Ricky Martin is beaming with pride over Bad Bunny’s monumental success at the Grammy Awards held on February 1, where the Puerto Rican urban music star took home three awards, including the coveted Album of the Year for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” In a heartfelt open letter published in the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Día, titled “When One of Ours Succeeds, We All Succeed,” Martin praises Bad Bunny as not just an artist but as a beacon of pride for Puerto Rico.
In his emotional message, Martin reflected on the impact of Bad Bunny’s achievements, especially winning Album of the Year with a fully Spanish-language production. He expressed his deep admiration, stating that witnessing Bad Bunny’s triumph inspired him both as an artist and as a Puerto Rican who has proudly represented his culture globally.
Martin conveyed the significance of staying true to one’s roots amid industry pressures. He stated, “You won without changing the color of your voice. You won without erasing your roots. You won by staying true to Puerto Rico.” This sentiment resonates strongly within the community, highlighting that Bad Bunny’s success is not merely a musical milestone but a cultural and humanitarian victory.
At the Grammys, Bad Bunny made history as the first artist to win the Album of the Year award with a full Spanish-language album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” The album has achieved remarkable success, spending four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and dominating the Top Latin Albums chart for 50 weeks. Additionally, Bad Bunny claimed the award for Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance for his song “EoO.”
Martin also shared a poignant moment during the Grammy ceremony when Bad Bunny used his platform to defend the immigrant community, criticizing systems that promote division. He recalled, “What touched me most about seeing you there on the Grammy stage was the silence of the entire audience when you spoke…where millions live between languages, borders, and deferred dreams.”
This achievement holds profound significance for a generation that Bad Bunny represents, showcasing that authenticity and success can coexist harmoniously. As Martin concluded, “From the heart, from one Boricua to another, with respect and love, I thank you for reminding us that when one of ours succeeds, we all succeed.”
Looking forward, Bad Bunny is set to make another historic mark as he becomes the first artist who primarily sings in Spanish to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 8, further solidifying his place in music history and continuing to inspire many.