Introduction to Bad Bunny’s Upcoming Performance
With the announcement of Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl LX half-time show, all eyes are on Puerto Rican culture, and Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio wants that. As he kicks off his world tour on November 21, a question arises: how much Puerto Rican and Latino representation will make it to the largest stage in the country? One thing is certain: there will be a lot of it.
Boricua Elements in Bad Bunny’s Performances
Due to his residency, there are Boricua elements integrated into his performance, almost like cheat codes. When it comes to his productions, the Bad Bunny team says that he usually knows exactly what he wants. Their task is to bring the artist’s vision to life and convert what is in his imagination into reality. "He has a plan for everything, and we all tend to think that he is crazy, and at the end of the day, when it is concluded, we all recognize that it makes sense," says Sigfredo Bellaflores, who has worked with Bad Bunny since 2019 as his audiovisual producer.
Bad Bunny’s Connection to Puerto Rico
Bad Bunny’s lyrics are poetic in terms of Puerto Rico, filled with references that can often only be grasped by Puerto Ricans. From the Coqui frog, Cabezaudos, and Vejigantes, to rhythms beyond Reggaetón such as Bomba, Plena, Salsa, and Perreo, he paints a lively picture of the island. It is reminiscent of the landscape, beaches, mountains, plantain trees, and even its myths like El Pozo de Jacinto. The ubiquitous Sapo Concho (the Puerto Rican toad) and the now world-famous Marquesina parties are continuing his songs in the identity of the island.
Nostalgia and Cultural Preservation
His work also affects nostalgia – an underlying concern that what Puerto Ricans are today could be lost tomorrow, since gentrification and an influx of outsiders threaten to extinguish parts of the culture. The title of his latest album, "I had to take more photos," is a reminder to appreciate the gift before it disappears. His residency repeated the same feeling: the desire to never leave for a time and to be so deeply connected to the culture that defines it.
Bad Bunny’s Past Performances and Announcements
While the stories are told differently, many of them could probably be part of the news in the Super Bowl half-time show. The announcement that he was surprised and criticized headliners. El Conjo Malo had announced that he would not add US stops to his world tour, and quoted his concern that ICE fans are targeted. He was always apologizing when he criticized the government and President Trump. In the publication of his song "Compositor del Año" in 2020, he mentions gun violence and racism in the United States, while he describes the president as "Mamabicho" – which means "does nothing about it in Dick Sucker".
The Significance of the Super Bowl Half-Time Show
It makes sense that, although he decides not to bring his tour to the United States, he uses the world’s largest stage with the largest audience. This will make it loud and clear where he stands socially and politically. There is no Bad Bunny show without culture and politics. While Bad Bunny has long been intended to involve Puerto Rican culture in its performances, he really increased the celebration of the Boricua culture to a new level with the release of his latest album and the announcement of his residency on the island.
The Residency as a Blueprint for the Half-Time Show
The residency was a unique event that transformed El Coliseo de Puerto Rico into the perfect stage to tell the history of the Puerto Rican people. The show was divided into three acts, with two different stages: a main stage inspired by Berg, which represented the landscape, and a country house that became popular as "La Casita". With the Super Bowl only five months away, and only 13 minutes to demonstrate his Puerto Rican pride on the largest stage in the world, America and the world will experience a fragment of what Bad Bunny’s residency and tour have shown.
The Impact of Bad Bunny’s Performances
With the Super Bowl half-time show, Latino Pride and unapologetic political statements will have an outstanding place on the show. Phil Rodriguez, CEO of Move Concerts, says that in his 45 years of experience, he has never seen anything as effective. "For me, it is full of respect, and they only push this a little further for the next generation," says Rodriguez. "He always did in other ways in his own conditions, and I think all sizes did it. I would say that we stand on the shoulders of the giants. Those who came before us opened the doors in one way or another, be it Tito Puente, Carlos Santana, Miami Sound Machine, or Ricky Martin. But [Bad Bunny] brings it to another level."
