Bad Bunny began his European summer tour in 2026 with a series of concerts in Spain, followed by performances in France in July. The singer's rise to prominence in the global pop scene has been explored in detail by El País, which traced his rapid ascent and his role in promoting reggaeton and Spanish-language music. The article also noted that Bad Bunny's stage name, "Bad Bunny," is inspired by the cartoon character Bugs Bunny and a childhood photo of the artist dressed as a white rabbit. Over time, his stage name has been gradually replaced by his real name, "Benito," which is now nearly as well known as his former moniker.
Vanessa Díaz, a teacher at Loyola Marymount University, described Bad Bunny's work as a "mission" to reflect the realities of Puerto Rico, especially for those born after the 1990s, who have experienced the island's colonial history and struggles. She co-authored a book with Petra R. Rivera-Rideau titled P FKN R. Bad Bunny and Music as an Act of Resistance, which examines the impact of decades of debt, reduced public services, and the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.
According to reports, Bad Bunny's career began around ten years ago, when he anticipated the revival of local music and emphasized his roots in Puerto Rico. His collaboration with J Balvin on the album Oasis was a key moment in his rise to fame. Another report stated that the tension between Bad Bunny and Donald Trump became a turning point in his career, with Trump reportedly angered by Bad Bunny's performance at the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show, which celebrated Latino pride.
Jesús López, CEO of Universal Music Latin America and Spain, referred to Bad Bunny as the "king of the genre," a title that could be interpreted as the "king of urban music." He argued that Trump's reaction to Bad Bunny's performance was a pivotal moment in the singer's career.
Maia Sherwood, a lexicographer, noted that Bad Bunny's use of Puerto Rican Spanish has sparked a wave of linguistic pride, challenging the dominance of English. She mentioned that the Puerto Rican Academy of the Spanish Language recognized his role in promoting the Spanish language globally. In an interview with El País Semanal, Bad Bunny stated, "We need to stop acting as if the gringos were living gods... It's no longer possible."
Ana Macho, from New York, highlighted Bad Bunny's difference from other artists, noting his unique style, music, and closeness to the queer scene. She pointed out that his drag-queen performance in the clip of Yo perreo sola and his participation in the film Cassandro were significant in challenging traditional views on gender and sexuality.
Despite his progressive image, some critics have noted that Bad Bunny's relationship with women remains a point of controversy, with some arguing that his music still contains elements of objectification, even if it is romantic in nature. Feminist criticisms of his lyrics have had limited impact, unlike those faced by other artists such as Rosalía and Taylor Swift.
Cibrán García, a DJ, discussed the "devastating fever" of Bad Bunny's concerts, pointing out the financial burden on fans and the potential harm to the music industry's base. He also mentioned that Bad Bunny's residency in Puerto Rico in 2025 contributed to the gentrification of the island, increasing real estate and tourist value while displacing locals.
Eduardo Cabra, known as "Visitante," acknowledged Bad Bunny's contributions to Puerto Rico, despite the unintended consequences of his concerts. He praised the singer for drawing attention to the issues facing the island and for supporting local artists.
Glorimar Montalvo Castro, known as "Glory," recounted meeting Bad Bunny and being recognized as a reggaeton pioneer. She emphasized the impact of Bad Bunny on the genre and the unlikely success of reggaeton in the 1990s.
Bad Bunny's European Tour and Cultural Impact
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