When Lady Gaga took the stage alongside Bad Bunny during the Super Bowl LX halftime show at Levi’s Stadium, it marked more than a surprise pop moment — it punctuated a cultural connection years in the making.
The Puerto Rican star headlined the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime performance with a set deeply rooted in Latin heritage, featuring vibrant choreography, symbolic imagery and a message of unity, while her appearance added an unexpected cross‑genre resonance to the spectacle.
Their on‑stage collaboration, from her salsa‑infused rendition of “Die With a Smile” to an impromptu dance with Benito, reflected a rapport that had simmered long before the football spectacle.
A timeline of Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny’s bond
- May 2020 — Early Recognition and Admiration
Bad Bunny, still emerging as a global superstar, mentioned Lady Gaga in his first Rolling Stone cover story as a source of inspiration. He spoke about how her fearless approach to performance and her willingness to experiment across genres shaped his own creative philosophy. Though there was no direct collaboration yet, this early acknowledgment planted the seeds of a mutual respect that fans would later notice and celebrate.
- June 2023 — Social Media Support
When Bad Bunny graced the Rolling Stone cover again in 2023, Lady Gaga reacted publicly with a simple “Fuego” on his post, signaling admiration and subtly endorsing his rise in the music world. This small gesture sparked fan speculation about a potential future collaboration, and highlighted Gaga’s appreciation for Latin artists and cross-genre partnerships, further strengthening the public perception of a growing artistic bond.
- October 2023 — An Introduction on Saturday Night Live
The two artists crossed paths more directly when Bad Bunny hosted Saturday Night Live. Gaga made a brief but memorable appearance to introduce him, delivering a playful and spirited Spanish greeting: “Nueva York, Puerto Rico, y todo el corrido, Bad Bunny.” The moment captured both the cultural bridge between them and the mutual respect that had grown over years, showing that their connection extended beyond casual admiration into a genuine artistic rapport.
Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga perform onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show (Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
- September 2024 — Public Praise from Gaga
In an interview with Despierta América, Gaga praised Bad Bunny openly, calling herself a “very big fan” and emphasizing his originality and impact on the music scene. When asked about collaborating with a Latin artist, she mentioned him by name as someone she would be excited to work with, further cementing their growing creative alignment and signaling to fans that a partnership was not only possible but genuinely welcomed.
- February 2026 — Grammy Interaction
At the 2026 Grammy Awards, a brief but viral interaction between Gaga and Bad Bunny captured global attention. As cameras panned the room, Gaga approached him playfully from behind, eliciting a surprised and animated reaction. Though fleeting, the exchange conveyed familiarity, camaraderie, and a shared sense of humor — hallmarks of a professional bond that had been developing for years. Fans immediately interpreted the moment as a visual representation of their evolving friendship.
- February 2026 — From Memes to Stage Collaboration
Days later, their long-developing rapport culminated in a surprise on-stage appearance during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show. Gaga joined him for a salsa-infused rendition of “Die With a Smile”, adding vocal flair and movement that complemented his Latin-inspired set. Beyond the spectacle, the collaboration symbolized the culmination of years of mutual respect, playful interactions, and public acknowledgment — a tangible demonstration of a friendship and professional admiration that had been quietly building over time.
