“The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” With this statement splashed across the jumbotron, Bad Bunny has captured the attention of many as he showcased Latine pride at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show.
The performance was deeply symbolic. Bad Bunny had a vision and message he wanted to share, and he executed it in a way I have never seen.
For me, it is safe to say that “God bless America,” has a new meaning because of Bad Bunny’s performance.
At the end of the performance Bad Bunny listed all of the Latin, South and Central American countries. Then he listed the North American countries. Bad Bunny’s shout of “God bless America” means all of the Americas and all the people within.
Growing up in the United States of America, when people said, “God bless America,” it always just seemed like they meant the United States, but technicality-wise it says America, not the U.S. Bad Bunny emphasized that and showed that that phrase has a more collective meaning than what is usually meant.
The halftime show featured Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. I did not expect Lady Gaga to make an appearance, and honestly, I wish it was Daddy Yankee. As a Lady Gaga fan, I thought her vocals were as good as ever, but I do not think she was a good choice for this show. It felt a bit off putting to include “Die with a smile” on the lineup of songs.
It was evident that Bad Bunny was a bit nervous at the start, but it quickly wore off, and he began to control the energy.
He showcased his Puerto Rican culture in the performance. The performers were surrounded by sugar cane fields, farmers in traditional straw hats (pavas), Puerto Rican vendors, latine businesses and more.
The energy was a genuine, joyful and prideful take on a Super Bowl performance. While watching, especially for the song “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” I could feel the energy through the screen and it made me happy. Videos after the performance showed the instrumentalists continuing to play outside the stadium after the show was done.
Bad Bunny had some very encouraging words for the audience during the violinist’s opening of “Monaco.” He stated his full birth name, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, and said that because he never stopped believing in himself he was able to get to where he was, and that others could too.
“Vales más de lo que piensas,” Bad Bunny said in Spanish which translates to “you’re worth more than you think.”
After winning three Grammy awards this year, there was a part in the halftime show where Bad Bunny handed a Grammy to a little boy. To me, the moment symbolizes that anyone can go after their dreams no matter what.
This performance symbolized unity. And at the end of the show, Bad Bunny revealed a football that said, “Together, we are America.” It was a beautiful halftime show, with a powerful message that is not said often enough.
