Stars Celebrate Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Show, Embrace American Pride
Bad Bunny captivated audiences during his Super Bowl halftime show, which gathered an estimated 135.4 million viewers. The event showcased his unique blend of Puerto Rican culture, history, and politics through vibrant performances. The spectacle concluded with a powerful message: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
Bad Bunny’s Celebration of American Pride
Transforming Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, into a colorful tribute to Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny’s performance included cinematic visual elements like sugarcane fields and lively social gatherings. It featured a wedding ceremony where Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance.
Contrasting Performances
In stark contrast, the right-wing Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show attracted only 5.2 million viewers. This alternative event aimed to focus on “American culture, freedom, and faith,” featuring Kid Rock’s performance against a backdrop of stars and stripes.
- Bad Bunny’s Show: 135.4 million viewers
- Turning Point USA Show: 5.2 million viewers
During his performance, Bad Bunny proclaimed, “God bless America,” listing countries and territories, including Puerto Rico. This broad interpretation of American identity was met with praise and criticism. Former President Donald Trump condemned the show as “absolutely terrible,” while media figures like Piers Morgan and Meghan McCain defended Bad Bunny. Morgan highlighted the significance of Spanish as a first language for over 50 million Americans.
Celebrity Support and Cultural Impact
Numerous celebrities rallied behind Bad Bunny. Kacey Musgraves stated that his performance made her feel prouder to be American than anything by Kid Rock. Rapper Doechii exclaimed, “Bad Bunny WOW! Fucking, WOW. History!”
Zach Bryan humorously critiqued the rival show, illustrating how audiences engaged with Bad Bunny’s vibrant set. California’s Governor Gavin Newsom expressed gratitude, previously declaring the day as “national Bad Bunny day.”
A Tribute to Puerto Rican Identity
Bad Bunny’s halftime show subtly addressed various political issues. He performed with the Puerto Rican flag of independence and included references to the territory’s struggles, like frequent power outages. During his performance of “El Apagón,” dancers personified these outages life-like.
Special guest Ricky Martin performed “Lo Que le Pasó a Hawaii,” addressing gentrification and the effects of tourism in Puerto Rico. Martin shared via social media that he needed time to process his emotions after such a powerful performance.
Recognition and Achievements
Earlier this year, Bad Bunny won a Grammy for his album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” This project fuses hip-hop and reggaeton with traditional Puerto Rican genres. Bad Bunny emphasized his humanity and American identity during acceptance speeches, reinforcing his message of unity and love over hate.
As the most-streamed global artist on Spotify in 2022, with over 19.8 billion streams, Bad Bunny’s influence continues to grow. His Super Bowl performance served not only as entertainment but as a heartfelt reminder of cultural pride and the powerful narrative of love.
