What's happened
On February 9, 2026, Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, delivering a culturally rich, largely Spanish-language performance celebrating Puerto Rican heritage and Latin American identity. The show combined festive elements with subtle political messages addressing colonialism, immigration, and Latino unity, drawing both widespread acclaim and conservative criticism in the US.
What's behind the headline?
Cultural Milestone and Political Statement
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance represents a watershed moment in American pop culture, signaling the mainstream acceptance of multilingual and multicultural expression. His choice to perform almost entirely in Spanish challenges the traditional Anglophone dominance of US media and highlights the growing influence of Latinx communities.
Symbolism and Subtle Protest
The show was layered with symbolism: from the depiction of Puerto Rican j baros and sugarcane fields referencing colonial history and labor, to acrobats on electricity poles alluding to Puerto Rico's ongoing infrastructure struggles post-Hurricane Maria. The closing roll call of all American continents reclaims the term "America" as inclusive of all nations, countering US-centric narratives.
Political Backlash and Cultural Divide
The performance sparked conservative backlash, including from former President Trump, who dismissed it as "anti-American" and criticized the use of Spanish. This reaction underscores ongoing cultural and political tensions in the US regarding immigration, identity, and representation.
Impact on Latino Identity and US Culture
Bad Bunny's show will likely accelerate the normalization of Spanish-language and Latinx cultural elements in mainstream US entertainment. It also serves as a unifying moment for Latin American diaspora communities, affirming their identity amid political challenges.
Future Outlook
This event sets a precedent for future high-profile platforms to embrace diverse cultural expressions. It may encourage other artists to foreground their heritage unapologetically, influencing the entertainment industry's approach to inclusivity and representation.
What the papers say
The New Arab highlighted Bad Bunny's joyful cultural celebration and subtle political messaging, noting the inclusion of symbols like the sugarcane plantation and the "piragua" cart, and the presence of guest stars such as Pedro Pascal and Cardi B. Al Jazeera's Urooba Jamal emphasized the performance as an act of defiance amid US immigration crackdowns, quoting Claudia Ruiz who called Bad Bunny a symbol of hope for Latinos in a divided America. The New York Times described the show as unapologetically political yet a party, noting the use of traditional Puerto Rican imagery and the significance of the white plastic chairs symbolizing displacement. SBS News underscored the cultural significance and the political undertones, particularly the reference to Puerto Rico's electricity crisis and the inclusive naming of all American countries. Conversely, the NY Post reported on the backlash, including a viral petition to replace Bad Bunny with country singer George Strait, and President Trump's criticism labeling the performance "anti-American." Business Insider UK critiqued Lady Gaga's cameo as thematically disconnected from the rest of the show, despite her vocal prowess and mutual respect with Bad Bunny. Together, these sources paint a picture of a culturally rich, politically charged performance that has sparked both celebration and controversy across the US and Latin America.
How we got here
Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper and global music icon, rose from bagging groceries in Vega Baja to becoming Spotify's most-streamed artist. Known for his outspoken criticism of US immigration policies and his embrace of Latin culture, he was chosen to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, marking the first solo Spanish-language performance at the event.
Go deeper
- Why was Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance so controversial?
- What cultural symbols did Bad Bunny use in his halftime show?
- How did the Latino community react to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance?
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