Ricky Martin pens tribute to Bad Bunny after his historic Grammy win

by

After Bad Bunny’s album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, Ricky Martin wrote a letter celebrating the achievement.

The popular singer, known as Bad Bunny, recently achieved something that deeply resonated with another Puerto Rican artist, who shared his thoughts in an opinion piece for the newspaper El Nuevo Día on Tuesday.

Martin shared that seeing Benito win three Grammys, including Album of the Year, with a completely Spanish-language production, was deeply moving. He explained it resonated with him not just as a fellow artist, but as a Puerto Rican who has proudly represented his language, accent, and heritage on stages worldwide.

The artist behind “Nuevayol” made history on Sunday by winning the first Grammy for an all-Spanish album. They also won awards for Best Urban Music Album and Best Global Music Performance for their song “EoO.”

Awards

Bad Bunny’s album, ‘Débi Tirar Más Fotos,’ won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday. This is the first time an album sung entirely in Spanish has received the Recording Academy’s highest honor.

Martin also celebrated Bad Bunny’s success as a victory for people and culture, praising him for staying true to his artistic vision and refusing to compromise his sound.

Martin praised the winner for achieving success without compromising who they are. He highlighted that they remained connected to their Puerto Rican heritage, staying true to their language, musicality, and personal story.

Ricky Martin first gained fame as a solo artist in the mid-1990s, and quickly became a global superstar thanks to his popular Spanish-language songs like “María” (1995), “Vuelve” (1998), and “Perdido Sin Ti.”

His career soared after his song “La Copa de Vida” was chosen as the official theme for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The song became a hit in over 60 countries and was even translated into English. He followed this success with “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” the first single from his English-language album released in 1999.

During the summer of 1999, Ricky Martin’s hit song ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ became incredibly popular, helping to launch a wave of Latin artists into mainstream pop music.

Okay, let me tell you about a powerful moment from Sunday night’s awards show. When Bad Bunny accepted Album of the Year, he made a really important choice: he spoke almost entirely in Spanish. It wasn’t just about the language, though. He used his platform to talk directly about the challenges faced by immigrants, and it was incredibly moving. It felt authentic and resonated deeply, proving music really can be about more than just entertainment.

Wow, what a moment! Accepting the award, he made a really powerful speech. He dedicated it to everyone who’s ever had to leave home – to chase their ambitions and build a new life somewhere else. It was incredibly moving, and honestly, a really universal message that I think a lot of us could connect with.

Speaking in Spanish, the artist behind “Dakiti” proudly stated that Puerto Rico is far more than just its size – 100 by 35 miles – and that its people are capable of anything. He expressed gratitude to God, ‘the academy,’ and everyone who has supported him throughout his career, as well as those who worked on the album. He also thanked his mother for bringing him into the world in Puerto Rico, declaring his love for her.

The singer, age 54, also praised Bad Bunny for using his influence to support those in need.

What really struck me about watching you at the Grammys was how quiet the audience became when you started speaking,” Martin wrote. “When you stood up for immigrants and criticized the system that harms and divides families, you spoke with a depth I deeply understand – a place where fear and hope are always present, where many people navigate life between different languages, countries, and the challenges of pursuing their dreams.

Bad Bunny made history at the Grammy Awards this year by winning Album of the Year for a completely Spanish-language album – a first for the prestigious prize. He’s also only the third Latino artist ever to win in this category, following Santana and João Gilberto.

Martin ended his letter by expressing gratitude to Bad Bunny for inspiring him and fellow Puerto Ricans to embrace their true selves and stay authentic.

Martin noted this success belongs to a generation he helped teach to embrace who they are, showing them that being true to themselves doesn’t hinder their achievements.

This was a moment to celebrate Puerto Ricans and all our Latino family who share the same dreams and carry their heritage with pride, no matter where they are. From one Puerto Rican to another, I offer my heartfelt thanks – because when one of us achieves something great, it’s a victory for all of us.

Read More

2026-02-05 00:31