Bad Bunny's ascendancy to global superstardom is more about politics than music, as his appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show signals a seismic shift in American entertainment and identity politics.
In a few days after Christmas 2022, Bad Bunny performed a surprise concert on the roof of a Gulf Oil gas station in San Juan, Puerto Rico, amidst a massive crowd singing along to every word. The set was part-hype music video shoot, part-homecoming, and part-social commentary on local displacement and mass tourism. The performance ended with his protest anthem "El ApagΓ³n" ("The Power Outage"), highlighting the struggles faced by Puerto Rico, a US territory since 1898.
Bad Bunny's meteoric rise rivals that of international icons like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, BeyoncΓ©, and Drake in terms of reach, critical acclaim, and longevity. What sets him apart is his unapologetic authenticity as a Puerto Rican reggaetonero, singing directly to the purgatorial status of Puerto Rico and the US colonial project.
The announcement of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance sparked hostility from members of the Trump administration, who criticized his "anti-American" views. Turning Point USA has planned an alternative halftime show featuring Kid Rock, further highlighting the culture wars surrounding identity politics and xenophobia.
Despite this backlash, Bad Bunny remains a powerful symbol of resistance against anti-Latino sentiment and racism in America. His music resonates with audiences worldwide, speaking to issues like gentrification, mass tourism, and the struggle for self-expression.
At the Grammys, where he became the first Spanish-language artist to win album of the year, Bad Bunny spoke out against ICE raids, affirming his humanity as an American. This statement sparked performative outrage from MAGA circles, highlighting traditional white supremacist ideas rooted in English-speaking supremacy.
As the NFL prepares for its biggest stage yet, it is no surprise that they are banking on Bad Bunny's popularity to expand their audience and compete globally. His unique blend of Spanish lyrics, colonial perspective, and anti-establishment ethos makes him an attractive candidate for a brand looking to diversify and grow.
Bad Bunny has won this battle already, despite the backlash and cultural wars surrounding his music and persona. As he prepares to take the Super Bowl stage, it will be clear that he is not only a talented artist but also a powerful symbol of resistance and connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
In a few days after Christmas 2022, Bad Bunny performed a surprise concert on the roof of a Gulf Oil gas station in San Juan, Puerto Rico, amidst a massive crowd singing along to every word. The set was part-hype music video shoot, part-homecoming, and part-social commentary on local displacement and mass tourism. The performance ended with his protest anthem "El ApagΓ³n" ("The Power Outage"), highlighting the struggles faced by Puerto Rico, a US territory since 1898.
Bad Bunny's meteoric rise rivals that of international icons like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, BeyoncΓ©, and Drake in terms of reach, critical acclaim, and longevity. What sets him apart is his unapologetic authenticity as a Puerto Rican reggaetonero, singing directly to the purgatorial status of Puerto Rico and the US colonial project.
The announcement of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance sparked hostility from members of the Trump administration, who criticized his "anti-American" views. Turning Point USA has planned an alternative halftime show featuring Kid Rock, further highlighting the culture wars surrounding identity politics and xenophobia.
Despite this backlash, Bad Bunny remains a powerful symbol of resistance against anti-Latino sentiment and racism in America. His music resonates with audiences worldwide, speaking to issues like gentrification, mass tourism, and the struggle for self-expression.
At the Grammys, where he became the first Spanish-language artist to win album of the year, Bad Bunny spoke out against ICE raids, affirming his humanity as an American. This statement sparked performative outrage from MAGA circles, highlighting traditional white supremacist ideas rooted in English-speaking supremacy.
As the NFL prepares for its biggest stage yet, it is no surprise that they are banking on Bad Bunny's popularity to expand their audience and compete globally. His unique blend of Spanish lyrics, colonial perspective, and anti-establishment ethos makes him an attractive candidate for a brand looking to diversify and grow.
Bad Bunny has won this battle already, despite the backlash and cultural wars surrounding his music and persona. As he prepares to take the Super Bowl stage, it will be clear that he is not only a talented artist but also a powerful symbol of resistance and connection in an increasingly disconnected world.