Ricky Martin Celebrates Bad Bunny's Grammy Triumph and Puerto Rican Heritage
Ricky Martin's Tribute to Bad Bunny's Grammy Triumph
In a heartfelt open letter published in El Nuevo Día, Ricky Martin celebrated Bad Bunny's historic win at the 68th Grammy Awards, where the Puerto Rican star claimed Album of the Year for his entirely Spanish-language album Debí Tirar Más Fotos. Martin, a trailblazing Boricua icon known for hits like "María" and "Vuelve," expressed profound emotion, writing, "Benito, brother, seeing you win three Grammys touched me deeply, not just as an artist but as a Puerto Rican carrying our language worldwide."[1][2]
Staying True to Roots and Culture
Martin praised Bad Bunny for triumphing without compromising his heritage: "You won without changing the color of your voice, without erasing your roots. You won by staying true to Puerto Rico, your language, rhythms, and authentic narrative."[1] He highlighted the cultural victory of success on global stages while preserving identity, reminding readers of the sacrifices involved in authenticity amid industry pressures.[1][2]
A Message for Generations
The letter extended gratitude for Bad Bunny's anti-ICE speech, defending immigrants as humans, not aliens. Martin concluded that this milestone inspires Puerto Ricans and Latinos to wear their culture proudly, proving one Boricua's success lifts all.[1][2]
About the People Mentioned
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio on March 10, 1994, in Puerto Rico (Vega Baja), is a prominent Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and songwriter who has significantly influenced Latin trap and reggaeton music. He began sharing his music on SoundCloud in 2016 while studying audiovisual communication and working in a grocery store. His early track "Diles" attracted the attention of DJ Luian, leading to a record deal and rising popularity in Puerto Rican nightclubs[1][3][4]. His breakthrough came with the 2018 album *X 100PRE*, which was critically acclaimed for its experimental and genre-blending approach, featuring hits like “Estamos Bien,” “Caro,” and “MÍA” with Drake. Bad Bunny is known for blending reggaeton and Latin trap with influences from salsa, rock en español, and American hip-hop, helping bring Spanish-language urban music to a global audience. He has also collaborated with major artists such as Cardi B, J Balvin, and Drake, notably on the Billboard Hot 100 number-one single “I Like It”[3][4][5]. Bad Bunny has redefined Latin music by challenging traditional norms around masculinity and identity, while also using his platform to address social and political issues affecting Puerto Rico. He has been Spotify's most-streamed artist worldwide from 2020 to 2022, and his 2022 album *Un Verano Sin Ti* holds the record as the most-streamed album on the platform[4]. In 2026, Bad Bunny is set to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, joining an elite group of global superstars. This appearance highlights his current relevance and impact as one of the most influential and culturally significant Latin artists internationally[6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
El Nuevo Día
**El Nuevo Día** is Puerto Rico's leading Spanish-language daily newspaper, delivering comprehensive coverage of news, politics, sports, entertainment, **business**, and **technology** from its San Juan headquarters.[1][2][5] Founded in 1909 as *El Diario de Puerto Rico* by Guillermo V. Cintrón, Eugenio Astol, and Nemesio Canales, it evolved under key ownership changes: acquired in 1945 by industrialist Luis A. Ferré (founder of the New Progressive Party) and later led by his son Antonio Ferré Bacallao. Relaunched as *El Nuevo Día* in 1970, it has remained a tabloid-style powerhouse published by GFR Media, the Ferré Rangel family-owned conglomerate.[1][2][4][5] Today, María Luisa Ferré Rangel serves as president, CEO, and publisher, with siblings in executive roles, enabling agile adaptation amid industry shifts.[2] **Key achievements** include dominating print circulation—over 214,000 Sundays and 180,600 daily—while building a top digital platform (elnuevodia.com) among Puerto Rico's most visited news sites. Employing nearly 400 staff, it generates about $45 million annually through subscriptions, ads, and GFR's diversification into printing, mobile apps, marketing, real estate, and philanthropy.[2] Rated high credibility by Media Bias/Fact Check for minimally biased reporting with proper sourcing (e.g., Associated Press), it joined The Trust Project in 2024, pledging impartiality, error corrections, and inclusive journalism that holds power accountable and amplifies diverse voices.[1][5] Currently thriving despite Puerto Rico's economic headwinds and print declines, *El Nuevo Día* navigates digital transitions and post-pandemic recovery with improving credit metrics, bolstered by its parent's ventures. It stands as Puerto Rico's journalisti
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