Bad Bunny took the stage at Levi’s Stadium for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime show, delivering one of the most talked-about performances of the night. With an estimated viewership of over 135 million, Bad Bunny didn’t just put on a concert; he turned the halftime show into a celebration of history and culture.
Bad Bunny’s 13-minute halftime show celebrated his Puerto Rican heritage through a set that felt more like a story than a typical Super Bowl performance. Unlike the average halftime show, his performance stood out for its distinctiveness, uniqueness, cultural relevance, and personal touch. His performance included elements that represented his culture, such as convenience stores, food stands, and many more. One of the most memorable moments of the night was when a real wedding was performed on stage, giving two fans who had invited Bad Bunny to their wedding an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The show featured superstar Lady Gaga, who joined him to perform “Die With A Smile,” a song recorded by Gaga and Bruno Mars. Other celebrities were also spotted in the background throughout the performance, including Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G, Jessica Alba, and more.
The message behind Bad Bunny’s performance was clear: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” a phrase displayed across the stadium’s screens throughout the show. In the end, he held up a football that read, “Together We Are America,” a statement that expands what America could really mean. Bad Bunny made history as the first solo Latin artist to perform a Super Bowl halftime show. On a stage traditionally dominated by American English-speaking artists, Bad Bunny chose to highlight his culture and embrace diversity, using a global platform that reaches millions.
Despite the many fans, viewers, and commentators who praised the performance, Bad Bunny’s show sparked some criticism and backlash. Many media figures, including President Donald Trump, labeled it “the worst performance ever,” arguing that a Spanish-language performance was inappropriate for a national event intended for an English-speaking audience. Trump went as far as to call the performance “an affront to the Greatness of America.” Bunny also faced criticism on social media, with even celebrity artists stepping in. Artist Chris Brown added to the conversation with a shady statement on his Instagram story, writing, “I think it’s safe to say.. they need me!”
Overall, Bad Bunny’s performance can be remembered as one of the cultural moments that sparked conversation and celebrated Spanish-speaking culture. Whether the show was liked by some or disliked by others, Bad Bunny gave us something other halftime shows didn’t: difference and a story. By bringing his language and culture to one of the world’s biggest stages, Bad Bunny changed the meaning of America. Love it or hate it, this halftime show will be remembered not just for the music but for the message it delivered.
