Bad Bunny Creates Super Bowl History with Spanish-Only Halftime Spectacle
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny has etched his name into the annals of Super Bowl lore by delivering a groundbreaking halftime performance at the 60th edition of the NFL's premier event. The artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, made history as the first headliner to perform entirely in Spanish during the show's storied legacy. This milestone unfolded at Levi's Stadium in California, where a stage richly inspired by Puerto Rican culture set the scene for an eight-song set, predominantly drawn from his latest album, Debi Tirar Mas Fotos.
Trump's Scathing Critique of the Halftime Show
Former US President Donald Trump, who attended last year's Super Bowl, launched a vehement attack on the performance via his Truth Social platform. During the third quarter of the game, he labelled the show "absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!" and decried it as "an affront to the Greatness of America." Trump further criticised the act by stating, "Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World." His comments come amidst a race row involving a controversial video shared on his account, which depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, though he later claimed to condemn it without offering an apology.
Political Undertones and Cultural Celebrations
Bad Bunny, fresh from winning Album of the Year at the Grammys where he made headlines by saying "ICE out," concluded his Super Bowl set with a more subdued political message. Walking towards the camera, he said "God Bless America" and listed countries across the Americas, including Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, against a backdrop sign reading "the only thing more powerful than hate is love." His performance of the 2022 track El Apagon featured power poles that exploded, symbolising Puerto Rico's blackouts and failing power grid in a poignant reference to the deadly Hurricane Maria of 2017.
Star-Studded Appearances and a Surprise Wedding
The halftime show was enlivened by surprise guest appearances, defying speculation that Cardi B would perform. Instead, Lady Gaga took the stage, delivering a reggaeton-inspired version of her duet with Bruno Mars, Die With A Smile, before dancing salsa with Bad Bunny. Cardi B still made a cameo as a dancer, alongside celebrities such as Alix Earle, David Grutman, Karol G, Jessica Alba, and Pedro Pascal. Ricky Martin, the Livin' La Vida Loca singer and fellow Puerto Rican, also appeared, singing from a plastic chair in a scene mirroring the album cover and paying homage to Latin artists with a clip of the club classic Gasolina.
In a truly unique moment, about five minutes into the performance, a couple was seen on stage participating in a wedding ceremony. It was later confirmed by Bad Bunny's representative that the marriage was genuine; the unnamed pair had invited the rapper to their wedding, but he suggested they instead be part of his halftime show. Bad Bunny served as a witness and signed their marriage certificate, though it remains unclear whether background figures were friends, family, or backup dancers.
Game Outcome and Broader Context
Amidst the halftime controversy, the Seattle Seahawks secured their second-ever Super Bowl victory, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 with a dominant defensive performance. The event also featured Aden Durde, the first British coach to appear in a Super Bowl, celebrating with the team. Despite Trump's harsh critique, the show has garnered rave reviews online, highlighting its cultural significance and innovative approach. Trump capped his social media post by complaining about the NFL's new Kickoff Rule, adding another layer to his broader dissatisfaction with the event.
