Bad Bunny promised the world would dance in promotional material for the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, and his vibrant, elaborate, unapologetic performance lived up to expectations. Joined by Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin and other stars, he delivered a medley of hits to more than 125 mln viewers, introducing both his music and himself to a wider audience.
Celebration of Puerto Rico and Latin culture
The show paid tribute to Latin America, particularly Bad Bunny’s native Puerto Rico. The set featured a mock sugar-cane field and a Puerto Rican vecindad, complete with a barber shop, liquor store and the iconic «casita» from his concert residency. Celebrities including Karol G, Cardi B, Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal danced under the casita as the performance moved through the field to the vecindad and finally to a giant dancefloor, which even hosted an on-stage wedding.
Loaded with Easter eggs and subtle political references, the show emphasised unity. At the end, Bad Bunny declared «God Bless America» and named every country in the Americas, including the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. A billboard behind him displayed the message: «The only thing more powerful than hate is love,» a likely response to prior negative and racist comments. Many elements also appeared to reference U.S. immigration policies and the Trump administration.
High-energy, politically charged performance
The opening number, «Tití Me Preguntó,» saw Bad Bunny walk through the sugar-cane field interacting with actors playing locals, domino players and food vendors, and even attending a boxing match featuring Puerto Rican athletes. Later, he performed «Yo Perreo Sola» on the casita rooftop as Latino stars danced in a show of cultural unity. Lady Gaga joined him for a salsa-infused version of «Die With a Smile,» complete with a staged Puerto Rican wedding, before they danced together to «Baile Inolvidable.»
Ricky Martin followed with a performance of «El Apagón,» referencing the 11-month power outage in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, and an empty chair symbolised the over 3,000 lives lost in the hurricane. The performance highlighted Bad Bunny’s commitment to representing Puerto Rican and Latin culture on a global stage.
A message of unity and inclusion
The show concluded with dancers carrying flags from across the Americas as Bad Bunny performed «Café Con Ron,» later holding a football displaying the message «Together, we are America.» The field transformed into a dance party, capped by a fireworks display.
Sunday’s halftime show was the first primarily Spanish-language headlining performance at the Super Bowl, following Bad Bunny’s 2020 guest appearance with J Balvin. The event celebrated Latin culture while sending a message of inclusivity and togetherness: love is stronger than hate, and everyone is welcome on the dance floor.
Kursiv also reports that President Donald Trump used social media during the Super Bowl to criticise Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.
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