The Hidden and Not So Hidden Messages in the Bad Bunny Halftime Show

Written by: Sierra Green

Photo of “la casita” (via People)

Bad Bunny made all thirteen minutes of this year's Super Bowl LX halftime show count. 

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, is the first Latin artist to head the Super Bowl alone. 

While many fans and NFL viewers were eager to see which of his many songs he would perform, his performance left viewers with an overwhelming message of peace and Latino pride. Some of his messaging was bold and loud, while other details went unnoticed by fans around the world. 

The show opened with “Qué rico es ser Latino” translating to “How wonderful it is to be Latino,” while standing in a sugar cane field, symbolizing the history of Latino labor and colonization. 

As he walked through Levi’s Stadium singing his opening song, “Tití Me Preguntó,” he passed various iconic stands and cultural symbols. From a real taquería and piragua stand, to a cameo from boxers Xander Zayas and Emiliano Vargas, and even a real marriage proposal, Bad Bunny showed off Latinidad to the world.

Another aspect of the performance that went unnoticed by many viewers was the “human bushes.” More than 400 sugar cane trees were planted as actors dressed in bush costumes. 

His iconic songs, “Yo Perreo Sola” and “Safaera” rang through the “Casita,” a house paying homage to Puerto Rico. Bad Bunny stood on top as the camera panned over multiple Latino celebrity guests, including Cardi B, Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal. 

After falling through the ceiling, Bad Bunny entered through the Casita, paying homage to the old-school reggaeton artists before him through classics like "Pa’ Que Retozen," "Dale Don Dale," "Noche de Travesuras" and “Gasolina." Shortly after, the show smoothly transitioned into “EoO,” one of today’s most popular reggaeton songs. 

If the real proposal wasn’t enough, Bad Bunny and his team also managed to have an entire real wedding take place during the show, expressing the various parts of Latino culture and family celebration. The halftime show even showed Bad Bunny nudging a little boy sleeping– a scene extremely relatable for many Latino kids spending late nights at a family party. 

The wedding included a special guest performance from Lady Gaga as she performed a salsa version of her song with Bruno Mars “Die with a Smile.” Afterwards, the show smoothly transitioned into “BALIE INoLVIDABLE” to continue the dancing and celebration. 

“NUEVAYoL” took everyone to the streets of New York, embracing Nuyorican culture from bodegas to barbershops. Later on, there was a special appearance from Maria Antonio Cay, also known as Toñita, an iconic Brooklyn club owner. 

Throughout the show, Bad Bunny didn’t just showcase Latino culture and past artists, but also gave himself praise for getting to where he is now. One of the most sentimental scenes of the show was him giving his younger self the Grammy trophy he won, showing how faith in yourself and your dreams has real results. 

Bad Bunny’s performance wouldn’t be complete without raising awareness of current issues.

He did just that through an interpreted version of “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” by Ricky Martin. The song raises awareness of the issues surrounding tourism in Hawaii and, now, in Puerto Rico. 

All of a sudden, the lights burst, and Bad Bunny appeared hanging from a telephone pole as the song transitions into “El Apagón”, a song addressing the political issues in Puerto Rico and the power outages the island constantly faces. 

Bad Bunny ended his show with one final message: “God Bless America” as he listed all the countries in the Americas, the flags and their bearers dancing behind him. His message of representation was loud and clear across the stage and to the audience at home.

Halftime show ending (via People)

The “Benito Bowl” stole the show and brought the action. As Bad Bunny scored a touchdown before either team, he held a football with the words “TOGETHER, WE ARE AMERICA” written across it. 

His performance averaged 128.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched halftime shows in history. 

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show was a love letter to various aspects of Latino culture and a peaceful representation of resilience.