Bad Bunny Transforms Super Bowl Halftime Show into Historic ‘Benito Bowl’ Celebration
SANTA CLARA — The Super Bowl halftime show, traditionally a showcase for American pop ubiquity, was reimagined on Sunday night as the “Benito Bowl,” a vibrant, high-energy tribute to Puerto Rican culture headlined by global superstar Bad Bunny. Performing at Levi’s Stadium, the artist—born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—delivered a set that was primarily in Spanish, marking a historic shift for the NFL’s marquee entertainment event.
Deep Search: A Night of Reggaeton and Spectacle
The performance, which followed days of fan anticipation and social media rebranding of the event as the “Benito Bowl,” lived up to the massive hype. Fresh off a historic Grammy win for Album of the Year for his record Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Bad Bunny brought the sounds of the Caribbean to the global stage. The 13-minute set was a visual and sonic journey through his discography, blending the heavy bass of Latin trap with the infectious rhythms of reggaeton and mambo.
The production transformed the field into a representation of a Puerto Rican neighborhood, complete with vibrant colors and dancers executing intricate choreography rooted in street dance. In a surprise that sent shockwaves through the stadium and social media alike, Bad Bunny was joined on stage by fellow Puerto Rican icon Ricky Martin for a high-octane duet that bridged generations of Latin pop. Additionally, pop superstar Lady Gaga made an unexpected appearance, contributing vocals to a genre-bending remix that highlighted the show’s theme of cross-cultural unity. The setlist prioritized his Spanish-language hits, reinforcing his long-standing refusal to cater to English-speaking markets at the expense of his authenticity.
Objections: Political Friction and Content Concerns
Despite the acclaim from fans and cultural critics, the performance was not without its detractors. Leading up to the event, political figures expressed disapproval of the NFL’s choice. Former President Donald Trump criticized the selection of Bad Bunny, labeling the decision “terrible” and suggesting the lineup was “anti-American” due to the artist’s past vocal opposition to immigration policies and his history of political activism.
Furthermore, conservative watchdog groups raised concerns regarding the suitability of the performance for a general family audience. Bad Bunny’s lyrics, known for their candid exploration of sexuality and party culture, were a point of contention, with some critics arguing that the “perreo” dance style and the sensual nature of the performance were inappropriate for the halftime slot. Social media debates also flared regarding the lack of English in the set, with a segment of viewers expressing frustration over the language barrier during an American sporting event.
Background: From Bagging Groceries to Global Icon
The “Benito Bowl” represents the apex of a meteoric rise for Martínez, who was working as a grocery bagger in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, just under a decade ago. His ascent reflects a broader shift in the global music industry, where Latin urban music has surpassed English-language pop in streaming dominance.
Martínez has frequently used his platform to advocate for Puerto Rico, participating in the 2019 protests that led to the resignation of the island’s governor and consistently highlighting issues such as the island’s power grid failures and displacement caused by gentrification. His recent stadium residency in San Juan, titled “No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí” (I Don’t Want to Leave Here), underscored his commitment to his homeland—a sentiment that was palpable throughout Sunday’s halftime performance. By bringing the “Benito Bowl” to the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny did not just perform; he asserted the cultural and political relevance of Puerto Rico on the world’s biggest stage.
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