Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny delivered a vibrant and culturally rich halftime show at the Super Bowl.
Stepping out in a cream-colored jersey reading “OCASIO” with the number 64, the Grammy-winning artist brought the stadium to life with a celebration of Latino heritage.
He was joined by Grammy-winning singer Lady Gaga, who performed a salsa version of her hit “Die with a Smile,” and Latin music pioneer Ricky Martin, who sang “Lo Que le Pasó a Hawaii.”
The show ended with Bad Bunny triumphantly tossing a football to the ground.
The stage also featured dynamic Latino dancers and surprise appearances from celebrities, including Pedro Pascal and Cardi B, depicting Latino life with scenes of a sugar cane field, a New York street corner, a local bodega, and a real wedding.
According to NBC Sports reporter Rohan Nadkarni, the couple invited Bad Bunny to their wedding, and he returned the gesture by having them officially tie the knot during his halftime show.
Breaking from the electronic-heavy halftime shows of the past, Bad Bunny’s performance featured live instruments, including a brass band and traditional drummers.
He blended modern reggae with Puerto Rican styles such as salsa, bomba, and plena, honouring everyday Latino workers, from sugar cane cutters to power line technicians.
During his performance of “La Casita,” the stage recreated a humble Puerto Rican porch, spotlighting his commitment to sharing Puerto Rican culture globally.
While celebratory, the show also touched on serious topics.
Songs from Bad Bunny’s new album Debí Tirar Más Fotos addressed Puerto Rico’s power outages and cultural preservation.
He inspired the next generation by handing his recent “Album of the Year” Grammy to a young Latino boy.
Despite early concerns that the show might be too political, it ended as a joyous display of unity and culture.
Bad Bunny closed by holding a football inscribed with “Together, We Are America” and declaring in Spanish, “Estamos todavía aquí” (“We’re still here”), emphasising that “America” represents all countries across North and South America.