Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking Super Bowl halftime performance continues to cast a long shadow over the NFL’s biggest stage. Despite a highly anticipated set by Bad Bunny at , viewership numbers released on Tuesday revealed the Puerto Rican superstar fell short of Lamar’s monumental draw.
Bad Bunny’s performance, which featured guest appearances from Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and Cardi B, captivated 128.2 million viewers, according to NBC. While a significant number, it remains below the 133.5 million who tuned in to witness Kendrick Lamar’s show in .
Lamar’s performance wasn’t just a ratings success; it was a cultural moment. He was joined by SZA, and the setlist leaned heavily into tracks from his critically acclaimed GNX album. Notably, the performance included “Not Like Us,” the fiery diss track aimed at Drake, which went on to win five Grammy Awards the following week, including Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, Best Music Video, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The performance’s impact extended beyond the immediate viewership, fueling a record-breaking world tour for both Lamar, and SZA.
This year’s Super Bowl, however, faced an unusual challenge. In a deliberate act of protest against the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny, the right-wing non-profit Turning Point USA organized an alternative halftime show featuring Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. That counter-programming reportedly attracted 5.1 million viewers, siphoning off a portion of the potential audience from the official NFL broadcast.
The NFL and Apple Music are still compiling complete global viewership data for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, with final figures expected early next week. However, the initial numbers confirm that, for now, Kendrick Lamar retains his title as the king of Super Bowl halftime performances.
The contrast between the two halftime shows highlights a growing tension within the cultural landscape. Turning Point USA’s decision to stage a competing event underscores the increasing politicization of entertainment and the willingness of some groups to actively resist perceived cultural shifts. While the impact of their alternative show on Bad Bunny’s overall viewership is difficult to quantify precisely, it undoubtedly contributed to the shortfall compared to Lamar’s record.
Bad Bunny’s performance itself was a vibrant celebration of Latin music and culture, showcasing his global appeal and star power. The inclusion of established artists like Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, alongside a cameo from Cardi B, signaled a deliberate attempt to broaden the performance’s reach. However, even with these high-profile guests, it wasn’t enough to surpass the benchmark set by Lamar.
The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, often serving as a launchpad for artists and a reflection of broader societal trends. Lamar’s performance tapped into a moment of intense cultural conversation surrounding hip-hop, celebrity feuds, and artistic expression. Bad Bunny, while undeniably a global superstar, faced the challenge of following an act that resonated so deeply with the cultural zeitgeist.
The numbers also raise questions about the evolving dynamics of viewership in the age of streaming and fragmented media consumption. While 128.2 million viewers remains a massive audience, it’s a figure that must be considered in the context of a rapidly changing entertainment landscape. The rise of alternative viewing options and the increasing competition for audience attention are factors that the NFL will undoubtedly need to address as it plans future halftime shows.
the Super Bowl LX halftime show serves as a reminder that viewership numbers are not simply a measure of an artist’s popularity, but a complex interplay of cultural factors, political currents, and evolving media habits. While Bad Bunny delivered a memorable performance, he was unable to dethrone Kendrick Lamar, whose show continues to stand as a benchmark for Super Bowl halftime excellence.
