Bad Bunny Transforms Super Bowl Halftime into Puerto Rico’s Home Stage
During the Super Bowl LX halftime show, Bad Bunny showcased Puerto Rican culture in a vibrant performance. The event took place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and lasted approximately 13 minutes. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, performed a series of popular tracks, primarily in Spanish.
Pursuing Cultural Identity
Bad Bunny’s performance was a powerful testament to Puerto Rico’s unique position within the Americas. With Puerto Rico often feeling caught between Latin American and American identities, he transformed this complexity into a superpower. His opening line, “Que rico es ser Latino,” resonated deeply, capturing the essence of Latino pride.
Musical Highlights
- Tracks performed included:
- “Tití Me Preguntó”
- “Yo Perreo Sola”
- “Voy a Llevarte pa PR”
- “Eoo”
- “Baile Inolvidable”
- “Café Con Ron”
The set featured a replica of a traditional Puerto Rican casita, connecting the performance to his cultural roots. He infused the show with lively beats, channeling energy reminiscent of Latin dance parties.
Significant Moments
One poignant highlight featured a family watching Bad Bunny accept his Grammy for Album of the Year on television. The real Bad Bunny then surprised them by handing a Grammy to a young boy in the family, symbolizing hope and pride for Puerto Rico’s future.
During the performance of “El Apagón,” Bad Bunny addressed Puerto Rico’s ongoing struggle with its electrical infrastructure. His lyrics conveyed a strong political message, emphasizing the importance of cultural pride in the face of adversity.
A Wedding and Guest Appearances
As part of the entertainment, an actual wedding occurred on stage, surprising a couple who had originally invited Bad Bunny to their ceremony. Lady Gaga made a special appearance as the wedding singer, performing a salsa version of her song “Die With a Smile.” Bad Bunny also shared the stage with Puerto Rican icon Ricky Martin, who sang “Lo Que le Pasó a Hawaii,” representing political themes in his music.
Public Reaction
The performance attracted mixed reactions, sparking significant discussion online. President Trump critiqued the show, calling it “terrible.” However, Bad Bunny’s message was clear: he expressed love for his culture and advocated for inclusivity among Latin American nations, declaring unity among all countries in the Americas during the final moments of his show.
Ultimately, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance elevated Puerto Rican pride on one of the world’s largest stages. He highlighted the cultural richness of Latino identity, showcasing it as an integral part of American culture.
