There was plenty of buzz before Bad Bunny took the stage for the Super Bowl LX halftime show. Whether fans tuned in with excitement or skepticism, one thing was certain: millions were watching closely.
The 31-year-old global superstar had already sparked debate in the weeks leading up to the game. Turning Point USA even staged a rival “All-American” halftime livestream, urging viewers to skip the official show and watch a lineup led by Kid Rock instead.
But when the lights hit Levi’s Stadium and the music started, all that chatter shifted.
A “Huge Party” Delivered
Bad Bunny had promised a “huge party,” and he delivered exactly that. His performance was high-energy, visually stunning, and unapologetically rooted in Latin culture. The entire set was in Spanish — a choice that had drawn criticism before — yet the stadium throbbed with choreography, percussion, and crowd interaction.
The show featured surprise appearances from Lady Gaga and Pedro Pascal, adding star power and theatrical flair. Flags from countries around the world filled the stage during one sequence, emphasizing the global spirit of the performance.
Even critics of the language choice struggled to deny the scale, precision, and spectacle of the production.
The Football That Caught Everyone’s Eye
One of the most talked-about moments came when Bad Bunny held an American football under his arm. Sharp-eyed viewers noticed writing on it immediately.
Social media exploded with speculation:
“Can anyone tell me what was clearly written on the ball that Bad Bunny held up?? Because I know it was political as heck,” one user posted.
The message became fully visible later in the set:
“For America.”
Behind him, another message appeared on the screen:
“The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
For supporters, it was a statement of unity during an event that had become politically charged. For critics, it confirmed their concerns about the show’s tone.
Political Reactions Followed
Among those weighing in was Donald Trump, who did not hold back. He described the performance as “an affront to the Greatness of America,” claiming it failed to reflect what he considers standards of success and excellence. He criticized both the Spanish-language set and some elements of the choreography, labeling them inappropriate for younger viewers.
Trump also suggested that mainstream media outlets would praise the show regardless of public sentiment and used the opportunity to pivot to unrelated NFL policy issues.
Online reactions predictably split along familiar lines. Some agreed with his critique, while others hailed the halftime show as one of the most culturally vibrant in recent memory.
Culture, Language, and the Super Bowl Stage
Halftime shows have always been more than entertainment. From wardrobe controversies to political symbolism, the stage frequently sparks debate — and this year was no exception.
Bad Bunny’s decision to perform entirely in Spanish was historic, reflecting the rising influence of Latin music in the United States. For millions of fans, it mirrored the multicultural reality of modern America. For detractors, it represented a departure from their expectations for the event.
Regardless of perspective, the performance undeniably stirred conversation — exactly what halftime shows are designed to do.
Now that the dust has settled, the question remains: was it simply a high-energy global celebration, or a moment that exposed deeper cultural divides?
What’s your take on the halftime show?
