Benito’s World: The Highs and Lows of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Takeover
The Super Bowl halftime show has always been a tightrope walk between high-art spectacle and corporate sanitization. Last night, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—better known to the world as Bad Bunny—didn’t just walk that wire; he danced, lunged, and occasionally stumbled across it.
Transforming the turf into a neon-soaked tribute to San Juan, the Puerto Rican superstar delivered a performance that was as much a political statement as it was a pop concert. But in the whirlwind of a 13-minute set, did the “King of Latin Trap” actually stick the landing? Here is the breakdown of the best and worst moments from Super Bowl LXI.
THE BEST: A Masterclass in Cultural Pride
The "Monaco" Entrance
The show opened not with a bang, but with a roar. Emerging from a giant, chrome-plated Formula 1 car, Benito launched into the cinematic strings of Monaco. It was an instant reminder of his status: he isn’t just a singer; he is a global brand. The sheer audacity of the staging—mixing old-school Hollywood glamour with the grit of the Caribbean—set a bar that few artists could reach.
The Unapologetic Spanish Setlist
There was no "crossover" moment. There was no pandering English verse to satisfy the Middle America demographic. By performing an entire set in his native tongue, Bad Bunny proved that the language of the rhythm is universal. Watching 70,000 people attempt to scream the lyrics to Tití Me Preguntó was a vivid testament to how the center of gravity in the music industry has shifted south.
The Surprise Guest Synergy
When the rumors of a surprise guest started swirling, many expected a legacy act. Instead, the arrival of Rosalía for a high-octane rendition of La Noche de Anoche provided the night’s most electric chemistry. Their shared stage presence felt intimate yet explosive, a rare feat in a stadium that usually swallows performers whole.
THE WORST: The Chaos of the Medley
Pacing Problems
If there is one critique of the modern halftime format, it’s the "TikTok-ification" of the setlist. Benito tried to cram nearly ten songs into twelve minutes. The result was a bit of musical whiplash. Just as the crowd began to find the groove of Dakiti, the beat cut abruptly into a thirty-second snippet of Me Porto Bonito. It felt less like a concert and more like a frantic channel-surfing session.
Technical Audio Glitches
For the first three minutes, the vocal mix seemed to favor the backing track over Benito’s live mic. While his energy was undeniable, his signature baritone sounded muffled and distant during the opening number. In a venue as acoustically challenging as this, the sound engineers failed to give the star the clarity his flow deserves.
The "Floating Island" Stunt
Halfway through the show, a massive floating platform intended to look like a tropical island was hoisted into the air. While visually ambitious, it restricted Benito’s movement. For three crucial minutes, the world’s most charismatic performer was essentially trapped on a glowing rock, unable to interact with the dancers or the fans below. It felt like a gimmick that got in the way of the soul of the performance.
The Final Verdict
Bad Bunny’s halftime show will likely be remembered as a landmark moment for Latin music on the world’s biggest stage. It wasn't perfect—it was loud, messy, and occasionally over-ambitious—but it was authentically him.
Benito didn't change for the Super Bowl; he made the Super Bowl change for him. And in the world of professional entertainment, that is the ultimate power move.
0 Comments
Please do not enter any spam link in the comment box.