This year’s Super Bowl LX was held on Feb. 8, but even before the game was played, there was a lot of controversy about whether or not Bad Bunny was a good choice as the halftime show performer.
Some were upset that he would perform in Spanish and disagreed with his political stance, especially toward ICE, and his pro-immigrant views.
Others worried he wasn’t “American” enough even though he is from Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. One NFL player was quoted as saying, “I don’t even know who Bad Bunny is…I always think it should be an American. I think they’re trying too hard with this international stuff.”
In the end, Bad Bunny made history as the first latin rapper to perform in a Super Bowl.
While people around the country debated the topic, at Carrollton students were mostly excited. According to a survey of 66 students in junior high, more than half (66.2%) were happy Bad Bunny was performing and only 4.6% were angry he had been chosen.
“I’m very happy that Bad Bunny is in the Super Bowl because it shows that his music is finally getting the recognition it deserves,” said Gabriella Bodoh ‘30. “I don’t understand why people are getting upset over him performing. Puerto Rico is an American territory and his music is trending right now.”
However, some could understand the frustration around the decision.“I think it will be very hard for those who do not understand Spanish to be able to enjoy the Super Bowl,” said Gianna Mendez ’31 before the game.
In the midst of all the criticism, Bad Bunny gave an energetic, upbeat show that celebrated Latin culture and Puerto Rico. The background was a cornfield, and there was also a Puerto Rican style “casita,” and power lines to represent the island’s struggles after Hurricane Maria.
“I wasn’t expecting for him to start in a bush or field, but it was…representing where he came from,” said Victoria Gomez ‘31.
“He stayed true to himself and his culture,” said Bodoh.
Even though Puerto Rico was featured, the inclusion of Lady Gaga, other Latin artists, and Bad Bunny’s shoutout to many countries in the Americas promoted unity and invited everyone to enjoy it.
According to USA Today, “Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker enjoyed the show despite the fact that it was almost entirely in Spanish.”
Destiny Royal ‘31 had a similar experience. “I just love how much energy he had. It was really fun, and I recognized songs that I really liked,” she said.
