Bad Bunny Breaks Records with Super Bowl Halftime Show Despite Controversy
Bad Bunny took the Super Bowl LX stage by storm on February 8, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, delivering a halftime show that drew viewers from around the world. The Puerto Rican superstar mixed high-energy reggaeton with bold cultural statements, creating a performance that was impossible to ignore.
The show opened with his hit Titi Me Preguntó, featuring dancers in bright, Puerto Rican-inspired outfits and a stage filled with massive LED screens and pyrotechnics. Midway, Bad Bunny slowed the pace for Un Verano Sin Ti, bringing out guest stars like J Balvin and Rosalía. When he performed Me Porto Bonito, confetti rained down as the crowd sang along.
One striking part of the show included references to Puerto Rico’s colonial history and the broader Latino experience. He wore a custom outfit with the Puerto Rican flag and delivered spoken-word segments in Spanish that highlighted unity and identity.
Critics praised the production, noting the tight choreography, live band, and mix of trap with traditional rhythms. Roc Nation, Apple Music, and the NFL coordinated the event to ensure everything looked seamless on screen. Viewers saw Bad Bunny’s intensity up close during the 14-minute set.
The numbers show just how massive the event was. Roc Nation reported that the halftime show received 4.157 billion views worldwide in just 24 hours, including broadcasts, YouTube, social media, and other platforms.
About 55 percent of those views came from outside the U.S., highlighting his international appeal. In the U.S., the show averaged 128.2 million viewers, ranking it as the fourth-highest rated halftime performance domestically.
Streaming also surged. Apple Music reported a sevenfold increase in plays of songs like Moscow Mule. Hashtags such as #BadBunnySuperBowl trended on social media worldwide, with TikTok users recreating dance moves and fans posting reactions on Instagram. The NFL noted that international broadcasts in Spanish and other languages helped boost global numbers, showing how streaming has changed live event viewership.
Not everyone was pleased. Some critics in the U.S. criticized the use of Spanish lyrics without subtitles. Former President Donald Trump called it “one of the worst ever” on social media, claiming “nobody understands a word.” Other viewers said they switched channels or muted the performance. Kid Rock even promoted an alternative stream, though it attracted far fewer viewers.
Social media reflected the split. Around 60 percent of online polls praised the show, while 40 percent disapproved. Celebrities like Taylor Swift supported Bad Bunny, praising his energy, while others debated its cultural and political undertones. Despite the backlash in certain U.S. circles, international audiences embraced the performance and celebrated its cultural significance.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show proved that global audiences are ready for diverse, bold performances. He combined entertainment with culture in a way few artists dare to attempt. What do you think about Bad Bunny’s performance and the reactions it sparked? Share your thoughts in the comments.