I’ve never been the biggest fan of the Super Bowl halftime show. When it comes to the big game, I focus on football and the commercials, especially if the Patriots are playing.
It feels as though in recent years the lights have shone a bit brighter on the halftime show.
The Weeknd, Rihanna, and Usher all attracted eyes with explosive choreography, including floating platforms, roller skates, and a field full of masked backup dancers.
Then there was Kendrick Lamar, who pulled eyes as everyone waited for him to “destroy” Drake on the big stage.
None of these performances really pulled me in, though. I did enjoy Rihanna, though I only watched two songs before leaving the room for snacks. That’s what halftime is for me: snacks and chatting about how horrible the first half was.
But this year is a bit different.
Bad Bunny has stirred up noise from both sides of the political spectrum. He’s even caused a whole new halftime show to form courtesy of Turning Point USA.
Here’s the thing: I don’t speak Spanish. I took eight years of it in school, and it never stuck. I also took five years of French and was on and off on Duolingo, but alas, all I have is English, and even that can be confusing (not great to hear from a writer, I know).
I’ve also never heard much of Bad Bunny outside of my Spotify DJ deciding to change the vibes on me. All I knew going into it was that the guy has six Grammys and has constantly topped the charts. So, for once, I sat and listened.
One of the words that came to mind as I watched? Family.
It didn’t feel like a halftime show. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. The smile stayed plastered to my face the moment Bad Bunny twirled that kid during the wedding that was taking place mid-show.
There was a warmth coming through the television that past shows just didn’t bring. It didn’t need techno beats, random graphics, and crazy effects.
The simplicity of it all made it perfect. The vibrant guitars, streetwear that didn’t scream runway but was real, and the constant reminder of a beautiful community.
And even though I only understood Lady Gaga and the few English words the Bunny said, including “God bless America,” for the crowd who had forgotten Puerto Rico was part of this country, my head bopped through it all because that man sure can make music and bring a crowd to life.
