Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Celebration of Identity and Conviction
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show was a masterclass in spectacle and showmanship, with Bad Bunny delivering a high-energy performance that left the packed Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, breathless. But what made this show truly special was the way it wove together music, culture, and identity into a seamless tapestry of entertainment.
One person who got to experience the magic firsthand was David Grutman, hospitality mogul and longtime friend of Bad Bunny. Speaking exclusively with Page Six, Grutman revealed that the vibes throughout the show were "amazing" and that he was blown away by the rapper's conviction and dedication to his craft.
For Grutman, who co-owns Miami restaurant Gekko with Bad Bunny, this performance was more than just a showcase of music – it was a celebration of identity. Born in Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny has long been an advocate for Latinx representation and cultural exchange. And on Sunday, he did just that, taking the stage to perform an entire set entirely in Spanish.
"It's his voice," Grutman explained of Bad Bunny's role in producing the show. "He was definitely in charge of the entire thing."
But what made this performance truly groundbreaking was the way it brought together a diverse cast of celebrities and performers. From Jessica Alba and Karol G to Pedro Pascal and Cardi B, the casita – a nod to Puerto Rican culture and Bad Bunny's roots – was packed with A-listers who got to let loose and have fun.
One person who stood out in particular was TikTok star Alix Earle, who served as the "face of Gen Z" for Bad Bunny's show. Grutman revealed that he was included in the performance because of his support for the rapper over the years, as well as his own work producing Earle's upcoming reality TV show with Netflix.
"I think having her be the face of Gen Z and so much of America is just a great thing," Grutman said. "He wanted to show a little bit of everything."
But what really made this performance special was the way it honored Bad Bunny's heritage. From his parents in attendance, proudly cheering on their son from the audience, to the wedding ceremony that took place mid-show – complete with Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin as surprise guests – every element of the performance felt carefully curated to celebrate identity and culture.
As for how Bad Bunny was able to pull off such a flawless set despite facing criticism over his nationality, Grutman believes it all comes down to conviction. "I think he just has so much confidence that he's going to deliver," he said. "It's special people like him that you come across in your life."
With the Super Bowl halftime show now cemented as one of the most memorable performances of the year, Bad Bunny is sure to go down in history as a trailblazer for Latinx representation and cultural exchange. And with Grutman by his side, it's clear that this partnership will continue to produce magic for years to come.
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show was a masterclass in spectacle and showmanship, with Bad Bunny delivering a high-energy performance that left the packed Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, breathless. But what made this show truly special was the way it wove together music, culture, and identity into a seamless tapestry of entertainment.
One person who got to experience the magic firsthand was David Grutman, hospitality mogul and longtime friend of Bad Bunny. Speaking exclusively with Page Six, Grutman revealed that the vibes throughout the show were "amazing" and that he was blown away by the rapper's conviction and dedication to his craft.
For Grutman, who co-owns Miami restaurant Gekko with Bad Bunny, this performance was more than just a showcase of music – it was a celebration of identity. Born in Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny has long been an advocate for Latinx representation and cultural exchange. And on Sunday, he did just that, taking the stage to perform an entire set entirely in Spanish.
"It's his voice," Grutman explained of Bad Bunny's role in producing the show. "He was definitely in charge of the entire thing."
But what made this performance truly groundbreaking was the way it brought together a diverse cast of celebrities and performers. From Jessica Alba and Karol G to Pedro Pascal and Cardi B, the casita – a nod to Puerto Rican culture and Bad Bunny's roots – was packed with A-listers who got to let loose and have fun.
One person who stood out in particular was TikTok star Alix Earle, who served as the "face of Gen Z" for Bad Bunny's show. Grutman revealed that he was included in the performance because of his support for the rapper over the years, as well as his own work producing Earle's upcoming reality TV show with Netflix.
"I think having her be the face of Gen Z and so much of America is just a great thing," Grutman said. "He wanted to show a little bit of everything."
But what really made this performance special was the way it honored Bad Bunny's heritage. From his parents in attendance, proudly cheering on their son from the audience, to the wedding ceremony that took place mid-show – complete with Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin as surprise guests – every element of the performance felt carefully curated to celebrate identity and culture.
As for how Bad Bunny was able to pull off such a flawless set despite facing criticism over his nationality, Grutman believes it all comes down to conviction. "I think he just has so much confidence that he's going to deliver," he said. "It's special people like him that you come across in your life."
With the Super Bowl halftime show now cemented as one of the most memorable performances of the year, Bad Bunny is sure to go down in history as a trailblazer for Latinx representation and cultural exchange. And with Grutman by his side, it's clear that this partnership will continue to produce magic for years to come.