“As someone with Puerto Rican roots, it would mean a lot seeing someone from the island, who started with nothing and built his career authentically, take that spotlight,” says Alannys Cotto Velazquez, a junior at the Law Magnet.
Bad Bunny will be performing at the Apple Music Superbowl Sixtieth Halftime Show, a moment that has sparked excitement, pride, and discussion about cultural representation on one of America’s biggest stages. For many in the Latino community, this performance is more than just music — it is a celebration of our rich heritage, identity, and authenticity. For others, it has stirred controversy. One thing is certain: Bad Bunny is redefining what it means to be “mainstream” in America.
The Rise of Benito
Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, or known as “Bad Bunny” is a Puerto Rican artist who first broke out to fame in 2016. From there, Benito was known for making music in the genre of reggaeton and rap. His old songs like Soy Peor and Chambea would often get criticized for explicit lyrics in Spanish delivered with an edgy and angry tone.
Bad Bunny for the People
Some still criticize Bad Bunny for his vulgarity, but Benito has always been for the people; especially for the Latinas. Here are some songs of his songs that carry powerful messages:
- “Yo Perreo Sola” (YHLCMDLG) sends a message to women saying you can dance by yourself free from the harassment of men.
- “Solo De Mí” (X 100PRE) is a song about reclaiming one’s identity, fulfilling oneself with independence and self-love. The music video also served as a powerful statement against domestic violence.
Beyond his music, he has publicly expressed his support for women. At the Billboard Awards in 2020, when he won Top Latin Artist, he dedicated this award to women—especially Latina and Puerto Rican—expressing that without them, nothing would exist.
¡Seguimos Aquí!
His album Debí Tirar Más Fotos released on January 5th of this year, further demonstrates Bad Bunny’s evolution as an artist. By incorporating salsa and jibaro music—a Puerto Rican traditional folk music genre and is often associated with rural life—Benito achieves to bring out a softer side of him as he deeply connects to his culture and pays an homage to the Island of Enchantment. Even with the accompanying short film, which tells the story of an older man navigating the gentrified streets of Puerto Rico, emphasizes the importance of preserving culture, identity, and reminds the audience to love as fully as possible. Moments like the panaderia scene where he exchanges the phrase “Seguimos aqui!” meaning “We are still here” with a young man, reminding the audience that no matter how gentrified the island could get, Puerto Rican culture will never be stripped from the island.
Fashion, Authenticity and Representation
But beyond his music, Benito has become a symbol of cultural pride and authenticity. His fashion style and public statements embrace the Puerto Rican identity, as he challenges stereotypes and sets an example for the younger generations. Fans also celebrate him for his willingness to break social norms; he wears skirts, speaks openly about mental health, and advocates for social issues all while staying prideful to his roots. This lovely authenticity amplifies the significance of his Super Bowl appearance, it will not just be a show, it will be a statement.
Spanish Lyrics, Big Problem?
With this, it is important to note that Bad Bunny has been Spotify’s most streamed artist globally for three consecutive years and has been ranked Billboard’s Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century. Yet despite these achievements, his Super Bowl appearance has sparked criticism. Some conservative groups, particularly those aligned with MAGA ideologies, have argued that he does not deserve to be at the Superbowl because of his Spanish lyrics. And yes, Puerto Rico is part of the United States!
Turning Point USA has publicly criticized the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny as the performer for the halftime show. It has even announced plans to host a competing event titled “The All-American Halftime Show,” which will take place simultaneously with the NFL’s broadcast. It has been promoted as a celebration of “Faith, Family, and Freedom,” aiming to prove a contrast to Bad Bunny’s performance.
Because apparently Benito, a Puerto Rican Latino man, cannot understand faith, family and freedom, right? Bad Bunny is more American (reminder that Puerto Rico is in fact a part of the USA) than those who criticize and undermine his work and impact towards the Latino community. Many argue that TPUSA’s counterprogramming reflects an attempt to undermine the representation of Latino culture in mainstream American events. An event like this has never been done before, there is no need for it now.
Representation Wins
Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl isn’t just a musical performance, it’s a cultural milestone. For many years, Latinos have been underappreciated for their hard work and contributions to the United States. We are divided more than ever as we see families torn apart, and racism and fear constantly growing over our cities.
This performance is a celebration of Puerto Rican Pride, Latino representation, and authentic artistry on one of America’s biggest nights. “It’s more than just a performance, it’s like a representation on one of the biggest stages in the world,” says Alannys. “It shows how far our culture has come and how powerful our voice is. Also it’s a big thing because now, Bad Bunny is showing pieces of our culture into his music and it really means a lot that people are taking into consideration in getting into our culture and trying to learn it too. It’s so nice to finally let people know who we are!” This heartwarming message is a true reflection that representation truly matters.
Those who criticize him for his language— which if you’ve watched SNL, he said you have 4 months to learn Spanish (a clear jab at how Spanish speaking individuals who have been told that the language spoken here is English) — are missing the point: this moment is bigger than one person. It is about visibility, inclusion, and the power to connect culture. This moment is a win for the Puerto Rican community and the Latino community. Bad Bunny is showing that Latino voices are not just part of the conversation, we can also lead it. For the millions of fans watching, this halftime show will be a statement: the Latino community is here, proud and unmissable, and so is our rich culture.
