Puerto Rican deaf interpreter primed to make history during Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show
Puerto Rican partially deaf performer Celimar Rivera Cosme, who will lead a "multilingual signing program" during Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance on Sunday, is readying to make history and shed light on the Puerto Rican deaf community on one of music's biggest stages.
Rivera Cosme will sign the high profile performance in LSPR, or Puerto Rican Sign Language, distinct from American Sign Language in its unique grammar, rhythm and cultural identity, due to the history of Puerto Rican deaf community.
"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.
Rivera Cosme told ABC News through an interpreter in Spanish, ahead of her historic performance, "I feel incredibly proud because everything that Bad Bunny is doing is making history. And it means that sign language is also going to make history there."
She added, "The most important thing is to emphasize that we have our own language, our own identity and our own culture."
Rivera Cosme is known for her expressive, performance-driven style in interpreting sign language, fusing storytelling, rhythm and passion in a manner that reflects the intensity of live music performances.
Rivera Cosme and LSPR will take the one of the biggest entertainment stages in the world to showcase that talent, and she made it clear that her appearance is not just an interpretation but a performance of her own.
"Interpretation is one thing, but I'm not going there to interpret, I'm going to perform. In Puerto Rico, we're very used to seeing interpreters everywhere," she said. "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."
She recalled being in shock after getting the call from the NFL that she was chosen for the job, saying she hoped to bring the Puerto Rican deaf community with her into the spotlight.
"I said, 'Well, this means a great responsibility for me, especially for my deaf community, because 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 said.
Rivera Cosme has previously interpreted for Bad Bunny during other major performances. She was part of his 2022 World's Hottest Tour, where she gained widespread recognition. Additionally, she interpreted during Bad Bunny's El Choli residency in Puerto Rico, a cultural celebration of Puerto Rican identity that attracted more than 400,000 fans.
"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.
A release from the NFL detailing the upcoming slate of Super Bowl entertainment explained that fans who are deaf or hard of hearing can watch the Super Bowl LX Pregame Ceremony, as well as the halftime show, "via a dedicated stream featuring ASL and LSPR performances," available on a variety of digital platforms.
