In just 13 minutes, Bad Bunny managed to turn the Super Bowl halftime stage into something much bigger than a music performance. His historic appearance blended spectacle, symbolism, and cultural pride, delivering one of the most talked-about halftime shows in recent memory.
The Puerto Rican superstar filled his set with songs from his Grammy-winning album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, celebrity appearances, bold visuals, and moments that clearly resonated far beyond the stadium. Some elements landed more powerfully than others, but the overall message was unmistakable.
Most Powerful Political Moment: A Message of Unity
Since his selection as the halftime headliner, Bad Bunny faced criticism from right-wing commentators who dismissed him as “not American,” despite Puerto Ricans being U.S. citizens. Donald Trump even claimed the choice would “sow hatred.”
Bad Bunny responded not with anger, but with inclusion. Through a sweeping display of flags and a spoken acknowledgment of countries across North and South America, he reframed the idea of “God bless America” as something that could belong to an entire hemisphere. When he slammed a football labeled “Together, We Are America” and stood before a billboard reading “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” the message was clear without being heavy-handed.
Most Unnecessary Cameo: Lady Gaga
In a performance centered on Puerto Rican and Latin culture, Lady Gaga’s appearance felt oddly out of place. Her duet “Die With a Smile,” originally recorded with Bruno Mars, leaned heavily into mainstream pop sentimentality exactly the opposite of the hyperlocal, culturally rooted energy Bad Bunny was showcasing.
While the song fit thematically into the on-stage wedding scene, the time it occupied felt like a missed opportunity. With artists like Karol G, Cardi B, and rising Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko already present, the detour into generic radio pop seemed unnecessary.
Best Use of Recent History: The Grammy Callback
One of the most touching moments came right after Bad Bunny performed “NuevaYol.” The broadcast cut to a scene of a young boy watching Bad Bunny accept his Grammy for Album of the Year an award he won just one week earlier for Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
Bad Bunny then appeared to hand the Grammy to the child, reinforcing the communal and generational spirit that has defined his career. Whether the child symbolized his younger self or future dreamers inspired by his success, the moment added emotional depth to an already electric set.
Most Relaxed Performance Element: The Dancing
Super Bowl halftime shows are usually defined by flawless choreography and near-military precision. Bad Bunny’s dancers, however, moved with looseness and joy rather than strict uniformity.
Instead of sharp synchronization, the performance emphasized celebration and pride. It felt less like a drill and more like a street party and that choice matched the spirit of the music perfectly.
Most Unexpected Style Win: The White Suit
Surrounded by dancers in vibrant streetwear, Bad Bunny stood out in a crisp white suit from Zara. On most performers, it might have looked awkward or overdone. On him, it projected confidence and calm authority.
The look subtly countered critics by placing him above the noise—composed, self-assured, and firmly in control of the moment.
Best Historical Reference: The Puerto Rican Flag
Bad Bunny carried a version of the Puerto Rican flag that many viewers may not have recognized. Instead of the darker navy blue commonly used today, this flag featured a lighter blue associated with the Puerto Rican independence movement.
That version of the flag was once illegal on the island in the late 1940s. Bad Bunny has referenced it before, even rapping about wanting the light-blue flag on his coffin. Including it on the Super Bowl stage was a quiet but powerful nod to Puerto Rican history and resistance.
Best Stunt: The Trust Fall
The performance featured two standout stunts. First, Bad Bunny appeared to crash through the roof of a casita. Later, he exited a wedding scene by falling backward off a roof into the crowd below, trusting them to catch him.
He emerged smiling, walked through a block-party scene, and even grabbed a drink from Toñita, the legendary owner of Brooklyn’s Caribbean Social Club. It was theatrical, risky, and perfectly on brand.
Final Takeaway
Bad Bunny didn’t just perform at the Super Bowl he used the platform to celebrate culture, challenge narrow definitions of American identity, and bring Puerto Rican history into one of the most watched broadcasts on Earth. Not every moment worked, but the ambition, confidence, and cultural pride made the show unforgettable.
Comments
Post a Comment