Bad Bunny's performance at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show drew 128.2 million viewers, ranking fourth in history. The set celebrated Latin music with guest appearances and a message of unity across the Americas. A Nicaraguan flag waver became a viral sensation during the finale.
The 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, headlined by Bad Bunny on February 8, featured a 13-minute performance that highlighted Latin music through dances, set pieces, and collaborations. Bad Bunny shouted out countries from the Americas as flags were carried across the field by performers. He concluded by holding a football inscribed with 'Together We Are America' and performing an acoustic version of 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' with Los Pleneros de la Cresta.
Among the participants was William Rene Surian Ortiz, a 27-year-old from South Central Los Angeles, who is half Guatemalan and half Nicaraguan. Surian waved the Nicaraguan flag prominently during the finale after rushing to the front. 'I know my people had to be somewhere in that crowd,' he told Billboard. 'Our directions were to stay in a line, and I was like, “I want to go to the front” y me fui! (and I fled!).'
Surian, who works as a billboard installer, retail stocker, model, and stylist, was cast through agencies Kids of Immigrants and Esprit Casting. The process involved a nondisclosure agreement and three weeks of rehearsals starting in January, with Bad Bunny present at each. 'What I learned from him is that he tells his story with subliminal messages,' Surian said.
Guest stars included Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, and Karol G among the dancers. Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance for a Latin version of her collaboration with Bruno Mars, 'Die With A Smile,' joined by Los Pleneros de la Cresta. Ricky Martin introduced 'El apagón' with an excerpt from 'LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii.' Bad Bunny also appeared to give one of his three recent Grammy wins to a young boy onstage.
Nielsen and Adobe Analytics data showed 128.2 million viewers, behind Kendrick Lamar's 133.5 million from the previous year, Michael Jackson in 1993, and Usher in 2024. Social media views reached four billion in 24 hours, per Ripple Analytics.
The show followed controversy, with attacks from the MAGA movement and Donald Trump calling the booking 'crazy.' ICE presence added tension, given Bad Bunny's prior concerns about raids. A billboard read: 'The only thing more powerful than hate is love.' Jennifer Lopez and Shakira offered support, referencing their 2020 Super Bowl collaboration with Bad Bunny.
Surian's moment went viral, boosting his social media followers from 1,500 to over 50,000. It was celebrated in Nicaragua, including by Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios. 'It was not a show, it was a protest,' Surian said. 'I’m representing everyone—not just Nicaraguans—that feel that they are not heard.'
