Super Bowl half-time show Sees Bad Bunny Spotlight Puerto Rico
Bad Bunny turned the Super Bowl half-time show into a sweeping tribute to Puerto Rico. He used the global stage to celebrate Latin culture, family, and unity rather than delivering a pointed political protest. The 14-minute performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara was marked a historic moment. The Grammy-winning artist has become the first musician to perform the whole show in Spanish. Still, he succeeded in sending a broader message with the aim of all the Americans.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, aka Bad Bunny, was joined by a string of high-profile guests. The list of guests included Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. Meanwhile, celebrities such as Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G, and Jessica Alba also appeared in cameos and danced on the porch of his signature casita set. A recurring feature of his tours mirrors a traditional Puerto Rican home. Together, these elements framed the performance as both deeply personal and unmistakably communal.
Symbolism and Unity Shape the Super Bowl half-time show
From the outset, Bad Bunny leaned into symbolism. Throughout the show, he powered through a medley of hits, including Tití Me Preguntó, Monaco, and Baile INoLVIDABLE, while he also maintained a tight choreography and strong vocals. Although many observers expected an overt political statement directed at the current US administration. Instead, the artist chose his language, which was centered on togetherness.
At key moments, English phrases had appeared sparingly but deliberately. One billboard read, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love”. While another message reads, “Together, We Are America”, which was written on a football that he held aloft. These lines were brief yet pointed that underscored a theme of inclusion without direct confrontation. Importantly, this performance has marked his first US appearance since the release of his Grammy-winning album Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos). He also planned musical tours in which he notably avoided mainland US shows. Instead, he will perform in Puerto Rico.
Bad Bunny honored Puerto Rico’s Pain and Pride
Beyond spectacle, the show carried layers of historical memory. It prominently featured a family imagery that includes a staged wedding among Latino dancers. It also had a moment when Bad Bunny handed his Grammy award to a small child, as his 2026 acceptance speech played on a television nearby.
Therefore, these scenes were reinforced continuity across generations. Nevertheless, the performance stopped short of naming political figures. Instead, it focused on remembrance and resilience that allows symbolism to speak louder than slogans.
Super Bowl half time Show was attended by Global Guests
Musically, the show was blended with reggaeton, pop, and salsa influences. Lady Gaga joined for a salsa-inspired rendition of Die With A Smile, which was her latest collaboration with Bruno Mars. In the meantime, fellow Puerto Rican star Ricky Martin performed Lo Que Le Pasó A Hawaii, which is a song warning against cultural erasure.
Despite early sound issues, the performance gained momentum, as tracks such as EoO and DtMF stood out among the audience. Bad Bunny closed his performance by shouting “God Bless America” in Spanish. The moment highlighted his long-stated belief that unity does not require uniformity. Ultimately, Sunday’s half-time show delivered a clear message: Latin culture belongs at the centre of the world’s biggest stage, not at its margins.
Web resources on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show performance
1. NYTimes.com: Bad Bunny Delivers Joyful Super Bowl Halftime Show
2. FOXNews.com: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show ignites Trump’s fury, divides viewers
3. ABCNews.go.com: Bad Bunny hands his Grammy to young boy during Super Bowl halftime show
4. Variety.com: Bad Bunny Stuns the Super Bowl