On Sunday evening, Packers and Cowboys fans weren’t the only ones with their eyes glued to the screen. Midway through the game, Benito Ocasio Martinez flashes on the screen- seguals and a beach front view, his song “Callaita,” from his 2022 album debut, tuning in. It’s official, Bad Bunny will be the Super Bowl’s halftime performer!
Bad Bunny’s January 2025 album hit the charts, rolling with over 35 million streams on the album’s first release day. “DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS”, fans say, is the album of the year. In this album, Bad Bunny expresses the significance of never taking anything for granted. The album is paired with a short documentary of a day in the life of an elderly Puerto Rican man who goes out for lunch. The documentary depicts the gentrification of the island and how some feel the culture and history of Puerto Rico has been forgotten. Bad Bunny reminds us that our young people still carry out the culture and have not forgotten.
The artist shared that in regards to touring this album, U.S dates aren’t being included. Bad Bunny explicitly said he avoided U.S. tour dates due to concern that an ICE raid could occur. He shared the concern that his fans might be targeted by ICE agents.
“There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate,” Bad Bunny said in an interview with ABC.
The NFL’s decision quickly sparked backlash from the right-wing online community, as the artist has previously voiced anti-Trump views. Some conservatives labeled him “a man who hates America” and “a poor choice” for the Super Bowl Stage. Critics also argue that because Bad Bunny primarily performs in Spanish, he should not be given the honor to perform the Halftime Show.
Still, Benito’s supporters- especially the Latino community- are overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation for his performance. This move sets a cultural spotlight on Latin artists during America’s most viewed televised event. A move that is sure to globalize Bad Bunny’s music, pride, and culture.
