Bad Bunny brought his vibrant Puerto Rican style to the Super Bowl stage this past week, delivering a performance that captivated the audience like never before. This year”s halftime show has emerged as one of the most viewed in Super Bowl history, illustrating the event”s growing global appeal.
Super Bowl Sunday, celebrated annually on the second Sunday in February, is a significant day for the United States. It marks the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), but the event has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, particularly due to the highly anticipated halftime show. This thirty-minute interlude has captivated global audiences, featuring legendary performances from artists like Michael Jackson in 1993 and Rihanna in 2023.
This year, NFL officials selected Bad Bunny as the lead performer, placing Latin culture and Spanish-language music front and center during one of America”s most-watched television events. His performance did not disappoint, bringing an unexpected burst of energy and Latin flair to the halftime show. Notably, this performance became the fourth-most-watched halftime show in history, following Kendrick Lamar“s performance at Super Bowl 59 and Michael Jackson“s iconic show at Super Bowl 27.
The halftime show has been an integral part of Super Bowl culture since the tournament”s inception. The inaugural halftime show on January 15, 1967, showcased two university marching bands and featured unique acts, such as men performing with jetpacks and hundreds of balloons released into the sky. Over the years, the performance has evolved, with the 1980s marking a turning point as shows became grander and more elaborate.
In 1986, Up with People performed at Super Bowl XX, introducing a production that cost the NFL $1 million to produce. However, it was the 1993 performance by Michael Jackson that truly transformed the halftime show, setting a new standard for future performers. Year after year, halftime shows have continued to grow in scale and entertainment value, with the 2022 performance reportedly costing around $20 million.
With a Grammy win under his belt, Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, made a striking entrance from a row of towering sugar cane stalks to launch his Super Bowl halftime performance. The show featured all-Spanish performances, including special appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, along with a real-life wedding. It celebrated Puerto Rican culture and paid homage to Bunny”s heritage, providing a festive atmosphere that contrasted with the game”s defensive pace.
Beyond entertainment, Bad Bunny”s performance conveyed a message of unity and love, resonating deeply with audiences. He concluded the show by stating, “God Bless America,” while acknowledging various countries in the Americas, including his home, Puerto Rico. Behind him, a screen displayed a powerful message: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” echoing sentiments he shared during a recent speech at the 2026 Grammys.
His performance struck a chord with viewers, as data from Nielsen indicates it is now the fourth-most-watched halftime show, trailing behind notable performances by Kendrick Lamar, Michael Jackson, and Usher. Additionally, Bad Bunny”s halftime show generated an impressive four billion views on social media within the first 24 hours, making it the most-consumed halftime show ever on NFL social platforms.
However, not everyone was pleased with Bad Bunny”s performance. Former US President Donald Trump criticized the show, calling it “absolutely terrible, one of the worst, ever.” Despite mixed reactions, Bad Bunny”s electrifying performance undeniably left its mark on Super Bowl history.
