In brief
Super Bowl 2026 featured a vibrant halftime show led by Latin megastar Bad Bunny, who shared the stage with other music icons like Lady Gaga and Cardi B. However, the performance drew mixed reactions, with President Trump criticizing it as 'terrible.' Meanwhile, AI companies took center stage in the ads, including Serena Williams' controversial endorsement of a weight loss drug. A conservative-alternating halftime performance by Kid Rock also made headlines.
Latin megastar Bad Bunny performed a medley of his top hits at the Super Bowl on Sunday in a star-studded show that was criticised as 'terrible' by the US president.
The Puerto Rican singer, also known as Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, was joined on stage by a host of fellow music stars including Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and Cardi B.
Sitting in the stands, Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton made their first major public appearance together, after weeks of speculation about their romance.
Fellow musical superstars Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Jessica Alba joined the dancers on stage alongside Bad Bunny, who was the world's most played artist in 2025 on Spotify. The performance, described as 'joyous, elaborate, unapologetic' by Variety Magazine, featured symbols of Puerto Rico and was sung mainly in Spanish.
US President Donald Trump, who did not attend this year's Super Bowl, called Bad Bunny's set 'absolutely terrible' and an 'affront to the greatness of America.' On the other hand, Governor of California Gavin Newsom praised the performance on social media.
In advertising, tennis champion Serena Williams featured in a commercial for a weight loss drug, attracting criticism from fans. AI companies also utilized the event for major marketing efforts, with ads featuring their latest technologies, including a jab at rival ChatGPT.
Meanwhile, a conservative halftime show featuring Kid Rock aired as a counter to Bad Bunny's performance, reflecting the divided cultural landscape surrounding this year's Super Bowl.
