As the anticipation builds for one of the biggest nights in American sports, Bad Bunny is set to make history during the Super Bowl halftime show, and he’s not going it alone. Fellow musical icons Katy Perry, Shakira, and Mary J. Blige have publicly rallied behind the Puerto Rican superstar, each sending their well-wishes ahead of his performance at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
A Historic Moment for Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is poised to take centre stage during the highly anticipated clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. His performance marks a significant moment not only for him but for Latin music on a global platform, showcasing his unique style and cultural roots.
Shortly before the show, Katy Perry, who made waves at the 2015 Super Bowl with her memorable shark-themed performance, took to social media platform X to offer her encouragement. “You got this,” she wrote, urging him to “remind the world what the real American dream looks like.” This comment appears to subtly address some critics who have expressed discontent over Bad Bunny’s choice to perform entirely in Spanish.
Shakira’s Heartfelt Message
Shakira, who co-headlined the Super Bowl in 2020, also shared her support for Bad Bunny with an emotional Instagram post. Alongside a video from their joint performance at the last major event, she reminisced, “Remembering our first performance together at Super Bowl 2020 and wishing you, Benito, all the best tonight.” Her words reflect not just encouragement but also the shared camaraderie and pride within the Latin music community.
Adding to the chorus of support, Mary J. Blige, who has graced the Super Bowl stage multiple times, expressed her confidence in Bad Bunny’s abilities. In a conversation with People, she stated, “Um, I don’t think Bad Bunny needs any tips. He performs for billions and trillions of people. He’s a great performer.” Blige, who has performed at both the 2001 and 2022 halftime shows, declared, “He’s gonna body it. He’s gonna murder it. I just say blessings to you. Bad Bunny, kill it.”
Cardi B’s Empowering Praise
In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, rapper Cardi B also showered Bad Bunny with praise, particularly for his activism against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “I’m proud of everything that he’s been standing up for against ICE and everything,” Cardi expressed to the Associated Press. She added, “It just feels like everything is aligned right now. It just shows how Hispanics, Latinos… We’re standing. They’re standing. We’re all standing.” This sentiment underscores the cultural significance of Bad Bunny’s performance, not only as entertainment but also as a statement of unity and representation.
Competition from the Other Side
While Bad Bunny garners support from his fellow performers, not everyone is thrilled about his high-profile slot. Kid Rock, a veteran of the Super Bowl stage, is set to headline an alternative show dubbed “All-American Halftime Show,” organised by Turning Point USA. This event, featuring artists like Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett, presents a contrasting narrative to Bad Bunny’s performance, highlighting the ongoing cultural divide in America today.
Why it Matters
The significance of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance transcends just music; it embodies a moment of cultural reckoning and celebration for the Latino community in the United States. As he steps into the spotlight, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of countless fans and fellow artists who see in him a representation of their stories and struggles. His performance is not merely entertainment but a powerful statement that Latin music and culture have a rightful place on one of the largest stages in the world. In a landscape often fraught with division, Bad Bunny’s presence is a unifying force, reminding us all of the power of music and representation.
