The 2026 Super Bowl was filled with musical performances across genres and showcased a dynamic blend of voices. From pop-punk energy to Latin pop spectacle, the opening acts and halftime show invited audiences to experience not just music, but culture and storytelling at its largest scale.

Punk rock icons Green Day kicked off the opening ceremony performing some of their popular anthems including “Holiday,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “American Idiot.”

Despite controversy surrounding the inclusion of a particular line in “American Idiot,” the East Bay band had electrifying energy. Towering amps flanked the stage while fog jets and LED lights transformed the field into a full-scale rock spectacle.

Former Disney star Coco Jones paid homage to Whitney Houston in her performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” widely recognized as the Black national anthem. Jones wore a white headband and a structured, striped white jacket reminiscent of Houston’s iconic 1991 Super Bowl performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Jones evoked a similar sense of reverence and poise.

Accompanied by an all-Black orchestra, her voluminous white skirt draped down and encapsulated her circular platform. A vocally demanding anthem that spans a wide range, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” requires both power and control. Jones delivered with graceful precision and expressive riffs.

Eleven-time Grammy winner Brandi Carlile delivered a heartwarming rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Simple and still, the performance communicated a sense of hope.

Accompanied by a cello and violin, Carlile’s folk-inspired performance set the patriotic tone that continued into the next performance.

Charlie Puth concluded the opening ceremony with a solo performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” backing himself on keyboard and delivering a smooth, pleasing rendition of the high-pressure and immensely famous national anthem. Following his performance, social media has declared the “perfect pitch” singer an underrated artist.

Growing emotional as the jets soared above the field right after his final note, Puth has received wide praise for his performance.

With the Seattle Seahawks up 9-0, Bad Bunny’s halftime show sprang into action with dozens of tree-like figures filling the field. The Puerto Rican singer opened with his 2022 hit “Tití Me Preguntó” as he walked through the field of sugarcane interacting with other performers.

The individuals he shared the stage with included old friends playing games with beer, nail technicians, taco truck owners — even an actual wedding, complete with a bride and groom. About nine minutes into the performance, a family appeared onscreen watching Bad Bunny’s Grammy acceptance speech from the previous weekend, where he won Album of the Year.

A bird’s-eye view shot revealed the intricate patterns and formations of the dancers and set pieces, highlighting the full scale of the production. As performers moved seamlessly between circles and sharp lines, the sheer number of bodies filling the field became apparent. The constant motion sustained the show’s momentum, reinforcing the energetic and fluid atmosphere unfolding on the field.

After moving through the dancers, Bad Bunny approached a bar and knocked a shot back. According to The New York Times, the woman who served Bad Bunny a shot of liquor is Maria Antonia Cay, also known as Toñita, who runs one of the last Puerto Rican social clubs in New York. Initially hesitant to join, Cay appeared on the field in a replica of her storefront.

“I was emotional, but I was not nervous,” she said in Spanish. “The show was marvelous and exceptional. We are proud of having participated in such a huge moment.”

These normal people reveal Bad Bunny’s intent to show authenticity. Real individuals are shown taking pride in their work, their communities and the connections they share with others. The performance highlights the richness and vibrancy of immigrant culture, celebrating traditions, creativity and resilience.

Through music and visual storytelling, the show emphasizes finding joy in everyday life and the importance of community. The performance presented a positive and inclusive portrayal of culture and shared human experiences.

This approach is a very deliberate response to the backlash Bad Bunny received after being announced as the headliner of the halftime show.

Singing purely in Spanish and publicly condemning ICE prompted many conservative commentators to object to his performance. Despite the controversy, his message was to show the joy people can have when they come together in unity.

Bad Bunny stood out against the lush greenery in an off-white outfit, featuring a jersey embellished with his last name, Ocasio, on the back. His monochrome look and shoulder pads made him the center of attention during the large ensemble show.

In an unexpected appearance, Lady Gaga joined a Latin band to perform a salsa-infused rendition of the Grammy-winning hit “Die With a Smile.” Gaga was very lively and was dancing along to her vocals during her short but joyful performance.

An additional surprise guest, Latin pop star Ricky Martin performed “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,” a song from Bad Bunny’s newest album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. The stage was dressed in lavish trees and two white chairs, almost an exact copy of the album cover.

Other Latin stars joined the celebration including Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Karol G and Cardi B.

University of Tennessee senior Andrea Kelliher shared her thoughts on the performance as a student studying theater.

“I was surprised that a pop star had such theatrics in his performance,” she said. “I could tell that a lot of time and effort went into the set design with the piragua stand and land they depicted for Puerto Rican culture.”

The numerous bands, dancers, actors, other performers and groups could have created a chaotic scene — however, it was executed seamlessly. The amount of rehearsal and preparation in every aspect is impressive and clear.

The set design is one of the greatest aspects. Compared to past shows, there has been a trend of white, geometrical sets, with many including close-up shots of deeply conformed spaces. This execution is entirely different and fresh, offering wide spaces and nature. There is an element of humanity that makes every viewer feel some level of connection.

Bad Bunny ended his performance with messages of unity.

“God Bless America,” Bad Bunny said, before listing countries across South and Central America and Caribbean regions, along with the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

As he spoke, flags that represented each nation waved behind him, carried by members of the ensemble. He held a football printed with the phrase, “Together, we are America,” while the Jumbotron displayed the message, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

Bad Bunny’s performance carried a profound cultural and social significance, operating as a political statement itself. Despite criticism from some viewers, his show leaned into representation and unity. Every choice felt artistically intentional to communicate the message Bad Bunny and the rest of the cast wanted to send.

True entertainment captures attention, challenges perspective and sparks conversation — and Bad Bunny did just that.