Bad Bunny delivered a visually striking and politically charged halftime performance at Super Bowl LX, emerging from a sugar cane field surrounded by dancers in traditional pava hats. The Puerto Rican star’s show, performed almost entirely in Spanish, received widespread praise from Latino audiences across the United States and Latin America. The performance featured guest appearances by celebrities such as Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, and Jessica Alba, who joined him in a house party-themed set staged at midfield. One segment even included a live wedding ceremony during the song Titi Me Pregunto.
Despite its celebratory tone, the performance carried strong political undertones, with many viewers interpreting it as a statement amid ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids affecting immigrant communities. U.S. President Donald Trump added to the controversy by criticising the show as “the worst performance ever” and “a slap in the face to our country.” He chose not to attend the performance, instead watching the game from an event in Florida, and later posted on social media questioning the use of Spanish and describing the dance routines as inappropriate.
Supporters of Trump echoed similar sentiments, with some criticising the use of a “foreign” language and labelling the show “anti-American.” Many conservative viewers instead tuned into an alternative event, the “All-American Halftime Show,” featuring country music artists and organised by the conservative group Turning Point USA.
For many Latinos, however, the performance was a moment of cultural pride. Fans praised Bad Bunny for showcasing Latin American heritage through performances of his popular songs, including Titi Me Pregunto and Baile Inolvidable. Claudia Ruiz, a Cuban-American resident of California, said the performance symbolised hope and unity for Latino communities during a time of heightened political division.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, recently made history at the Grammy Awards by becoming the first artist to win Best Album for a Spanish-language record with Debí Tirar Más Fotos. During his acceptance speech, he spoke out against ICE enforcement, emphasising the humanity and identity of immigrant communities—sentiments that were echoed in his Super Bowl performance.
The show featured a standout moment when Bad Bunny performed alongside cameo appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin before delivering the phrase “God Bless America!”—the only English line in the performance. He then followed it by naming countries across North, Central, and South America while their flags were displayed, a segment that resonated strongly with international audiences.
Viewers in Latin America described the segment as a powerful message emphasising shared identity across the Americas. Some linked the performance to broader political tensions in the region and U.S. foreign policy actions, viewing it as a cultural statement asserting Latin American presence and voice.
Other fans appreciated the performance’s everyday cultural references, including dancers dressed as mechanics, shopkeepers, and hairdressers, reflecting occupations commonly associated with immigrant communities. Several viewers described the performance as deeply emotional and meaningful.
However, the event also highlighted ongoing cultural divisions, with some critics openly rejecting the performance and supporting alternative entertainment options. Supporters of the show argued that it promoted themes of unity, community, and cultural representation, reinforcing the idea that diverse identities remain a core part of American society.
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