Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show has concluded, and opinions are varied—some were thrilled, while others felt angered and confused, especially those who aren’t fans of his music. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had promised an event that would unite people in “creative and fun ways,” but, well, the response was quite different. Aside from a few exceptions, like California Governor Gavin Newsom, most viewers seemed to share a sentiment of disappointment toward a performance that was promoted as inclusive yet catered to a specific audience.
The excitement about Bad Bunny’s invitation kicked off after his SNL appearance, where he encouraged viewers to “learn Spanish.” Interestingly, his pre-game comments turned out to be quite on point.
Initially, there were rumors that he would don a dress as a tribute to a Hispanic LGBTQ+ figure, but that turned out to be false.
It’s hard to deny the marketing savvy at play—Bad Bunny and his team certainly drew plenty of attention leading up to the event, whether it was positive or, well, not so much.
The halftime show itself felt like a condensed version of his performance in Puerto Rico. He started off by wandering through sugar cane fields, showcasing various Puerto Rican sights along the way while performing “Tití Me Preguntó.” As he reached a house, viewers experienced a mashup of his hits, including nods to ’90s and 2000s reggaeton.
If any parts of the show had been in English, they might have been perceived more positively. Bad Bunny introduced himself as Benito Martinez Ocasio, sharing a message of self-belief and worthiness—simple and optimistic sentiments.
Then there were standout moments. Lady Gaga appeared with a salsa band, performing, which surely had many in the stadium singing along.
The show proceeded with additional performances, showcasing Bad Bunny’s various hits and a seamless transition into more energetic songs.
Up to this point, things seemed fairly neutral, but the tone shifted dramatically once Ricky Martin began singing “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaiian.” The lyrics—essentially critiques of American expansionism—clearly struck a discordant note with some viewers.
It’s worth noting that Bad Bunny, who supports Puerto Rican independence—an idea that garnered just 12% support among local voters in 2024—has stirred up quite a conversation surrounding identity and nationalism.
The halftime show concluded with themes of power outages and messages that could be interpreted in ways that left some feeling unsettled. Bad Bunny’s exit, declaring “God bless America!” added layers to the ambiguity surrounding his true intent—was he celebrating the country or critiquing it?
This brings up an interesting question—why include Bad Bunny in the Super Bowl lineup to begin with? Sure, he resonates within certain markets, particularly as the NFL seeks to expand its reach. It makes some business sense, especially with Mexico being a significant market for both entities.
The whole event might serve as a sign that the NFL is navigating complex waters. I wonder, what direction is the league heading if it continues to stray from its traditional audience for global opportunities? It’s an alarming thought, really.
