CHICAGO — Anticipation buzzed through the air as fans eagerly awaited what was shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Super Bowl halftime performances in recent memory.

When Bad Bunny was revealed as the headliner, his selection sparked a whirl of opinions and excitement. The Puerto Rican sensation, while joining a legacy of Latino artists gracing the Super Bowl stage, set a groundbreaking precedent by performing entirely in Spanish, making history on Sunday night.

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In Chicago’s Humboldt Park, Division Street became a lively hub of celebration, as watch parties sprang up, drawing crowds of proud Puerto Ricans. For many, it was an event affectionately labeled as the “Benito Bowl,” a nod to Bad Bunny’s real name, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.

“It’s incredible. We loved every moment of it. I still can’t believe he performed alongside Lady Gaga,” exclaimed Bernadette Ramírez, capturing the enthusiasm that swept through the crowd.

Bad Bunny’s performance was more than just music; it was a cultural statement. Singing entirely in Spanish, he not only entertained but also underscored the power of representation on one of the world’s biggest stages.

“It was amazing. It did not disappoint. Talk about total inclusivity,” shared Juliza Huertas, reflecting on the performance’s impact and the sense of unity it fostered.

He elevated the island nation to a place of prominence despite criticism by some who believed the Puerto Rican rapper was somehow not American enough to headline Sunday night’s championship game.

“I love how he incorporated Puerto Rico, our culture and our traditions,” said Milagros Perez.

The jumbotron, at one point, displayed the words, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

“He is an American. Puerto Rico is part of America,” said María Carolina Cordova.

“We need people like Bad Bunny out there advocating for us, advocating not just for Puerto Ricans, but for Latino community as well. This is history,” said Alex Naza.

For many among Chicago’s Puerto Rican community, his music was beside the point. Even as Pe Erre’s Domino club displayed a table signed by the six-time Grammy award winner himself, Sunday night was a celebration not just of Bad Bunny, but of all things Boricua.

“They’re just watching because of Bad Bunny. The funny part is, my mom, who is 84, and she’s over there, watching the whole Super Bowl just to watch Bad Bunny,” said Pe Erre owner Ricardo Rivera.

There was also a Chicago connection to Sunday night’s performance, with the artistic director for the Grant Park Music Festival making an appearance, conducting a group of string players during Bad Bunny’s “Monaco.”