Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show will make history with the first-ever Puerto Rican Sign Language interpretation. Puerto Rican partially deaf performer Celimar Rivera Cosme will lead this groundbreaking “multilingual signing program” during the performance. The February 8 halftime show will prove that Puerto Rican Deaf culture has a place on music’s biggest stage.
Rivera Cosme will interpret the entire performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl LX. LSPR incorporates Spanish and is a dialect of American Sign Language with unique characteristics. It comes with its own grammar, rhythm, and cultural identity inspired by Puerto Rico’s history and Deaf community.
NFL Announces Historic Multilingual Signing Program
“In a historic first, the signed rendition of the Apple Music Halftime Show will feature a multilingual signing program incorporating Puerto Rican Sign Language, led by Deaf Puerto Rican performer Celimar Rivera Cosme,” an NFL release stated. The announcement highlights the league’s commitment to accessibility and cultural representation on its biggest platform.
This marks the first time any Super Bowl halftime performance will be interpreted in Puerto Rican Sign Language. The inclusion represents a significant milestone for both the Deaf community and Puerto Rican cultural representation. Millions of viewers worldwide will witness this barrier-breaking moment during one of television’s most-watched events.
Rivera Cosme’s Pride in Making History
Ahead of her performance, Rivera Cosme expressed her feelings through an interpreter in Spanish to ABC News. “I feel incredibly proud because everything that Bad Bunny is doing is making history,” she said enthusiastically. “And it means that sign language is also going to make history there” on the Super Bowl stage.
“The most important thing is to emphasize that we have our own language, our own identity and our own culture,” Rivera Cosme continued. Her emphasis on LSPR’s distinctiveness highlights the importance of recognizing diverse signing languages rather than treating all sign language as monolithic. This visibility educates the public about linguistic diversity within Deaf communities.
Performance Art Beyond Simple Interpretation
Rivera Cosme does more than interpretation as she puts emotion and storytelling into her work. She ensures that deaf audiences have almost the same experience as other fans while at concerts. Her approach transforms accessibility into artistry that enhances rather than simply translates the performance.
“Interpretation is one thing, but I’m not going there to interpret, I’m going to perform,” she explained to ABC News. “In Puerto Rico, we’re very used to seeing interpreters everywhere. But the Super Bowl is different — you have to add your flow, your vibe, your style, and your attitude, and bring all of that together with the interpretation. The body’s movement is different.”
Representing the Puerto Rican Deaf Community
Rivera Cosme recounted how shocked she was when she received the call from the NFL for this prestigious job. The opportunity came with immense responsibility and pride for her entire community. “I said, ‘Well, this means a great responsibility for me, especially for my deaf community,'” she recalled.
“It’s great that they chose me, but I want to shine, and I want the Puerto Rican deaf community to shine with me too,” she added. Her focus on collective representation demonstrates understanding that her individual achievement reflects on her entire community. This visibility creates opportunities for future deaf performers and interpreters on major platforms.
Previous Work With Bad Bunny’s Tours
This will not be the first time Rivera Cosme has interpreted for the global superstar performer. In 2022, while the deaf community in Puerto Rico was advocating for interpreters at concerts, they approached Bad Bunny’s team. They asked if interpreters could be included at his world tour stop in Puerto Rico.
Bad Bunny agreed, and Rivera Cosme was brought on board for his 2022 World’s Hottest Tour. She earned widespread acclaim for her energetic and culturally authentic interpretation during those performances. She also interpreted during Bad Bunny’s El Choli residency in Puerto Rico, a cultural celebration of Puerto Rican identity.
The Super Bowl’s Massive Global Platform
“But the Super Bowl is a very big stage where many people will have their eyes on this event, and I’m very proud of that and of representing our Puerto Rican Sign Language,” Rivera Cosme said. The halftime show attracts over 100 million viewers in the United States alone. Global viewership extends the audience to hundreds of millions more across the planet.
This unprecedented platform for LSPR will introduce countless people to Puerto Rican Deaf culture and language. The visibility could inspire young deaf Puerto Ricans and validate their cultural and linguistic identity. It also educates hearing audiences about the richness and diversity of sign language communities worldwide.
Bad Bunny Makes History as First Solo Spanish Performer
Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show, becoming the first solo Spanish-language performer in Super Bowl history. The 31-year-old artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio MartÃnez Ocasio, performs primarily in Spanish. Despite the language barrier for many American audiences, he has built a massive global fanbase.
His selection represents a breakthrough for Latinx representation in mainstream American entertainment and sports. The combination of Bad Bunny’s historic performance and LSPR interpretation creates multiple layers of cultural significance. Together, they demonstrate expanding definitions of American culture and entertainment on the nation’s biggest stage.
Jay-Z Defends Bad Bunny’s Selection
Jay-Z recently defended Bad Bunny after some people, including President Donald Trump, expressed displeasure with his selection. The criticism centered on Bad Bunny performing primarily in Spanish rather than English. Conservative commentators questioned whether a Spanish-language artist should headline America’s biggest sporting event.
Bad Bunny is also a vocal Trump critic, which contributed to the president’s opposition to his selection. These political dynamics added controversy to what should be a celebration of artistic achievement. Jay-Z, who oversees halftime show entertainment for the NFL, stood by the decision based on Bad Bunny’s global popularity.
Cultural Significance Beyond the Performance
The inclusion of LSPR interpretation alongside Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language performance sends powerful messages about American diversity. Both elements challenge narrow definitions of American culture and entertainment that dominated for decades. The Super Bowl’s massive platform amplifies these messages to audiences that might not otherwise encounter them.
For Puerto Rican communities, both on the island and in the diaspora, this moment provides representation and validation. Seeing their language, culture, and Deaf community honored on this stage affirms their place in American society. The ripple effects of this visibility will likely inspire future inclusion efforts across entertainment industries.
Breaking Barriers for Future Accessibility
Rivera Cosme’s historic performance will likely inspire other major events to prioritize sign language interpretation and accessibility. Her artistry demonstrates that accessibility features can enhance rather than detract from entertainment experiences. This could change how concert promoters, television producers, and event organizers approach inclusive programming.
The Super Bowl’s decision to feature LSPR interpretation sets a new standard for major sporting and entertainment events. Other organizations will face pressure to match or exceed this level of accessibility and cultural inclusion. Rivera Cosme’s performance proves that the right person can transform accessibility requirements into memorable artistic moments.