Bad Bunny made history at Super Bowl 2026 by incorporating Puerto Rican Sign Language into his halftime performance, breaking accessibility barriers and setting a precedent for future shows.
In a historic moment during the halftime show of Super Bowl 2026, Bad Bunny captivated audiences not only with his vibrant cultural performance but also by integrating Puerto Rican Sign Language (LSPR) into his act. This initiative marked a significant evolution in accessibility at such a prominent event, as LSPR is a distinct dialect rooted within Puerto Rico's deaf community. By doing so, Bad Bunny not only showcased his talent but also highlighted the importance of inclusion and representation in mainstream media.
The interpreter for this groundbreaking event was Celimar Rivera Cosme, a Puerto Rican with partial hearing who has collaborated with Bad Bunny since 2022. Rivera Cosme's participation was groundbreaking, as she became the first LSPR interpreter to perform officially at a Super Bowl Halftime Show. This achievement underscores a serious cultural shift towards recognizing and incorporating the deaf community into high-profile platforms and events, which have traditionally excluded such representations.
Bad Bunny's continued use of LSPR in his live performances signals an important commitment to accessibility, exemplifying how artists can use their platforms to advocate for social change. His efforts contribute to raising awareness about the deaf community's needs and celebrating their culture, encouraging other artists and event organizers to adopt similar practices and make their performances inclusive for all audiences.
