Bad Bunny stepped onto Levi Stadium during Super Bowl 60’s halftime in Santa Clara, California and delivered a landmark moment for Latinos around the world, delivering primarily a message of resilience and most importantly, love.

For context I am not going to pretend like I understood every reference that Puerto Rican’s got to savor and enjoy. That in particular is what made this performance special. For 13 minutes we all had the opportunity to sit back vibe to some of Bad Bunny’s hits and learn about Puerto Rican Culture. The lesson? In my humble opinion, that our cultural struggles should be recognized, and cultural differences should be celebrated. In the end these differences bring unique perspectives and strengths that have always been the foundation of the United States.

A CLOSER LOOK AT BAD BUNNY’S PERFORMANCE

Bad Bunny opened the show with one of his best known hits “Tití Me Preguntó” as she walked through a sugar cane field, as he passed through several vendors of cocos, piraguas, a gold salesmen, and tacos. As well as a group of older men playing dominos and a women getting her nails done. Even dancing through a boxing match with Puerto Rican boxers Xander Zayas and Emiliano Vargas.

His next set has become very well-known through social media. To the sounds of “Yo Perreo Sola”, Bad Bunny welcomes us to his “casita”. The small house that welcomed celebrity guests during his Puerto Rican residency. This casita, was no different with names like Karol G, Cardi B, Young Miko, Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal. There was a moment here where they pay homage to some of the biggest names in reggaeton including Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Tego Calderon, and more.

WE HAD TIME FOR A WEDDING???

In one the biggest moments of his performance, Bad Bunny then took us to a wedding. One which has been confirmed to have been real! The bar for couples has now been set ridiculously high. After the kiss, Lady Gaga is revealed singing a salsa version of her hit, “Die With A Smile” with the help of the salsa group, Los Sobrinos. Followed by an amazing party party atmosphere where Lady Gaga and Bad bunny along with the rest of the wedding party dance to the rhythm of “Baile Inolvidable”.

The scene encapsulated what so many Latin fiestas feel like. Even nailing the sight of a child sleeping on a couple of chairs. This was also a powerful statement that showcased two of the biggest pop stars, one Latin, one not, blending their music, sharing the stage, and having fun together, united.

A TRIP TO NEW YORK AND A MESSAGE OF UNITY

Now despite being on the west coast, Bud Bunny now transports us to a neighborhood in New York with his hit “Nuevayol”. Here we take a pause to the most heart-warming moments of his performance. We see a Puerto Rican family watching Bad Bunny win his Grammy. This is followed by Bad Bunny walking over and handing the child his award. This could have a double meaning. The in simple terms could have just been a message of hope for children not to give up on his their dreams, just like he didn’t. It can also be interpreted as a an homage to Liam. The 5-year-old boy that was incarcerated by ICE in Minneapolis last month.

Then there was a surprise appearance by Ricky Martin. The beloved Latin popstar from the past taking us back to Puerto Rico. Where we now found Bad Bunny and dancers on power poles. This was a reference to the 11 months it took for power to be restored on the island after the devastating hurricane in 2017.

The end of the performance wraps up on a high note, with one of my favorite songs, “Café Con Ron.” This was Bad Bunny’s exclamation point, where he says “God Bless America!”, and proceeds to name all the countries in the Americas as the flags race through the field. All while a message on the jumbotron reads, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love”. The in the final moments he holds up a football that reads “Together, we are America”.

SHOWCASING THE REAL AMERICA

What stood out to me the most about the performance was Bad Bunny’s ability to tell his culture’s story in a positive way. There was no moment I felt he was trying to guilt anyone or fault anyone for the past. The more you understand about people’s culture the easier it is to find common ground and unity. Isn’t that what this country is all about? Throughout the performance he showed the amazing sides of Puerto Rican and Latin culture. Who thrive on hard work, community, music, and are always welcoming to those who want to embrace us.

Interestingly enough President Donald Trump reacted to the halftime show. Saying on social media it was “a slap to the face to our country”, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence”. This coming from the same person who posted a racist post about the Obamas just last Friday. I bring this up only to contrast a messages of division and hate versus one of resilience and love.

If you look at the halftime show from a broader perspective you will the the beauty in different cultures. As well as many similarities. Bad Bunny showcased that we don’t have hate for others. We just want to live and thrive together to be accepted for who we are, and to be free. In simpler terms to be what us as Americans have always meant to be.