Bad Bunny shocked the world with his performance, but not so much with his reward.
On August 28th, 2022, MTV announced Bad Bunny as the winner of the “Artist of The Year” VMA award, crowning him as the first non-english-language performer to ever win that title.
The rapper, 28, received the award in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Many Bad Bunny fans came out to see him perform his VMA nominated hit song, “Tití Me Preguntó” (“Auntie Asked Me”). He also blew the audience and internet away when, during his performance, he kissed both a female and male backup dancer.
Bad Bunny has always been a statement maker. In the beginning of his rise to fame, he was very expressive with not only his music, but the way he presented himself. In 2016, DJ Luian discovered Bad Bunny’s song, “Diles” (“Tell them”). After hearing that, he signed him to the Hear This Music label. When his song “Soy Peor” (“I’m Worse”) came out, fans were blasting it in every party scene. During this time, Bad Bunny kept up with his image by getting haircuts with patterns and designs and wearing colorful and flashy clothing.
Unapologetically Himself
Bad Bunny is also a very proud ally to the LGBTQ+ communities, and makes sure it’s known publicly. In 2020, he appeared on the Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show wearing a shirt that calls attention to the killing of a transgender woman in Puerto Rico, Alexa Negrón Luciano.
Fans have always been curious about Bad Bunny’s sexuality; though he’s had girlfriends in the past, his image causes fans to think differently. In an interview with Los Angeles Times in 2020, he shared his open mindedness about sexuality. “‘It (sexuality) does not define me. At the end of the day, I don’t know if in 20 years I will like a man. One never knows in life.’”
Throughout the years, Bad Bunny’s career has skyrocketed from a small Puerto Rican fanbase to fans all around the world. In May of 2022 he released his album “Un Verano Sin Ti” (“A Summer Without You”). According to Billboard on August 1st, it debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and achieved the biggest streaming week for any Latin album in history.
As a powerful, latin, LGBTQ+ ally, Bad Bunny has a lot of standards to live up to. But with the dedication that he has, he can do it all. He continues to be a powerful role model for many people. Many lower class people who live in Puerto Rico idolize him. He gives back by raising funds for rehabilitative treatment for children with autism and muscular disabilities.
