Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican–inspired halftime show at Super Bowl LX didn’t just electrify fans at Levi’s Stadium — it also earned praise from an unexpected voice in rock music.
John Mellencamp took to X during the game to publicly support the performance. “I don’t know what Bad Bunny is saying, however, I do know he is standing up for Puerto Rico and I am standing up for him,” he wrote, calling the halftime show “great.”
The endorsement stood out amid the intense cultural and political debate surrounding the performance. While this appeared to be Mellencamp’s first direct show of support, he had previously joked about Bad Bunny’s name during an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, comparing it to the criticism he once faced over his own name changes.
Despite the playful remark, Mellencamp’s post made his stance clear. His praise suggested the performance resonated beyond language, focusing instead on its message and cultural pride.
Headlining the Apple Music Halftime Show in Santa Clara, Bad Bunny made history as the first artist to deliver a fully Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime performance. The set included hits like “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Yo Perreo Sola,” “Safaera,” and “Monaco.”
Cultural symbolism defined the show. The stage featured Puerto Rican imagery, including jíbaro attire, a piragua stand, and a block-party-style casita filled with dancers and celebrity guests such as Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Karol G, and Young Miko.
Surprise moments followed, including Lady Gaga’s salsa-inspired appearance and tributes to Latin music icons like Daddy Yankee and Ricky Martin, reinforcing the show’s musical legacy.
The performance closed with powerful visuals: a message reading “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” followed by Bad Bunny raising a football that read, “Together, we are America,” sealing a halftime show that sparked conversation far beyond the field.