Super Bowl LX is shattering expectations in the best possible way.
For the first time in NFL history, multi-Grammy-winning Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline a Spanish language-dominant solo halftime performance.
While Latin powerhouses like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez have previously electrified audiences, this groundbreaking moment celebrates something much bigger—Latin music’s explosive global reach and recognition of over 40 million Spanish speakers across America.
As Super Bowl 60 festivities approach, here’s a look back at magnificent moments when Hispanic artists commanded center stage during football’s biggest cultural event.
Gloria Estefan Breaks Ground in 1992
Gloria Estefan made history as the first Hispanic artist to perform at Super Bowl halftime in 1992. Performing “Live for Loving You” and “Get on Your Feet” from a 50-foot elevated platform, she closed out the “Winter Magic” themed show in Minneapolis with signature Cuban-American flair.
Seven years later, Estefan returned alongside Stevie Wonder and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Super Bowl XXXIII. As part of the “A Celebration of Soul, Salsa and Swing” halftime show in Miami, she performed her single “Oye,” seamlessly blending Spanish and English lyrics in a performance that honored her cultural roots.
Arturo Sandoval Delivers Trumpet Mastery
Sandoval and Latin Pop group Miami Sound Machine shared Super Bowl XXIX’s halftime stage with Patti LaBelle and Tony Bennett in 1995. Sandoval delivered an unforgettable trumpet solo during Bennett’s rendition of Duke Ellington’s classic “Caravan.”
Titled “Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye,” the elaborate production featured more than 1,000 performers, including dancers, acrobats, and jugglers. The spectacular finale showcased “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” with every performer uniting onstage in a moment of pure entertainment magic.
Christina Aguilera and Enrique Iglesias Ring in the Millennium
Disney produced an ambitious Super Bowl XXXIV halftime show in Atlanta featuring Hispanic pop sensations Christina Aguilera and Enrique Iglesias. In front of over 70,000 fans, both co-headliners performed “Celebrate the Future Hand in Hand” on a massive circular stage.
This elaborate millennium celebration also featured Phil Collins, Toni Braxton, an 80-person choir, and Edward James Olmos as narrator, creating an unforgettable Y2K moment.
Bruno Mars Makes History at 28
Bruno Mars became the youngest artist to solo-headline Super Bowl halftime when he took center stage at Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. Mars, then just 28 years old, commanded attention alongside his eight-member band, The Hooligans—which includes his older brother Eric “E-Panda” Hernandez on drums.
Outfitted in matching Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane suits, the group performed a six-song set featuring a special guest appearance by Red Hot Chili Peppers. The show culminated in a joint performance of “Give It Away” that brought down the house.
Two years later, Mars returned as a special guest at Super Bowl 50, performing “Uptown Funk” and joining Beyoncé and Coldplay during their legendary collaboration.
Gustavo Dudamel Brings Classical Brilliance
LA Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel and Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) joined Coldplay’s halftime performance at Super Bowl 50. The Venezuelan conductor directed YOLA members in performances of “Viva La Vida” and “Paradise” alongside Coldplay at Levi’s Stadium.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin personally invited Dudamel to participate in the halftime show, which drew 115.5 million viewers worldwide.
Fergie and Taboo of Black Eyed Peas Represent
Two Black Eyed Peas members brought Hispanic heritage to Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Taboo Nawasha, born Jaime Luis Gomez, has Mexican and Native American roots, while Fergie shares Mexican ancestry through her great-grandmother from Guanajuato, Mexico.
Their eight-song halftime set included smash hits “I Gotta Feeling” and “Let’s Get It Started.” Guest performances by Usher and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash helped attract 110.2 million viewers.
Shakira and J Lo Create Magic
Shakira and Jennifer Lopez made history in 2020 as the first Hispanic duo to co-headline a Super Bowl halftime show. On the same day Shakira turned 43, she opened with “She Wolf,” “Empire,” and “Ojos Así,” delivering a performance dripping with Colombian pride.
As the show climaxed, both superstars teamed up for a grand finale of “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” during which Shakira showcased the Afro-Colombian dance champeta. Super Bowl LIV’s halftime show drew an estimated 103 million viewers.
Jennifer Lopez Champions Latina Empowerment
Jennifer Lopez’s seven-minute segment celebrated Latin culture and Latina empowerment with powerhouse hits like “Jenny from the Block” and “Ain’t it Funny.” Her then-11-year-old daughter, Emme Maribel Muñiz, performed “Let’s Get Loud,” delivering a powerful message about immigration policies.
Lopez wore a stunning double-sided feather cape featuring both American and Puerto Rican flags while her daughter sang “Born in the U.S.A.” The entire 14-minute production won an Emmy and received four additional nominations.
J Balvin Makes Jordan Brand History
The Colombian icon known as “Reggaeton’s Global Ambassador” energized Super Bowl LIV alongside Jennifer Lopez during a thrilling mash-up of “Qué Calor” and “Mi Gente.” During his performance, J Balvin wore his Air Jordan 1 collaboration.
This marked the first partnership between a Latin artist and Jordan Brand, with the shoe’s halftime debut creating massive cultural impact.
Bad Bunny’s Journey From Guest to Headliner
Bad Bunny appeared as a surprise guest during Shakira’s cover of “I Like It” at the Miami halftime show. The Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton star performed his verse from Cardi B’s 2018 hit, which blends Spanish lyrics seamlessly into the mix.
Both artists followed up with a collaboration on Shakira’s popular Spanish track “Chantaje,” setting the stage for his historic 2026 return. Bad Bunny will become the first Latin American male artist to headline a Super Bowl halftime show, cementing Latin music’s dominant position in global culture.
This isn’t just entertainment—it’s cultural evolution in real time.