Shakira voices Strong Support for Bad Bunny‘s Super Bowl Halftime Performance Amidst Controversy
LAS VEGAS – Pop superstar Shakira has publicly voiced her enthusiastic support for Bad Bunny as he prepares to headline the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show, a performance that has sparked debate and drawn criticism from conservative figures. Shakira’s comments come as Bad Bunny’s selection marks a significant moment for Latin music on the world’s biggest stage.
The announcement of Bad Bunny’s headlining slot has been met with pushback, including comments from former president Trump, who labeled the decision “crazy” and “absolutely ridiculous” in a recent interview with newsmax. A petition circulating on Change.org,garnering over 54,000 signatures,even called for his replacement with Texas singer George Strait,citing a desire to “honour American culture.” Turning Point USA has also announced an option event, “The All American Halftime Show,” though performers have not yet been named.
Though, Shakira emphasized the ancient significance of Bad Bunny’s performance, recalling a time when incorporating Spanish into mainstream performances was considered a “bold move.” “I remember when we did ours that even having part of our set in Spanish was a bold move… Acceptance of Spanish-language music as part of the mainstream has come so far from when I started,” Shakira stated, referencing her own groundbreaking 2020 Super Bowl performance alongside Jennifer Lopez. That performance was the first all-Latine show in super bowl history, also featuring J Balvin.
Shakira further highlighted Bad bunny’s representation of both Latin culture and the growing global reach of Spanish-language music. “I’m so proud that Bad Bunny, who represents not only Latin culture but also how important Spanish-language music has become on a global scale and how universal it has become, is getting to perform on the biggest stage in the world,” she said. “It’s the perfect moment for a performance like this. I can’t wait to watch it.”
Notably, claims questioning Bad Bunny’s American identity are inaccurate; as a citizen of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, he is an American citizen. numerous past Super Bowl halftime shows have also featured performers from outside the United States, including the rolling Stones, U2, Rihanna, Shania Twain and Coldplay.Shakira expressed hope that past resistance to her own Spanish-language music “helped forge the path to where we are now.”
