Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Puerto Rican Celebration with Gaga and Martin
The pride of Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny, proved to be a compelling choice for the Super Bowl LX halftime show, delivering a performance that was both culturally significant and entertaining. Despite being a polarizing figure in a divided political climate, the artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio managed to win over many viewers with his energetic set and surprise appearances by music icons Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.
A Controversial Selection with Strong Support
The selection of Bad Bunny as the halftime performer had generated considerable discussion in the months leading up to the big game. Former President Donald Trump had publicly criticized the choice, calling it "terrible" and announcing he would skip this year's spectacle after attending the previous year. Following the performance, Trump doubled down on his criticism, describing it as "absolutely terrible" and one of the "worst ever" in a post on his Truth Social platform.
However, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stood firmly behind the league's decision, telling CBS Sports back in October: "It's carefully thought through. I don't think we've ever selected an artist without some blowback or criticism." This support proved well-founded as Bad Bunny brought his unique style to the massive stage at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Cultural Celebration and Political Statements
Bad Bunny used his platform to celebrate Puerto Rican culture throughout the 13-minute performance. The show began with the artist standing in a recreation of a Puerto Rican sugar cane field while performing "Tití Me Preguntó," dressed in an all-cream tracksuit with the number 64 and carrying a football. Throughout the performance, he incorporated elements of Puerto Rican life, including references to sweet drinks, boxers, jewelry, and even what appeared to be a wedding ceremony on the field.
The political dimension of Bad Bunny's selection was impossible to ignore. The artist had recently made headlines at the Grammy Awards, where he became the first to win best album entirely in Spanish for his 2025 release Debí Tirar Más Fotos. In his acceptance speech, he declared "ICE out!" referencing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency's controversial practices under the Trump administration. Bad Bunny had also notably omitted the United States from his ongoing world tour due to concerns that ICE would target and harass his fans.
Star-Studded Collaborations and Memorable Moments
The halftime show featured several standout moments that elevated the performance beyond expectations. Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance in a stunning blue gown, belting out her hit "Die With a Smile" with incredible backing from musicians on the field. While the song is normally a duet with Bruno Mars, Gaga's solo rendition proved powerful and memorable.
Ricky Martin's contribution came later in the show, though some critics felt his talents could have been better utilized. The Latin music icon performed seated, despite his reputation as an exceptional dancer. Other celebrities made brief appearances during the performance, including actors Pedro Pascal and Jessica Alba, and rapper Cardi B, who were spotted dancing during a fleeting camera pan.
One particularly touching moment occurred when Bad Bunny gave his historic Grammy Award to a young boy watching the ceremony on television with his parents, demonstrating his commitment to being a positive role model for younger generations.
Technical Execution and Set Design
The production design for Bad Bunny's halftime show was ambitious and largely successful. After beginning in the sugar cane field recreation, the artist climbed onto a pink and yellow nightclub stage while performing "Yo Perreo Sola." Female dancers in white tank tops and short skirts added visual interest, with some dramatically falling through the ceiling as part of the choreography.
However, not every element worked perfectly. The transition from the sugar cane field to the main stage took longer than ideal, and one segment featuring Bad Bunny climbing an electrical utility pole while waving a Puerto Rican flag didn't quite land as intended. The wardrobe choices, while consistent with the artist's style, were described by some as somewhat bland, transitioning from a tracksuit to a more formal suit with tie.
Musical Highlights and Cultural Impact
Bad Bunny's setlist showcased his musical range and cultural pride:
- Tití Me Preguntó
- Yo Perreo Sola
- VOY A LLeVARTE PA PREoO
- MONACO
- Die With a Smile (Lady Gaga)
- BAILE INoLVIDABLE
- NUEVAYoLE
- El Apagón with "LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii" (Ricky Martin)
- CAFé CON RONDtMF
The performance concluded with Bad Bunny shouting "God bless America!" while holding a football and crossing the field with dancers carrying various flags. He then ran through the names of numerous Latin American countries, plus Canada, emphasizing the pan-Latin American spirit of his show.
Despite the political controversy surrounding his selection and the language barrier for some viewers, Bad Bunny delivered what many are calling one of the more memorable Super Bowl halftime shows in recent years. As he told non-Spanish speakers at a press conference before the game: "(People) don't even have to learn Spanish. It's better if they learn to dance." His performance proved that music and cultural celebration can transcend political divisions, at least for thirteen minutes on football's biggest stage.
