On February 8, 2026, the world tuned in to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl LX—a night that promised high-octane football, but also delivered one of the most talked-about halftime shows in recent memory. Latin trap superstar Bad Bunny took center stage, making history as he led a performance that was, for the first time, sung almost entirely in Spanish. The spectacle became a lightning rod for both cultural celebration and controversy, sparking fierce debate across the nation and beyond.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Ocasio, embraced his Puerto Rican roots with unapologetic pride, donning a mock football jersey emblazoned with "Ocasio 64." Some speculated that the number was a nod to the original death toll from Hurricane Maria, a poignant reminder of Puerto Rico's struggles and resilience. As the halftime show unfolded, the stadium pulsed with energy, dancers filled the stage, and the artist delivered a set that was as visually arresting as it was sonically distinct.
Yet, not everyone in the audience was on board. Social media lit up with criticism from viewers who found themselves unable to follow the lyrics. One fan branded it "the worst Super Bowl this century," while another questioned, "Why as Americans are we watching the Super Bowl halftime show in Spanish? With English being our national language, I could not understand a word. Not prejudiced, just don’t understand." The sentiment echoed across various platforms, with some labeling the performance "weird" and others simply calling it the "worst halftime show EVER!!" The language barrier was clearly a sticking point for a portion of the audience.
Adding fuel to the fire, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, lambasting the show as "absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!" He complained that "nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World." Trump also criticized the show’s creative direction, calling it "a slap in the face to our Country," and took a parting shot at the NFL’s new kickoff rule, urging, "the NFL should immediately replace its ridiculous new Kickoff Rule. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Prominent conservative influencers and even Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon joined the chorus of disapproval, some tying the show to ongoing debates about immigration and national identity. The fact that the show was performed almost entirely in Spanish became a flashpoint in the broader conversation about America’s cultural direction. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt weighed in, stating, "I think the president would much prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny. I must say that."
But the story didn’t end with criticism. Many fans and sports stars, including former NFL standout JJ Watt and New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, took to social media to praise Bad Bunny’s artistry and the show’s production value. One viewer wrote, "I am an old white guy who doesn’t speak a word of Spanish and I enjoyed the hell out of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show." Another echoed, "The Bad Bunny Halftime show during the Super Bowl was done so well. I don’t speak Spanish but he’s clearly very talented. The production was amazing. He seized his opportunity and crushed it. Congrats to him and the rest of the artists and performers."
Indeed, Bad Bunny’s refusal to compromise his identity is nothing new. As he told Vanity Fair in 2023, "I think in Spanish, I feel in Spanish, I eat in Spanish, I sing in Spanish." He doubled down on this stance, asserting he would "never" sing in English just to appeal to a broader audience. The Grammy-winning artist has released seven studio albums, none featuring a full song in English. Prior to the Super Bowl, he even joked on Saturday Night Live that fans should learn Spanish to enjoy his headliner, though he added that dancing along would suffice for those not fluent in the language.
The halftime show’s finale drove home a message that transcended language. As the music faded, the Levi's Stadium video board displayed, "The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate is Love." While some interpreted this as a political statement, others saw it as a universal call for unity—an apt note for a night that celebrated diversity and sparked debate.
The significance of the evening extended beyond the stage. Latino communities across the country, including those gathered in Azalea Park, marked the occasion as a moment of increased representation. For many, it was their first time engaging with American football, drawn in by Bad Bunny’s star power and the historic participation of a Venezuelan player—who served as the kicker for the New England Patriots, becoming the first from his country to play in a Super Bowl. "Benito is one of Puerto Rico's premier stars right now and he represents us so well. To see someone that's literally representing us on stage, on a national stage, is very inspiring," said Jose Rodriguez, a community leader. Emily Monari, a fan celebrating the Venezuelan player's milestone, shared, "Once I heard that the Patriots, this year, had their first Venezuelan on their team is really big and being in such an important position as the kicker... It just makes you proud of your roots."
Hoower Cajica, a priest and community leader, offered a poignant perspective: "Puerto Ricans are the bridge between Hispanics and the United States." The night, for many, became a celebration of identity, pride, and connection.
Meanwhile, some viewers chose to skip the main halftime show altogether, instead tuning in to Turning Point USA's "All-American" halftime event, headlined by Kid Rock and featuring appearances by Pro Football Hall of Famers Eric Dickerson and Brett Favre, as well as former ESPN host Sage Steele. The alternative show was promoted as a response to what some saw as a departure from traditional American entertainment values.
Amidst the uproar, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stood by the league’s decision. "Listen, Bad Bunny is, and I think that was demonstrated last night, one of the great artists in the world and that’s one of the reasons we chose him," Goodell explained. "But the other reason is he understood the platform he was on and this platform is used to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talents and to be able to use this moment to do that and I think artists in the past have done that. I think Bad Bunny understands that and I think he’ll have a great performance."
For Bad Bunny and the NFL, the halftime show wasn’t just about music—it was about making a statement. With approximately 42 to 59 million Spanish speakers in the United States, the country is now the second-largest Spanish-speaking nation after Mexico. The decision to feature a Spanish-language performance on one of the world’s biggest stages was both a nod to this demographic shift and a bold step forward in the league’s ongoing efforts to broaden its appeal.
And for the artists? The Super Bowl halftime show remains the ultimate platform. While performers don’t receive a direct paycheck—"We do not pay the artists," NFL spokesperson Joanna Hunter told Forbes in 2016—they gain unparalleled exposure. Past headliners like Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and The Weeknd have seen their music sales, streaming numbers, and brand profiles soar after their Super Bowl appearances. The same is expected for Bad Bunny, whose performance will likely echo far beyond the confines of Levi’s Stadium.
As the dust settles, one thing is certain: Super Bowl LX’s halftime show will be remembered as a cultural flashpoint—a night when music, sport, and identity collided on the world stage, leaving fans and critics alike with plenty to discuss.