A Homecoming Bursting with Island Life (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Santa Clara, Calif. – Bad Bunny claimed the Super Bowl LX halftime stage at Levi’s Stadium with a 13-minute explosion of Puerto Rican culture, turning the massive event into a heartfelt tribute to his island roots.[1]
A Homecoming Bursting with Island Life
Bad Bunny opened his set by declaring, “Que rico es ser Latino,” setting a tone of unapologetic joy. The performance unfolded like a vivid tour of everyday Puerto Rican scenes: barbershops buzzing with chatter, bodegas stocked with essentials, families gathered around tables, and elders locked in domino games.[1]
A central casita, the iconic pink Puerto Rican home from his recent tours, anchored the stage. Inside, a family watched television footage of Bad Bunny receiving his Grammy for album of the year. In a symbolic gesture, he handed the award to the youngest boy in the scene, evoking hope for future generations.[1]
Reggaeton Hits and Surprise Guests Light Up the Field
The superstar powered through a rapid-fire medley of crowd favorites, blending reggaeton beats with salsa flair. Dancers in traditional pava hats swirled as he performed atop the casita, keeping the energy relentless.[2]
Special guests elevated the spectacle. Ricky Martin joined for “Lo Que le Pasó a Hawaii,” while Lady Gaga delivered a salsa-infused “Die With a Smile” that transitioned into “Baile Inolvidable.” Karol G, Cardi B, Pedro Pascal, and Young Miko appeared on the casita porch, adding star power to the cultural showcase.[1][2]
- “Tití Me Preguntó”
- “Yo Perreo Sola”
- “Voy a Llevarte pa PR”
- “Eoo”
- “Café Con Ron”
- “El Apagón”
Resilience, Weddings, and a Pan-American Close
Bad Bunny addressed Puerto Rico’s struggles head-on during “El Apagón,” performed on flickering replicas of electrical poles that nodded to chronic power outages under Luma Energy. Lyrics cut through: “Todo el mundo quiere ser latino, pero le falta sazón, batería y reggaeton.”[1]
The show pivoted to a lively wedding scene, where an intergenerational party featured cake-cutting and a real couple tying the knot after spontaneously inviting the artist. It captured the unpredictable vibrancy of Latino gatherings. The finale unfolded as a rainbow procession of flags from every nation in the Americas, with Bad Bunny naming them all before a heartfelt “God Bless America, o sea…”[1]
Echoes of Controversy and Cultural Triumph
Reactions poured in swiftly. President Trump labeled the primarily Spanish-language set “terrible” and “an affront to the greatness of America” on Truth Social. Conservatives mounted an alternative concert featuring Kid Rock and Brantley Gilbert.[1]
Yet supporters hailed it as a reclamation of identity. Ricky Martin praised Bad Bunny in an op-ed: “This achievement is for a generation you taught that their identity is non-negotiable and that success is not at odds with authenticity.” The NFL captioned a post-show clip: “Lo unico mas poderoso que el odio es el amor.”[1]
Key Takeaways
- Puerto Rico’s “in-between” status became a symbol of inclusive American identity.
- The show blended hits, history, and resilience into a global party.
- Bad Bunny proved authenticity drives stardom, from Spotify dominance to Super Bowl glory.
Bad Bunny’s halftime show redefined the Super Bowl as a platform for Latino pride, proving culture conquers divides. What moments stood out to you? Share in the comments.
