ESPN Reporter Gets Emotional Reacting to Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show

A visibly emotional John Sutcliffe praised the Puerto Rican superstar's performance filled "with love, with culture, [and] with affection."

John Sutcliffe in a suit with a green tie stands in a stadium, looking serious.
Image via Ric Tapia/Getty Images

An ESPN reporter became emotional on air while praising Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime performance.

While speaking from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday (Feb. 8), reporter John Sutcliffe was visibly emotional following the Puerto Rican superstar’s high-energy performance.

Speaking in Spanish, Sutcliffe told ESPN viewers that the performance was "truly very emotional" and came at a time "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!"

Per his bio on ESPN’s press website, Sutcliffe, who hails from Mexico City, has been working for the sports network since 2000 and provided commentary for the Mexican edition of SportsCenter.

During Bad Bunny’s performance, the rapper spiked a football with the message "Together, We Are America," and finished singing in front of a billboard that read “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

He also declared "God bless America," before listing countries across North, Central, and South America while dancers carried their flags.

The halftime performance drew backlash from MAGA figures and upset President Donald Trump even before the show began.

The Grammy Award-winning singer performed a 14 minute set that included hits like “Tití Me Preguntó,” "EeO," “BAILE INoLVIDABLE," and "El Apagón," with guest appearances from Lady Gaga, who sang during an on-stage wedding, and Ricky Martin, along with cameos from Karol G, Cardi B, Young Miko, Pedro Pascal, and Jessica Alba.

Trump reacted negatively, posting on Truth Social that the show was "absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!"

He also appeared to acknowledge he watched Bad Bunny's performance instead of the MAGA-aligned All-American Halftime Show organized by Turning Point USA and headlined by Kid Rock, who seemingly lip synced a tribute to Charlie Kirk before a small audience.

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