CNN 5 Things One Thing: Bad Bunny Is Everywhere. Not Everyone Is Happy About It.
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Oct 5, 2025 Vanessa Diaz, Associate Professor of Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies, dives into the mega-stardom of Bad Bunny, who is set to headline the Super Bowl despite backlash from some right-wing critics. They discuss his impactful advocacy for LGBTQ rights and sharp criticisms of U.S. immigration policies. The conversation highlights how Bad Bunny’s unique musical style blends Puerto Rican culture with mainstream appeal, and explores the cultural significance of his Super Bowl performance to both Puerto Rico and the NFL's marketing strategies.
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Emotional Residency In Puerto Rico
- Paola described Bad Bunny's 31 sold-out concerts in Puerto Rico as an emotional, proud homecoming.
- She said she cried and felt deeply connected to representing her island during the run.
Music Blends Genres And Local History
- Bad Bunny blends trap with bomba, plena, salsa and family-rooted storytelling across albums.
- His songs explicitly address Puerto Rican identity, colonialism, and gentrification.
Spanish-Language Music Is Mainstream
- Bad Bunny's Super Bowl booking signals that Spanish-language Latin music is now mainstream and commercially vital.
- The NFL pursued him to expand global and Latino audiences despite predictable political pushback.