Unpacking Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show – an alternative joyful vision for America

Super Bowl Football Bad Bunny performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (Lynne Sladky/AP)

Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny made history as the first Super Bowl halftime headliner to perform entirely in Spanish, delivering a message of love and togetherness amidst a hostile anti-immigration climate in the US. The show featured symbolism and messaging representing an alternative America, with nods to Puerto Rican history and culture. Lady Gaga’s surprise appearance and Ricky Martin’s political performance added depth to the show, highlighting issues such as Puerto Rico’s infrastructure challenges and cultural preservation. Bad Bunny’s performance celebrated Puerto Rican identity and unity, challenging anti-immigration sentiments and showcasing the cultural richness of Latinx/Latine communities in the US.

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