Bad Bunny expresses that he's struggling to get enough rest ahead of the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show stands out as one of the most viewed musical spectacles globally, consistently attracting over 100 million viewers in the United States alone.
In light of this, Bad Bunny mentioned how he has been diligently preparing for his 13-minute performance amidst a demanding world tour, jokingly admitting that the intense pressure might be affecting his competitive spirit.
"I haven't even had the chance to play much dominoes lately, and that's honestly bothering me, man," he remarked with a hint of humor. "In my last three games, I scored zero points. I think I need to consult my therapist about that!"
When asked whether he would have any surprise guests joining him on stage during the show, he playfully declined to reveal any details. "That’s not something I’m going to divulge,” he chuckled. “I’m not sure why you even asked that!"
As he contemplated what is arguably the most significant week of his career, he reflected on the opportunity to perform on "the biggest stage in the world," reinforcing a belief he has long held.
"You should always take pride in who you are and feel confident being true to yourself. It’s important to celebrate your roots and where you come from, but don’t let that confine your aspirations," he advised.
Bad Bunny is the stage persona of Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, a Puerto Rican artist whose innovative music style and boundary-pushing lyrics have propelled him to international stardom.
Since the year 2020, he has impressively claimed the title of the most-streamed artist on Spotify for four consecutive years, a feat only interrupted by Taylor Swift.
With his distinctive melancholic voice and an astonishing output of music, he has redefined the genre of música urbana, blending trap, hip-hop, and R&B influences with traditional Latin pop sounds.
His musical journey began at the tender age of five, singing in a church choir. He chose his stage name after seeing a childhood photo of himself wearing a bunny costume and scowling.
As a teenager, he pursued studies in audiovisual communications at the University of Puerto Rico while working as a grocery store bagger to fund his recording endeavors.
One of his early tracks, "Diles," caught the attention of DJ Luian, leading to a record deal.
Listeners quickly fell in love with his unique sound, which contrasts energetic beats and vibrant music with his laid-back delivery style.
By the time Western audiences were introduced to him through a guest feature on Cardi B's popular 2018 single "I Like It," Bad Bunny had already achieved 16 Top 40 hits on the US Latin charts.
He launched his debut album, "x100pre," on Christmas Eve of 2018, receiving widespread acclaim. The album showcased his versatility, featuring a range of styles from the pop-punk anthem "Tenemos Que Hablar" to the reggaeton ballad "Si Estuviésemos Juntos" and the politically charged "Estamos Bien," which became a rallying cry for Puerto Ricans following Hurricane Maria's devastation.
In 2020, his third album, "El Último Tour del Mundo," made history as the first Spanish-language album to reach number one on the Billboard chart. Every subsequent release has also topped US charts.
Throughout his career, he has cultivated a reputation for breaking stereotypes and norms. Instead of focusing solely on themes of romance, he emphasizes female empowerment in his lyrics. He has donned drag and participated in WWE wrestling events. Moreover, he played a crucial role in protests that led to the resignation of Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló, while also being a vocal opponent of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Last year, he made headlines by skipping a tour stop on the US mainland, citing concerns that his fans could face immigration enforcement. Instead, he hosted what resembled a residency in Puerto Rico, a territory of the US.
After winning a Grammy Award earlier this week, he made headlines with his statement, "ICE out," and passionately spoke about the vital contributions of immigrants to society.
Staying connected to his heritage, his Grammy-winning album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" serves as both a tribute to Puerto Rican culture and a critique of the exploitation faced by the island.
A performer known for his charisma and generosity, Bad Bunny is poised to shine on the Super Bowl stage. However, his inclusion has sparked outrage among some conservatives in the United States.
In January, former President Trump stated he would boycott the Super Bowl, partly due to Bad Bunny and the pop-punk band Green Day, who will kick off the event. "I’m against them. I believe it’s a poor choice, and it simply spreads hatred," he expressed.
Pop sensation Charlie Puth is set to sing the US National Anthem before the game, marking his first appearance at the Super Bowl. The 34-year-old humorously noted that he had been practicing in the shower, claiming it offers a reverb similar to Levi's Stadium—"though a bit wetter!"
Coco Jones is also scheduled to sing "Lift Every Voice," often referred to as the Black national anthem. Originally penned as a poem in 1899, this song has been included in the pre-game festivities since 2021, in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Additionally, country music star Brandi Carlile will perform "America the Beautiful," expressing her hope for the moment to be unifying. "I’d prefer for people to interpret the song as more of a prayer than a boast," she shared. "This song reflects on a beautiful country that experiences ups and downs in terms of hope; it’s a work in progress. The belief is that we can achieve our goals, and I share that belief."
The Super Bowl remains the top-rated program on US television, with the halftime show frequently drawing more viewers than the actual game.
Last year, Kendrick Lamar set audience records as 133.5 million viewers tuned in. Even when the lineup isn't as stellar, such as Maroon 5 in 2019, viewership has hovered around 100 million.
Over the years, the halftime show has produced a plethora of iconic moments—from Prince performing "Purple Rain" during a rainstorm to Katy Perry's infamous "left shark," who became an instant meme after forgetting the choreography.
The exposure and publicity generated from a Super Bowl performance is so valuable that numerous artists, including Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Rihanna, choose to perform for free.
However, each artist does receive a standard union payment of approximately $1,000 (£738) per day, and the NFL incurs substantial costs for staging the show.
For instance, the 13-minute performance by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira in 2020 reportedly cost around $1 million per minute, according to Reuters, with the league also covering travel and accommodation expenses.
