Bad Bunny’s history-making Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday, February 9, 2026, drew both celebration and criticism, with former President Donald Trump calling the performance “absolutely terrible.” The show, which marked the first time a musician performed entirely in Spanish at the Super Bowl, was a vibrant tribute to Puerto Rico and a call for unity.
The 14-minute set featured guest appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, alongside cameos from Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G and Jessica Alba, who were seen dancing on a replica of the artist’s signature “casita” – a traditional Puerto Rican home often featured in his shows. According to Spotify, Bad Bunny was the world’s most-played artist in 2025, further cementing his status as a global music icon.
During the performance, Bad Bunny briefly spoke in English, stating, “God bless America,” before listing nations across the Americas. Dancers carried flags representing these countries as a message appeared on a billboard reading, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” and the artist held a football emblazoned with the slogan “Together, We Are America.”
Despite not making any explicit political statements against the current U.S. Administration, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to denounce the show. He labeled it “an affront to the Greatness of America” and complained, “nobody understands a word this guy is saying.” A YouTube clip shows reactions to Trump’s comments.
The BBC reported that other American conservatives also quickly voiced criticism of the performance. The New York Times also covered Trump’s reaction to the show.
This performance underscores Bad Bunny’s continued rise as a major force in global music, even as his artistry sparks debate and conversation. The show’s cultural impact is likely to be felt for some time, as it broke barriers and brought a new level of representation to the Super Bowl stage.
