From the Puerto Rican roots of 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' to headlining the most American show of all time: Bad Bunny's stellar year

Music news

  • Grammy Awards 2026: complete list of winners
  • Bad Bunny's immeasurable reaction to winning Best Album of the Year at the Grammys

Exactly one year ago, Bad Bunny was planted in 2025 with what would end up being one of the most revolutionary albums of recent times and a radical change of essence. Already immersed in 2026this first week of January one year has passed of the “Bad Bunny year”one of the most intense, celebrated, and surely also most demanding periods for the Puerto Rican artist. A year full of joys, challenges and decisions that marked a before and after in his career. We review his stellar year.

Copa del Rey draw: all the matches, crosses and round of 16 pairings

The beginning of a new stage

January 2025 was the starting point with the premiere of I should have taken more photosa authentic love letter to Puerto Ricoits people and its musical identity. The album not only swept streaming numbers from day one, but was also applauded by critics for its rich sound, its honesty and its thematic depth.

Global success from day one

Since its launch, I should have taken more photos dominated the charts and confirmed Bad Bunny as one of the most listened to Latin artists on the planet. The link with his audience was immediate, with songs like DtMF quickly converted into hymns. Benito came from a very different artistic stage, but it was precisely this daring and this return to its roots which ended up consolidating him as one of the most complete artists in the world. He left behind his most mischievous and mischievous side to embrace Puerto Rican folklore and pride. Puerto Rico, the beach, the summer, love and identity marked a 2025 deeply personal.

WECB

Straight

WECB

WECB

View this post on Instagram

Historical residence in Puerto Rico

In the summer, Bad Bunny decided to stay home. Instead of a conventional tour, he presented the residency I don't want to leave here at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum of Puerto Rico, with 30 concerts sold out in hours and more than 400,000 tickets sold. More than a show, it was a collective celebration that revitalized the local scene and put the island at the center of the global musical map. This stage also had a strong political and human component: Benito not only invited people to love Puerto Rico, but also to understand their struggles, their demands and their reality.

Commitment to your island and its culture

This whole cycle showed a Bad Bunny more mature, conscious and assertiveusing their music to talk about identity, gentrification and Puerto Rican pride. Recognition also came in the form of awards, with I should have taken more photos rising with him Latin Grammy for Album of the Year. Beyond the awards, Benito established himself as an unbeatable artist, remembered for defend what is theirs and put their success at the service of their land.

From the Colosseum to the Super Bowl

View this post on Instagram

The year ended with one of the most shocking announcements: Bad Bunny will be the star of the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. A historic milestone for an artist who sings mostly in Spanish. The news was not without criticism from conservative sectors in the US, but it only served to reaffirm its message. Without touring the United States and singing in his language, Benito conquered the most American stage of all. And that has been, throughout this year, what Bad Bunny was trying to tell us: When you are true to yourself and speak from a human perspective, you always end up winning..

Staff

Written by

Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson is a dedicated writer and key contributor to the WECB website, Emerson College's student-run radio station. Passionate about music, radio communication, and journalism, Christopher pursues his craft with a blend of meticulous research and creative flair. His writings on the site cover an array of subjects, from music reviews and artist interviews to event updates and industry news. As an active member of the Emerson College community, Christopher is not only a writer but also an advocate for student involvement, using his work to foster increased engagement and enthusiasm within the school's radio and broadcasting culture. Through his consistent and high-quality outputs, Christopher Johnson helps shape the voice and identity of WECB, truly embodying its motto of being an inclusive, diverse, and enthusiastic music community.