The Super Bowl halftime performance this year became a platform for cultural storytelling and international visibility. The artist delivered a full set in Spanish, marking a first for the event.
The show combined personal narrative, national symbolism and large-scale staging, alongside guest appearances and public reactions that extended beyond music.
Performance structure and artistic concept
The halftime performance developed into a 14-minute tribute to Puerto Rico, turning one of the most watched music segments on American television into a showcase of cultural identity and collective messaging.
The 31-year-old artist, who was the most streamed musician globally in 2025 according to Spotify and the winner of the 2026 Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, became the first performer to deliver a Super Bowl halftime show entirely in Spanish.
During the performance, two short messages were delivered in English. The phrase “The only thing more powerful than hate is love” appeared on a billboard. The phrase “Together, We Are America” appeared written on an American football.
Visual narrative and stage design elements
The stage concept drew imagery from Puerto Rican daily life and history.
The artist entered through a sugar cane field. The stage later transformed into a Latin American neighbourhood environment including a nail salon and a local bar setting.
A central element of the staging was a “casita”, a theatrical representation of a traditional Puerto Rican home, which is a recurring visual theme in the artist’s performances.
Guest appearances and collaborative moments
Lady Gaga appeared as a surprise guest. She performed a Latin version of Die With a Smile and briefly danced with the headline performer before the show moved into the next segment.
Ricky Martin appeared performing Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii, a song whose lyrics are closely connected to the political positioning associated with the main performer.
Additional short cameo appearances included Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G and Jessica Alba. All appearances were integrated into the performance staging and reinforced the community and family themes.
Symbolic moments and thematic messaging
One of the most discussed moments was the staging of a real wedding ceremony on stage, with a couple marrying in front of tens of thousands of stadium spectators and millions of global television viewers. The moment emphasised the themes of family and collectivity.
These themes also appeared in other segments. During one moment, the artist symbolically handed a Grammy award to a young child while his 2026 acceptance speech played in the background.
Musical content and setlist composition
The performance developed as a medley covering different phases of the artist’s career, combining reggaeton, Latin pop and contemporary production styles.
Fourteen songs were performed, including Tití Me Preguntó, MONACO, BAILE INOLVIDABLE and NUEVAYoL.
Historical references and costume symbolism
In one segment, the performer climbed an electricity pylon. The image referenced damaged infrastructure in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017.
He wore a beige jumper with the number 64, designed by Zara. No official explanation was given regarding the symbolism.
Closing sequence and continental representation
The performance concluded with the stage filled with flags from countries across the American continent.
The performer recited country names from Canada to Chile. The sequence reflected the performance’s central message, presenting a broad and multi-voiced interpretation of the Americas.
Public political reaction following the performance
After the performance, former United States President Donald Trump, who did not attend this year’s Super Bowl, responded via the Truth Social platform.
He stated: “The halftime show of the Super Bowl was absolutely terrible, one of the worst of all time. It made no sense and is an insult to the Greatness of America. Nobody understands a word of what he says, and this does not represent American values. It is a disgrace to the Super Bowl and to our country.”