Puerto Rican music icon Ricky Martin has publicly expressed his heartfelt support for fellow artist Bad Bunny, whom he calls his "brother," just days before Bad Bunny makes history as the headliner of the Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show this Sunday.
A Deeply Personal Tribute
In a powerful Spanish-language article published in El Nuevo Día on Tuesday, the 54-year-old San Juan-born pop legend shared his emotional reaction to Bad Bunny's recent Grammy triumphs. "Benito, brother, seeing you win three Grammy Awards, one of them for album of the year with a production entirely in Spanish, touched me deeply," Martin wrote.
The veteran artist, who began his career in the boyband Menudo before achieving global solo success with hits like Livin' la Vida Loca and She Bangs, reflected on their shared Puerto Rican heritage. "Not only as an artist, but as a Puerto Rican who has walked stages around the world carrying his language, his accent and his story," Martin continued. "I know what it means to succeed without letting go of where you come from."
Cultural Victory Beyond Music
Martin emphasized that Bad Bunny's achievements represent more than just musical success. "That's why what you have achieved is not just a historic musical accomplishment, it's a cultural and human victory," he declared. "You won without changing the color of your voice. You won without erasing your roots. You won by staying true to Puerto Rico."
The two artists, separated by 23 years in age, share a professional history that includes performing together at the 2019 Latin Grammy Awards. Four years later, Martin presented Bad Bunny with the GLAAD Vanguard Award in 2023, highlighting their mutual support within the entertainment industry.
Powerful Grammy Moment
Martin specifically highlighted the profound impact of Bad Bunny's Grammy acceptance speech, where the artist made a defiant statement about immigration. "The most 'touching' part was 'the silence of the entire audience when you spoke,'" Martin wrote, referencing Bad Bunny's declaration: "Before I say thanks to god, I'm going to say, ICE out" - referring to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"When you defended the immigrant community, when you pointed out a system that persecutes and separates, you spoke from a place I know very well," Martin reflected. "That place where fear and hope coexist, where millions live between languages, borders, and deferred dreams."
Super Bowl Context and Controversy
Bad Bunny's upcoming Super Bowl performance occurs against a backdrop of heightened immigration enforcement concerns. The Trump administration has indicated plans to send ICE agents to Santa Clara, California, where Levi's Stadium will host the game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem previously vowed "We'll be all over that place," though a DHS official stated that those "here legally and not breaking other laws have nothing to fear." The exorbitant ticket prices, ranging from $4,500 to $20,000, are likely to limit attendance at the 68,500-seat stadium regardless of documentation status.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expressed confidence that Bad Bunny will "have a great performance" that helps "unite people," particularly following recent ICE-related incidents. The artist himself has expressed concern about immigration enforcement at his events, which influenced his decision to exclude the United States from his recent world tour.
Legacy and Impact
Martin concluded his tribute by emphasizing the broader significance of Bad Bunny's success. "This achievement is for a generation to whom you taught that their identity is non-negotiable and that success is not at odds with authenticity," he wrote. "From the heart, from one Boricua to another, with respect and love, I thank you for reminding us that when one of ours succeeds, we all succeed."
Bad Bunny, who previously appeared as a special guest during the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, will make history as the first reggaeton artist to headline the prestigious event. While halftime performers traditionally receive no payment beyond covered expenses, the platform provides unprecedented visibility.
The performance has generated some controversy, with conservative group Turning Point USA organizing a rival halftime show on Trinity Broadcasting Network featuring Kid Rock and country artists. Nevertheless, Bad Bunny's cultural impact remains undeniable, with 83.9 million monthly Spotify listeners and over 123 million records sold worldwide since his breakthrough in 2016.
