Iβm coming into this from a really grounded place.
I literally just wrapped up a womenβs retreat at 11am yesterday, full of reflection, connection, faith, and stillness, and then jumped straight into prepping for our Super Bowl tailgate. Because if you know me (ask Steve), you know I love a gathering. Food, people, laughter, musicβ¦ Iβm here for all of it.
So, this isnβt about arguing. Itβs not about attacking anyone. Itβs about understanding. And honestlyβ¦ Iβve been excited about the halftime show, so here we are.
Iβm genuinely curious, and I mean this with love and respect. Why does the Super Bowl halftime show turn into a judging competition every single year?
This year, Iβve seen comments saying, βitβs not in English,β βitβs not American,β or simply βI donβt understand Spanish.β
Letβs pause right there.
Puerto Rico is American. It is a U.S. territory, and Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. And Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States.
Not understanding a language doesnβt make it less valid, less meaningful, or less worthy of the biggest stage. Music was never meant to be a comprehension test. Itβs meant to be felt.
Bad Bunny didnβt use the halftime show to divide people. If anything, his message was about unity and connection. He represented countries across North America and South America, reminding us that culture, rhythm, and humanity donβt stop at borders. He even held up a football that read βTogether We Are America,β with a reminder that love is stronger than hate. That feels pretty American to me.
I also canβt help but smile knowing that Zumba instructors all over the world were eagerly waiting for this performance. We live for this kind of energy. And honestly? We got an added bonus. Ricky Martin teasing new music??? The dance world absolutely noticed. ππ₯
I use Spanish songs in my Zumba classes all the time including Bad Bunny. Do I know every word? No. But I know the beat, and I know the rhythm. I spend countless hours listening to music.... feeling the rhythm, letting it move me, letting it guide how the body wants to move. Thatβs how I create my routines. Not by translating lyrics, but by connecting to the music.
And the truth is, my class doesnβt ask who sings the song. They donβt ask what language itβs in. They just move. They sweat. They smile. They feel the joy in the room.
Last year people said they didnβt understand Kendrick Lamar. Other years itβs too loud, too political, too pop, too much dancing, not enough dancingβ¦ and yes, letβs say it, too much booty-shaking.
And if that part offended you, maybe take it up with the cameramen. Theyβre the ones choosing the close-ups. There are plenty of angles to film a performance, in my opinion.
But letβs talk about that for a second.
Those hip movements everyone loves to comment on? Those isolations, that rhythm, that freedom of movement have deep roots in African dance traditions. Itβs cultural. Itβs expressive. Itβs joyful. And itβs not random.
And alsoβ¦ letβs be real - thatβs a workout. You should see us in Zumba. Youβll be sweating in no time, smiling the whole time, feeling strong, energized, and thinking, wowβ¦ I feel DANG good.
And since some people are bringing up βChristian values,β letβs talk about that too - respectfully and honestly.
I grew up Roman Catholic. God is my center. Faith, prayer, community, and compassion are lived values for me, not talking points.
Puerto Rico is deeply Christian, with Roman Catholicism woven into its history, families, and daily life. Worship there doesnβt always look quiet or still. Sometimes it looks like joy, music, movement, and celebration. That doesnβt offend God. For many cultures, that honors Him.
Bad Bunny didnβt mock faith. He didnβt attack Christianity. He represented his home, his people, and a culture that believes in God, loves God, and still knows how to dance, celebrate, and come together.
And hereβs the gentle truth: Throwing around βChristian valuesβ while judging, shaming, or excluding others isnβt practicing Christianity. Itβs performing it.
Faith without love, humility, and compassion misses the point.
Some of the loudest critics are happily ordering margaritas with their tacos, heading to happy hour at their favorite Mexican restaurant, reading Spanish menus, munching nachos, and maybe even planning a trip to Mexico next year, all while bashing a Spanish-language performance.
Letβs be honestβ¦ that feels a little hypocritical.
The truth is: no halftime show has ever made everyone happy and thatβs okay.
Music is joy. Music is culture. Music is connection even when itβs not in your first language. Remember La Bamba or Macarena?
So instead of asking βWhy this?β maybe ask βWhy not?β And instead of judging, maybe try feeling.
I donβt have it all figured out. Iβm just choosing curiosity over judgment.
