Racism exists, has always existed, and will continue to exist. In fact, racism was the second major problem the early church faced when it realized that the Gospel was not only for the Jews but for the entire world. The apostle Paul, appointed as the apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people), even confronted Peter, who did not want to be seen with the Gentiles when they were gathering with Jews.
The problem today is that everything is reduced to racism, and in doing so, we kill respectful and meaningful debates about the issues that truly affect us as a society.
As of 2026, there have been 60 Super Bowl Halftime Shows since the event began in 1967 (including Super Bowl LX). While there are no official statistics categorizing performers by race, a historical review shows a clear mix of artists: many white performers from pop and rock genres; a significant presence of Black/African American artists, especially in R&B and hip-hop; and a growing number of Latino artists (such as Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and Bad Bunny).
If the main performers are grouped by predominant racial or cultural background, approximately 60–65% have been white, 25–30% Black/African American, and 5–10% Latino or other Spanish-speaking artists through 2026 (based on a count of primary headliners).
Among the five most-watched Halftime Shows in the United States, according to Nielsen audience estimates, are:
- Kendrick Lamar (Black, 133.5M),
- Michael Jackson (Black, 133.4M),
- Usher (Black, ~123.4M),
- Rihanna (Black, ~121M), and
- Katy Perry (White, ~118.5M).
These numbers may vary slightly depending on the source and specific measurement year, but the data clearly show that African American artists dominate the historical top audience rankings in the United States. This weakens the argument that the Super Bowl is a racially exclusionary event.
Some of the criticism toward Bad Bunny does not necessarily revolve around his global fame, but rather around perceived recognition within the traditional English-speaking Super Bowl audience. Although he is one of the most streamed artists in the world and has dominated international streaming charts in recent years, part of the American audience that primarily consumes English-language music may not be as familiar with his catalog.
Additionally, his decision to perform mostly in Spanish — something entirely consistent with his artistic identity — was viewed by some as a break from the historical expectation of an event that many perceive as culturally “American” in the Anglo sense. However, the Super Bowl has also evolved to reflect the real demographic and cultural diversity of the United States, where Spanish is the second most spoken language and Latino influence is undeniable.
On the other hand, some interpreted his emphasis on Puerto Rican culture, along with critical statements he has made in the past regarding political or social issues related to the United States, as a lack of deference toward the host nation. From that perspective, the debate would not be about race, but about message, tone, and perceived respect in an event considered a national symbol.
However, it can also be argued that expressing cultural pride does not necessarily imply contempt for another nation. The United States, like Puerto Rico, faces internal challenges, and both peoples maintain strong feelings of identity and pride. Tension arises when cultural pride, political discourse, and a national stage intersect at the same public moment, generating different interpretations depending on the sensitivity of the viewer.
In conclusion, from this perspective, the Super Bowl is first and foremost an American event that has historically functioned as a cultural celebration of the United States — of its sport, its national identity, and its sense of patriotism. Under that view, the halftime show should reflect unity, national pride, and entertainment, not become a political platform nor a space to exclusively exalt another culture without recognizing the context of the event.
When the central message is perceived as shifting away from that focus, some viewers react not for racial reasons, but because they believe the symbolic nature of the event is being altered.
Furthermore, the history of the Super Bowl demonstrates that there is no pattern of racial exclusion in the halftime show. Several of the most-watched and celebrated shows have been headlined by African American artists. From this critical perspective, the discussion surrounding Bad Bunny would not primarily revolve around his race, but around two specific factors that concern certain sectors: the perception of vulgarity in parts of his music and lyrics, and statements or positions that some interpret as anti-American.
Thus, the debate is better understood as a conflict over message, content, and national symbolism rather than a racial issue in itself. I believe that the number one qualification for the Halftime Show is not merely fame in the United States, but love and respect for this nation.
References (APA 7th ed.)
Wikipedia. (2026). List of Super Bowl halftime shows. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Super_Bowl_halftime_shows
BeIN Sports. (2026). The 5 most watched Super Bowl halftime shows ever. Retrieved from https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/american-football/articles/the-5-most-watched-super-bowl-halftime-shows-ever-2026-02-04
#SuperBowl, #HalftimeShow, #MessageMatters, #NotRacism, #CulturalDebate, #Patriotism, #NationalPride, #RespectForTheNation, #CultureAndMessage, #NationalIdentity, #FreedomOfExpression, #NationalUnity, #Values, #NationalSymbolism, #PuertoRico, #UnitedStates, #MutualRespect, #RespectfulDebate
Leave a Reply