Bad Bunny’s halftime show at the Super Bowl was more than just a performance and a musical milestone. It was a cultural and political moment that placed Puerto Rican identity and Spanish music on one of the most watched stages in the world. His appearance has sparked conversations about the role of Latin artists in mainstream American media.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known professionally as Bad Bunny, is a Puerto Rican singer and record producer who has redefined modern Latin music through his unique blend of reggaeton and Latin trap. His lyrics often explore themes of identity and Puerto Rican pride, allowing his music to resonate deeply with diverse audiences.
Even those who don’t speak Spanish are drawn to his music for its rhythm and unique sound. “Most of the time I don’t even know what he’s saying. It just sounds good. Ask anyone on the football team. Whenever I’m on the sideline, I’m humming his songs without a clue as to what I’m saying,” said Zack Myones ’27. Even native speakers, like Valentina Pombo ’27, said that the feel of his music is the main draw. “I don’t listen to Bad Bunny necessarily for the lyrics, more just because I like the beat and it’s catchy,” she said.
In his recent album “DTMF,” Bad Bunny continues to explore themes of Puerto Rican identity and pride. In the chorus for “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,” he openly denounces the gentrification of Puerto Rico. “Quieren quitarme el río y también la playa” translates to “They want to take the river and the beach away from me,” referring to the many outside investors buying property on the island. In the same song, Bad Bunny encourages Puerto Ricans to be unapologetically Puerto Rican while also renouncing statehood. “No sueltes la bandera ni olvides el lelolai” translates to “Don’t let go of the flag nor forget the lelolai.” For many Puerto Ricans, the Puerto Rican flag is a symbol of not only pride but independence.
Similarly, after Hurricane Maria, his song “Estamos Bien” became an anthem of hope and resilience for Puerto Ricans. He sings, “Aungque pa’l mundo estamos mal, estamos bien” (“Even if the world thinks we’re doing bad, we’re doing well”) showcasing strength, optimism, and pride in his island.
Bad Bunny has long used his platform to speak out on social and political issues affecting Puerto Rico. After Hurricane Maria, for instance, he advocated for relief efforts and encouraged civic engagement. In his song “Una Velita,” he sings, “Empieza a llover, va a pasar otra vez/Viene la tormenta, quien nos va a salvar? (“It’s starting to rain, it’s going to happen again. The storm is coming, who’s going to save us?”). Moments like these show that Bad Bunny’s work goes beyond entertainment; it’s a platform for social awareness, and Bad Bunny uses that audience to make tangible change.
The announcement of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl appearances prompted strong reactions across social media and news outlets. Supporters praised this decision as a breakthrough moment for Puerto Rico and Latin America as a whole, while others questioned the inclusion of Spanish-speaking artists on a traditionally American stage. “I was really happy to see one of my most listened to artists make it to the world stage, but at the same time I was afraid of the backlash he would get as a non-American artist,” said Julieta Salvat ’27. The mixed responses highlighted debates about whose culture is considered mainstream—or American.
Bad Bunny’s decision to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show had additional political significance because he has refused to perform in certain parts of the United States. He has stated in interviews that he does not feel obligated to play for American audiences or validate his success through American approval. He emphasizes how Puerto Rico is his priority.
Beyond the music, his performance was a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, allowing audiences worldwide to see someone they resonate with reflected on one of the biggest stages in entertainment. And his presence on that stage carries deep cultural significance for all of Latin America. He represents a community that has historically been underrepresented in mainstream US media. By bringing Latin music, especially reggaeton, into an arena that has been traditionally dominated by pop and rap artists, he continues to break barriers. He is not just an entertainer, but a symbol of the growing influence of Latin music in the global music industry and a pioneer for future artists from underrepresented communities.
As his platform grows, the question remains: how far will Bad Bunny go to redefine what it means to be an “American” artist?
