Shakira Defends Bad Bunny Amid Super Bowl Criticism: “It’s About Time”
UPDATE: Shakira has publicly defended Bad Bunny’s upcoming 2026 Super Bowl performance, addressing criticism surrounding his historic headlining debut. The announcement of Bad Bunny, known as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, performing at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, has sparked backlash over his Spanish-language set, but Shakira urges fans to embrace this milestone.
In an urgent statement to Variety, Shakira expressed her pride and support for Bad Bunny. “It’s about time,” she remarked, harkening back to her own experiences when introducing Spanish music to mainstream audiences. “I remember when we did ours that even having part of our set in Spanish was a bold move.”
Shakira emphasized the progress made in the acceptance of Spanish-language music, stating, “The acceptance of Spanish-language music as part of the mainstream has come so far from when I started.” She reflected on the challenges her music faced, adding, “I hope and like to think that all the times my music was met with resistance or puzzlement from the English-speaking world before it was embraced, helped forge the path to where we are now.”
Bad Bunny himself expressed excitement about the opportunity during an opening monologue on SNL. “I’m very excited to be doing the Super Bowl, and I know that people all around the world who love my music are also happy,” he stated. He highlighted the significance of this moment for the Latino community, declaring, “It’s more than a win for myself, it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”
In a bold response to critics, Bad Bunny playfully remarked that anyone struggling to understand his language has “four months left to learn it” before the Super Bowl in February 2026.
The cultural impact of Bad Bunny’s performance cannot be overstated. As the first primarily Spanish-language artist to headline the Super Bowl, his presence represents a significant breakthrough in the entertainment industry. This development is not just a personal triumph for the artist but a celebration of Latino representation in a mainstream American event.
Fans and supporters are rallying behind Bad Bunny, eager to witness this historic moment unfold. As the 2026 Super Bowl approaches, anticipation builds, and discussions about diversity and inclusion in music and entertainment continue to gain momentum.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the latest developments in this story leading up to the Super Bowl.
