Ricky Martin, a venerable figure in Latin music, has conveyed his deep admiration for Bad Bunny's remarkable achievements at the recent Grammy Awards. In a public letter, Martin applauded Bad Bunny's historic wins, emphasizing the cultural significance of an entirely Spanish-language album receiving the coveted Album of the Year award. He highlighted Bad Bunny's unwavering commitment to his heritage and language as a source of profound inspiration, resonating with a new generation of artists and fans.
Ricky Martin Hails Bad Bunny's Grammy Triumph and Cultural Impact
In the aftermath of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on February 1st, 2026, music sensation Bad Bunny, whose birth name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, made history with three significant victories. He secured awards for Best Global Musical Performance for his track 'EoO', along with Best Música Urbana Album and the prestigious Album of the Year for his production, Debí Tirar Más Fotos. This latter accolade marked a pivotal moment, as it was the first time an album entirely in Spanish claimed the top honor in that category. On Tuesday, following this monumental event, legendary Puerto Rican artist Ricky Martin expressed his profound emotions in an open letter addressed to Bad Bunny. Published initially in the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Día and subsequently shared by Martin on his Instagram stories, the letter lauded Bad Bunny's accomplishments. Martin, a native of San Juan with a career spanning from the boy band Menudo to global solo stardom, recognized the weight of Bad Bunny's success. He spoke of the pride he felt as a fellow Puerto Rican witnessing Bad Bunny's ascent while retaining his linguistic and cultural identity. Martin intimately understands the challenges and sacrifices involved in achieving international recognition without compromising one's origins. He reflected on the 'lump in my throat' he felt watching Bad Bunny accept his awards, recognizing it as a moment of collective triumph. During his acceptance speech, Bad Bunny boldly advocated for the immigrant community, condemning systemic issues and proclaiming, 'we're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens — we are humans, and we are Americans.' Martin praised this powerful declaration, noting the impactful silence that fell over the audience. He concluded his letter by emphasizing that Bad Bunny's success is not merely a personal triumph but a resounding victory for an entire generation, proving that authenticity and cultural identity are not obstacles to global success.
Bad Bunny's groundbreaking Grammy wins serve as a powerful testament to the universal appeal and growing influence of Latin music and culture. His decision to remain true to his Spanish language and Puerto Rican roots, even on the global stage, sends a clear message about the importance of authenticity in the arts. Ricky Martin's heartfelt tribute further solidifies this narrative, highlighting a generational torch passing while reinforcing the idea that success can be achieved without assimilation. This moment underscores a broader cultural shift, where diverse voices and identities are not only being recognized but are actively shaping the mainstream. It's a reminder that artistic expression is most potent when it originates from a place of genuine self, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their heritage and pursue their dreams without compromise.