The professional relationship and mutual admiration between global music icons Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny have blossomed significantly over the years, culminating in a memorable shared performance at the recent Super Bowl halftime show. Their journey, marked by public endorsements, shared musical influences, and collaborative appearances, illustrates a deep-seated respect and friendship. From initial mentions in interviews to surprising onstage collaborations, their connection has captivated fans and showcased a unique bond within the music industry.
The narrative of their mutual appreciation began to unfold in May 2020, when Bad Bunny, during his inaugural Rolling Stone cover feature, spoke about Lady Gaga's profound impact on his artistic expression. He specifically cited her influence on drag culture as inspiration for his groundbreaking music video, "Yo Perreo Sola," revealing that his understanding of the art form was shaped by his cousin through Gaga's music. This early acknowledgment laid the foundation for a series of public displays of his admiration.
Later in November 2020, Bad Bunny proudly showcased his "Little Monster" status—a term for Lady Gaga's devoted fanbase—by sporting her merchandise. He was photographed wearing a “Chromatica” t-shirt while voting in the Puerto Rico gubernatorial elections, an act that thrilled Gaga's fan communities. This wasn't an isolated incident, as historical photos from as early as 2017 revealed him wearing a “Joanne” t-shirt. Further demonstrating his fandom, in 2021, he was seen wearing Gaga’s distinctive “Rain on Me” boots courtside at a basketball game, solidifying his consistent support for her work.
December 2020 brought more vocal praise from Bad Bunny regarding Gaga’s fifth studio album, “Chromatica.” In an interview, he described the album as his go-to when feeling down, stating, “That album makes me feel more happy. When she dropped that album, I was in a really good moment, enjoying my life. I love that album,” underscoring the album's positive emotional resonance for him.
The admiration became reciprocal by June 2023, when Lady Gaga publicly acknowledged Bad Bunny's second Rolling Stone cover story. She enthusiastically commented “Fuego” accompanied by a fire emoji on an Instagram post featuring his cover, signaling her appreciation for his achievements and artistry.
Their paths formally crossed in October 2023 during Bad Bunny’s significant night on Saturday Night Live, where he served as both host and musical guest. In a special cameo appearance, Lady Gaga introduced the Latin superstar, delivering a heartfelt introduction in Spanish: “Nueva York, Puerto Rico, y todo el corrido, Bad Bunny,” a moment that further cemented their collaborative spirit.
September 2024 saw Lady Gaga openly expressing her deep admiration for Bad Bunny during an appearance on Despierta America. When questioned about potential collaborations with Latin artists, Gaga promptly declared herself a “very big Bad Bunny fan.” She expressed keen interest in a future collaboration, stating, “If he wanted to, I absolutely would,” indicating her openness to working together.
The pinnacle of their mutual journey arrived in February 2026. Initially, they were captured in a lovable meme-worthy interaction at the Grammy Awards, where Gaga playfully surprised Bad Bunny from behind, eliciting a reaction of shock and joy. This lighthearted moment paved the way for their unexpected joint performance at the Super Bowl halftime show. Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance, performing a salsa rendition of “Die With a Smile,” backed by Bad Bunny’s band, Los Pleneros de la Cresta, who provided an updated arrangement. The performance seamlessly transitioned into Bad Bunny’s salsa hit “Baile Inolvidable,” with Gaga showcasing her dance moves, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle.
This chronicle of shared moments underscores the profound mutual respect and genuine friendship that has blossomed between Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny. From Bad Bunny's early artistic inspirations drawn from Gaga's work to their joint Super Bowl performance, their relationship exemplifies how two influential artists can uplift and inspire each other, creating impactful and memorable experiences for their global fanbase.