Brazilian Miguel Gandelman received an Emmy Award in the category of “Outstanding Musical Direction” for his work as the musical director of Bad Bunny’s show during the halftime of the last Super Bowl.
The ceremony was held on Saturday night, the 5th, in the United States, and honored the technical side and other lesser-known categories (the main awards would be announced only on September 14).
“The hardest part for me was keeping up with Benito [Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, Bad Bunny’s real name] on tour. I had to record the band, so I needed to go to Colombia, to Chile,” Miguel said in an interview with Variety.
The feat was celebrated on social media by his father, Leo Gandelman, who also works with music (they are both saxophonists). “So much emotion! My son has just won the Emmy Awards! Congratulations, son! Well-deserved prize!” he celebrated.
In the comments of the post, several artists joined in. “Spectacular,” wrote Roberto de Carvalho. “A family full of talents,” highlighted Marisa Monte. “Miguel flying very high!” commented Luiz Caldas. Names like Chico César, Zélia Duncan, Patrícia Pillar, among others, also valued the achievement.
Who is Miguel Gandelman, the Brazilian who won the Emmy Award in 2026
According to information from the Cravo Albin Dictionary of MPB, Miguel Gandelman was born in Rio de Janeiro on February 18, 1983, but left Brazil to live in New Jersey, United States, when he was 14 years old. He was part of the school band and later studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Miguel Gandelman joined the quartet The Horns, which went on to accompany well-known artists and bands in the industry. One of them was Michael Jackson: Gandelman was part of the rehearsals for the final This Is It tour, which never took place (the singer died before the debut performance).
“I was the last saxophonist to play with Michael. I had the privilege of making him dance to my music. This is a divine thing that I will keep for the rest of my life,” he said in an interview with Folha de S. Paulo, in 2009.
The Bad Bunny Show at the Super Bowl
The Puerto Rican singer focused his performance on Latin American culture, especially the Spanish-speaking countries, and surpassed Kendrick Lamar’s record as the most-watched show in the history of the competition, whose halftime is traditionally known for its grand performances.
