Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 8, 2026, was a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. The performance, held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, during Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, marked a historic moment as the first time a Latino solo artist headlined the show and performed primarily in Spanish. However, the performance drew sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump, highlighting the cultural and political divides within the United States.
From the outset, Bad Bunny's performance was a love letter to Puerto Rico. The stage was transformed into a vibrant tableau of the island, complete with recreations of sugar cane fields, local shops, and the iconic "Casita," a traditional Puerto Rican house. Dancers sported traditional attire, and the air buzzed with the sounds of Bomba music, creating an immersive experience that transported viewers to the heart of the Caribbean. Bad Bunny opened with his hit "Tití Me Preguntó," setting the tone for a high-energy performance that blended reggaeton with traditional salsa. The setlist included other popular tracks, such as "Yo Perreo Sola," "EoO," "NUEVAYoL," and "DTMF," each infused with the artist's signature blend of infectious rhythms and socially conscious lyrics.
The performance also featured surprise appearances by other prominent artists, including Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. Lady Gaga joined Bad Bunny for a rendition of "Die With a Smile", while Ricky Martin performed "Lo Que Le Paso a Hawaii," a song that addresses gentrification issues in Puerto Rico. These collaborations underscored the themes of unity and cultural pride that permeated the entire show. Towards the end of the show, Bad Bunny climbed on top of an electrical pole while singing "El Apagón". The singer also gave one of his Grammy Awards to a young boy during the show.
However, the performance was not without its detractors. Former President Donald Trump, took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his disapproval. He labeled the halftime show "absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!" and an "affront to the Greatness of America". Trump also criticized the predominantly Spanish language of the performance, claiming that "nobody understands a word this guy is saying" and described the dancing as "disgusting".
Trump's remarks sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many users defending Bad Bunny and celebrating the cultural significance of his performance. Supporters emphasized the importance of representation and the power of music to bridge cultural divides. They also pointed out that the United States has a large Spanish-speaking population, making the criticism of the language used during the performance seem particularly tone-deaf.
Despite the controversy, Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show was a resounding success in many respects. It was a visually stunning and musically engaging celebration of Puerto Rican culture that resonated with audiences of all backgrounds. The performance also sparked important conversations about identity, inclusion, and the role of Latino artists in mainstream American culture. Ultimately, Bad Bunny's halftime show served as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural pride and the unifying power of music.