Bad Bunny delivered a defiant, star-studded masterclass in Latin pride during the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, proving that “the world will dance” regardless of language barriers, per variety.com.
Performing to a global audience of over 125 million, the Puerto Rican superstar transformed the stadium into a vibrant vecindad. The set featured a mock sugar-cane field and his iconic “casita,” where A-list guests including Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Karol G and Cardi B were spotted partying on stage.
The performance was far more than a medley of hits; it was a deeply coded message of resilience. Bad Bunny donned a cream jersey emblazoned with the number 64 – a poignant reference to the initial death toll of Hurricane Maria – while a billboard behind him declared: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
In a move that sparked immediate conversation, the singer replayed his recent Grammy acceptance speech – in which he called for “ICE out” – on a small television. He then handed his Grammy Award to a young boy resembling Liam, a five-year-old recently incarcerated by immigration authorities in Minneapolis.
The show reached a fever pitch with two major guest appearances. Lady Gaga joined the stage for a “Latinafied” salsa rendition of her hit “Die With a Smile.” In a stunning display of “Latino unity,” the duo performed as an actual wedding ceremony took place on the field.
Ricky Martin, the 1990s crossover pioneer, joined Bad Bunny for a moving tribute to Puerto Rico. Martin performed next to an empty chair – symbolising the 3,000 lives lost during Hurricane Maria – before launching into a high-energy rendition of “El Apagón.”
As the first primarily Spanish-language halftime show in Super Bowl history, the set concluded with a powerful display of flags from across the Americas. Bad Bunny ended the night holding a football inscribed with the message: “Together, we are America.”
Despite pre-show protests and online controversy regarding the language of the performance, the night stood as a definitive statement on the global dominance of Latin culture. As the fireworks faded, the message was clear: in 2026, the American stage is wider than ever.
•Featured image by Getty
