The Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, was always destined to be historic. Headlined by the global powerhouse Bad Bunny, the performance was a vibrant, unapologetic celebration of Latino culture and queer visibility. However, the impact of the “Benito Bowl” extended far beyond the stadium and the TV ratings. According to recent data from digital traffic giants like Pornhub, the performance triggered a massive, specific spike in search terms that reveals a lot about the show’s cultural magnetism.
The “Halftime Dip” and the Search Surge
Traditionally, adult sites see a massive drop in traffic during the Super Bowl halftime show as the entire world tunes in to the spectacle. 2026 was no different; Pornhub reported a 46% drop in overall traffic at 8:31 p.m. ET, right as Bad Bunny’s high-energy performance reached its climax. However, it’s what happened during and immediately after the show that caught the attention of data analysts.
Specific terms related to the performance saw astronomical growth. Searches for “Amateur Latino” spiked by over 880%, while more niche terms like “Football team shower” and “Latino Jocks” saw increases of 1,032% and 958% respectively. Even the term “Super Bowl” itself—often used for roleplay content—saw a staggering 5,632% increase. This digital phenomenon, often called the “Benito Effect,” proves that Bad Bunny’s presence doesn’t just entertain; it ignites a specific kind of curiosity and desire across the globe.
Queer Visibility Under Fire
The performance wasn’t just about Benito’s charisma. It featured guest appearances from icons like Ricky Martin and a diverse troupe of dancers that included clearly visible same-sex pairings. This unapologetic display of queer joy didn’t sit well with everyone. Tennessee Republican Andy Ogles went as far as calling for a congressional investigation, falsely labeling the performance “gay pornography” on prime-time television.
The irony, of course, is that while critics were calling it “smut,” the public was flocking to digital spaces to engage with the very culture Benito was celebrating. The show was a masterpiece of choreography and inclusivity, featuring everything from traditional salsa to trap, all while maintaining a visual language that felt distinctly “queer-coded” and modern.
Why It Matters for the Community
At gay-chat.org, we see this as a win for visibility. When an artist of Bad Bunny’s stature refuses to sanitize his performance for a conservative audience, it sends a powerful message. The spike in searches isn’t just about adult content; it’s about a global audience being captivated by Latino masculinity and queer aesthetics. It proves that the “Big Game” can be a place for everyone, and that our culture is not just a subculture—it is the mainstream.
