Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Draws 128.2 Million Viewers, Making History
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Bad Bunny’s halftime show during Super Bowl LX contributed to record-breaking viewership, marking the highest peak in U.S. television history. Although he did not surpass Kendrick Lamar’s performance as the most-watched halftime show, Nielsen reported on February 10 that approximately 128.2 million viewers watched Bad Bunny’s star-studded performance, making it the first halftime show predominantly performed in Spanish.
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This performance ranks as one of the most-watched halftime shows in Super Bowl history, securing fourth place overall, trailing only Kendrick Lamar’s 133.5 million viewers last year, Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance with 133.4 million viewers, and Usher’s 2024 showing at 129.3 million viewers.
Moreover, NBC reported that the second half of the game garnered an all-time media record of 137.8 million viewers, cementing the highest peak viewership in U.S. television history as the Seahawks extended their halftime lead from 6-0 to a 29-13 victory.
Overall, Nielsen indicated that Sunday’s game was the second most-watched Super Bowl ever, following last year’s 127.7 million viewers. It also became the highest-rated show in NBCUniversal’s history.
While Bad Bunny’s performance, featuring guests Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, drew criticism from some, including former President Trump, many saw the show as a heartfelt tribute to his Puerto Rican roots. The performance concluded with the singer shouting “God Bless America!” and displaying a football emblazoned with the message “Together we are America.”
Reflecting Bad Bunny’s international appeal, the Telemundo broadcast averaged 3.3 million viewers, marking the most-watched Super Bowl in U.S. Spanish-language history. Viewership peaked during the halftime show, reaching an average of 4.8 million viewers.
On social media, Bad Bunny’s performance generated record total consumption, amassing four billion views within the first 24 hours—a 137% increase from the previous year. Notably, over half (55%) of all NFL social views originated from international markets.
In comparison, Turning Point USA’s pre-taped “All-American Halftime Show,” featuring Kid Rock and others, attracted 19 million views on YouTube in its first 24 hours, while Bad Bunny’s YouTube replay surpassed that number, reaching over 24 million views in the same timeframe. According to The New York Times, amid the larger viewership of the Benito Bowl, approximately 6.1 million concurrent viewers were watching the glitchy, out-of-sync alternative show.
