If you’ve been online for the past month you’ve undoubtedly seen or heard about Bad Bunny’s superbowl halftime performance. It feels like everyone has an opinion, some more out there than others.
But what does the nomination and selection process look like to begin with? It all starts with an NFL panel that collaborates with Roc Nation, led by Jay-Z. The group deliberates for around a year, beginning after the end of the previous superbowl. The artist is selected based on various criteria including popularity, skill, and showmanship. Their choice is then announced 4-6 months before the show itself.
Bad Bunny has had an exceptionally successful year, being the most listened to artist on Spotify, continuing his outward public advocacy, and winning three Grammys this past month. In my opinion, he made perfect sense for the superbowl halftime show.
Other groups did not share this sentiment. Since the announcement in late September, many people have been vocal about their frustration and anger around the decision. Candidly, this hostility is entirely unreasonable and normalized to a dangerous degree. It is completely valid to be disappointed about a performer, but the outrage about Bad Bunny’s halftime show was completely unwarranted. Immediately after the announcement people were flocking to the internet to spew racist rhetoric. Many of these arguments were completely unwarranted, with faulty claims acting as a smokescreen to hide more problematic takes.
It’s no secret that America grows more and more divided every day. Bad Bunny’s performance exposed that in a way I couldn’t have predicted. Turning Point USA, a far-right organization founded by Charlie Kirk, even went as far to create an alternate halftime show, “The All-American Halftime Show”. This decision and the rallying support behind it highlights exactly why Bad Bunny’s performance was so important. It served as a reminder of our shared humanity.
The show was fantastic. Bad Bunny came out in a cream tailored football jersey with high energy and absolutely blew me away. He was joined by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, who both delivered complimentary performances.
There were many things that made the show so special. Its attention to detail was wonderful, with an accurate depiction of Vega Baja, Bad Bunny’s hometown. The worldbuilding was made possible by the human sugarcane that surrounded the performance. There were 330 people that showed up as these bushes, each being paid $1,309 for their work as the set.
The common thread throughout the performance was its deep connection to Puerto Rican culture and Bad Bunny. From the guests to the real-time wedding, the entire thing felt unique and special. He ended with shouting “God Bless America” and naming American countries, followed by various flags. It was a beautiful display of community, acceptance, and love that flowed through the entire show.
I think this halftime show was intensely important in a time full of division. The outrage over his show was a misplaced reminder of how far divided America has come. Music is a powerful vessel of support and endurance that is becoming more and more important. Although some responses were discouraging, I saw so much love in this performance and in so many people watching. It’s especially important to remember the good over the bad in times like these. It’s essential to focus on love, community, and music.
