Bad Bunny Makes History as Trump Criticizes ‘Terrible’ Super Bowl Show
– Bad Bunny’s Historic Performance
Bad Bunny made headlines by becoming the first artist to perform a Super Bowl half-time show entirely in Spanish. His 14-minute set was a heartfelt tribute to Puerto Rico, showcasing pride in his homeland and calling for unity across the Americas.
– Star-Studded Guest Appearances
The performance featured special appearances from Lady Gaga, who offered a salsa-inspired version of her hit Die With a Smile, and Ricky Martin, among others like Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G, and Jessica Alba, who were seen enjoying the show from Bad Bunny’s signature casita, designed to resemble a traditional Puerto Rican home.
– A Message of Love and Division
While Bad Bunny, known offstage as Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, did incorporate one line in English—God bless America—the bulk of his performance celebrated his Latin roots. He proudly listed countries from Central to North America while dancers waved flags from these nations. A striking message on a billboard read, The only thing more powerful than hate is love, concluding with Bad Bunny holding a football that bore the slogan, Together, We Are America.
– Political Reactions
Although politically charged, Bad Bunny refrained from targeting the current US administration directly during his performance. However, this did not prevent former President Donald Trump from expressing his disdain. He labeled Bad Bunny’s show as absolutely terrible on his platform Truth Social and claimed it was an affront to the greatness of America, stating nobody understands a word this guy is saying.
– Alternative Events
In response, a parallel event called the All-American Halftime Show, headlined by Trump-supporting artist Kid Rock, was organized by Turning Point USA.
– Cultural Significance
Bad Bunny’s performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, marked his first live show in the US since releasing the Grammy Award-winning album Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos). The stage showcased elements representing Puerto Rican culture, from a sugarcane field to set pieces like a nail salon. He performed a medley of hits, including Tití Me Preguntó, MONACO, and BAILE INoLVIDABLE.
– A Tribute to Resilience
Notably, Bad Bunny symbolically honored those affected by Hurricane Maria, climbing an electricity pylon during his performance to reflect on the devastation caused by the storm. He wore a beige sweater emblazoned with the number 64, which echoes the official death toll that many Puerto Ricans believe to be underestimated.
– Family Themes
Family was a prominent theme throughout the show, with touching moments like a young couple getting married amid a sea of Latino dancers and Bad Bunny handing his Grammy award to a child as footage of his acceptance speech played.
– Celebrity Engagement
The casita element of Bad Bunny’s performance has become a viral sensation, drawing in celebrity guests who added to the vibrant atmosphere. Early sound issues were quickly resolved, allowing the artist to deliver a confident and high-energy performance.
– A Celebration of Latin Culture
Ultimately, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl show highlighted the richness of Latin culture on one of the largest stages in the world. He spoke to the audience in both English and Spanish, promoting messages of unity and cultural pride, proving once again why he is a defining voice in contemporary music.
In conclusion, Bad Bunny’s historic performance not only shattered language barriers but also served as a bold statement of identity during a time of divisive rhetoric. His celebration of love and unity showcased the power of music as a force for connection, making the Super Bowl half-time show a memorable moment in entertainment history.