Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican artist known for his Spanish-language music, has been announced as the performer for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. It’s a major spotlight, and the NFL and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation intentionally selected him for the honor. They played up his stature as the world’s preeminent and most beloved showbiz figure. After this announcement was made on September 28, early reactions have been a confusing cocktail of excitement and criticism.
Bad Bunny is an American citizen who’s taken the music world by storm. Fame has come for him, too, for his distinctive style and for the fact that he writes and sings almost exclusively in Spanish. His concert is likely to be a celebration of his cultural background, resonating profoundly with members of the fanbase that share that experience.
Now, plenty of conservative critics have expressed their outrage with Bad Bunny’s selection. In advance of the event, they have criticized the focus on Spanish-language music and performances in what is arguably the most watched entertainment event in the world. An outrageously popular Change.org petition was even started, demanding that country singer George Strait step in for him. In reaction to these criticisms, Bad Bunny has continued to stand his ground in defense of presenting an honest illustration of his culture.
“It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.” – Bad Bunny
Turning Point USA, a nonprofit conservative org, is leading the charge to stop Bad Bunny’s performance. They’ve organized an alternative halftime show to offer a different view. This decision further reflects the current conversations over representation and lack thereof in media and entertainment.
In response to the criticism, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended Bad Bunny’s selection, arguing that the choice was “well considered.” He admitted that an artist selection will always be controversial. He said, with conviction, that Bad Bunny’s going to deliver one of the best shows ever.
“He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” – Roger Goodell
Goodell went on to say that he thinks Bad Bunny realizes what an important platform he has.
“We’re confident it’s going to be a great show and that he understands the platform that he’s on. I think it’s going to be exciting and a united moment.” – Roger Goodell
Despite the inciting uproar, Bad Bunny’s lasting legacy is a Credit for Many music lovers who laud his improvisation and advocacy. Today, he continues to fiercely advocate for immigrants’ rights here in the United States amidst widespread ICE crackdowns. This pledge further solidifies his position as a cultural hero.
Performing at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show will be a monumental moment for Bad Bunny. It will help illuminate why the inclusion of Latinx artists is vital in developing a more robust and not superficial mainstream music festival presence.
