Lady Gaga’s surprise appearance during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance is sparking backlash
Fans have been left divided over Lady Gaga’s surprise guest appearance during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show performance on Sunday (8 February).
Bad Bunny left audiences stunned after putting on a dazzling 13-minute set during the performance, which saw the 31-year-old Grammy winner make history as the first Super Bowl headliner to perform almost entirely in Spanish.
Around halfway through the set, Lady Gaga appeared on stage to sing a special salsa-inspired rendition of her 2024 hit 'Die With A Smile', with Bad Bunny joining her during the energy-filled wedding party sequence.
The halftime show was a wonderful celebration of Latin culture in America, but it's clear some individuals were confused at Lady Gaga's inclusion, given the fact that she is Italian-American and not Latin.
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Some critics flocked to social media to share their thoughts, with one X user hitting out: "Gaga taking the spot of a Latina woman at the Super Bowl when she already had her own halftime show…"
"Why tf is Lady Gaga singing at the Super Bowl. Doesn’t even follow the vibe," penned a second, as a third echoed: "I love Gaga, but to be honest, she ruined the whole vibe with this, it felt so out of place."
A third chimed in: "Unpopular opinion: I’m in love with Lady Gaga, BUT this wasn’t her place. Here would have fit a Gloria Estefan singing Mi Tierra, Thalia singing Amor A La Mexicana, Shakira singing Donde Estan Los Ladrones, and so many others.
"It was beautiful but with zero symbolism. Such a shame."
A few viewers highlighted the fact that there were a handful of super-talented Latino artists inside Bad Bunny’s Casita during the performance with Cardi B, Karol G, and Young Miko spotted alongside Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal.
"Calling an American to sing while two Latina artists just stand there dancing is a choice," fumed a fourth critic.
Others, however, didn't agree with such sentiments, with many pointing out that it was ultimately Bad Bunny's choice to bring Lady Gaga out for the history-making performance.
"Ok, anyone who is not happy that Lady Gaga was in the Super Bowl, just remember she has always been super respectful to the Latinos. She was invited to the Benitobowl cause Bad Bunny is actually one of her biggest fans," urged a fifth person.
"Literally he dresses up in her merch, and i dont blame him cause she's cool af. She always stood up/and still does for the people with voices shunned by society. She always gives them a platform to shine. SO YES SHE DESERVES TO BE THERE. As a Latina, I approve of Mother Monster being there for us Latinos."
And a final fan commented: "Imagine growing up admiring Lady Gaga from afar and someday getting to DANCE with her on the biggest stage in the planet… wow, Bad Bunny really made it."
Tyla has reached out to both Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny's representatives for comment.
Topics: Lady Gaga, Celebrity, Politics, US News, Bad Bunny, Super Bowl, Music, Social Media
Rhiannon Ingle