Bad Bunny Super Bowl: Puerto Rico, Love & Unity

The Super Bowl LXI halftime show delivered a historic performance on Sunday, February 9, 2026, as Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny took the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The performance marked the first time a Super Bowl halftime show was primarily performed in Spanish, a decision that sparked discussion in the United States.

A Celebration of Puerto Rican Culture

Bad Bunny’s performance was deeply rooted in his heritage, with frequent references to Puerto Rico. He appeared amidst a set designed to resemble sugar cane fields and even climbed an electricity pole, a visual nod to the frequent power outages experienced in Puerto Rico. The show included a medley of music featuring reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee, alongside appearances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.

Did You Know? Bad Bunny was working at an Econo supermarket in Puerto Rico just 10 years prior to his Super Bowl performance.

Political Undertones and Guest Appearances

The performance wasn’t solely a musical spectacle. Bad Bunny, who recently used his Grammy acceptance speech to denounce U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), subtly incorporated political messaging into his Super Bowl show. He displayed a brief clip of his Grammy speech on a screen and gifted a Grammy award to a young actor with the message, “Stay believing in yourself.”

During the show, Bad Bunny officiated a marriage of two fans, inviting them onto the stage to celebrate their union. He concluded his performance by reciting a list of countries in North and South America, stating, “Together we are America,” while holding a globe.

Expert Insight: Bad Bunny’s choice to centre his performance around Puerto Rican culture and subtly address political issues represents a significant moment for Latin representation on a global stage. This could signal a broader shift towards greater inclusivity in mainstream entertainment events.

Mixed Reactions and a Counter-programme

The performance drew a mixed response. The conservative organization Turning Point USA hosted an alternative “All-American Halftime Show” livestreamed on YouTube, attracting over five million viewers. Former President Trump publicly criticized Bad Bunny’s performance, calling it “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst ever.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What languages were featured in the halftime show?

The performance was primarily in Spanish, with Lady Gaga contributing vocals in English.

Who joined Bad Bunny on stage during the halftime show?

Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin both made appearances during Bad Bunny’s performance. He also included a medley featuring music from Daddy Yankee.

What message did Bad Bunny convey at the end of his performance?

Bad Bunny concluded his show by reciting a list of countries in North and South America, stating, “Together we are America.”

How might this performance influence future Super Bowl halftime show selections and the representation of diverse cultures on such a large platform?