"Music has always sparked different emotions, challenged societal norms, and fostered a sense of hope and joy. Every year, the Super Bowl attracts millions of viewers. Data shows that approximately 7 percent of viewers are die-hard sports fans, and the majority of viewers tune in for the halftime show (Turner & Douglas, 2026). In 2025, Billboard Music noted Kendrick Lamar set a new record for the most-watched performance, bringing in more than 133 million viewers. While some questioned whether Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper and singer, should be the artist to perform at Super Bowl LX, his performance spoke volumes."
"An estimated 135 to 142 million viewers watched the performance, setting a new record with Bad Bunny being the first artist to perform primarily in Spanish. The significance of this moment was not lost on the world as his performance highlighted Latinx1 culture and referenced the sociopolitical climate in the United States. Psychological science has explored the impact of creative and expressive arts as a source of empowerment, resistance, joy, and hope (French et al., 2020; Turner & Douglas, 2026)."
"On Instagram, @missangelina.com_ shared some historical significance of his performance, providing examples of the symbolism in the halftime show from the references to slavery in Puerto Rico, history of colonization, and gentrification. The history of oppression and colonization is not unique to Puerto Rico. This is the foundation of the United States history that continues to impact many individuals in the present day."
Bad Bunny became the first artist to perform primarily in Spanish at the Super Bowl, with an estimated 135 to 142 million viewers setting a new record. The halftime show highlighted Latinx culture and referenced the sociopolitical climate in the United States, including symbolism tied to slavery in Puerto Rico, colonization, and gentrification. Psychological research links creative and expressive arts to empowerment, resistance, joy, improved self-esteem, connectedness, and greater life satisfaction. The Super Bowl platform amplified cultural identity and shared experience, demonstrating how collective music-based rituals can promote resilience and psychological survival across communities.
Read at Psychology Today
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