Bad Bunny Makes History with All Spanish Halftime Show Celebrating Latino Culture

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - Bad Bunny's performance at the Super Bowl LX halftime show on Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium marked a historic moment in music and culture, becoming the first halftime show performed entirely in Spanish. The 13-minute production delivered a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican and Latin American identity, featuring reggaeton, salsa, and high-energy choreography on one of the world's largest stages.

Audiences were captivated by the immersive visuals, dynamic performances, and a series of surprises. More than a musical performance, the show offered a narrative experience, with elaborate staging that transformed the field into scenes reflecting Puerto Rican neighborhoods, historic milestones, and symbolic gestures.

From surprise guest appearances to tributes highlighting resilience and unity, each segment resonated with viewers worldwide. Critics and audiences praised the show for its creativity, emotion, and cultural impact. While some political figures voiced criticism, the majority of responses celebrated the visibility and influence of Latino culture in American entertainment.

The performance represented a milestone for both Bad Bunny and the broader representation of Spanish-language music on the global stage.

Six standout moments defined the show:

1. Opening transformation into a Puerto Rican neighborhood:
The show began with "Tit Me Pregunt ," converting the field into a vibrant Puerto Rican "marqueta" with sugar cane fields, domino tables, street vendors, and colorful houses. Bad Bunny appeared amid dancers in traditional attire, immersing viewers in the island's everyday life and cultural pride.

2. Surprise duet with Lady Gaga and live on-stage wedding:
During a salsa-infused "Die with a Smile," Lady Gaga joined Bad Bunny in a powder-blue gown for a theatrical wedding scene. The highlight came when a real couple was married live on stage, blending romance, music, and spectacle.

3. Climbing power poles during "El Apag n" - a nod to resilience:
Bad Bunny scaled power poles while performing "El Apag n," referencing Puerto Rico's frequent blackouts and honoring line workers. The sequence combined acrobatics with social commentary.

4. Handing his Grammy to a young fan:
During "Me Porto Bonito," Bad Bunny invited 12-year-old Mateo Rivera, a budding reggaeton artist from San Juan, onto the stage, presenting him with a Grammy Award for Best M sica Urbana Album. Bad Bunny called Rivera a symbol of Puerto Rican youth's resilience, stating, "This kid reminds me of myself, dreaming big despite the storms. The future of our music is in hands like his." The emotional gesture highlighted mentorship and cultural continuity.

Some online speculation incorrectly linked Rivera to other news stories, but credible reports confirm his identity as a young music mentee.

5. Star-studded cameos and Latin American shoutouts:
Guests including Ricky Martin, Cardi B, Karol G, and Pedro Pascal appeared throughout the show. Bad Bunny acknowledged every country in the Americas during a flag parade, promoting pan-Latin unity.

6. Empowering finale:
The performance closed with "DtMF," as Bad Bunny spiked a football marked "Together, We Are America" against a giant backdrop that read, "The only thing more powerful than hate is love." The finale reinforced the show's themes of love and unity.

The halftime show broke viewership records and sparked national conversation about cultural representation. While it drew some criticism, including from former President Donald Trump, the overwhelming response praised its energy and its affirmation of Latino influence in American entertainment.