Bad Bunny closed the Super Bowl LX halftime show with a performance that delivered high energy, bold presentation, and a cultural statement that quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the night. The global music star stepped onto the halftime stage under intense public attention, following weeks of debate surrounding his selection for one of the most watched live performances in the world.
From the opening moments to the final beats, the show unfolded exactly as many supporters anticipated: vibrant, fast-paced, and unapologetically true to the artist’s identity. Yet the event also reignited long-standing arguments about language, representation, and expectations tied to the Super Bowl halftime tradition.
Heightened Attention Ahead of the Halftime Show
Bad Bunny’s appearance at Super Bowl LX arrived amid greater scrutiny than is typical for the annual halftime spectacle. While the halftime show often sparks conversation, the discussion surrounding this year’s performer intensified well before kickoff.
Much of the controversy centered on the expectation that Bad Bunny would perform primarily in Spanish. This detail drew sharp reactions from critics, particularly given his decision the previous year to cancel certain U.S. performances over concerns about potential ICE raids at his shows.
Those concerns became a focal point for critics who questioned both his suitability for the halftime stage and the broader message his performance might convey. As a result, the buildup to the show became as polarizing as the event itself.
Opposition and the Emergence of an Alternative Event
Some opponents of Bad Bunny’s halftime selection went beyond online criticism. Turning Point USA expressed strong disapproval of the artist’s involvement, particularly objecting to the prospect of a Spanish-language halftime show.
In response, the organization arranged a separate event described as an “All-American” alternative. That event featured Kid Rock as the lead performer, positioning itself as a counterpoint to the official halftime show.
This move underscored how sharply divided opinions had become, with cultural and political undertones shaping reactions to what is traditionally framed as an entertainment-only segment of the Super Bowl broadcast.
A Global Star Takes the Stage
Despite the controversy, Bad Bunny entered the halftime show as one of the most commercially successful and widely recognized music artists in the world. His ability to sell out stadiums, move millions of records, and dominate popular conversation made him a natural choice in the eyes of supporters.
That level of popularity translated clearly to the halftime stage. The performance showcased the energy and spectacle that have defined his rise to global stardom, reaffirming why his selection generated such high expectations.
Regardless of opposing viewpoints, his presence alone ensured that the halftime show would be a centerpiece of post-game discussion.
A High-Energy Performance in Santa Clara
The halftime show unfolded at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where Bad Bunny delivered a set that immediately commanded attention. The performance leaned heavily into dynamic choreography, powerful stage visuals, and a relentless pace that kept the crowd engaged throughout.
A surprise appearance by Lady Gaga further elevated the moment, adding another layer of star power to an already headline-grabbing show. Together, the performers delivered a spectacle that many viewers described as electrifying.
For fans in attendance and supporters watching at home, the performance succeeded in transforming the stadium atmosphere and reinforcing the halftime show’s reputation as a major cultural event.
Language Takes Center Stage in the Reaction
While the production values and energy drew praise from many, the dominant point of contention online focused on language. As anticipated, Bad Bunny performed primarily in Spanish, staying true to his artistic roots.
For detractors, this decision became the central issue. Throughout the performance, social media platforms filled with commentary from viewers who expressed frustration over their inability to understand the lyrics.
The debate echoed pre-show criticism and quickly overshadowed discussions of choreography, staging, or musical execution.
Online Criticism Gains Momentum During the Show
As the halftime performance aired, negative reactions began circulating widely. Some viewers expressed confusion, irritation, or disappointment, framing their responses around the language barrier rather than the performance itself.
One viewer wrote, ““Couldn’t understand anything he was saying. Is there going to be a translator on stage with him?””
Another posted, “Should I turn subtitles on in English? Unsure what to do here.”
These comments reflected a broader sentiment among some viewers who felt disconnected from the performance due to the lack of English lyrics.
Broader Cultural Frustrations Surface
Beyond individual complaints, some reactions framed the language issue as a larger cultural concern. One comment read, “I understand that America is a melting pot of different countries but having Bad Bunny perform at the Super Bowl entirely in Spanish makes no sense.”
This response suggested that for certain viewers, expectations of the halftime show were closely tied to English-language performance norms, regardless of the performer’s background or audience.
Such remarks highlighted how the halftime show can become a flashpoint for broader debates about national identity and representation.
Stronger Reactions and Emotional Responses
Other viewers expressed their dissatisfaction more bluntly. One particularly critical comment stated, “Literally the worst @NFL#SuperBowl halftime shows of all time. My kids asked me why I was watching “the Spanish channel”.”
This reaction underscored how strongly some viewers felt about the language choice, framing it as a disruption of what they expected from the Super Bowl broadcast.
The intensity of these comments demonstrated how the halftime show can provoke deeply personal reactions, especially when it challenges established norms.
Mixed Sentiments Among Viewers
Not all criticism carried hostility toward the artist himself. Some comments made a distinction between personal language limitations and artistic merit.
One viewer wrote, “I guess if I spoke Spanish, I could’ve enjoyed halftime. No hate towards Bad Bunny. I just don’t speak Spanish.”
This response reflected a more measured perspective, acknowledging the artist’s appeal while admitting a disconnect rooted in language rather than performance quality.
Such comments illustrated that even among critics, reactions varied in tone and intent.
A Performance That Reflected the Times
The strong reactions to Bad Bunny’s halftime show revealed how closely entertainment events can intersect with cultural debates. Language, identity, and representation all became part of the conversation, whether viewers intended that outcome or not.
For supporters, the performance represented authenticity and global influence. For critics, it raised questions about accessibility and tradition within one of the most mainstream events in American sports.
Lasting Impact Beyond the Final Note
As the Super Bowl concluded, discussion around the halftime show showed no signs of fading. The performance continued to dominate online discourse, with supporters praising its energy and detractors revisiting their objections.
What remained clear was that Bad Bunny’s halftime appearance achieved something few performances do: it sparked conversation far beyond the game itself. Whether viewed as groundbreaking or controversial, the show ensured that Super Bowl LX would be remembered for more than just what happened on the field.
In the end, the halftime show stood as a reflection of modern pop culture, where global reach and diverse expression increasingly share the stage with long-standing expectations and deeply held opinions.