Latin megastar Bad Bunny captivated audiences with a medley of his top hits during Super Bowl 2026, although the performance was met with scathing reviews, including one from U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled it as terrible.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, was joined by renowned artists such as Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and Cardi B in a lively display that also drew a variety of celebrity attendees, including Kim Kardashian and Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who made their first public appearance together amid dating rumors.
Highlight Performances
The performance featured a rooftop set styled as a Puerto Rican casa, filled with symbolisms of Puerto Rican culture, such as salsa dancing and vibrant flags. At one point, Bad Bunny even crashed through the casa's roof, which transformed into an altar for a live wedding ceremony on stage.
Lady Gaga also contributed a salsa version of her hit song Die With A Smile, while Ricky Martin expressed his emotional gratitude towards Bad Bunny for the collaboration.
Controversies and Reactions
While many praised the show as innovative, Trump took to social media to critique the performance as an affront to the greatness of America, pointing out that he felt the choreography was inappropriate for younger audiences.
On another note, the Super Bowl's advertising landscape was highlighted by AI companies vying for attention amid the halftime performance. Serena Williams featured in a weight loss advertisement that prompted discussions around body positivity and celebrity influence in promoting health products.
The event showcased a divisive range of responses, from California Governor Gavin Newsom praising Bad Bunny's influence, to conservative groups organizing a separate halftime event featuring Kid Rock.
As the dust settles on this year’s Super Bowl, it’s clear that Bad Bunny's performance sparked important conversations about culture, representation, and the power of celebrity.
