Bad Bunny’s Spanish Super Bowl Half-Time Show
Bad Bunny is set to perform the Super Bowl half-time show this Sunday, entirely in Spanish, sparking many fans to start learning the language rapidly.
Pride and Controversy
The Puerto Rican artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, showcased his pride for this milestone during the 51st season of Saturday Night Live in October. He encouraged viewers, saying in English, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!” This comment fueled further outrage among some conservatives who have criticized Bad Bunny for his opposition to former President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant policies. Last year, he canceled part of his U.S. tour due to concerns about potential ICE raids targeting his fans.
Learning Amidst a Cultural Frenzy
The online community has erupted with discussions about Bad Bunny’s lyrics, with Puerto Ricans clarifying slang and non-Spanish speakers sharing their language-learning journeys. Excitement for his half-time performance increased when his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos made history as the first Spanish-language album to win the Grammy for album of the year. At the awards, he openly addressed the issue of federal immigration enforcement.
Language Learning as a Form of Protest
Niklaus Miller, 29, has plunged into learning Bad Bunny’s lyrics since the singer’s SNL debut. Miller expressed, “It felt like a form of protest,” emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating Latino culture in the face of adversity. He shared that many viewers of his learning videos have connected with him, feeling seen and acknowledged. Although he hasn’t mastered all of Bad Bunny’s songs, he has learned parts of several tracks that he anticipates will feature in the show.
Increased Interest in Spanish
Vanessa Díaz, an associate professor of Chicano and Latino studies, notes that the rising popularity of Latin music has encouraged non-Spanish speakers to initiate language learning. The Super Bowl serves as a catalyst for this trend, which has been developing over the past decade. Spanish ranks as the second most spoken language in the U.S. homes, with over 13% of residents aged five and older using it.
Divisive Reactions to Bad Bunny
Despite the enthusiasm, Bad Bunny’s booking has triggered mixed reactions, with critics labeling it as “ridiculous” and “anti-American.” Some conservatives have organized an alternative “All-American Halftime Show” featuring Kid Rock. This discussion unfolds against the backdrop of targeting Latino communities within Trump’s immigration crackdowns.
The Challenge of Learning Puerto Rican Spanish
Both Miller and O’Neil Thomas, a New York City actor, see Bad Bunny’s music as a fascinating gateway to learning Spanish. However, they note that mastering the dialect, which is fast-paced and often drops syllables, poses a unique challenge. Thomas shared, “It’s been a fun introduction for me to finally hone in,” while Miller expressed the mix of enjoyment and stress that comes with the learning process, emphasizing his ambition to excel.
