After a momentous Grammys night on Feb. 1 — where he became the first artist to win album of the year with an all-Spanish-language LP, Debí Tirar Más Fotos — Bad Bunny ignited the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday (Feb. 9) with a headlining Super Bowl Halftime Show destined to go down in history.
As the Seattle Seahawks soared to a 9-0 lead over the New England Patriots by halftime, anticipation was high for El Conejo Malo to take over. He kicked off his electrifying set with “Tití Me Preguntó” while donning an off-white football jersey emblazoned with his last name, Ocasio, and the number ’62. Striding across the field, he passed workers in traditional pava (straw) hats, setting the tone for a celebration steeped in Puerto Rican culture.
As he belted out the anthem, Bad Bunny made his way through scenes bursting with cultural pride — field workers, people playing dominoes, women getting their nails done, snow-cone makers preparing piraguas, and even boxers training under a spotlight. Meanwhile, cameos from stars like Karol G, Jessica Alba, and Cardi B added extra star power to the spectacle. In a moment Billboard predicted, he brought out his famous casita — a vibrant replica of a traditional Puerto Rican home — bringing it all full circle.
Then he segued into “Yo Perreo Sola” and “Voy a Llevarte Pa’ PR” as he climbs onto the roof of a pickup truck, surrounded by dozens of girls dancing in sync. With brief samples of Don Omar’s “Dale Don Dale” and Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina,” the hard-hitting, Grammy-winning hit “EoO” pulsed through the stadium. “This is the music of Puerto Rico,” he shouts in Spanish, and a full-blown reggaetón party erupts, complete with twerking.
The iconic toad, Coquí — a signature of his tour — made an appearance, delighting fans. Suddenly, violinists emerged, adding a dramatic flair to the moment introducing “Monaco.”
“Buenas tardes, California, mi nombre es Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio,” he declared, voice brimming with emotion, “y si ahora estoy en el Super Bowl LX, es porque nunca, nunca dejé de creer en mí.” Then, looking straight into the camera, he delivered a heartfelt message: “Tú también nunca dejes de creer en ti.“
Then, with an unexpected twist, Lady Gaga made a glorious entrance, dressed in a baby blue dress, singing “Die With A Smile” over a vibrant salsa rhythm. The performance transforms into a full-blown tropical reverie, with brass blaring and an infectious energy radiating through the stadium. Adding to the magic, the beloved Toñita — owner of Brooklyn’s Caribbean Social Club, famously shouted out in “NuevaYol” — appears on stage to hand Bad Bunny a drink. Appropriately, the opening notes of the latter Hot 100 hit begins, and more choreography unfolds.
The camera focuses on the cuatro player as they begin strumming the opening notes of “Lo Que Pasó en Hawaii.” Suddenly, superstar Ricky Martin emerges to deliver the song. As the melody transitions, the rhythm of “El Apagón” takes over. The moment shone a spotlight on the island’s ongoing electricity issues in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, critiqued the privatization of its power grid under LUMA Energy and highlighted the displacement of its residents.
Toward the end of the song, Bad Bunny takes a moment to shout out every country from the Americas, one by one, as the crowd roars in support. Holding up a football emblazoned with the words “Together We Are America,” he delivered a poignant response to criticism he has faced, reinforcing his message of unity and empowerment.
Despite the artists’ attempts to steer clear of politics, this year’s halftime performance has sparked significant discourse, becoming one of the most talked-about and debated shows in recent memory.
When asked about his intentions for the show, Bad Bunny humbly reflected on the power of his music in a Friday (Feb. 6) interview with Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans: “I’m just a normal guy that makes music. I want people to feel happiness and joy. I want to make people dance. I want to make them feel proud and think that everything is possible.”
If the night proved anything, it’s that Bad Bunny is redefining what’s possible on the world’s biggest stages.
