Many in the Virgin Islands could not hold back their excitement and pride at seeing the Virgin Islands flag during the halftime show at Super Bowl 60 by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny on February 8, 2026. Photo: Facebook

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny performs at Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026. Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

Premier and Minister of Finance in the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said the Virgin Islands' people can all be grateful for representation by Bad Bunny at Super Bowl 60. Photo: GIS/File

Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga perform during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl on February 8, 2026. Photo: Lynne Sladky/AP

Ricky Martin performs with Bad Bunny onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. Photo: Neilson Barnard / Getty Images

In the final minutes of his performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026, Bad Bunny named all the South American and Caribbean countries as the performers around him carried flags of these nations. The performance ended with Bad Bunny saying, “God Bless America” amidst the flags. A message reading: “Only thing more powerful than hate is love” was displayed.

VI Flag paraded @ Super Bowl 60 halftime show

One flag that was clearly visible was that of the Virgin Islands.

Many in the Virgin Islands could not hold back their excitement and pride at seeing the Virgin Islands flag. One of them was Premier and Minister of Finance in the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who said the VI people can all be grateful for representation.

He said Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio), a Puerto Rican native, born 45 miles away from the Virgin Islands, made a powerful statement of culture, placement and people at one of the most-watched events on the planet.

“Admittedly, not all Virgin Islanders or Caribbean people are into American Football, but the halftime show usually draws us in. This one kept us glued to the TV, and the ending, to all of us, was the best part.

“We’re pleased to see our flag among all the other flags of the Americas that the performer chose to display. We’re grateful whenever our beautiful flag is flown anywhere positively around the world.”

Premier Wheatley added that Bad Bunny showed the world the VI flag for a brief moment, but the VI people can work this week and always to ensure it flies higher and brighter ever more.

Trump outraged

Bad Bunny made Super Bowl history with the first all-Spanish halftime show, featuring a star-studded lineup and cultural tributes to Puerto Rico. Surprise guests included Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Pedro Pascal, and Cardi B. 

While the performance drew praise from fans and celebrities, US President Donald J. Trump blasted it as 'an affront to the Greatness of America.' 

"The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!" he wrote. "It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.

"Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World."

The NFL defended its choice of Bad Bunny as part of a global reach strategy.