Bad Bunny Makes History at Super Bowl Halftime Show

Puerto Rican star's performance challenges the meaning of 'American' and celebrates Latin American culture

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Bad Bunny's 2026 Super Bowl halftime show was a groundbreaking moment, as the first male solo Latino artist to perform at the event and the first to do so entirely in Spanish. His performance went beyond just music, sparking conversations about identity, colonialism, and the evolving definition of 'American.' By featuring the cuatro, Puerto Rico's national instrument, and displaying flags from across the Americas, Bad Bunny asserted a broader, more inclusive vision of what it means to be 'American.'

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's performance represents a significant shift in how Latin American culture is perceived and celebrated on a global stage. It signals the growing influence of Latin music and art worldwide, driving increased tourism and recognition for the region's rich cultural heritage. The performance also touched on the complex colonial relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States, subtly pushing back against narratives that obscure Puerto Rico's distinct identity and right to self-determination.

The details

During the nine-minute mark of his set, Bad Bunny highlighted the cuatro puertorriqueño, the national instrument of Puerto Rico. This moment, preceding a performance by Ricky Martin, underscored a deliberate effort to center Puerto Rican heritage. The cuatro, with its five double-strings, is a source of deep pride for Puerto Ricans, and its spotlight at the Super Bowl was a symbolic assertion of cultural sovereignty. Additionally, Bad Bunny listed countries across the hemisphere, including the United States, and displayed a parade of flags, challenging the conventional understanding of the term 'American' and broadening its definition beyond national borders.

  • Bad Bunny's history-making Super Bowl halftime show took place in 2026.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican singer and rapper who made history as the first male solo Latino artist to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, doing so entirely in Spanish.

José Eduardo Santana

A musician who showcased the cuatro puertorriqueño, Puerto Rico's national instrument, during Bad Bunny's performance.

Ricky Martin

A Puerto Rican singer who performed during Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show.

Alana Casanova-Burgess

A journalist who noted that Bad Bunny's use of the cuatro invites deeper questions about Puerto Rico's status and identity.

Eugenio Maria de Hostos

A Puerto Rican educator who dreamed of a unified and independent Americas, and whose ideas influenced Bad Bunny's song 'La Mudanza.'

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What they’re saying

“The cuatro, typically featuring five double-strings (though some musicians use six), represents a deep source of pride for Puerto Ricans. Its presence at the Super Bowl wasn't just musical; it was a symbolic assertion of cultural sovereignty.”

— Alana Casanova-Burgess, Journalist (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The performance has sparked ongoing discussions about the evolving definition of 'American' and the recognition of Latin American culture on a global stage. Fans and critics alike will continue to analyze the significance and impact of Bad Bunny's groundbreaking Super Bowl halftime show.

The takeaway

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show was a powerful cultural statement that challenged traditional notions of American identity and celebrated the rich heritage of Puerto Rico and Latin America. This performance signals a shift in how Latin American art and music are perceived and valued on the world stage, paving the way for greater representation and appreciation of the region's diverse cultural contributions.