Bad Bunny‘s Super Bowl halftime show ignited a fiery debate, drawing attention for reasons beyond its musical brilliance. The controversy surrounded the show’s bold cultural and political messages, naturally involving Bad Bunny as a central figure. Known for his introspective nature and groundbreaking artistry, Bad Bunny has often been a positive force in the music world. However, his halftime performance became a focal point of heated discourse, leading many to question why it was seen as contentious in the first place.
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Here’s a rather essential fact about the guy some conservatives tried to cast as an enemy to American values well before his Super Bowl halftime show even began: As a kid, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, a.k.a. Bad Bunny, was literally a choir boy. He grew up to become one of the least problematic humans in the entire music industry, an introspective, humble guy whose biggest “scandal” involved tossing an intrusive fan’s phone into the bushes.
On the latest episode of Rolling Stone Music Now, Rolling Stone’s Julyssa Lopez — who’s been interviewing Bad Bunny for years — joins host Brian Hiatt to look back at Bad Bunny’s career path, unpack his Super Bowl performance, and puzzle over the oddly intense controversy surrounding it.
The Outcry and the Super Bowl Announcement
The announcement of Bad Bunny headlining the halftime show spurred outrage from some conservative circles, igniting a debate that Lopez confesses she didn’t anticipate. “I thought, if anything, celebrating a halftime performance in Spanish as sort of a historical moment would be something to embrace and aspire to,” she remarked. For full insights, listen to the podcast episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Performing with Pride and Subtlety
After taking a stand against ICE at the Grammys, conservatives expected an anti-Trump spectacle during the halftime show. What unfolded was an artful celebration of Puerto Rican pride and unity across the Americas. With red, white, and blue fireworks ending the show, the performance underscored an inclusive patriotism. “If you love America, you have to love all of America,” Lopez commented, highlighting Puerto Rico’s integral role.
Powerful Messages and Collaborations
Political undercurrents did surface, emphasizing love over hate, and Ricky Martin’s rendition of “Lo Que Le Paso a Hawaii” resonated with its anti-colonial themes. “The way Ricky had to get famous was to learn English and to cross over and to assimilate to the U.S. in a lot of ways,” Lopez noted. Martin singing about colonialism in Spanish was a statement of powerful defiance.
Cultural Celebrations and Musical Fusion
Lady Gaga’s appearance was more about Bad Bunny’s admiration for her rather than sending any pointed message. The performance included elements like ‘Die with a Smile’ set to a salsa rhythm, showcasing the vibrant possibilities of Latin music and its cultural context, emphasizing the diverse influences that shape Bad Bunny’s work.
Explore more on these discussions by downloading and subscribing to Rolling Stone‘s weekly podcast, Rolling Stone Music Now, available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Dive into an extensive archive featuring in-depth interviews with various artists and genre-spanning discussions with Rolling Stone’s critics and reporters.