Kid Rock and Donald Trump Blast Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Performance
In the aftermath of Super Bowl 60, a significant cultural divide has emerged surrounding the halftime show headlined by Latin music superstar Bad Bunny. The performance, which was delivered entirely in Spanish, has drawn sharp criticism from conservative figures, most notably musician Kid Rock and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Kid Rock's Alternative Show and Critical Review
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, was hired by the right-wing non-profit organization Turning Point USA to perform a rival All-American Halftime Show. This alternative event was staged as a counterpoint to the NFL's official halftime entertainment featuring Bad Bunny. During an appearance on Fox News' The Ingrahm Angle, Kid Rock shared his blunt assessment of Bad Bunny's 13-minute spectacle.
"Like most people, I didn't understand any of it," the 51-year-old Detroit native stated, referencing the fact that Bad Bunny performed exclusively in Spanish. "I saw there's a lot of dancers and a lot of big to-do stuff. And, you know, he said he wanted to have a dance party — it looked like he had one."
Kid Rock went on to clarify that while the production "was not my cup of tea," he placed the blame squarely on the NFL's decision-makers rather than the performer himself. "I don't fault that kid for doing the Super Bowl, getting in front of a global audience. I fault the NFL for putting him in that position and Turning Point for having to come out and have an alternative for people to watch."
Donald Trump's Scathing Social Media Attack
The criticism escalated dramatically when former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to deliver a particularly harsh condemnation of Bad Bunny's performance. Trump's post characterized the show as "absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!" and framed it as an affront to American values.
"It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn't represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence," Trump wrote. He specifically targeted the Spanish-language aspect of the performance, stating, "Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World."
Trump further described the production as "just a 'slap in the face' to our Country" and predicted that despite his criticism, the "Fake News Media" would offer positive reviews because they "haven't got a clue of what is going on in the REAL WORLD."
Bad Bunny's Performance and Message
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is currently the world's most-streamed artist and a six-time Grammy winner. Ahead of Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California, he promised viewers "a huge party" that would honor his Puerto Rican heritage. He introduced himself to the massive audience in Spanish, delivering a message of self-belief.
Despite previous tensions with Trump, Bad Bunny concluded his act with a unifying gesture. He recited the names of countries across the Americas, including Canada and Mexico, while holding a football inscribed with the words "Together We Are America." The video screen behind him displayed the powerful statement: "THE ONLY THING MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE IS LOVE."
Support for Bad Bunny and Ratings Success
While facing criticism from conservative quarters, Bad Bunny received substantial praise from other prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Pop icon Lady Gaga, who made a surprise guest appearance during the halftime show, expressed her gratitude on Instagram, calling it her "absolute honour" to perform alongside him.
Country music star Zach Bryan offered a different perspective on the controversy, criticizing Kid Rock's alternative show instead. "I don't care what side you're on," Bryan wrote on his Instagram Stories. "A bunch of adults throwing temper tantrums and their own halftime show is embarrassing as hell and the most cringe s— on the planet."
Early reports suggest Bad Bunny's performance achieved remarkable viewership numbers. According to the Daily Mail, his halftime show attracted approximately 135.4 million viewers worldwide, potentially surpassing the 133.3 million viewers who watched Kendrick Lamar's performance the previous year. Official ratings from the NFL have yet to be released.
The Broader Cultural Conversation
This controversy extends beyond simple musical preferences, touching on deeper questions about cultural representation, language, and national identity in major American events. The contrasting reactions to Bad Bunny's performance highlight ongoing debates about:
- The role of non-English languages in mainstream American entertainment
- Political divisions influencing cultural commentary
- The evolving definition of "American" music and performance
- The intersection of sports and cultural politics
As the discussion continues across media platforms and social networks, the Super Bowl 60 halftime show has undoubtedly become one of the most talked-about cultural moments of the year, revealing significant fault lines in contemporary American society.
