Celimar Rivera Cosme, an ardent fan of Bad Bunny, made headlines in 2022 when she reached out to the artist directly via an Instagram video. In her heartfelt message, she emphasized the importance of accessibility by highlighting that approximately 100,000 Deaf individuals live in Puerto Rico, many of whom admire Bad Bunny’s music but lack the opportunity to experience his concerts with sign language interpretation.
Just a week after her video went viral, Rivera Cosme found herself on tour with Bad Bunny as one of his official sign language interpreters. This remarkable journey has led her to an exciting new milestone: she will be interpreting for Bad Bunny during his halftime show at this year’s Super Bowl, which will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This event marks a historic moment, as it will be the first time the Super Bowl features lyrics performed entirely in Spanish, alongside a stunning representation of Puerto Rican Sign Language (LSPR) on a significant stage.
In an interview conducted in Puerto Rican Sign Language, Rivera Cosme expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m so excited. And the Deaf people of Puerto Rico are happy that the Super Bowl will be accessible to them in their own sign language.” Her dynamic interpretation style will undoubtedly bring Bad Bunny’s lyrics to life, adding an energetic presence to the performance. LSPR, while unique in its vocabulary and structure, is adapted to resonate with Bad Bunny’s distinct Puerto Rican slang, enriching the experience for both Deaf and hearing audiences alike.
This groundbreaking collaboration shines a light on the importance of inclusivity in entertainment and promises to create an unforgettable experience for fans everywhere.