The Super Bowl halftime show featured Puerto Rican superstar Benito Martínez Ocasio, known professionally as Bad Bunny, in a vibrant 15-minute performance that celebrated his heritage and musical roots. The artist made history as the first performer to deliver a Super Bowl halftime show almost entirely in Spanish.
A Visual Celebration of Puerto Rican Identity
Bad Bunny’s performance incorporated striking visual elements that paid homage to his island home. The stage design featured sugarcane fields, a nod to Puerto Rico’s agricultural heritage. In one memorable moment, the artist climbed an electricity pole, a creative reference to the infrastructure challenges faced by the territory.
Star-Studded Guest Appearances
The show included several high-profile guest performers. Pop icon Lady Gaga joined Bad Bunny on stage, delivering the only English-language vocals of the evening. Fellow Puerto Rican artist Ricky Martin also made an appearance during the performance.
The setlist featured a medley incorporating music from renowned Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee, showcasing the genre’s influence on contemporary Latin music.
Special Moments During the Performance
In a heartwarming surprise, Bad Bunny facilitated an on-stage wedding ceremony for two fans who had originally invited him to their celebration. The couple’s marriage was officially recognized during the halftime show, creating an unforgettable moment for the newlyweds.
At one point during the performance, the artist handed a Grammy award to a young child actor, encouraging him with the message to keep believing in himself—a reference to Bad Bunny’s recent Grammy win for Album of the Year.
A Message of Unity
The performance concluded with a powerful statement about continental unity. Bad Bunny ended his show with “God bless America,” followed by naming various North and South American countries. Dancers carried flags representing different nations, including Canada and several Central American countries.
A large display visible above the stadium featured text reading: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” The artist held a ball inscribed with the phrase “Together we are America,” emphasizing themes of connection across the hemisphere.
Mixed Reception
The performance generated significant attention and divided reactions. While millions watched the official broadcast, a conservative organization hosted an alternative “All-American Halftime Show” that attracted over five million viewers on its YouTube livestream.
The complete halftime show remains available for viewing on YouTube and Apple Music, allowing fans worldwide to experience Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl performance.
