Bad Bunny's Super Bowl show reframed what America means

At the Super Bowl halftime, Bad Bunny highlighted Puerto Rican cultural symbols — including a cuatro and a light-blue Puerto Rican flag tied to independence — and led a parade of hemispheric flags while saying 'God Bless América'.

Bad Bunny used the Super Bowl halftime stage to center Puerto Rican culture and a broader hemispheric view of America. The set ran about 14 minutes and included a featured cuatro performance and a light-blue Puerto Rican flag associated with independence. He said "God Bless América" and listed countries while leading a parade of flags that included the United States. Those elements prompted discussion about the word "American" and Puerto Rico’s place in the Americas. Key details: - The halftime show lasted roughly 14 minutes and showcased multiple cultural moments, including a cuatro played by José Eduardo Santana. - Bad Bunny led a procession of flags from countries across the hemisphere and verbally acknowledged the Americas during the performance. - He has publicly advocated for Puerto Rican independence and has used the light-blue Puerto Rican flag linked to that stance. - The show referenced historical and cultural figures; a song on his recent album name-checks educator Eugenio Maria de Hostos. - Some commentators reacted to whether the term "American" should apply broadly to the hemisphere rather than only to the United States. Summary: The performance broadened public conversation about American identity and Puerto Rico’s cultural and political standing in the hemisphere. Undetermined at this time.