Global music sensation Bad Bunny has created a historic moment in entertainment by delivering the first fully Spanish-language halftime performance at the Super Bowl. The Puerto Rican artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, took to the grand stage holding a football while dressed in an all-white jersey, captivating a worldwide audience with his unique style and cultural pride.
Controversy and Cultural Celebration
Ahead of this landmark performance, the singer faced significant backlash from American conservative groups and supporters of former President Donald Trump. This criticism stemmed from his outspoken views regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and his deliberate choice to perform primarily in Spanish. Despite these political tensions, Bad Bunny remained unapologetic in his artistic expression.
A Star-Studded Spectacle
The halftime show featured an impressive array of celebrity appearances that elevated the spectacle to new heights. Among the notable guests were Lady Gaga, who performed a reggaeton-inspired version of her hit Die With a Smile, and iconic Latin artist Ricky Martin. The performance also included cameo appearances from Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Alix Earle, and Karol G, creating a memorable ensemble of talent.
Bad Bunny showcased tracks from his critically acclaimed album Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, including fan favorites DtMF and NUEVAYoL. The production paid heartfelt tribute to Puerto Rican culture throughout, emphasizing the artist's roots and heritage on one of the world's largest stages.
Grammy Triumph Integration
The performance cleverly incorporated elements celebrating Bad Bunny's recent milestone achievement at the Grammy Awards. Earlier in 2026, he made history by winning Album of the Year for a non-English language album, marking a significant breakthrough in the music industry. During the halftime show, a special segment featured a family watching television as Bad Bunny delivered his Grammy acceptance speech, which included pointed remarks about ICE agents.
In a touching moment, the singer appeared to present his Grammy award to a young boy in the audience, symbolizing the passing of cultural legacy to future generations. This emotional highlight underscored the personal significance of his achievements beyond mere accolades.
Evolution of Super Bowl Appearances
This headline performance represents a substantial progression in Bad Bunny's Super Bowl journey. He previously made his debut at the event as a special guest during the 2020 halftime show featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. His evolution from supporting act to main headliner demonstrates his growing influence and mainstream appeal.
Complete Entertainment Package
The groundbreaking halftime spectacle followed an exceptional pre-game lineup that set the stage for the main event. Punk rock legends Green Day energized the crowd with performances of their classic hits including Holiday, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, and American Idiot. Charlie Puth delivered a moving rendition of the national anthem, while Brandi Carlile offered a stirring version of America the Beautiful.
Coco Jones completed the pre-game festivities with her performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing, creating a comprehensive entertainment experience that built anticipation for Bad Bunny's historic moment. The entire production showcased the diverse musical landscape that defines contemporary American entertainment, while highlighting the increasing prominence of Spanish-language artistry in global pop culture.
