Super Bowl 60 was packed with storylines, but one of the most emotional moments of the night came not from the field, but from the halftime stage-where global superstar Bad Bunny delivered a performance that hit far deeper than just music.
Performing in front of a roaring crowd at Levi’s Stadium and a global audience of over 100 million, Bad Bunny brought his signature blend of Latin rhythm, energy, and showmanship to the NFL’s biggest night. But behind the lights, choreography, and surprise guest appearances, there was a personal tribute stitched into the fabric of his performance-literally.
Wearing a shirt with the number 64 and the name “OCASIO” emblazoned on the back, Bad Bunny wasn’t just repping his own last name. That jersey was a heartfelt nod to his late uncle Cutito, a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan who played a pivotal role in introducing him to the NFL.
“1964 is the year my uncle Cutito was born,” Bad Bunny shared. “The little I know about the NFL is thanks to him.”
Growing up in Puerto Rico, the artist-whose full name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio-spent countless Januarys and early Februarys watching NFL playoff games with his uncle, who would return home from the U.S. each winter. Those moments, watching the postseason with Cutito, became a tradition.
And the 49ers? That was their team.
So when Bad Bunny took the stage at Levi’s Stadium-the very home of the 49ers-for the Super Bowl halftime show, it was more than just a performance. It was a full-circle moment.
“My uncle passed away two years ago, shortly after the 49ers lost to Kansas City in the 2024 Super Bowl,” he said. “I always dreamed of taking him to a Super Bowl, and I couldn’t. He left unexpectedly.”
That dream may have gone unfulfilled, but the tribute was unmistakable. “I decided to have him on my shirt: OCASIO, his last name, the same as my mother’s, and his birth year, 64,” Bad Bunny explained.
“I dedicated my performance to him before it began. I’m sure he saw it.
He was present. And he felt proud of his nephew.”
And in a poetic twist, the tribute came at the very stadium his uncle’s favorite team calls home. “Now all that’s left,” he added, “is the day the 49ers win another Super Bowl.”
While many initially assumed the name on the jersey simply referenced Bad Bunny’s own surname, the deeper meaning added an emotional layer to a performance already packed with cultural pride and purpose.
The show itself was a vibrant celebration of Latin identity and unity. With all his songs performed in Spanish, Bad Bunny still made a point to connect with the broader audience, shouting “God bless America” mid-show and highlighting not just the United States, but every country across the Americas. It was a message of inclusivity, broadcast from one of the world’s biggest stages.
He even brought out Lady Gaga for a surprise appearance, a moment that added to the spectacle but didn’t overshadow the performance’s core message. As the final notes rang out, a message lit up the Levi’s Stadium screen: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
The show was widely praised for its energy, cultural significance, and emotional depth. But not everyone was on board.
Former President Donald Trump took to his TruthSocial platform to voice his disapproval, calling the halftime show “absolutely terrible” and “an affront to the Greatness of America.” He criticized everything from the language of the performance to the choreography, claiming it was inappropriate for younger viewers.
Still, for many watching-especially those who saw themselves reflected in Bad Bunny’s music, message, and moment-the performance was anything but empty. It was a tribute, a celebration, and a reminder that the Super Bowl halftime show isn’t just about entertainment. Sometimes, it’s about legacy.
And for Bad Bunny, that legacy is personal.
