On Feb. 8, 2026, the 60th Super Bowl was played between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. However, for non-football fans like us, the main attraction is always the halftime show. This year Bad Bunny was selected to perform, and he did not disappoint.
Bad Bunny’s halftime show made history in a way no performance has ever done before. He became the first artist to deliver a Super Bowl halftime show entirely in Spanish, breaking a long lasting tradition on one of the most watched stages in American entertainment. In doing so, he centered Latin culture, language, and identity, proving that Spanish music belongs at the very top of global pop culture.
The performance also became the most watched halftime show ever, reaching a record-breaking audience with an estimated 135.4 million to 142.3 million viewers, showing just how powerful and far-reaching his influence is. Together, these milestones marked a major cultural shift, turning the halftime show into a moment of representation and pride that will be marked in history.
The setlist balanced high-energy fan favorites with songs that carried deep emotion and political vibes. Crowd pleasers like “Tití Me Preguntó” thrived on quick verses and a catchy chorus that encouraged audience participation, while “BAILE INOLVIDABLE” built from a slow rhythm into an explosive beat honoring Puerto Rican culture, family and communal joy. The emotional core of the show came through “NUEVAYoL,” a nostalgic track that explored migration, identity, and the idea of carrying home with you wherever you go, a clear nod to Puerto Rico. Political themes surfaced in “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,” featuring Ricky Martin and drawing connections between Hawaii and Puerto Rico’s colonization, as well as “El Apagón,” which highlighted realities of life on the island. Finally, “DtMF,” which is short for “I should have taken more photos,” offered a reflective yet danceable anthem on regret and missed opportunities, showcasing Bad Bunny’s ability to blend contemplation with movement.
Bad Bunny’s set was full of symbolism and references that were easy to miss if viewers were not paying close attention. The performance started out slow, with him roaming in a field of grass, meant to represent Puerto Rico’s history in sugar and fruit farms. It’s also a nod of respect to all of the hardworking fieldworkers. It then shifts to a wedding scene, which was a real wedding, with traditional Latin music, showing that in a time of division, love and unity will prevail. The music then begins to slow and the camera is panned to Bad Bunny on top of an electrical pole. Puerto Rico has had frequent power outages, the most notable one in 2017 when they lost power for 181 days due to Hurricane Maria. The blackouts are not unfortunate luck, they are the result of years of disinvestment and delayed and inadequate reconstruction efforts. He sang “El Apagón”, which translates to “The Blackout”, to highlight that despite gentrification and corruption, Puerto Ricans still show pride and resilience.
Bad Bunny’s halftime show was elevated by a mix of special guests and familiar faces seen dancing throughout his performance. Stars like Alix Earle, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Karol G, Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal blended with Latin music icons like Ricky Martin, who sang “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii” during the show, Young Miko and Toñita and Los Pleneros de la Cresta. Sports and business figures, including entrepreneur Dave Grutman, MLB star Ronald Acuña Jr., and boxers Emiliano Vargas and Xander Zayas, reinforced the show’s feeling of cultural unity and crossover hype.
Bad Bunny’s exit is one of our favorite halftime show exits ever. As he walked off the field, he stated, ”God bless America” and began reciting all of the countries on the North and South American continents. During this, he held a football which read “together we are America”. We think this is the most symbolic act of the night as he used one of the most iconic American symbols, a football, to argue that America is not just one country, but rather two entire continents. The Jumbotron behind him featured a quote from his iconic Grammy speech, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love”. It reminds viewers that unity and love transcend borders and divisions.
Bad Bunny’s performance at the 60th Super Bowl reminded us that the halftime show is not just a performance, it’s a statement of resilience and unity. Through his setlist, symbolic set and captivating delivery, he demonstrated Puerto Rican culture while reminding viewers that America is not just a single nation, but a diverse collective of people and histories. He effectively conveyed the message that people are stronger together, no matter their backgrounds. This performance has ingrained itself into not only our favorite halftime shows of all time, but also pop culture history.
