In September 2025, the Super Bowl halftime show headliner was announced. The NFL, which has a partnership with the American rapper Jay Z’s entertainment group Roc Nation, decided that Bad Bunny would be a perfect fit for this year’s Super Bowl halftime show performance. This decision was met with widespread criticism from right-wing media, calling the choice divisive and “un-American.”

On Sunday, February 8th, the 60th Super Bowl was held, with the last two teams facing off to determine the Super Bowl champion. Besides the game, what people were really raving about was the halftime show. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican Artist, performed fully in Spanish for the first time in Super Bowl history. The show, as expected, faced significant controversy. Some conservative commenters stated that Bunny is “anti-American” and not someone who they believe should represent America.  The criticisms hit harder in the current political climate, given the activities surrounding ICE. Bad Bunny has been an outspoken critic of ICE and its actions, which has caused him backlash.

Just a week before the performance, Bad Bunny was awarded album of the year at the Grammys, making him the first-ever artist to receive the award in that category for a Spanish-speaking album. The artist took the opportunity with his speech to shed light on the discrimination against illegal immigrants. This enraged many critics of the singer, who argued that politics should not be mixed with artistry. 

Regardless of the criticism, the halftime show was visually stunning and displayed joyous music.

Music and Symbolism 

The halftime show began with a cinematic visual representing enslaved Puerto Ricans working in sugar cane fields when they were colonized by the Spanish, showing a part of Puerto Rican history. Then, the opening track played, “Tití Me Preguntó.” Bunny walked around the stage, showcasing cultural customs such as old men playing dominoes, food stands, and boxing, all of which represent his motherland. 

The second track, “Yo Perreo Sola,” is the anthem for independent women. All the female dancers in the song represent what it is about. For the other visuals, Bunny brought out the iconic “ La Casita” to the Super Bowl, surrounded by well-known faces like Cardi B, Karol G, Pedro Pascal, etc. “La Casita” has been with Bad Bunny throughout his tour and pays tribute to Puerto Rican culture. 

Quickly transitioned between tracks as he danced on the roof of La Casita. Everyone on stage danced their hearts out. Bunny showcased his creativity in how he transitioned between his songs, breaking through the roof of La Casita to reference this song, “Gasolina.” 

While ‘MONACO’ played, he shared an important message, which translates to “The reason why I’m here at Super Bowl 60 is that I never stopped believing in myself, and you shouldn’t stop believing in yourself, it’s worth it more than you think.” An unexpected surprise guest joined Bad Bunny on stage: Lady Gaga, who came out singing the track “Die with a Smile” but in a salsa version. The audience was transported to a Hispanic wedding where everyone came together to celebrate love through dance. Fun fact: The ceremony was real, and the couple actually was married in that moment!

The settings on the stage represented Puerto Rican neighborhoods in New York City. Bad Bunny even brought out a well-known Puerto Rican Brooklynite, Maria Antonia, who owns the only Caribbean Social club in Williamsburg. As gentrification continues to affect locals in New York, she is a symbol of the fight to keep culture alive. On the topic of gentrification, Ricky Martin appeared to sing his song “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii.” The song speaks to Puerto Ricans to protect their lands, culture, and identity before gentrification and tourism do the same harm they have done to Hawaii. Then Bad Bunny is shown holding the light-blue Puerto Rican flag, which represents Puerto Rico’s independence. 

As the show was about to come to an end, people ran across the field while representing their country’s flag. Bad Bunny gave a shout-out not just to the United States but to all the Americas. A message was imprinted on his football: “Together, we are America.” Behind him, a billboard read, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” a powerful message he delivered just a week before at the Grammys ceremony. With that, Bad Bunny finished his performance with his track “DtMF” as he and the whole crowd danced with unity and love.  

Tracklist

“Tití Me Preguntó”

“Yo Perreo Sola”

“Safaera”

“Party”

“Voy a Llevarte Pa’ PR”

“EoO”

“Monaco”

“Die with a Smile” (with Lady Gaga)

“BAILE INoLVIDABLE”

“NUEVAYoL”

“LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” (with Ricky Martin)

“El Apagón”

“CAFé CON RON”

“DtMF”