Exploring American Identity Through Spanish with Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

Design by Christian Branch

By Valentina Castañeda Castellanos

In one of the most talked-about Super Bowl halftime shows to date, with 127.7 million viewers, ranking among the most-watched in history, Puerto Rican reggaetón superstar Bad Bunny gave us one of the most Latino-culture-rooted performances, almost entirely in Spanish. What unfolded was not just a musical spectacle but a moment of cultural visibility that generated pride, debate, and national discussion.

Bad Bunny entered Levi's Stadium with a clear mission: to bring his culture with him. The stage was filled with symbolism, from images of street life and community gatherings to tributes to everyday life in Latin America. Aspects like the street food Villa’s Tacos cart or Bad Bunny handling his Grammy to his child version made the show immersive and human. Flags from all the nations of the Americas waved behind him while the stadium screen displayed the message, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

The response was mostly positive for many in the Latino community and even some outside it. When asked about the performance, City College students mentioned that you don't have to understand every word to understand the vibe or the message it transmitted, and the visibility it gave to a minority despite the controversy that surrounded the show.

Why does this matter?

Language was an essential part of the moment. Singing in Spanish challenged social norms that have long defined what counts as “mainstream” in American culture. It wasn't just the lyrics; Bad Bunny's stage performance was enough to convey the energy and cultural richness of his show, accompanied by rhythms and visuals that were just as loud as the music.

For many Latinos (even those who do not like his music), it was not just a performance; it was an affirmation. Seeing aspects of everyday Latino life, symbols tied to the memory of our nations, and witnessing a language that is constantly marginalized being celebrated in one of the most important moments in American television, resonated collectively with pride and visibility that goes beyond entertainment. It was powerful and emotional.

However, not all responses were celebratory. Some critics, including political figures such as President Trump, argued that the show was too focused on Spanish and was a slap in the face to “true” American culture, which according to him made it the worst Super Bowl halftime show ever.

Nevertheless, these reactions highlighted what the show achieved: forcing a national discussion about language, identity, and what it means to be American on the mass media's biggest stage. Why was it controversial? Perhaps because Bad Bunny represents everything that the current administration is trying to repress, and giving him so much attention brings to light the issues that the government refuses to address.

For many Latino viewers, the meaning was not only aesthetic, but it was also personal. Through platforms such as TikTok, we saw both young people and adults feeling reflected on national television without translation or an apology. We occupied space without shame or fear. This type of visibility in such a highly viewed setting sends a clear message: the Latino community not only belongs, but is central to American life and culture, not merely on the margins.

In this cultural moment defined by debates about belonging and identity, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio's Super Bowl halftime show became more than music; it was a reminder of our culture and languages intertwined with experience, pride, and presence, and that was what was seen and heard. Diversity is what makes us human, and it is something we need to celebrate rather than repress. Just like Bad Bunny said, seguimos aquí.

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Originally from Colombia, María Valentina is now a freshman at City College studying Economics and working as a restaurant hostess in Westchester. Living in New York has inspired her to read and write about politics, philosophy, and the immigrant experience. She hopes to use her voice to advocate for greater recognition and rights for immigrants in the future.