SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA — Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, globally known as Bad Bunny, transformed Super Bowl 60 into a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture, history, and resilience. Performing on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, the 31-year-old superstar delivered an entirely Spanish-language set that balanced massive reggaeton hits with pointed social commentary.
A Cultural Masterclass The stage design brought the heart of Puerto Rico to California, featuring sugar cane fields, a piragua (shaved ice) stand, and a casita (little house) reflective of local social clubs.
- The Setlist: Bad Bunny opened with “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Yo Perreo Sola,” briefly featuring Cardi B for a “house party” segment.
- Tribute to Legends: A brief snippet of Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” acknowledged the reggaeton pioneers who paved the way for his global success.
- Star-Studded Collaborations: Surprise guest Lady Gaga joined him for a wedding-themed performance of “Die with a Smile,” and Ricky Martin performed “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii,” a song addressing Puerto Rico’s cultural autonomy.
Political and Social Messaging The performance was notably infused with references to the struggles and identity of Puerto Rico:
- “El Apagón”: During a moving rendition of “El Apagón” (“The Blackout”), dancers climbed power poles that “exploded,” symbolizing the island’s frequent blackouts and the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
- Identity and Sovereignty: Bad Bunny introduced himself by his full name in Spanish and held a Puerto Rican flag in red, white, and baby blue—colors associated with the island’s independence movement.
- Message of Love: The show closed with a screen reading, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” a reference to his recent Grammy acceptance speech for Album of the Year (the first all-Spanish album to win the top prize).
A Global Triumph Just ten years after working as a bagger at an Econo supermarket, Bad Bunny’s halftime show marked a “revolutionary” moment for Latin music. Despite the high-stakes environment, he remained unapologetically focused on his roots, naming nations across the Caribbean and South America before concluding with a shout-out to his “patria” (motherland), Puerto Rico.
While the show skipped traditional English-language crossover hits, its universal appeal was evident in the massive crowd reaction. Bad Bunny’s message was clear: his culture is not a niche—it is a global powerhouse that refuses to be silenced or translated.