Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX Halftime Show: A Celebration of Love and Unity
Towards the end of his Super Bowl LX Halftime Show performance, Bad Bunny walked alongside flag bearers representing a coalition of countries from the American continent. As he moved, black-and-white text illuminated the stadium’s jumbotron: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” This poignant message encapsulated the essence of his performance, which transcended mere entertainment to deliver a powerful statement about unity and compassion.
On arguably the United States’ biggest stage, Bad Bunny chose to focus on love for Puerto Rico rather than allowing his performance to be overshadowed by political tensions surrounding immigration. In doing so, he showcased a vision of America that embraces diversity and love, rather than division and hate. His choice to highlight his Puerto Rican heritage was a bold statement against the backdrop of a nation often characterized by its struggles with immigration and identity.
Hints of this powerful message were evident during his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, where he stated, “If we fight, we have to do it with love.” This sentiment resonated throughout his Super Bowl performance, where he not only celebrated his roots but also challenged the status quo. By marrying two people on stage and gifting a young boy a Grammy, he emphasized the importance of love and dreams, countering a political narrative that often seeks to divide.
The significance of Bad Bunny’s performance was magnified as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. In a time when the nation grapples with its identity and values, Bad Bunny preached a message of love, standing in stark contrast to the divisive rhetoric often espoused by political leaders. His all-white attire symbolized peace and unity, a powerful visual statement against the backdrop of a nation still wrestling with its colonial past.
Through his performance, Bad Bunny illustrated that love is not synonymous with domination or colonization. As American writer bell hooks articulated, “Love is mostly about the action.” Bad Bunny’s actions on that stage were a testament to a love that encompasses all countries in the Americas, a love that seeks to heal rather than harm.
The United States has long been a destination for generations of immigrants, yet this influx does not inherently signify a loving society. Historical foreign policies and recent cuts to foreign aid have created conditions that force people across the Americas to migrate for survival. Bad Bunny’s performance served as a reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration and the need for a more compassionate approach.
Colonialism has left deep scars, and discussions about reparations and Puerto Rico’s independence are ongoing. The love Puerto Ricans have for their homeland is profound, rooted in a long history of struggle for independence that predates the Spanish-American War. Each generation continues to fight for their rights, driven by love for their ancestors and their homeland.
In a 1970 documentary, James Baldwin spoke about the revolutionary power of love, stating, “Love has never been a popular movement.” Yet, it is this very love that binds communities together, and Bad Bunny embodies this spirit. He is not only a world builder but also a world connector, weaving together the voices of reggaeton pioneers like Tego Calderón, Daddy Yankee, and Don Omar, who laid the groundwork for his monumental success.
His performance also acknowledged the Puerto Rican diaspora in New York, featuring cultural stewards like Toñita, a community leader who owns one of the last Puerto Rican social clubs in the city. This connection to the diaspora highlights the importance of cultural preservation and the shared experiences of Puerto Ricans across borders.
Bad Bunny did not shy away from addressing the pain of his people, referencing the historical harvesting of sugar cane and the ongoing struggles with Puerto Rico’s unreliable power grid. These issues are not just historical footnotes; they are contemporary realities that affect countless lives.
Death, as Bad Bunny illustrated, is not the absence of love but a catalyst for joy. It enriches the lives of those who celebrate love in the face of loss, making every moment more vibrant and meaningful. His performance was a celebration of life, a reminder that love should permeate every action and interaction.
In choosing to perform love during the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, Bad Bunny sent a powerful message: love is the only force that can save us. Together, we are America—not a nation defined by hate, but a continent united in love.
