Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Touchdown vs. the "All-American" Alternative: A Latino Christian Take on Culture, Jesus, and What Really Matters

When Two Halftime Shows Collide – One in Spanish, One in Patriotism

Friends, we sat down as Christians, as Latinos, as husband and wife, to watch both Super Bowl halftime moments this year. One was the official Apple Music Halftime Show headlined by Bad Bunny – the first mostly-in-Spanish performance in Super Bowl history, packed with Puerto Rican pride, sugarcane fields, rooftop parties, a real wedding, surprise guests like Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, and bold statements about identity, flags, and what "America" really means. The other was Turning Point USA's "All-American Halftime Show" – country vibes, Kid Rock closing with a gospel-tinged message about dusty Bibles and second chances, heavy on patriotism and faith-flavored Americana.

We didn't pick sides to fight. We watched to discern. Because at the end of the day, we're not here to stan artists or organizations – we're here to point everything back to Jesus.

The Fruit of the Spirit vs. "Free Speech" Without Limits

Let's start here: self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). In a world obsessed with shouting opinions, canceling people, or using platforms to provoke, self-control matters more than being "right" or "edgy."

We prayed before diving in – inviting the Holy Spirit to guide our words. Because even when we disagree with lyrics, lifestyles, or political undertones, our call isn't to mock or rage. It's to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Bad Bunny's show? Visually stunning. Production on another level – people dressed as sugarcane, street vendors selling raspados and coconuts, abuelos playing dominoes, kids napping on stacked chairs at a wedding party (so many of us grew up like that!). He celebrated Puerto Rican hustle, family, entrepreneurship, and joy. The wedding segment? Mind-blowing – a real couple tying the knot during the show, salsa live band, huge cake, palm trees, pure celebration. Reminded us of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding (John 2). Joy matters.

But let's be honest: plenty of moments clashed with biblical values – overt sexuality in the party scenes, objectification vibes, lyrics pushing humanistic "believe in yourself" energy over surrender to Christ. We get why some Christians felt uneasy. Morally, we can't co-sign everything.

The All-American Alternative – Patriotism, Faith... and a Little Too Little Jesus?

On the flip side, the Turning Point USA event aimed to offer a "family-friendly" option – country stars, freedom-and-faith messaging, Kid Rock adding a verse about picking up that dusty Bible for second chances. Gospel echoes? Absolutely. We appreciate any moment that nods to Scripture.

But here's our real talk: it felt maybe 5% overt Christianity and 95% red-white-and-blue patriotism. Production couldn't touch the Super Bowl scale (Charlie Kirk's own events have looked bigger). For some, it was moving. For us – especially as non-country fans – it came across more like a political rally with guitars than a bold, Jesus-centered invitation.

Forest Frank and Cory Asbury were rumored early on but wisely stepped back. Their heart: pure worship, no political agenda. We respect that boundary. The gospel doesn't need to ride on any flag – it stands alone.

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Daddy Yankee's Real Touchdown – and the One Bad Bunny Still Needs

One beautiful thread? Daddy Yankee. The reggaeton pioneer who helped birth the genre Bad Bunny dominates – yet he surrendered fully to Jesus and publicly invited Bad Bunny: "When you give your life to Jesus, that's your real touchdown."

That's the mic-drop moment. Names come and go – Bad Bunny today, Kendrick last year, whoever tomorrow. Only one name lasts forever: Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11).

Engaging Culture Without Running From It (or Becoming It)

Pulling away from culture isn't the answer. Jesus ate with sinners (Luke 15:1-2). Paul quoted pagan poets to connect (Acts 17). We engage – we watch, we listen, we discern, we love people where they are.

Bad Bunny's show shouted Puerto Rican/Latino pride in a space that often feels very "mainstream American." That visibility matters. But the ultimate unity isn't in flags, continents, or political spins on "God bless America." It's in Christ reconciling all things (Colossians 1:20).

America needs more hugs, more kisses, more remembering the people right in front of us – like the lyrics in "DeBí Tirar Más Fotos" remind us: take more pictures, give more abrazos while you can. That's human. That's beautiful. And it's better when rooted in the perfect love of Jesus.

Final Thought: Grace for All of Us

We're all a mess – even Christians. We need grace. We need the Holy Spirit. We need to stop looking for worldly figures to "represent" us and start representing Jesus ourselves.

Whether you loved Bad Bunny's energy, felt moved by Kid Rock's Bible verse, or felt caught in the middle like we did – let's choose love over division. Let's be salt and light. Let's point back to the One who changes hearts.

Thanks for reading, friends. Drop your thoughts below – we love hearing from you.

With love and grace, Beto & Mili