Más Que un Show: Bad Bunny Is Bringing Perreo to the Super Bowl
The global beats of perreo have echoed through stadiums worldwide and are now set to dominate the nation's biggest screen. The hypnotic sound of reggaeton will command the Super Bowl as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio —the legendary Bad Bunny— take the stage as the first solo Latino to headline at the Apple Music Halftime Show. His journey from uploading tracks on SoundCloud in 2013 to shattering Spotify’s streaming record with his album Un Verano Sin Ti, selling out stadiums, and fearlessly genre-bending has all led to this pivotal moment. The Puerto Rican global superstar continues to conquer the mainstream, but this performance is an opportunity to break the language barrier on a massive scale.
While Shakira and J.Lo's 2020 performance was a landmark, Bad Bunny’s setlist is expected to be delivered almost entirely in Spanish to over 100 million viewers. This isn't just a performance; it's a declaration that Spanish-language music is a central pillar of the global landscape. Reggaeton, with its iconic, pulsating beats, offers limitless possibilities. Following an act like Kendrick Lamar is a tough task, but many are expecting the best halftime performance yet. Fans are eagerly anticipating his biggest hits like Tití Me Preguntó and Yo Perreo Sola, along with tracks from his recent album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. However, demand remains high for anthems from his older discography like EL ÚLTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO and YHLQMDLG.
The potential for surprise collaborations is also highly anticipated. Artists like Rauw Alejandro, Feid, or Chencho have highlighted reggaeton's powerful community, hinting at possible surprise appearances. While his setlist and plans remain a mystery, one thing is certain: Bad Bunny is an artist who stands firm in his beliefs, and this stage will not change that. He is likely to weave a narrative as potent as his music, making a statement on a stage known for its sanitized spectacle.
Bad Bunny has repeatedly broken Spotify records, proving that fan-driven, on-demand listening is more powerful than traditional radio promotion. Perreo will reach the screens and ears of millions in February and while some may question the choice, their negativity won’t stand a chance to the loyal and supportive community he’s cultivated. The Puerto Rican artist isn't simply performing at the Super Bowl —he’s showcasing his world, culture, and pride, and in doing so, he will redefine what a halftime show can be. So…
Prepárense.