An ESPN reporter was overcome with emotion while applauding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show on air.
Reporting live from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday (Feb. 8), John Sutcliffe appeared visibly moved after the Puerto Rican star wrapped up his energetic performance.
Speaking in Spanish, Sutcliffe told ESPN viewers that the show was “truly very emotional” and arrived at a moment “where everyone seems to be fighting.”
“Honestly, it was very emotional—the message that [Bad] Bunny sent,” he said. “Whether you like his music or not, it was done with love, with culture, with affection, you know? In a world where suddenly everyone seems to be fighting, it’s worth recognizing that Lady Gaga was there, that Ricky Martin also showed up.
And wherever you are today—Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile—wherever you may be: it’s okay to have a tear in your eye and feel proud that Benito sang in Spanish at the most important party in America. Long live Bad Bunny!”
According to his bio on ESPN’s press site, Sutcliffe, a native of Mexico City, has been with the network since 2000 and has also served as a commentator for the Mexican edition of SportsCenter.
During Bad Bunny’s set, the rapper slammed a football stamped with the message “Together, We Are America,” before closing his performance in front of a billboard that read, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
He also proclaimed “God bless America,” then went on to name countries across North, Central, and South America as dancers waved their national flags.
The halftime show sparked backlash from MAGA supporters and reportedly upset President Donald Trump even before the performance aired.
The Grammy Award-winning artist delivered a 14-minute set packed with hits like “Tití Me Preguntó,” “EeO,” “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” and “El Apagón.” The show also featured appearances from Lady Gaga, who sang during an on-stage wedding, and Ricky Martin, along with cameos by Karol G, Cardi B, Young Miko, Pedro Pascal, and Jessica Alba.
Trump later slammed the performance on Truth Social, calling it “absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!”
He also appeared to suggest he tuned into Bad Bunny’s set instead of the MAGA-aligned All-American Halftime Show hosted by Turning Point USA and headlined by Kid Rock, who reportedly lip-synced a tribute to Charlie Kirk in front of a modest crowd.
