When Bad Bunny hosted “Saturday Night Live” in October, he invited everyone to get ready for his Super Bowl halftime show. “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn,” he joked, showing love to “all the Latinos and Latinas in the entire world and here in the United States” in Spanish. Fans are already excited for the event, calling it the “Benitobowl.”
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has a remarkable journey. He started ten years ago, packing groceries in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. His music on SoundCloud began attracting millions. Since then, he has released hit singles and collaborated with big names like Marc Anthony, Jennifer López, and Cardi B. In 2018, he became one of the top streamed artists globally, even before his first album, “X 100PRE,” dropped.
Today, Bad Bunny is a key player in the rise of reggaeton, a genre deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture. He was the first reggaeton artist to headline a Super Bowl halftime show. His influence is massive, as proven by his record of being the most streamed artist on Spotify from 2020 to 2022.
Statistics show that his 2020 album, “El Último Tour Del Mundo,” was a game-changer. It was the first all-Spanish-language album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts. He did it again with his albums in 2022 and 2023. His 2022 tour grossed a staggering $435.3 million, setting a record for the highest-grossing tour in a single year.
Experts highlight that Bad Bunny’s background shapes his music. Petra Rivera-Rideau, a cultural analyst, noted he reflects Puerto Rico’s struggles and joys. “He talks about these struggles, but he also leaves space for happiness, joy, and community,” she explained.
Before the Super Bowl, it’s fun to learn some commonly used phrases by Bad Bunny:
- Acho, P.R. es otra cosa: “Bro, Puerto Rico is something else.”
- Baile inolvidable: “Unforgettable dance.”
- Debí tirar más fotos: “I should have taken more photos.”
These phrases capture the essence of his music and connect him to his audience.
Bad Bunny uses his platform for more than just music. He speaks out about political issues affecting Puerto Rico, advocating for social change. At the Grammys, he expressed, “We’re not savage… We’re humans, and we are Americans.” His involvement in protests and political discussions shows his commitment to his community.
Despite some backlash from critics, including a planned alternative halftime show by conservative groups, the NFL stands firmly behind Bad Bunny. Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the halftime show’s role in bringing people together and expressed confidence in his performance.
Through all his achievements, Bad Bunny remains rooted in cultural pride and community spirit, making his Super Bowl show much more than just entertainment.
