On February 2, 2026, the world’s eyes turned to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl LX—a night that would be remembered as much for its halftime show as for the game itself. The official halftime stage belonged to Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar whose meteoric rise has redefined what it means to headline the world’s biggest musical stage. But this year, the spectacle was not without its share of cultural and political tension, as a conservative alternative halftime event attempted to counter Bad Bunny’s message of unity and diversity.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, delivered a performance that was both a personal triumph and a celebration of Puerto Rican heritage. Emerging on stage amid symbols deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture—sugar cane fields, rural farmers in straw hats known as jibaros, older men playing dominos, and a traditional piragua stand—he made it clear that this was more than just a concert. It was a statement. According to the Associated Press, these scenes were “undeniable symbols of Puerto Rico,” and from the very first beat, the show was a landmark moment for Latinos everywhere.
The setlist was a whirlwind tour through Bad Bunny’s reggaeton hits, opening with “Tití Me Preguntó” and moving into the dance anthem “Yo Perreo Sola.” As the stage transformed into a Puerto Rican casita, Cardi B joined the party, followed by a surprise appearance from Lady Gaga, who sang her portion of “Die with a Smile,” her collaboration with Bruno Mars, during a wedding scene. The show was nothing short of star-studded, featuring appearances by Ricky Martin, Karol G, and Jessica Alba, all of whom share Hispanic heritage. For a brief moment, Daddy Yankee’s iconic “Gasolina” played, a nod to the legends who paved the way for Latin trap’s global reach.
But the performance was more than just a parade of celebrities and hits. It was laced with powerful messages. At one point, Bad Bunny paused to introduce himself in Spanish: “Mi nombre Antonio Martínez Ocasio, y si hoy estoy aquí en el Super Bowl 60, es porque nunca, nunca dejé de creer en mí y tú también deberías de creer en ti, vales más de lo que piensas.” In English: “My name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, and if I’m here today at Super Bowl 60 it’s because I never, ever stopped believing in myself and you should also believe in yourself, you’re worth more than you think.” This message, as reported by Billboard and AP, resonated far beyond the Spanish-speaking world.
Perhaps the most viral moment came when Bad Bunny walked into a living room set at center stage and handed his Grammy trophy to a five-year-old boy, Lincoln Fox, who played the role of a young dreamer. According to ABC News, this gesture was meant to symbolize that “anyone can pursue their hopes and dreams.” Lincoln, who is half Argentinian, later shared the moment on Instagram, writing, “I’ll remember this day forever! @badbunnypr - it was my truest honor.”
The show didn’t shy away from Puerto Rico’s struggles. Ricky Martin’s performance of “Lo Que Pasó a Hawaii” was described as a rallying cry for Puerto Rican autonomy. Meanwhile, jibaros climbed power towers that exploded on stage—a stark reference to the island’s chronic blackouts and failing power grid, especially in the wake of Hurricane Maria. This powerful imagery set the stage for Bad Bunny’s moving rendition of “El Apagón” (“The Blackout”), a song that encapsulates the frustration and resilience of Puerto Ricans in the face of adversity.
For about 13 minutes, the world watched as Bad Bunny performed entirely in Spanish, with the exception of a closing “God Bless America” and a roll call of countries across the Caribbean, Central and South America. The show, sponsored by Apple Music and Roc Nation, was a deliberate celebration of cultural diversity, unity, and the Latinx experience in the United States. As Billboard noted, the performance included the message “Together, We Are America,” underscoring the inclusive spirit that defined the night.
While the official halftime show soared, a different scene played out elsewhere. Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit, hosted its own “All-American Halftime Show” as a counterpoint to Bad Bunny’s performance. The lineup featured Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett—an ensemble designed to appeal to audiences who felt alienated by the NFL’s embrace of multiculturalism. According to The Atlantic, the event struggled with low attendance and a lack of star power, with Kid Rock’s headline act noted for poor lip-syncing and a subdued crowd. Pete Hegseth kicked off the show with a patriotic guitar rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but the event failed to capture the broad attention or energy of its mainstream counterpart.
The contrast between the two shows became a flashpoint for debate across social media and the music industry. President Donald Trump, never shy with his opinions, declared Bad Bunny’s halftime show “one of the worst, EVER!” on Truth Social, yet he reportedly watched the performance himself. Meanwhile, artists like Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves weighed in. Bryan posted a tongue-in-cheek Instagram reel mocking the alternative show, while Musgraves wrote on X, “Well. That made me feel more proudly American than anything Kid Rock has ever done.” Country singer Rissi Palmer echoed the sentiment, writing on Instagram, “I can’t think of anything more American than coming from being a bagger at a grocery store to performing at the Super Bowl halftime show. You don’t have to be Puerto Rican or Latinx to appreciate that. It was beautiful. It was emotional. It was intentional. It was inclusive. It was what was needed for this moment. I don’t speak Spanish but I understood the message VERY clearly.”
Meanwhile, the comments section on Turning Point USA’s YouTube stream was filled with patriotic emojis and references to the late Charlie Kirk, the group’s founder. Many echoed the sentiment from Bad Bunny’s Grammy acceptance speech: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” The alternative show’s YouTube stream drew 16 million views, but the cultural impact paled in comparison to the official halftime event.
For all the noise and division, the game itself provided its own drama, with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots 29-13. But in the days that followed, it was clear that Bad Bunny’s halftime show had become the true cultural touchstone of Super Bowl LX—one that sparked conversation about identity, inclusion, and what it means to be American in 2026.
In a night packed with spectacle, symbolism, and spirited debate, Bad Bunny’s message—that anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from—rang out far beyond Levi’s Stadium, leaving an indelible mark on the Super Bowl and the country watching it.