I don't watch football - haven't for at least three decades. So I don't really care about the Superbowl or its halftime show. But it seems to me that after the NFL began winning back fans when they put a stop to players disrespecting our national anthem and our flag, hiring an entertainer who is going to perform the entire show in Spanish, when only 14% of Americans speak the language, will only push people away again.
I am fully aware that Bad Bunny is an American citizen, being from Puerto Rico. I know it well. I lived there for four years and spoke Spanish fairly fluently by the time I left. I loved it there, and would have stayed if my job would have promoted me within. But to get that next promotion I had to leave.
I loved the beautiful Isla del Encanto... the people, the beaches, the food, and yes... even the music. I joined several "parrandas," a musical celebration of Christmas, while there. But I was immersed in the culture and lifestyle. I guarantee the large majority of Superbowl fans haven't experienced that. Many don't know where Puerto Rico is, let alone that it's a U.S. territory and the citizens are Americans. Even some law enforcement officials don't know that.
I wish Goodell luck with his choice, although I believe it may hurt the league rather than help. Superbowl fans might actually like the music if he sings. The Latin music from the island, particularly salsa and merengue, are catchy and fun. It can make you dance involuntarily. There are also pop stars like Ricky Martin, Olga Tañon, Ednita Nazario, Menudo, and others, whose music is easy on the ears, even if you don't understand the words. I bought one of Ednita Nazario's CDs while I lived there. I still have it someplace.
If Bad Bunny spends the entire show rapping I think overall the show will fail with average fans of the game. The average American has little interest in Spanish language rap.
In the words of the great Dennis Miller... "Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong."
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