Reviewing Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX Halftime Performance

During his Super Bowl halftime performance on Sunday night, Bad Bunny proved that music is one of the few remaining forces capable of transcending both cultural and linguistic barriers. 

Born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, the Puerto Rican artist delivered a 13-minute showing at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, mostly performed in Spanish. Still, it created a rhythm that truly spoke for itself. 

“People only have to worry about dancing. They don’t even have to learn Spanish,” he said at the Super Bowl 60 press conference last week. 

Despite attempts to draw viewers away with alternative performances, a record-breaking 135 million viewers tuned in to the NFL’s halftime show, according to NBC.

His set list spanned 12 tracks and included some of his most popular hits such as “MONACO,” “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Yo Perreo Sola,” and “DtMF.”

Bad Bunny began by taking viewers through a field of tall sugar cane crops, highlighting the history of Caribbean agriculture before arriving at a “casita”, or small house, that served as his main stage where the gyrations continued. 

Of course, Benito had some surprises for viewers as well, the biggest of which featured Lady Gaga delivering a salsa-style remix of her hit record “Die With A Smile.” After her vocal solo, Bad Bunny joined Gaga on stage to pair up for a warm-hearted dance break. 

Cardi B also made a guest appearance, but, disappointingly, did not perform her and Bad Bunny's song, “I Like It.” The omission of such an iconic hit made my short list of critiques for the show. Seriously, how could you tease us like that, Benito?

Other notable figures present were Ricky Martin, Alix Earle, Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, and Karol G.

Visually, his set was expansive and eye-popping, yet it showed a clear attention to detail that reminded viewers of the undeniable Hispanic influence in America. Climeable electrical poles that represented Puerto Rico's outdated energy infrastructure, traditional Latin food vendors, and even an entire barbershop created a sense of cultural authenticity while addressing real-world circumstances for Latinos everywhere. 

Despite all the “controversy” surrounding the artist and his spotlight on the stage of the largest sporting event in the world, there truly weren’t any divisive themes present in the set. If anything, it fostered a feeling of inclusion. Bad Bunny capped off his exhilarating performance by passionately listing the names of countries across North, Central, and South America as dozens of flag bearers marched behind him. He shared messages such as “God Bless America,” “Together, We Are America,” and “The Only Thing Stronger Than Hate Is Love.” 

Ultimately, the 31-year-old's message was crystal clear for those with open ears and open hearts: Unity. Togetherness. Love.