The Metro: Why is there so much Backlash against Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance?

By: Tia Graham

5 February 2026 at 19:23

This Sunday is Super Bowl LX. Usually, the teams playing would be the be the main topic of discussion. Yet, they’re getting much less attention than who’s performing at the 2026 Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Bad Bunny is the first solo Latin and Spanish speaking musician to lead the show. The Puerto Rican born artist’s selection sparked conversations across music, sports, and culture, making this more than just a halftime performance.

In his announcement, he said this is for his people, culture and their history.

So, what does this moment mean for Latino representation? And furthermore, what does this performance say about the American public’s idea of what it means to be American.

Alejandra Márquez is an Assistant Professor of Spanish Department of Romance and Classical Studies at Michigan State University. She joined The Metro’s Tia Graham to discuss Bad Bunny’s performance and its significance to Latino culture.

Alejandra Márquez, assistant professor of Spanish at Michigan State University, wears an orange shirt and glasses. She sits on a green couch. A wallpapers wall is behind her and bookcases filled with books are on the left and right side of the couch. — Alejandra Márquez, assistant professor of Spanish at Michigan State University, researches representation of gender and sexuality in Latin America.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Give now »