Viva Latinoamerica!

Bad Bunny’s Opening Act at the Grammys

By Kayla Jovel, Staff Writer

Bad Bunny brought sazón to the Grammys on Feb. 5 as he performed the opening act, leaving fans proud of the Latin representation.

The performer did not win Album of the Year. However, he became the first Latin artist nominated for the award when his all-Spanish-language album was recognized.

He did not leave empty-handed, though. Bad Bunny took home Best Música Urbana Album for “Un Verano Sin Tí” and kicked off the Grammys with two of his most popular songs from his current album.

Singing in Spanish, Bad Bunny brought Puerto Rican- and Dominican-infused sounds to the performance, representing not only the Latin fans and community but also bringing tribute to Puerto Rican legends like reggaeton pioneer Tego Calderón, baseball legend Roberto Clemente and poet Julia de Burgos with life-size bobbleheads.

“I think he should have won Album of the Year,” said Lynn student Guadalupe Gomez. “Because his album was the biggest time in 2022, it was listened to all over the world.”

The Latin community could feel its representation, which the Grammys have lacked for years, as Bad Bunny’s performance and nomination came to represent the presence of the Latino culture. The song choice for the opening act was non-conforming as the Grammys presented “SPEAKING NON-ENGLISH/SINGING IN NON-ENGLISH” captions to viewers at home.

This act of representation is what the Latin community has been waiting for. Allowing space for Latin artists and culture to be shown to the world in an award show made the community proud.

“I think Latin representation is very important, especially in something like the Grammys,” said Gomez. “The Grammys tends to be all about English-speaking artists and outcast the Latin artists, and his performance shows we are present not only in the music industry but everywhere.”

Throughout the years, Latin representation has been snubbed from the Western market and only seen as a trend in the music industry. However, the Latin market was able to break the barrier and have artists sell out stadiums. Bad Bunny in particular has been able to break many barriers, from a machismo mentality to showing out for all Latinos in all he does, always remembering the culture.

“I feel like Bad Bunny has helped the Latin community be known to other nationalities,” said student Chelsea Gonzalez. “Because of his music, people have started to not only sing and speak in Spanish but also learn about the Latin community.”

Although “Un Verano Sin Ti” was the biggest album in 2022, Bad Bunny broke many records, including the highest-grossing tour for his “World’s Hottest Tour.” He even became the most-streamed album globally, according to Spotify. Bad Bunny continues to create music for the culture and his people. As he gave his Grammy acceptance speech in both English and Spanish, Bad Bunny dedicated the award to Puerto Rico saying, “la cuna y la capital del reggaeton en el mundo entero.”

Bad Bunny along with his dancers performing the opening act at the Grammys. Photo/The Grammys
Bad Bunny accepting his Grammy award, with closed caption stating “SPEAKING NON-ENGLISH” shown in both his speech and during his opening act. Photo/CBS
Bad Bunny ending his opening act at the Grammys, performing a mashup from his album “Un Verano Sin Ti.” Photo/Robert Hanashiro

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