Following a Seahawks win at Super Bowl LX, there might be more people talking about the halftime show this morning than the actual game. Bad Bunny has set a new benchmark for Super Bowl performances. Early viewership data indicates his show drew an estimated 135.4 million television viewers—making it the most-watched halftime show in the event’s history, and surpassing Kendrick Lamar from 2025.
Performing primarily in Spanish, he became the first halftime headliner to do so on the biggest stage in American sports, leaning fully into his culture rather than adjusting to the critics. It helps that Bad Bunny is, literally, the biggest artist in the world.
The performance opened with “Tití Me Preguntó” at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and unfolded as a visually rich celebration of Puerto Rican culture. The field was transformed with palm trees, sugar cane, and everyday island imagery as Bad Bunny moved through a setlist that included “Yo Perreo Sola,” “NUEVAYoL,” and “DTMF,” much of it drawn from his Grammy-winning album Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
Watch the full performance here.
Surprise guest appearances added to the moment. Lady Gaga sang a reimagined version of “Die With a Smile,” while Ricky Martin appeared during a segment that touched on themes affecting Puerto Rico. Additional cameos from Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Cardi B, Karol G, and even NJ native Alix Earle helped turn the show into an all-encompassing event.
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came midway through the set, when a real wedding ceremony reportedly took place live on the field, with Bad Bunny serving as a witness. Another vignette featuring a young boy receiving a Grammy was meant to represent Bad Bunny as a child.
The message of Bad Bunny’s performance was clear: Unity defeats all. As the performance closed, Bad Bunny stood surrounded by flags from across the Americas while a message appeared on the screen reading, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
The record-setting audience arrived amid a sharply different alternative broadcast.
Conservative group Turning Point USA streamed an unofficial “All-American Halftime Show” featuring Kid Rock and other artists as a counter-protest to a show which they deemed “un-American.” Criticisms ranged from Bad Bunny’s demeanor, to the use of Spanish language, and even the style of dance.
The Turning Point USA All-American Halftime Show drew a significantly smaller audience.
It’s clear that the NFL chose Bad Bunny for a reason. In addition to his worldwide appeal and ability to pull in massive viewer counts, Bad Bunny put on a show that will keep the conversation going for months, if not years.
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