Home MusicBad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show attracted 128.2 million viewers, ranking as the fourth-most watched ever

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show attracted 128.2 million viewers, ranking as the fourth-most watched ever

by Steve Smith
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Super Bowl LX will be remembered not just for the action on the field, but for a halftime spectacle that captivated millions across the globe. Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show attracted 128.2 million viewers, ranking as the fourth-most watched ever, cementing his status as one of the most influential global artists of the decade.

A Performance That Made History

When Bad Bunny — born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — took the stage, he delivered a vibrant, high-energy set that blended reggaeton, Latin trap, and powerful cultural symbolism. According to data released by Nielsen Big Data + Panel, an estimated 128.2 million viewers tuned in to witness the performance.

Notably, it was the first Super Bowl halftime show performed almost entirely in Spanish, marking a milestone for representation on one of America’s biggest stages.

Although the performance did not surpass last year’s record-breaking show by Kendrick Lamar (133.5 million viewers), it now stands as the fourth-most watched halftime performance in Super Bowl history. It trails only:

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  • Kendrick Lamar (133.5 million)

  • Michael Jackson in 1993 (133.4 million)

  • Usher in 2024 (129.3 million)

That places Bad Bunny firmly among the most iconic halftime performers of all time.

Record-Breaking Viewership for Super Bowl LX

Beyond halftime, Super Bowl LX shattered additional records. NBC reported that the game’s second half reached a staggering 137.8 million viewers at its peak — the highest viewership ever recorded for a U.S. television broadcast.

As the Seahawks extended their halftime advantage into a commanding 29–13 victory, audiences remained glued to their screens. Overall, Nielsen confirmed that this year’s game became the second most-watched Super Bowl in history, just behind last year’s 127.7 million viewers. It also earned the distinction of being the most-watched program in NBCUniversal history.

A Cultural Celebration — and Political Debate

Bad Bunny’s performance wasn’t just about music; it carried a deeper cultural message. Joined by surprise guests Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, he paid tribute to his Puerto Rican heritage with pride and passion.

The show sparked mixed reactions. Some conservative commentators — including Donald Trump — voiced criticism. However, many viewers saw the performance as a powerful moment of unity.

The set concluded with Bad Bunny shouting “God Bless America!” while listing countries across the Americas, before holding up a football bearing the message: “Together we are America.” For supporters, the message resonated as a call for solidarity during a politically tense period in the United States.

Spanish-Language Milestone

Bad Bunny’s global appeal was also reflected in Spanish-language broadcasting numbers. Telemundo averaged 3.3 million viewers for its Super Bowl coverage — the highest in the network’s history.

Halftime alone peaked at an average of 4.8 million viewers on Telemundo, making it the most-watched Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime broadcast ever.

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show attracted 128.2 million viewers, ranking as the fourth-most watched ever

Social Media Dominance

The impact extended far beyond traditional television. In the first 24 hours after the performance, total social media consumption — across fan accounts, official platforms, broadcasters, and influencers — reached a staggering four billion views. That figure represents a 137% increase compared to the previous year.

Additionally, more than 55% of all NFL-related social media views came from international audiences, underscoring Bad Bunny’s worldwide influence.

Comparing Alternate Halftime Streams

Meanwhile, Turning Point USA hosted an alternative livestream titled the “All-American Halftime Show,” featuring Kid Rock and several country artists. The event garnered 19 million YouTube views within its first 24 hours.

By comparison, Bad Bunny’s official YouTube replay surpassed 24 million views in the same time frame — in addition to the historic television audience. According to The New York Times, while over 128 million viewers tuned in for what some dubbed the “Benito Bowl,” roughly 6.1 million concurrent viewers were watching the alternative livestream, which faced technical issues during the broadcast.

A Defining Super Bowl Performance

From record-setting television audiences to unprecedented social media engagement, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show attracted 128.2 million viewers, ranking as the fourth-most watched ever — a milestone that reflects both his cultural influence and the growing power of Latin music on the global stage.

Super Bowl LX wasn’t just a sporting event; it became a cultural moment — one that proved music, identity, and unity can command the attention of the entire world.

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