Camila Vega
Do you enjoy fantastic Latin music? Have you ever wondered which have been the best Latino Super Bowl performers? The event gathers some of the most brilliant and innovative musicians in the world to deliver an outstanding halftime show, and many of these performances have made an impression.
From the most exciting presentations to those with the highest viewing ratings, Super Bowl halftime shows have exceeded expectations time and time again. Here at JefeBet we will tell you about five of the best performances ever witnessed.
Keep reading to find out more about the top five Latino performers who have performed at the NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show, as well as the memorable moments they have given the audience. Find out why they are still relevant today and how they continue to influence Latin American culture and music.
Top 5 Best Latino Super Bowl Performers of All Time
1992: Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
The 1992 Super Bowl halftime show was legendary for being the first to feature a Latino star in the lead performance. Gloria Estefan and her Miami Sound Machine performed a medley of her hits, including “Conga” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” to a cheering crowd.
She was accompanied by a group of dancers who wore vibrant costumes and matched her drummers’ Latin beat. Her iconic smile lit up the stage, and the stadium was elevated by her stirring voice. Not only was her performance a significant turning point for Latin music, but it was also a triumphant occasion for Latin Americans everywhere.
1995: Arturo Sandoval and Miami Sound Machine
Arturo Sandoval and Miami Sound Machine brought their unique Latin sound to the 1995 Super Bowl halftime show. Sandoval’s trumpet solo was both fiery and dynamic, and he received a standing ovation after the end of the salsa and merengue sounds.
The Miami Sound Machine also performed in the stadium, bringing its lively Latin rhythms and choreographed dances in festive attire. Both the Miami Sound Machine and Sandoval enlivened the crowd and demonstrated their talent to the world. It was an outstanding performance and a celebration of Latino culture.
1999: Gloria Estefan and Stevie Wonder
The halftime show of the 33rd Super Bowl on January 31, 1999 featured a performance by Latin superstar Gloria Estefan along with soul legend Stevie Wonder. The Latin-themed show, called “A Tapestry of Nations,” featured Estefan and Wonder singing their respective hit songs and duets.
Estefan kicked off the performance with a medley of hits such as “Oye Mi Canto” and “Conga” before Wonder joined her in an upbeat version of “Higher Ground”. The two also performed a duet from Estefan’s album, Abriendo Puertas.
For the grand finale, the stage was lit up with the U.S. and Cuban flags to honor the singer’s Cuban heritage. The performance brought a crowd to its feet and was met with a standing ovation from the more than 100,000 people in attendance.
2016: Gustavo Dudamel and Coldplay
One of the most memorable Super Bowl halftime shows was the collaboration between Coldplay and Gustavo Dudamel in 2016. Dudamel is one of the most renowned classical musicians in the world and his performance with Coldplay was a special treat for the audience.
He led the orchestra of young musicians and played well with the British pop band. The melodies of Coldplay’s singles were brought to life by his vibrant and passionate leadership.
The performance was filled with vibrant colors, lively dancing and fun music that was a true celebration of Latin culture. It was a remarkable performance that will be remembered by fans for years to come.
2020: Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and Bad Bunny
The Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show, which took place on February 2, 2020, featured performances by Colombian pop superstar Shakira and Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, as well as a special spot by American singer Jennifer Lopez, who is of Puerto Rican descent.
Shakira opened the show with an electrifying performance of “She Wolf” and “Empire,” showcasing her signature acrobatic belly dance moves and undeniable energy. Jennifer Lopez then took the stage to perform a captivating medley of her hit songs, beginning with “Jenny from the Block” and ending with a surprise duet with Bad Bunny of “Callaíta”.
Bad Bunny then kept up the high energy of the night and showcased his hits such as “Chambea”. The performance ended with a powerful collaboration of the three artists in a beautiful version of Shakira’s “Waka Waka”, a classic 2010 FIFA World Cup song. The show was a huge success and attracted widespread acclaim from fans, who praised the trio’s talent and charisma.
