On February 8, 2026, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, became the epicenter of American sports and entertainment as Super Bowl LX unfolded in front of a massive global audience. The Seattle Seahawks clinched their second-ever Vince Lombardi Trophy, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 in a game that was as much about cultural moments as it was about football. From the high-stakes action on the field to the electric halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny, Super Bowl LX offered a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.
The clash between the Seahawks and the Patriots started as a defensive chess match, with both teams struggling to break through the other’s line. By halftime, Seattle had carved out a 9-0 lead, thanks to the reliable leg of kicker Jason Myers, who drilled three field goals to put the NFC champions in front. The Patriots, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, couldn’t find their rhythm early, stifled by Seattle’s relentless defense.
But if the first half was a slow burn, the fourth quarter was a fireworks display. Thirty points were scored in the final frame, transforming a tight contest into a high-scoring finale. Seattle’s veteran quarterback Sam Darnold opened the floodgates with a precision strike to tight end AJ Barner for the game’s first touchdown. The Patriots responded with Maye connecting to Mack Hollins, narrowing the gap and injecting hope into New England’s sideline.
Yet, the defining moment of the game came courtesy of Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu. With the Patriots mounting a comeback, Nwosu intercepted a Maye pass and sprinted into the end zone for a pick-six, sending Seattle fans into a frenzy and effectively sealing the outcome. The Patriots managed a late consolation touchdown, but it was too little, too late. As the clock ran down, the Seahawks celebrated a well-earned victory, their second in franchise history, and the confetti rained down in the California night.
While the football was fierce, the halftime show delivered its own kind of history. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican global superstar, took center stage and transformed the field into a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture. Emerging from a set designed to evoke the sugar cane fields of his homeland, Bad Bunny was flanked by jíbaros in pavas, viejitos playing dominos, and a piragua stand—iconic symbols of Puerto Rico’s rich heritage.
The artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, launched into his set with the reggaeton anthem “Tití Me Preguntó,” followed by “Yo Perreo Sola,” igniting the crowd and millions watching worldwide. The show was a parade of hits, but also a statement of identity and pride. As Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” briefly blared, it was clear Bad Bunny was paying homage to the reggaeton pioneers who paved the way for his global success.
Special guests elevated the spectacle. Lady Gaga stunned in a dress adorned with the maga, Puerto Rico’s national flower, joining Bad Bunny for a salsa-infused rendition of her and Bruno Mars’ “Die with a Smile.” The performance unfolded amidst a staged wedding, with Bad Bunny himself acting as witness—a playful nod to community and tradition. Later, Ricky Martin, another Puerto Rican icon, took the stage to perform “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii,” a song that has become a rallying cry for Puerto Rican autonomy and cultural pride.
Throughout the set, Bad Bunny wove in powerful political and cultural references. One standout sequence saw jíbaros climbing power poles that exploded in sparks, a stark reminder of Puerto Rico’s ongoing struggles with power outages and the lingering scars of Hurricane Maria. As he sang “El Apagón” (“The Blackout”), he hoisted the Puerto Rican flag in the colors of the independence movement, underscoring the resilience and spirit of his homeland.
“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,” he told the crowd in Spanish, a message of hope and self-belief that resonated far beyond the stadium. The performance, sponsored by Apple Music and Roc Nation, was delivered entirely in Spanish—save for Lady Gaga’s English lyrics and Bad Bunny’s closing remarks, in which he named countries across the Americas and declared, “And my motherland, mi patria, Puerto Rico, seguimos aquí.” Behind him, a screen proclaimed, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” a direct reference to his recent Grammy speech.
Bad Bunny’s halftime show was not without controversy. As soon as the performance concluded, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to lambast the set, calling it “absolutely terrible” and “an affront to the Greatness of America.” Trump’s comments echoed the sentiments of some in his political base, who objected to the show being performed entirely in Spanish and steeped in Puerto Rican symbolism. “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. This ‘Show’ is just a ‘slap in the face’ to our Country,” Trump posted.
In response, Turning Point USA, a conservative organization, staged its own “All-American Halftime Show” featuring Kid Rock and other country artists, drawing millions of online viewers in protest of Bad Bunny’s headlining role. The dueling halftime shows underscored the cultural and political divides playing out on America’s biggest stage.
Yet, for many, Bad Bunny’s performance was a triumphant assertion of Latino identity and creativity. The 31-year-old artist had just made history at the Grammys by winning Album of the Year for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” the first all-Spanish language album to claim the top prize. His Super Bowl set was a joyful, unapologetic celebration of his roots, his people, and the power of music to unite across borders and languages.
As the stadium emptied and fans poured into the California night, the echoes of Super Bowl LX lingered—a hard-fought football battle, a halftime show that sparked conversation and pride, and a night that proved, once again, the Super Bowl is much more than just a game.