Bad Bunny Accepts Billboard’s Top Latin Artist of the Century Award: ‘This Is for My People’
Bad Bunny on stage at the Latin Billboard Awards in Miami, FL on October 23, 2025.Alexander Tamargo/Telemundo via Getty Images
Bad Bunny added another Grammy-sized badge to his resume on Thursday, when he accepted the prestigious Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Presented by none other than the legendary Rita Moreno, the moment solidified his dominance across Latin music and popular culture.
Speaking on stage, Moreno noted: “When I started my career, being Latino in the United States meant facing barriers. Opportunities were few, almost non-existent.”
Her words appeared to underscore the recognition given to Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. Upon taking the stage, the artist appeared both proud and humble.
“Each time I hear other artists express themselves like you did of me, it tells me that doing things from a good place and with your heart, it’s always the best decision,” he said before addressing other emerging artists: “This award also is for you… because I will always identify with young artists who are growing and dreaming.”
From Platinum Records to Cultural Icon
The accolade arrives on the heels of Bad Bunny becoming the first Latin-American male solo artist tapped to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show in February 2026 — a performance expected to reach hundreds of millions.
Still, his selection by the NFL sparked a wave of controversy, particularly among conservative critics who took issue with a Spanish-language set and his past comments on immigration.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the backlash head-on, stating that the selection process is “carefully thought through,” reaffirming that there are no intentions to replace Bad Bunny from the show.
Billboard’s Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century designation is no small feat, having been built on decades of data across streaming, sales, and cultural influence.
Bad Bunny’s recent breakout albums — Debí Tirar Más Fotos (2025),Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (2023), Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), and El Último Tour del Mundo(2020) — have each topped the Billboard 200, making him a global force, not just a Latin-music star.
For many fans and critics alike, the award is as much about his cultural impact — fashion, activism, representation — as it is about chart-topping hits.
The Super Bowl Stage and Beyond
As Bad Bunny prepares to carry Latin culture onto the NFL’s biggest stage, the timing of the recognition could serve as both validation and a platform. His upcoming performance in February is poised to be more than a spectacle, but a statement.
From sold-out stadiums to headline festivals, from Puerto Rico-rooted activism to a record-breaking streaming presence, Bad Bunny has shown that global superstardom knows no language barrier.
It’s safe to assume that his upcoming Super Bowl performance will be one of the most talked about in a long while.
In addition to the prestigious award, Bad Bunny had a huge night at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, taking home a total of 11 awards, including Artist of the Year, Top Latin Album, and Top Latin Albums Artist, Male.
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