World-renowned Puerto Rican musical artist Bad Bunny is scheduled to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8. Amid the cultural attacks against many Latinos in the U.S, Bad Bunny’s – a man known for his cultural ties to his music and outspokenness against current injustices in the U.S.– performance will be particularly symbolic. With much backlash against the announcement, Bad Bunny’s Superbowl halftime show will be more than just a performance but rather a political statement emphasizing Latino success, especially empowering at such a politically devastating time.
As ICE raids have devastated the nation in the last few months, predominantly targeting Latino populations in the U.S, Bad Bunny has spoken out for his fanbase, a majority belonging to the Latino community. In September, Bad Bunny revealed his decision behind not touring in the U.S. to protect said fans, as concerts could pose a risk to becoming targets of ICE raids.
While Latino artists from Gloria Estefan to Shakira have starred in the halftime show in the past3, Bad Bunny’s performance is particularly impactful as he is the first halftime show headliner who only sings in Spanish.
After the announcement about his performance, a petition was established to replace Bad Bunny with country singer George Strait, continuing a wave of retaliation against Bad Bunny. This petition stated that George Strait “embodies the heart and soul of American music,” implying that Bad Bunny is not “American” enough to perform. This prejudiced sentiment limits Latino empowerment – especially in the midst of hundreds of Latinos being deported.
The petition represents a symbol of hate and opposition against Latino success. As the only Super Bowl singer to perform solely in Spanish, Bad Bunny represents a culturally-wide Latino accomplishment. Taking this away is an insult damaging the strength behind the community and is a direct statement against the Latino community that much of the U.S. is built upon.
Some criticize Bad Bunny’s performance stating that his songs often feature vulgar lyrics and thus portray the Hispanic community in a negative light. However, the vulgarity of Bad Bunny’s songs should not reflect an entire community, especially since this vulgarity is customary in genres like reggaeton. Above all else, his performance is intended to be a portrayal of advocacy rather than a vulgar statement.
His performance will be a historical statement and poder (“power”) for those who are being affected by devastation such as the ICE raids. In his recent song, NUEVAYoL, Bad Bunny sings, “I want to say that this country is nothing without the immigrants. This country is nothing without Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Cubans, Hondurans…”
With all of the controversy that has arisen for the upcoming performance, the actual show will certainly be a political statement reflecting the impact of Latino accomplishment during such a harsh political climate. Bad Bunny’s performance and its legacy will leave a deep mark on football fans as well as the Hispanic community for years to come.
