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Puerto Rican music sensation Bad Bunny turned the Super Bowl halftime show into a colourful celebration of heritage, unity, and cultural pride, but his performance drew sharp criticism from United States President Donald Trump, who openly condemned the spectacle.
The 31-year-old Grammy-winning artiste, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, had generated buzz ahead of the event, with many wondering if he would use the platform to directly challenge the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Instead, Bad Bunny delivered a vibrant Spanish-language performance that leaned heavily on symbolism, identity, and artistic expression rather than overt political messaging.
The set opened with popular hits including Titi Me Pregunto and the feminist anthem Yo Perreo Sola. The stage design mirrored a lively Puerto Rican neighbourhood, complete with elements such as sugar cane fields, a traditional “piragua” (shaved ice) cart, and a colourful wedding scene. The visual storytelling paid homage to life and culture on the island, while dancers and celebrity guests — including Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, and Cardi B — enhanced the festive atmosphere.
Bad Bunny initially appeared dressed in a white ensemble featuring a football jersey branded with “64” and “Ocasio,” before later switching to a sleek jacket. During his performance of El Apagon — a song that addresses displacement, gentrification, and Puerto Rico’s persistent electricity crisis — the singer subtly introduced political undertones. At one point, he waved the Puerto Rican flag, reinforcing the emotional depth of the moment.
One of the night’s most talked-about scenes featured a young boy watching the Grammys on a vintage television before receiving a golden gramophone from Bad Bunny. Many social media users speculated that the child symbolised immigrant struggles or represented a detained migrant child. However, the NFL later clarified that the boy, identified as Lincoln Fox, was an actor, and his Instagram post carried the hashtag #youngbadbunny, suggesting a symbolic portrayal of the artiste’s younger self.
The performance also featured surprise appearances from Lady Gaga, who delivered a Latin-inspired version of her song Die with a Smile, and Puerto Rican icon Ricky Martin. Notably, the show remained almost entirely in Spanish, a decision that quickly became a flashpoint of controversy.
At the conclusion of the performance, Bad Bunny spiked a football bearing the message “Together, we are America,” after listing several countries across Latin America, alongside Puerto Rico, the United States, and Canada. The stadium screen then displayed the words: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” a moment that drew thunderous applause.
However, Trump responded angrily on his social media platform, Truth Social, branding the performance “an affront to the Greatness of America” and claiming, “Nobody understands a word this guy is saying,” despite government statistics showing that over 41 million people in the US speak Spanish.
The backlash from conservative audiences centred largely on Bad Bunny’s exclusive use of Spanish, with critics arguing that the Super Bowl should reflect English-speaking culture. Supporters, however, pointed out that the NFL’s partnership with Roc Nation, led by Jay-Z, has consistently showcased diverse performers, including Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, who previously incorporated Spanish into their halftime shows.
Bad Bunny, Spotify’s most-streamed global artist on four occasions and the first Spanish-language musician to win Grammy Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, has long championed Latino identity and social justice issues. Though he openly criticised Trump’s immigration stance at the Grammys, leading chants of “ICE out,” he avoided direct political attacks during the Super Bowl, opting instead for symbolic unity.
Born and raised in Vega Baja near San Juan, Bad Bunny’s rise to fame is a classic tale of perseverance. He once worked as a supermarket bagger before his SoundCloud uploads caught the attention of record executives, launching his meteoric global career.
His latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, released late last year, is deeply rooted in Puerto Rican sounds and culture, and has been promoted through a hometown concert residency and international tour.
“For someone from here to perform at one of the biggest events in America is a huge source of pride,” said Olvin Reyes, a fan in San Juan. “It shows how far Puerto Rican culture has travelled.”
Despite political backlash, Bad Bunny’s performance has been widely praised as bold, authentic, and culturally powerful — a moment many fans say will be remembered long after the controversy fades.
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