Bad Bunny, the renowned Puerto Rican rapper and singer, has been chosen to headline the highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show in February 2024. This announcement has sparked significant backlash from right-wing commentators, particularly due to Bad Bunny's outspoken critiques of former President Donald Trump and his administration's immigration policies.
California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly supported Bad Bunny's upcoming performance, expressing excitement on social media. In a post on X, he stated, "California is excited to welcome you to Super Bowl LX." Newsom's press office, known for its playful jabs at Trump and Republicans, further mocked commentator Benny Johnson, humorously suggesting that “we all know you listen to Bad Bunny lol 💅.”
Bad Bunny has a long history of advocating for his Puerto Rican roots through his music, often taking aim at the Trump administration's immigration actions. As the 2024 election approaches, he has openly endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris following derogatory comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe about Puerto Rico during a Trump rally. In response, Bad Bunny posted a powerful Instagram video simply captioned “garbage,” showcasing Puerto Rican culture and emphasizing the resilience of his people with a poignant message about their ongoing fight for recognition and rights.
Additionally, on Independence Day, Bad Bunny released a thought-provoking music video for his song “NUEVAYoL,” featuring a voice mimicking Trump that apologizes for his immigration stance. The faux Trump voice states, “I want to apologize to the immigrants in America. I mean the United States. I know America is the whole continent,” and declares that “this country is nothing without the immigrants.”
In June, Bad Bunny did not hold back in expressing his disdain for ICE, referring to agents as “motherf—ers” and “sons of bitches” in a video that depicted the agency's treatment of immigrants. Moreover, he has been a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights and has challenged traditional gender norms, emphasizing in a 2022 interview that “to me, a dress is a dress.”
Set to perform on February 8, details about Bad Bunny's halftime show remain largely under wraps. However, he has hinted at a performance that will honor his Puerto Rican heritage. In a recent statement, he expressed, “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. 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.”
Jay-Z, the chairman of Roc Nation, commented on Bad Bunny's significance, stating, “What Benito has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.” The Super Bowl halftime show is widely regarded as one of the most lucrative opportunities in the music industry, often leading to substantial increases in album sales and artist visibility.
Bad Bunny, a three-time Grammy winner, has consistently dominated music charts, being Spotify’s most-streamed artist from 2020 to 2022 and maintaining a top-three position since. His latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” released in January, quickly climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
Bad Bunny's upcoming halftime performance follows the politically charged show by rapper Kendrick Lamar, who headlined the Super Bowl in 2023. Lamar’s performance was noted for its commentary on racism in America, using powerful imagery and symbolism to convey his message. Smith College professor Tiana Clark highlighted that Lamar's performance offered “American symbolism through the lens of bold and unapologetic Blackness,” making it a significant cultural statement.
With a strong track record of addressing social issues in his music, Kendrick Lamar previously criticized Trump in his 2017 song, marking a trend of artists using the Super Bowl platform to speak on pressing societal matters. Bad Bunny is expected to continue this tradition, making his performance a focal point for cultural and political discourse.
As the Super Bowl approaches, anticipation builds around what Bad Bunny will bring to the stage, making it a must-watch event for fans and critics alike.
