Bad Bunny didn’t just perform at Super Bowl LX—he ignited a cultural firestorm. The global superstar took the halftime stage and delivered a set entirely in Spanish, weaving together music, migration politics, Puerto Rican pride, and Latin American imagery. Within minutes, social media lit up with praise, confusion, outrage, and political commentary. For some viewers, it was groundbreaking. For others, it was “the worst Super Bowl ever.”
The biggest flashpoint? Language. Bad Bunny made no effort to translate or soften his identity for a broader audience, staying true to his long-standing stance that he won’t sing in English just to satisfy critics. The performance featured bold visuals—sugarcane fields, layered choreography, and vibrant staging—alongside appearances from stars like Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga. Supporters applauded the authenticity and scale, with many saying they didn’t need to understand the lyrics to feel the energy. Critics, however, blasted the show as confusing and inaccessible.
Politics quickly entered the chat. During the performance, slogans like “Together we are America” and “The only thing more powerful than hate is love” flashed across screens. Bad Bunny also listed countries across North and South America, expanding the idea of “America” beyond U.S. borders. The symbolism echoed his past comments about immigration and identity, including remarks criticizing ICE enforcement. The message was clear: this wasn’t just entertainment—it was a statement.
Former President Donald Trump was among the loudest critics. On Truth Social, he labeled the show “one of the worst, EVER,” claiming “nobody understands a word this guy is saying” and calling aspects of the performance “a slap in the face.” His reaction only intensified the online divide, turning a halftime show into a broader debate about language, culture, and who the Super Bowl is meant to represent.
Still, history suggests halftime controversy often fades while careers soar. Past performers like Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez saw massive spikes in streams and followers after their appearances. Bad Bunny, already one of the world’s most-streamed artists, is unlikely to suffer from a polarizing night. If anything, the backlash may amplify his reach.
Whether viewers saw a bold milestone or a baffling misstep depends largely on perspective. With roughly 40 million Spanish speakers in the United States, supporters argue the show reflected modern America. Detractors insist the Super Bowl should cater to universal accessibility. One thing is certain: Bad Bunny didn’t play it safe—and that’s exactly why his performance will be remembered.
