The Super Bowl's halftime show is set to be a spectacle, with Bad Bunny taking center stage and performing entirely in Spanish. This has sparked a unique phenomenon, as fans are eager to learn the language to understand his lyrics and immerse themselves in his music. But here's where it gets controversial: some conservatives have criticized Bad Bunny for speaking out against President Trump's anti-immigrant policies, and his performance at the Super Bowl has ignited further debate.
The Puerto Rican singer, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, made headlines when he kicked off the 51st season of 'Saturday Night Live' in Spanish, challenging fans to learn the language within four months. This bold statement fueled the anger of some conservatives, who have long vilified Bad Bunny for his activism. The singer's decision to cancel the U.S. portion of his tour last year due to fears of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents targeting his fans further fueled the controversy.
Online, there's been a frenzy of activity as fans delve into Bad Bunny's lyrics, with Puerto Ricans explaining his slang and non-Spanish speakers embarking on their own language-learning journeys. The anticipation for his halftime performance has soared since last weekend, when his album 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' became the first Spanish-language album to win the Grammy for album of the year. During his acceptance speech, he addressed targeted federal immigration operations, stating, 'We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.'
Niklaus Miller, a 29-year-old enthusiast, has been diligently learning Bad Bunny's lyrics since the singer's SNL appearance. He finds the challenge exhilarating, saying, 'It felt like a form of protest. What can I do right now besides what everyone is doing that is trying to help? It just feels good.' Miller's dedication has inspired others, as evidenced by messages from people who watch his videos with their parents, feeling seen and appreciated.
The impact of Bad Bunny's music and performance extends beyond language learning. It highlights the powerful influence of Latino culture in the U.S., despite the president's anti-immigrant rhetoric and actions. Vanessa Díaz, an associate professor of Chicano and Latino studies, notes that the rise of Latin music has already driven non-Spanish speakers to learn the language. Bad Bunny's clear messaging in his lyrics, videos, and performances further amplifies this interest.
Spanish is the most spoken language at home after English in the U.S., except in three states, according to U.S. Census data. Over 13% of residents aged 5 and older speak Spanish. For O'Neil Thomas, a 28-year-old actor and content creator, Bad Bunny's music provided the perfect motivation to learn a new language. Thomas says, 'I love Spanish and I always wanted to learn it. So, this has been a fun introduction for me to finally hone in.'
However, the Super Bowl's inclusion of Bad Bunny has been politically divisive. Trump called the selection 'ridiculous,' and conservatives have labeled it anti-American. This controversy arises against the backdrop of Trump's immigration crackdowns, where Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities have been targeted. The NFL and Apple Music face a challenge: delivering a spectacle that celebrates diversity without igniting controversy that could scare off advertisers.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has defended the choice, citing Bad Bunny's immense popularity. Petra Rivera-Rideau, an associate professor of American studies, notes the historical criminalization of Spanish in the U.S. Bad Bunny's performance is making it cool to know the language and changing the narrative, says Díaz. Now, Spanish is something people aspire to learn.
While Díaz believes his performance won't shift how Latinos are perceived in the U.S., it will undoubtedly spark interesting conversations. The visibility of Bad Bunny on such a grand stage is powerful, especially at a time when the U.S. is targeting Latinos and migrants in unprecedented ways.
