Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LXI halftime performance on Sunday in California drew an average of 128.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen data released Tuesday, . The performance solidifies the Puerto Rican superstar’s place among the most-watched halftime shows in Super Bowl history, though it fell short of recent records.
Nielsen highlighted that the show generated significant buzz across social media platforms, becoming a trending topic on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok as key moments were widely shared during and after the NFL event. The performance marked a historic moment as Bad Bunny became the first artist to perform an entirely Spanish-language set during the Super Bowl halftime show.
The 128.2 million average viewership places Bad Bunny’s performance as the fourth most-watched halftime show ever, according to Nielsen. While exceeding the total viewership of this year’s game – which averaged 124.9 million – it remains below the record of 133.5 million set by Kendrick Lamar’s performance at last year’s Super Bowl.
Only three halftime shows have drawn larger audiences: Michael Jackson’s iconic 1993 performance (133.4 million viewers), Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 show (133.5 million), and Usher’s 2024 set (129.3 million).
Despite not breaking overall records, Super Bowl LXI did achieve a peak audience of 137.8 million viewers during the second quarter (between 7:45 and 8:00 p.m. ET), setting a new U.S. Record. This surpassed the previous peak of 137.7 million during the second quarter of last year’s Super Bowl. The game itself averaged 124.9 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, NBC Sports Digital, and NFL+, falling short of the 127.7 million who tuned in for the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last year on Fox.
The success of Bad Bunny’s performance comes as no surprise to industry observers. His global popularity has been steadily rising for years, and his Super Bowl appearance was widely anticipated. The show itself was a vibrant celebration of Latin culture, opening with Bad Bunny declaring, “Que rico es ser Latino” – a sentiment that resonated with audiences both in the stadium and at home. The performance featured a medley of his biggest hits, energetic choreography, and a visually stunning stage design.
The Super Bowl LXI matchup saw the Seattle Seahawks defeat the New England Patriots 29-13. While the game itself may not have been as closely contested as some recent Super Bowls, the halftime show provided a significant cultural moment, showcasing the growing influence of Latin artists on the global stage.
The numbers suggest a continued strong interest in the Super Bowl as a major entertainment event, even as viewership numbers fluctuate. The game remains the most-watched program in NBC history, and the network is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. However, the slight dip in overall viewership compared to last year may prompt the NFL and its broadcast partners to consider strategies for maintaining and growing audience engagement in the future.
The impact of Bad Bunny’s performance extends beyond mere viewership numbers. His groundbreaking set is expected to inspire a new generation of Latin artists and further break down barriers in the music industry. The performance also sparked conversations about representation and the importance of showcasing diverse voices on a global platform.
While the Super Bowl continues to be a dominant force in American television, the evolving media landscape presents ongoing challenges. The rise of streaming services and alternative entertainment options means that capturing and retaining audience attention is more competitive than ever. The NFL and its partners will need to continue innovating to ensure that the Super Bowl remains a must-watch event for years to come.
