Bad Bunny: A Revolutionary Artist Takes the Super Bowl Stage

When Bad Bunny hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live in October, he gave the audience a challenge to prepare for his upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance. During his opening monologue, he addressed the viewers in Spanish, encouraging them to learn the language before the big event, joking, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.” He also took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the Latino community, both in the United States and worldwide.

As the Puerto Rican sensation prepares for his performance, fans have excitedly dubbed the event “Benitobowl” online. This will mark a historic moment as Bad Bunny becomes the first Spanish-language Latin solo artist to lead the halftime show. Such recognition is a fitting tribute to the artist known for hits like “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” who recently made history at the Grammys.

From Supermarket Bagger to Global Icon

Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Bad Bunny’s journey into music began a decade ago while working as a bagger in a Vega Baja supermarket. His breakthrough emerged on SoundCloud, where his Latin urban tracks amassed millions of listeners. His trajectory continued upwards with a series of successful singles and collaborations with stars like Marc Anthony, Jennifer López, and Cardi B. By 2018, he was one of the top 10 most-streamed artists globally, even before the release of his first album, X 100PRE.

Now, with six studio albums and a collection of Grammy awards, Bad Bunny is a pivotal figure in spreading reggaeton, a genre with deep roots in Puerto Rico. He’s also the first reggaeton artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His accomplishments include being the most streamed artist on Spotify from 2020 to 2022 and again in 2025, following an unprecedented 31-show residency in Puerto Rico.

Exploring Bad Bunny’s Milestones

In 2020, his album El Último Tour Del Mundo became the first all-Spanish-language album to top the Billboard 200, a feat he later repeated in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, his concert tours set a world record for the highest-grossing tour in a calendar year, with $435.3 million in revenue from over 81 shows and 2.4 million tickets sold.

“As Benito, he is a typical 31-year-old Puerto Rican who grew up experiencing the debt crisis, Hurricane Maria, participating in the protest of 2019 [and] watching public schools close on the island,” said Petra Rivera-Rideau, co-creator of the “Bad Bunny Syllabus.”

This environment shaped his music and message, touching on personal and cultural struggles while also celebrating joy and community.

Key Spanish Phrases in Bad Bunny’s Music

For those looking to better understand Bad Bunny’s artistry, here are some key phrases:

• Acho, P.R. es otra cosa: A colloquial phrase celebrating the uniqueness of Puerto Rico.
• Baile inolvidable: Meaning “Unforgettable dance,” it’s a tribute to a notable salsa hit.
• Debí tirar más fotos: Literally “I should have taken more photos,” it’s linked to a popular social media trend.
• Flamboyán: The “Royal poinciana tree,” a cultural emblem of Puerto Rico.
• Pava: A traditional wide-brimmed hat symbolizing Puerto Rican heritage.
• Perreo: The dance style associated with reggaeton.
• P FKN R: A Spanglish term embodying Puerto Rican pride.
• Sapo concho: The endangered Puerto Rican crested toad, featured in themed merchandise.
• YHLQMDLG: An acronym for “yo hago lo que me de la gana,” Bad Bunny’s personal motto.

Navigating Controversy and Activism

As Bad Bunny’s career progresses, he has been labeled an “artist of resistance,” merging reggaeton with various genres to appeal to a wide audience. At the Grammys, he made a strong statement against hate, advocating for love and unity, famously saying, “The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.”

Bad Bunny is not shy about his political views, especially concerning Puerto Rico. On shows like The Tonight Show, he has criticized the U.S. government’s response to Hurricane Maria and highlighted social justice issues, including the murder of a transgender woman. He famously paused his music career in 2019 to join protests in Puerto Rico, which eventually led to the resignation of the governor. These actions reflect his commitment to political engagement, notably his involvement in the 2024 gubernatorial election.

However, his outspoken nature has attracted criticism from conservative circles, including some alternative halftime shows organized in opposition, such as one headlined by Kid Rock. Nevertheless, the NFL, including Commissioner Roger Goodell, remains supportive of Bad Bunny, emphasizing that the halftime show is meant to unite audiences.

Nicole Acevedo reports for NBC News on this significant moment in Bad Bunny’s career and his ongoing influence as both a musician and cultural icon.