d+ CARRIE UNDERWOOD IGNITES FIRESTORM “Go Back to Puerto Rico,” She Tells Bad Bunny — and the Internet Explodes. d+
The road to this year’s Super Bowl halftime show just got far more heated — and at the center of the conversation are two megastars from very different corners of the music world: country icon Carrie Underwood and global reggaetón powerhouse Bad Bunny.
During a backstage interview before her Dallas concert, Underwood reacted strongly to Bad Bunny’s now-viral comment that Super Bowl viewers had “four months to learn Spanish” before his performance.
Carrie Underwood: “Show Some Respect”
“If you’re performing at the Super Bowl — one of the biggest stages in the United States — show some respect to the people who made it that,” Underwood said firmly. “Don’t tell them to ‘learn your language.’ If that’s how you feel, maybe go back to Puerto Rico.”
Her statement — referencing Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican heritage — instantly ignited an online firestorm. Supporters praised the country superstar for “defending American pride,” while critics called her comment dismissive and culturally insensitive, especially given Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory.
One fan tweeted, “Carrie’s right — respect goes both ways. You don’t insult your audience.” Another fired back, “Puerto Rico is part of the U.S., Carrie. Maybe she’s the one who needs a geography lesson.”
The Backlash and the Bigger Conversation
Bad Bunny, known for his unapologetic confidence and for bringing Latin culture to global stages, has not directly responded. His original remark — telling fans they had “four months to learn Spanish” — came during a press event where he teased his halftime show as “a celebration of Latin pride and rhythm.” Many fans interpreted it as playful and proud; others took it as arrogant and exclusionary.
Underwood’s criticism is one of the most forceful reactions yet from an American music superstar. People close to the Before He Cheats singer say she wasn’t trying to spark a culture clash but to express what she sees as mutual respect between performers and their audiences.
“Carrie’s not anti-anyone,” one friend told reporters. “She just believes that if you’re playing for an American audience, you should meet them halfway.”
A Cultural Flashpoint
This clash highlights a growing conversation about identity, inclusivity, and pride as the Super Bowl — long seen as a celebration of American culture — embraces more global and bilingual performances. In recent years, artists like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (2020) and Rihanna (2023) have used the halftime stage to showcase Caribbean and Latin roots while still engaging mainstream U.S. audiences.
As one cultural critic put it: “Bad Bunny represents a new, global America — Carrie represents the traditional one. This isn’t just about language. It’s about who we are and how we celebrate that on the biggest stage in the world.”
What Comes Next
With the Super Bowl fast approaching, fans are watching closely to see whether Bad Bunny will address the controversy or let his halftime performance speak for itself.
Either way, the debate sparked by Underwood’s remarks has become bigger than music — it’s about how America sees itself as a multicultural nation, and how artists balance pride in their roots with respect for diverse audiences.
For now, one thing is clear: the halftime show hasn’t even happened yet, but it’s already become one of the most talked-about cultural moments of the year.
