including Cardi B, Karol G, Pedro Pascal, Alix Earle, and Jessica Alba, amplifying its reach and impact.
The decision to feature an artist performing primarily in Spanish on the Super Bowl’s global stage was, in itself, a landmark moment. As Petra Rivera-Rideau, an associate professor of American studies at Wellesley College specializing in Latin music, noted, Bad Bunny is “a master at the art of surprise.” The performance was widely interpreted as a challenge to traditional expectations of the halftime show, and a bold assertion of Latino identity in mainstream American culture. It tapped into a growing conversation about representation and inclusivity, particularly in light of ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy.
However, this cultural moment was not without its detractors. Within minutes of the performance’s conclusion, former President Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to denounce the show as “terrible” and “one of the worst ever.” He claimed that “nobody even understands what he’s saying,” dismissing the artistic merit and cultural significance of Bad Bunny’s performance. This criticism echoed sentiments expressed prior to the show, with Trump having previously labeled the lineup – which also included Green Day as pregame performers – a “terrible choice.”
The backlash wasn’t limited to Trump’s pronouncements. Conservative groups, including Turning Point USA (TPUSA), organized an alternative halftime show featuring Kid Rock, seemingly as a direct response to Bad Bunny’s inclusion. This move underscored the political polarization surrounding the event, and highlighted the anxieties of some regarding the changing cultural landscape of the United States. The pre-game tension even saw threats of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence at the game, a move seemingly intended to intimidate or disrupt the event.
Interestingly, many observers suggest that Bad Bunny’s political statement wasn’t delivered through overt messaging, but rather through his very presence on the stage. As Mike Alfaro, creator of Millennial Lotería, put it, “just him being there is the political message.” This sentiment is supported by the fact that the performance itself, while rich in symbolism and cultural references, avoided direct political endorsements or attacks. Instead, it focused on celebrating Puerto Rican identity and fostering a sense of unity across the Americas, even incorporating a display of red, white, and blue fireworks at the show’s conclusion.
The show’s subtle yet powerful messaging was further emphasized by the screens inside the stadium displaying the words: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” a direct echo of a sentiment Bad Bunny expressed in his Grammy acceptance speech. This connection underscored the artist’s consistent advocacy for inclusivity and tolerance, and positioned the Super Bowl performance as a continuation of his broader artistic and political stance.
Julyssa Lopez, who has interviewed Bad Bunny extensively, observed that the outrage from some conservative quarters was unexpected. “I thought, if anything, celebrating a halftime performance in Spanish as sort of a historical moment would be something to embrace and aspire to,” she stated. This sentiment reflects a broader sense of surprise among many who believed that a celebration of cultural diversity would be widely welcomed.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, transcends the realm of entertainment. It represents a significant moment in the ongoing cultural conversation about identity, representation, and the evolving definition of American values. While it drew criticism from some, it also resonated deeply with a large audience, solidifying Bad Bunny’s status as a global icon and a powerful voice for cultural pride and unity. The show’s legacy will likely extend far beyond the immediate controversy, sparking continued dialogue and inspiring future generations of artists to embrace their cultural heritage on a global stage.
