Los Angeles, CA – Members of Bad Bunny’s performance crew described his Super Bowl LVIII halftime show as a deliberate and resounding tribute to Puerto Rican culture, following Sunday’s performance in Inglewood, California. The show, which featured a medley of the artist’s hits and vibrant visual elements, was more than entertainment, they said. it was a carefully constructed statement of identity and pride.
Chris, a backup dancer who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, spoke with TMZ Sports at LAX on Monday, expressing his astonishment at the cultural impact of the performance. “I was blown away myself,” he said. “I feel like it’s such a monumental moment culturally. Everything they did culturally, I feel like they tapped in perfectly.” He added that the show successfully captured both the hardships and the beauty inherent in growing up on the island.
The production wasn’t simply a performance for Bad Bunny; it was a collaborative effort he oversaw with meticulous attention to detail. According to Chris, Benito, as Bad Bunny is known to his team, remained actively involved throughout rehearsals, consistently offering creative input and ensuring that every aspect of the show aligned with his artistic vision. “Doing this was beyond me,” Chris stated. “I was fortunate enough to be a part of this and it’ll be part of history forever.”
A particularly striking moment of the performance involved Victor Villa, owner of Villa’s Tacos in Los Angeles, who unexpectedly found himself onstage during the opening number, “Tití Me Preguntó.” Bad Bunny emerged from a set resembling sugar cane fields, received a shaved ice from a street vendor, and then passed it to Villa, who was positioned behind a taco cart.
Villa described the experience as a gesture of unity and recognition. “I thank Benito for that, for bringing all the Latinos together and really giving us a platform to not only share our craft but to meet other amazing people who made an amazing show,” he told TMZ Sports. He also noted a surge in business since the performance, but emphasized that the most meaningful aspect was Bad Bunny’s character, describing him as “a man of so much love.”
The Super Bowl performance has already drawn a range of reactions. According to reports from the Associated Press, former President Donald Trump characterized the show as “a slap in the face to our country.” Although, the crew members interviewed focused on the positive reception within the Latino community and the broader cultural significance of the event.
The setlist, as reported by Mashable, included a range of Bad Bunny’s popular songs, showcasing his musical versatility and appeal. The performance incorporated visual references to Puerto Rican culture, as detailed by TODAY.com, including elements of the island’s landscape and traditions.
The show’s impact extends beyond entertainment, serving as a powerful statement about cultural representation on a global stage. The crew members’ accounts suggest that Bad Bunny intentionally used the Super Bowl platform to celebrate his heritage and uplift the Latino community.
