Super Bowl LX wasn’t just about the Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots — it also became a cultural showdown between two very different halftime performances.
Bad Bunny’s Official Halftime Show
Bad Bunny headlined the Apple Music Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium, delivering 13 minutes of high-energy reggaeton and Latin trap. His set included hits like Tití Me Preguntó, Yo Perreo Sola, Safaera, Monaco, and El Apagón. The stage transformed into a Puerto Rican village, complete with market stalls, dancers, and even a wedding ceremony. Bad Bunny wore an off-white football jersey with “OCASIO 64” on the back, a nod to Puerto Rican resilience.
Surprise guests elevated the spectacle: Lady Gaga joined for a salsa-inspired version of Die With a Smile, Ricky Martin performed Lo Que le Pasó a Hawaii, and stars like Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, and Karol G appeared in set pieces. The show ended with powerful messages: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love” and “Together, We Are America.” Critics from Billboard and The New York Times praised the performance as “triumphant” and “revolutionary,” highlighting its choreography, cultural pride, and universal appeal despite being entirely in Spanish.
Kid Rock’s Alternative “All-American Halftime Show”
Meanwhile, conservative group Turning Point USA streamed its own halftime event on YouTube. Headlined by Kid Rock, the 35-minute show featured country stars Brantley Gilbert, Gabby Barrett, and Lee Brice.
It opened with an electric guitar version of The Star-Spangled Banner and included pyrotechnics, patriotic imagery, and Kid Rock performing hits under his real name, Robert Ritchie. The set closed with a tribute to Turning Point USA’s late co-founder, Charlie Kirk.
The stream drew over 4 million live viewers, peaking at 6 million. Fans praised its patriotic energy, calling it “refreshing” and “classic American entertainment.”
Divided Reactions
Online reactions split sharply. Bad Bunny’s supporters celebrated his global reach and cultural representation, while Kid Rock’s fans applauded the straightforward, flag-waving vibe. A viral TMZ poll asked, “Who had the better halftime show?” Responses leaned toward Kid Rock, with some critics dismissing Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language set. Yet many others argued that Bad Bunny’s billions of streams and international influence proved his show resonated far beyond the stadium.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the “winner” depends on what fans value in a halftime show.
- If you want boundary-pushing spectacle and cultural flair, Bad Bunny takes the crown.
- If you prefer patriotism and rock roots, Kid Rock’s show hits home.
Either way, Super Bowl LX proved halftime shows are more than entertainment — they’re cultural statements that spark bigger conversations about identity, taste, and representation.
