In my humble opinion, there are only a handful of pop culture artists who have reached the type of truly global, era-defining impact that Bad Bunny has. Of course, it was Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. But when people think of these icons, they immediately associate them with American music and American pop culture.
At the same time, Bad Bunny – born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, raised in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico – has not just become one of the most recognized Latin music artists in the world; He has woven into the fabric itself in what we consider American music today. The last news that He will be the headline next year’s Super Bowl Halftime -Show Should come as no surprise to anyone. It is a clear reflection of how deep Latin music and Latin culture has influenced and become part of American culture.
Bad only in recent years, Bad Bunny has crushed borders as a music artist. For starters, all seven albums, including his common album “Oasis” with J Balvin, Has topped on No. 1 on Billboard Top Latin Albums -Diagram. His album “El último Tour del Mundo” made history as the first all-spanish-language album that reached No. 1 on all-genre Billboard 200. “Un verano his ti” not only topped the Latin chart for 60 weeks but also spent 13 weeks at no 1 on Billboard 200. the top category. His 2025 album “Debí Terr Más Fotos” also made waves, Spending 20 weeks on No. 1 At Billboard’s Hot Latin Song’s chart. He has been one of the most streamed artists on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, even earned the title Spotify’s most streamed artist all over the world for several years in a row.
This is the whole of 31 show. It drew over 600,000 participants And poured millions into Puerto Rico’s local economy. More importantly, the concert series was not just a huge success in terms of number; It was a celebration of Puerto Rico, its people and their cultural identity. It also reasoned deeply with Latina societies in the states, which proves how central Puerto Rico culture and Latin music are for the larger American story. It is a reminder that Latins living in the states, including those from Puerto Rico, are an integral part of American culture.
In many ways, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez mainly led the Super Bowl half -time show – where Bunny actually made a guest performance – the way for him to take the stage next year. Not only was it First time two latina artists gathered a super bowl half-time showbut their performance too earned four Primetime Emmy nominations and won oneWhich makes it one of the most famous women-led half-time shows in history. It emphasized the cultural importance of Latin music in the United States and helped open the door to even more representation at one of America’s largest stages.
“What I feel goes beyond myself“Said Bunny in a statement released by the NFL about its own half -time show.” It is for those who came in front of me and ran countless turns so I could come in and get a touchdown. . . This is for my people, my culture and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos or half -time show del super bowl. “
When I had the honor of seeing Bad Bunny performing live at one of his settlement in July this summer, I noticed something remarkable: there was Abuelas and Abuelos who danced in the Coliseum with the same energy as the younger fans. Benito’s appeal extends over generations because of the message he has conveyed – not only through his music, but also through how he uses his platform to advocate for social and political issues, especially those that affect Puerto Rico and Latina societies in the United States.
Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl performance – at one of the most crucial American broadcasting events, led by the NFL, is an organization that has long been criticized for its racially equality issues – further evidence that he has successfully taken Latin music and culture at the forefront.
Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl performance – at one of the most crucial American broadcasting events, led by the NFL, is an organization that has long been criticized for its racially equality issues – further evidence that he has successfully taken Latin music and culture at the forefront. The fact that he has always said that his music and concerts are for his people, his culture and their history is a powerful statement. It proves that no matter how hard America can try to overlook the power that is Puerto Rico and Latina society, we do not go away – we only get stronger.
Personally, I cross my fingers that he does the whole performance in non-English, Cabrón!
Johanna Ferreira is the content director of PS Juntos. With more than ten years of experience, Johanna focuses on how intersectional identities are a central part of Latin culture. Previously, she spent close to three years as vice editor at Hiplatina, and she has freelanced for many stores including Refinery29, Oprah Magazine, Allure, Instyle and Well+Good. She has also moderated and spoken in many panels about Latin identity.
