Who is Bad Bunny?
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, aka “Bad Bunny”, is a Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and songwriter. He entered the mainstream with his music, drawing on his Puerto Rican roots. His main impact has been bringing Spanish-language music into mainstream/pop culture. In 2025, he was recognized as Billboard and Spotify’s Global Top Artist, and his album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” (DtMF) was crowned the most-streamed album globally. In his music, he writes about Puerto Rican culture, challenges norms in fashion and music, and social issues.
Symbolism
The Halftime show was littered with symbolism throughout the entire 13-minute run. From the street facade, with real shops represented, to Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican Flag, which was light blue and represents resistance to US colonialism. When Bad Bunny climbs the power poles, it represents the unrestored power supply that was knocked out by Hurricane Maria in 2017, which killed over 5,000 people. During the final minutes of the performance, Bad Bunny led a march with flagbearers in the back, shouting the names of different American countries, from Canada to Chile. This final symbol was summed up by the message on Bad Bunny’s football: “Together, We Are America.” This message pushes back on the narrative that only US citizens are “American,” as, in fact, any member of a North or South American nation is “American.” The final song sung by Bad Bunny and his parade was one of reflection. “DtMF” reflects on things we could have done with loved ones, stating that he wished he had taken more photos, given more hugs, and spent more time with loved ones who have passed.
For more symbolism, check out New Rockstar’s video on the Halftime Show on YouTube.
Cameos?
Cameos are an integral part of Super Bowl halftime shows, with fans eagerly watching to see which celebrities appear. Last year, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show featured SZA and Serena Williams as cameos. This show was no different, with celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Jazz Chisholm, and Cardi B in “La Casta” (little house), a staple of Bad Bunny’s concerts. Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin were brought out as musical cameos; Lady Gaga performed a new arrangement of her song “Die with a Smile,” and Ricky Martin performed a rendition of Bad Bunny’s “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,” a song that warns against gentrification, colonialism, displacement of locals, and over-tourism. Ricky Martin, a fellow Puerto Rican singer, is famous for his song “Livin’ la Vida Loca” and was historically pressured by the music industry to sing in English to penetrate mainstream media. This Super Bowl performance was a celebration of the defiance Ricky Martin had to face against industry constraints.
