Bad Bunny performs at the Super Bowl halftime show
Bad Bunny took the Super Bowl stage, clad in a silver trenchcoat and matching do-rag, captivating the audience with his fiery verse proclaiming “Viva la raza!” His presence in 2020, as a guest of Shakira alongside Jennifer Lopez, did not stir the national fervor and political controversy he does today. This year, Bad Bunny headlined the halftime show, stealing the limelight from the football players themselves. With over fifty million Instagram followers, dwarfing even a star like Sam Darnold, Bad Bunny made headlines by endorsing Kamala Harris and criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement. President Donald Trump branded the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny as “absolutely ridiculous,” despite claiming he had never heard of him. Turning Point USA countered with an All-American Halftime Show, aiming to upstage him.
Bad Bunny’s rise to fame over the past decade has established him as one of the most captivating figures in popular music. His cool, casual voice effortlessly fits into any rhythm, producing an irresistible body of work. His Super Bowl halftime performance this year stands out as one of the best in history. He weaved together machine-tooled beats and swaying melodies in a visually stunning show that moved from a sugarcane plantation to a nail salon to highlight Puerto Rico’s struggles with blackouts. Despite appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny’s performance stole the spotlight.
Starting with reggaetón beats and ending with traditional drums, Bad Bunny sang his Grammy-winning album’s title track, “DtMF,” in a powerful display. As he exited the stage, he spiked the football, a gesture that felt earned after his outstanding performance. Bad Bunny’s popularity mirrors his musical skill, topping Spotify charts consistently with his Spanish-language music. Many English-speaking fans had never delved into the translations of his lyrics until the Super Bowl, finding themselves drawn to his sound rather than the meaning of his words.
Bad Bunny’s music strikes a balance between inclusivity and exclusivity, as seen in his decision to play thirty shows in Puerto Rico last summer, inviting both locals and international fans. His Super Bowl performance encapsulated this mixed message, showcasing his American identity while raising the light-blue flag associated with Puerto Rico’s independence movement. The parade of national flags he led, from South to North America, was a striking moment that encapsulated his message of unity and inclusivity.
In contrast to Bad Bunny’s performance, the All-American Halftime Show featured country artists, offering a different perspective on American identity. Country singer Brantley Gilbert pointed out the lack of country artists headlining the Super Bowl halftime show since Shania Twain in 2003. The inclusion of country artists in the alternative show underscored the different facets of American popular music and who is celebrated on such a prominent stage.
Ultimately, Bad Bunny’s halftime show was a reflection of the power and expansiveness of American music, challenging perceptions and engaging viewers with a mix of sounds and messages. Whether viewed as a celebration or a critique, Bad Bunny’s performance left a lasting impact on the Super Bowl halftime show’s legacy.