Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show Guest Choice Ignites Fan Controversy
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny delivered a highly anticipated halftime show during Sunday's Super Bowl, but his choice of surprise guest performer has sparked significant backlash among fans. While the rapper brought out pop icon Lady Gaga for a salsa rendition of her ballad Die with a Smile, many viewers expressed confusion and disappointment that he did not feature Cardi B instead, despite her presence on stage.
Fan Outrage Over Missed Collaboration Opportunity
Throughout the performance, Bad Bunny was surrounded by a host of A-list celebrities, including actors and musicians, who cheered him on from a pink, house-inspired stage reminiscent of his Puerto Rico residency shows. Among them was bilingual rapper Cardi B, of Dominican and Trinidadian descent, who was visibly present but did not perform. This decision left numerous fans questioning why Bad Bunny opted for Lady Gaga over his past collaborator.
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with critical comments. One user tweeted, 'I can't believe Cardi B actually said yes but Bad Bunny didn't invite her to perform.' Another described it as a 'blunder' that he did not perform his 2018 hit I Like It with Cardi B and J Balvin, noting that Cardi B was 'literally on stage and they didn't do' their collaborative song.
Criticism of Lady Gaga's Inclusion
Many fans argued that Bad Bunny should have invited a fellow Spanish-speaking musician, given the Latin-themed nature of his set. One social media user expressed anger, stating that Lady Gaga's feature felt 'so random,' especially since Cardi B has a song with Bad Bunny and her partner was playing in the game. Another tweet criticized the choice, saying, 'Why wouldn't he get Cardi B instead? He has a song with her and her bf was playing the game.'
Further complaints highlighted that during the performance of Gasolina, fans saw Cardi B on stage but neither she nor Daddy Yankee took the microphone. One particular critique focused on Lady Gaga's performance, calling it 'out of sync' and adding, 'It's not even funny.'
Performance Details and Mixed Reactions
Bad Bunny's halftime show was a vibrant montage of his hit songs, featuring stages designed to evoke Puerto Rican culture, including sugar cane mazes, fruit vendors, and community scenes. In the middle of the set, he surprised the audience by bringing out Lady Gaga, who wore a baby blue dress with a red hibiscus flower as an homage to Puerto Rico. After performing Die with a Smile, she joined Bad Bunny for a salsa dance break.
Despite the backlash, some fans praised the decision. One supporter joked on social media, 'That's my Latina sister Lady Guadalupe Hernandez Gagita y'all,' showing appreciation for the crossover performance. Lady Gaga, who headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2017, recently made headlines for her interaction with Bad Bunny at the Grammys, adding context to their collaboration.
Additional Guest Performers and Setlist
Beyond Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny's show included other notable guests. He brought out Ricky Martin to perform Lo que le pasó a Hawaii, a track from his latest LP, Debí Tirar Más Fotos. The setlist featured a mix of fan favorites, such as Titi Me Pregunto, Yo Perreo Sola, Safaera, and Monaco, culminating with songs like El Apagón and the title track from his recent album.
As the performance concluded, the debate continued online, with many expressing that while the show was powerful and anticipated, the choice of guest performer left a segment of the audience feeling let down by the missed opportunity to highlight Latin artists like Cardi B.
