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

February 5, 2026

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 upcoming performance and its significance to Latino culture.

APTOPIX Super Bowl Football

Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show performer Bad Bunny departs after a news conference, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in San Francisco ahead of the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

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.

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Author

  • Tia Graham is a reporter and Weekend Edition Host for 101.9 WDET. She graduated from Michigan State University where she had the unique privilege of covering former President Barack Obama and his trip to Lansing in 2014.

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