Bad Bunny once again demonstrated that his impact goes far beyond music. The Puerto Rican artist was in charge of the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show and turned Levi’s Stadium in California into an authentic celebration of Latin culture, with dance, identity symbols, celebrity guests, and political messages that did not go unnoticed.
For 13 minutes, the performer of Tití me preguntó delivered a show designed more as a collective celebration than a mere review of hits. The performance began precisely with that song and was built around a set that recreated streets, houses, and everyday scenes of Puerto Rico, including his iconic “casita,” one of the most recognizable elements of his current artistic phase.
One of the most emotional moments of the night occurred when Bad Bunny handed a replica of one of his Grammy awards to a child present at the show. The gesture was linked by many to the case of Liam Ramos, the minor detained by ICE agents just a few weeks ago, adding a significant symbolic weight to the artist's message in defense of children and migrant families. The scene went viral immediately and was celebrated by thousands of followers on social media.
Another of the most talked-about moments was the appearance of Lady Gaga, who took the stage to perform a Latin-infused version of Die With a Smile. The singer not only sang but also dared to dance alongside Bad Bunny, igniting the excitement of the audience and on social media.
Shortly after, Ricky Martin made a brief yet significant appearance that went viral within minutes. His presence served as a transition within the show and reinforced the message of Latin unity that ran throughout the performance by singing a part of "What Happened to Hawaii," a song by Bad Bunny.
In one of the most celebrated moments by fans of the urban genre, Bad Bunny paid tribute to the pioneers of reggaeton and Latin urban music. At one point, snippets of songs by Tego Calderón, Daddy Yankee, and Don Omar played as an explicit acknowledgment of those who paved the way and influenced an entire generation of urban artists. The gesture was seen as a demonstration of respect for his roots and the history of the movement.
While Bad Bunny sang from the roof of the little house, several recognizable figures danced and celebrated on stage, including Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Karol G, Young Miko, and Cardi B.
Another detail that sparked debate was the white shirt worn by the singer, featuring his last name "Ocasio" on the back and the number 64. For many fans, the number was interpreted as a personal tribute to a deceased family member, although it also evoked a painful reference for Puerto Rico: the initial death toll the government attributed to Hurricane María in 2017, which was later adjusted upwards by independent studies.
Faithful to his style, Bad Bunny took advantage of the massive global audience of the Super Bowl to deliver a political and social message. During the performance, he mentioned all the countries of the American continent, emphasizing that America is much more than just the United States.
The closing with a balloon that carried the inscription “Together we are America” reinforced their defense of Latin identity and immigrants. The gesture triggered mixed reactions and criticism from conservative sectors, including President Donald Trump, who chose not to attend the event and later criticized the performance by the Puerto Rican artist.
Loved by some and questioned by others, what is certain is that Bad Bunny achieved what few artists accomplish on that stage: turning the halftime show into a global conversation topic. His performance is already among the most remembered—and debated—in the recent history of the Super Bowl.
Filed under: