Bad Bunny delivered a memorable halftime show at Super Bowl LX, which has generated headlines around the world – here are some of the key takeaways.
The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the biggest musical events of the year and has delivered some iconic moments over recent decades with performances from some of the most famous artists on the planet. Indeed, sometimes the halftime show is more memorable than the action on the pitch.
This year, Bad Bunny ha the honor of taking to the stage while the players from the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots took a well-earned break and put on a show that is likely to be talked about for many years to come.
The show had been hotly anticipated ever since it was announced that he would be the headline performer, and there were plenty of rumors about what would be included in the show, and who would be guest starring alongside the Puerta Rican star.
But finally the talking stopped and the show started – and it has been huge. Here are our key takeaways from the show.
Bad Bunny’s look explained
It’s not all about music, but fashion too. Bad Bunny went for a striking look, including a shirt and tie, sports-style jersey, chinos and sneakers. His clothing was designed by Zara, a retailer based in Spain – in keeping with the vibe of the show, which was conducted in Spanish. Zara also dressed his dancers, band and orchestra.
It was the first show conducted entirely in Spanish
As Bad Bunny generally performs in his native Spanish, then it was perhaps to be expected that the show would also be in Spanish. While performing some parts in English may have been the easy route, he didn’t take it – and that was the point.
The only English came from Lady Gaga, who sung in her own native tongue during her performance, and right at the end of the set when Bad Bunny said “God bless America”, before listing other countries in the Americas.
The theme was love and believing in yourself
There were several themes across Bad Bunny’s set, but two of the biggest were positive messages for everyone – to not stop believing in yourself and the power of love.
Indeed, in his opening speech to the audience, Bad Bunny said – translated from Spanish – as per AP News – “My name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, and if I’m here today at Super Bowl 60 its because I never, ever stopped believing in myself and you should also believe in yourself, you’re worth more than you think.”
Then, at the end of the show, a screen behind Bad Bunny read, in English, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
While political messages were never far from the surface – including referencing Puerto Rican independence – these two positive messages bookended the show, and are as important now as ever.
The wedding was real
At one point, there was a wedding ceremony on stage. But this wasn’t some skit, or actors playing roles – they were a real couple getting married for keeps, according to NBC News. Apparently, they invited Bad Bunny to their wedding, but he responded by asking them to marry during his performance.
Critics have generally been positive
As usual, social media blew up about the show, and critics across traditional and social media have been quick to have their say. Much of the response among the legacy media has been largely positive – for instance, The Guardian called it a “thrilling ode to Boricua joy” and CNN said it “redefined what it means to be an American patriot.”
Some have been more critical, including President Donald Trump, who took to social media to label it as one of the worst halftime shows ever.
