Ricky Martin issues public statement to Bad Bunny after Grammys: 'I know how heavy it is' - Entertainment Weekly
Ricky Martin Hails Bad Bunny as a "Brother" After Historic Grammy Night
On a night that will be remembered for generations to come, Puerto Rican legend Ricky Martin took to social media to express his pride and admiration for fellow islander and global superstar Bad Bunny. The 34th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, held on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, witnessed a historic moment as Bad Bunny became the first reggaeton artist to win the coveted Best Latin Rock or Urban Album award.
In an open letter addressed to Benito Omar Martínez Ocasio, aka Bad Bunny, Martin began by stating that he had "all the feels" about his friend's incredible achievement. The letter, which has been shared on social media and has left fans and fellow artists alike in awe, is a testament to the strong bond between Martin and the global phenomenon.
A Brotherly Greeting
Martin's letter starts with a warm greeting, addressing Bad Bunny as "Benito, brother." This affectionate term not only reflects their close friendship but also serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that unites them. As Martin puts it, "seeing [you] up there on that stage is like seeing my own brother win."
Proud Moments
Martin goes on to express his pride in Bad Bunny's accomplishment, recalling moments from their childhood and teenage years when they would listen to music together as teenagers. These memories are woven into a larger tapestry of admiration for the artist's hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
"I remember those nights we used to spend listening to reggaeton and hip-hop, dreaming big," Martin writes. "I knew then that you were going to be something special. And now, seeing [you] up there on that stage, it's like all those dreams have come true."
A New Era for Reggaeton
Martin also sees Bad Bunny's Grammy win as a significant milestone in the evolution of reggaeton music. He notes that the genre has grown significantly over the past few years, with more artists from different backgrounds contributing to its growth.
"Reggaeton is not just a genre; it's a movement," Martin writes. "And [you] are at the forefront of this movement. You're breaking barriers and pushing boundaries, and I couldn't be prouder."
A Message of Support
As an artist who has faced his own share of challenges in the music industry, Martin extends his support to Bad Bunny on a personal level.
"I know how hard it is to make it in this business," Martin writes. "I've been there myself. But [you] never gave up, and that's what makes your success so remarkable."
A Message to Fans
Finally, Martin addresses his fans directly, thanking them for their unwavering support of Bad Bunny over the years.
"To all the fans out there who have supported [Benito] on this journey, I want to say thank you," Martin writes. "You've been with him every step of the way, and it's clear that your love and dedication mean the world to him."
A Final Message
As Martin wraps up his letter, he leaves fans with a final message of inspiration and hope.
"So here's to [Benito] on this historic night," Martin writes. "May this be just the beginning of many more triumphs to come. You're not just an artist; you're a movement."
The Full Letter
Here is Ricky Martin's full letter to Bad Bunny:
"Benito, brother, Seeing you up there on that stage is like seeing my own brother win. I'm so proud of you, Benito. All the feels. I remember those nights we used to spend listening to reggaeton and hip-hop, dreaming big. I knew then that you were going to be something special. And now, seeing you up there on that stage, it's like all those dreams have come true. Reggaeton is not just a genre; it's a movement. And you're at the forefront of this movement. You're breaking barriers and pushing boundaries, and I couldn't be prouder. I know how hard it is to make it in this business. I've been there myself. But Benito never gave up, and that's what makes his success so remarkable. To all the fans out there who have supported Benito on this journey, I want to say thank you. You've been with him every step of the way, and it's clear that your love and dedication mean the world to him. So here's to Benito on this historic night. May this be just the beginning of many more triumphs to come. You're not just an artist; you're a movement."