Bad Bunny has dominated 2025 from the very beginning — making him the obvious pick to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
By Website Content Manager
Benito has owned 2025 with the kind of impact artists once dreamed of achieving in a single summer — all while staying authentic to who he is.
Bad Bunny is at the peak of his brilliance — and 2025 is undeniably his time to shine.
Saying he has merely taken over 2025 would be an understatement. For his massive and loyal fanbase, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS wasn’t the start of something new, but a celebration of a remarkable career that’s been unfolding for more than ten years.
Released on January 5, 2025, DTMF offered a diverse collection of tracks — emotional ballads, dance anthems, and songs only Bad Bunny, now 31, could deliver. The album also paid tribute to Puerto Rico’s vibrant history, culture, and soundscape, serving as both a personal and cultural homage.
Critics praised the project’s depth and range, while fans lauded its creativity and thoughtful execution. Since his breakout into English-speaking markets through the 2018 collaboration with J Balvin and Cardi B on “I Like It,” Bad Bunny’s artistry has continued to evolve. The album’s release even came with cinematic visuals and a short film featuring the island’s beloved symbol — an adorable coquí.
For the second consecutive year, the Super Bowl Halftime Show spotlighted an artist dominating pop culture. And there’s no denying Bad Bunny, born Benito Martínez Ocasio, has been the talk of the year.
He turned heads once again at the 2025 Met Gala, following his stint as a cochair the previous year, and his Calvin Klein campaign earlier in the spring — where he confidently stripped down to his underwear — reminded the world of his boldness and star power.
His monumental residency, No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí (“I Don’t Want to Leave Here”), began in July. According to Variety, over 2.5 million fans registered for the presale, while Move Concerts — managed by Bad Bunny’s longtime collaborator Noah Assad — reported around 400,000 tickets sold online and in person. The 30-show residency, held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, drew packed audiences every weekend from mid-July through mid-September.
Meanwhile, Bad Bunny has become a familiar face across American entertainment. He’s appeared on Saturday Night Live three times since 2021, including as a musical guest for the milestone 50th season finale. This October 4, he’ll return to host the show for a second time.
He also brought his charisma to the big screen, starring in Happy Gilmore 2 alongside Adam Sandler, where he played an enthusiastic caddy and showed off his comedic side. Behind the scenes, he bonded with Travis Kelce, fueling fan hopes that Taylor Swift might join him during his SNL appearance — which happens to fall just a day after the release of her album The Life of a Showgirl.
Even with all these successes — reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar’s incredible 2024 run that led to his Super Bowl performance — not everyone is thrilled with the NFL’s choice. It’s worth noting, though, that Bad Bunny isn’t new to the Halftime Show stage. He appeared alongside Jennifer Lopez and Shakira back in 2020.
In truth, controversy has surrounded many headliners in recent years — from Lamar and the Super Bowl LVI lineup of Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Snoop Dogg, to Lopez, Shakira, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and even Beyoncé. It’s been a long time since a halftime performer pleased everyone, and perhaps that’s just part of the era we’re in.
Still, Bad Bunny’s 2025 run has been the kind that breeds both passionate fans and vocal critics. But no amount of backlash can overshadow what he represents — not just for Latinos and Puerto Ricans, but for anyone who appreciates authentic, culture-rich music. With his latest album and artistic evolution, he continues to invite audiences into his world — one that celebrates heritage, beauty, and shared humanity.
His influence extends even further. A quick scroll through TikTok reveals countless “no sabo” kids — young people raised in English-speaking countries who never learned Spanish — now inspired to reconnect with the language through his lyrics. Many have begun translating his songs, discovering the emotional and cultural depth behind his sound.
Perhaps most importantly, DTMF has reignited conversations about Puerto Rico itself — from debates about statehood to reflections on what it truly means to be American across the diverse regions that make up the nation.