The event at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara sparked an unexpected debate in Spanish society. For the first time, music was performed exclusively in Spanish on the Super Bowl stage, and the artists’ choice of outfits generated as much controversy as the show itself. For Spaniards, this is more than just entertainment: it’s about the influence of national brands and cultural symbols on the global stage.
Bad Bunny, known for his bold fashion experiments, this time chose to forgo extravagant designer pieces. Instead, he opted for a suit from Zara—a mainstream brand with Spanish roots—which turned out to be a surprising gesture of support for accessible fashion. His look featured a cream sports sweatshirt with the number 64, a nod to his mother’s birth year, and classic trousers. This choice was seen as a statement: even on the world’s biggest stage, you can stay close to the people.
Politics and style
The attention to detail didn’t stop with Bad Bunny’s outfit. Flags of all Latin American countries appeared on stage, and notable members of the Latin American diaspora were spotted among the audience. This turned the performance into a true statement of unity and pride in their roots. In the middle of the show, Lady Gaga joined him, wearing a sky-blue dress by the American brand Luar, founded by a designer with Dominican roots.
Lady Gaga’s dress was adorned with flowers, including a prominent red hibiscus — the symbol of Puerto Rico. This choice was intentional: the stage was styled after the streets of San Juan and New York, highlighting the artists’ connection to their homeland and migrant roots. Their joint performance of ‘Die with a smile’ became the emotional centerpiece of the evening, especially in light of mass deportations and the tightening of migration policies in the US.
Fashion as a manifesto
Bad Bunny’s decision to forgo expensive designer brands in favor of Zara sparked a storm of reactions on social media and among fashion experts. For many, it became a symbol of support for the Spanish industry and a reminder that the mass market can compete with luxury labels. At the same time, this move was seen as a political statement: the artist chose accessibility and recognizability over exclusivity.
Lady Gaga, in turn, continued her support for migrants and the LGBT community, which stood out against the tense political backdrop in the US. Her emotional response to Bad Bunny’s comments on migrant rights and criticism of deportation policies was among the evening’s most discussed moments. The artists’ mutual support on stage looked like an act of solidarity and a challenge to the established rules of show business.
Security and rumors
In recent weeks, there have been rumors circulating about Bad Bunny’s security. After his appearance at the Grammy ceremony in a voluminous Schiaparelli suit, speculation spread online that the artist was wearing a bulletproof vest under his clothes. The reason was threats and discontent from supporters of the former US president, who openly opposed the Puerto Rican’s participation in the Super Bowl.
However, these rumors were not confirmed: the suit turned out to be just a designer concept, not a means of protection. Nevertheless, the tension surrounding the performance only fueled interest in the show, making it one of the most talked-about events of the year. In Spain, this incident once again raised the issue of the role of fashion and public performances in shaping public opinion.
Context and consequences
In recent years, the Super Bowl has increasingly become a platform for political and social statements. In 2024, the performance by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez also highlighted Latin American identity and migration issues. In 2025, attention was drawn to a campaign supporting women’s rights, as symbols of the fight against violence appeared on stage. Every time, the choice of artists and their outfits becomes a topic of discussion not only in the fashion world, but also in political circles.
Spanish brands are increasingly appearing on the world stage, boosting their popularity and reinforcing the country’s image as a fashion industry hub. Events like Bad Bunny performing in Zara clothing become a source of pride and discussion in Spanish society. The influence of public figures on brand perception and social topics continues to grow, while the Super Bowl remains one of the main platforms for such phenomena.
