Bad Bunny makes history as Trump criticises 'terrible' Super Bowl show

February 9, 2026

Bad Bunny made Super Bowl history by performing the first entirely Spanish-language halftime show, delivering a 14-minute celebration of Puerto Rican culture that featured collaborations with Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, along with celebrity cameos. The performance incorporated symbolic elements including a traditional Puerto Rican casita, references to Hurricane Maria's devastation, and messages promoting unity across the Americas with the slogan "Together, We Are America. " While avoiding explicit political statements against the current administration, the show emphasized Latin pride and cultural preservation, drawing criticism from President Trump who called it "absolutely terrible" on social media.

Who is affected

Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio)
Puerto Ricans and Latino communities
Guest performers: Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin
Celebrity cameos: Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G, Jessica Alba
President Donald Trump (who criticized the performance)
Super Bowl viewers
Victims and survivors of 2017 Hurricane Maria
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers
Bad Bunny's fans, particularly those concerned about ICE targeting

What action is being taken

Bad Bunny is performing his 14-minute Super Bowl halftime show
Dancers are carrying flags representing Central, South, and North American nations
President Trump is criticizing the performance on Truth Social
Turning Point USA is organizing an alternative "All-American Halftime Show" headlined by Kid Rock
Bad Bunny's tour is traveling to Central and South America

Why it matters

This performance is historically significant as the first entirely Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime show on America's most-watched television event, representing major visibility for Latin culture on a mainstream stage. The show addresses sensitive political topics including Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States, Hurricane Maria's aftermath and disputed death toll, and immigration enforcement concerns, while promoting messages of unity and cultural pride. Bad Bunny's platform as Spotify's most-played artist in 2025 amplifies Puerto Rican representation and challenges traditional English-language dominance in American popular culture during one of the nation's biggest cultural moments.

What's next

Bad Bunny's tour is heading to Australia, Japan, and Europe following performances in Central and South America.

Read full article from source: BBC