The Features

In this halftime performance, the inclusion of two highly popular male reggaeton artists, Bad Bunny and J Balvin, added a layer to the representation of Latinx culture on this grand stage. Bad Bunny is Puerto Rican like JLo and J Balvin is Colombian like Shakira. The two extend the representation of the headliners' heritages and countries with the inclusion of other artists from their respective communities. While it's understandable to showcase emerging talents in the Latino music industry and foster representation of various communities, questions arise concerning their aesthetics and song choices. The inclusion of two male Spanish-speaking artists prompts reflection on what it means for them to share this stage. Additionally, the contrast in attire, with both Bad Bunny and J Balvin wearing oversized jackets and pants compared to the more revealing outfits of Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, raises questions about gender dynamics in the industry. The difference in aesthetic choices draws attention to the challenges Latinas in this industry face, alluding to the disparity in the expectations by male and female artists. It implies that Latinas may feel the need to show off more or seek attention in different ways to achieve the same level of recognition as the men in the industry. 

While the inclusion of Bad Bunny and J Balvin aligns with the goal of showcasing the most popular artists in the reggaeton genre, it sparks questions about the rationale behind their selection and the impact on the overall message of the performance. Were they included to provide more Spanish-speaking elements to the performance? The dynamics in song choices, aesthetics, and gender allow viewers to inquire on the intention and effectiveness of Bad Bunny and J Balvin's presence in the Super Bowl Halftime performance.