While most global stars aim to conquer the U.S. market first, Bad Bunny made a different move: he skipped the U.S. altogether on tour to focus on Latin America, proving his priority is satisfying Hispanic fans.

Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, otherwise known as Bad Bunny, was born in Puerto Rico. Since then, he has become one of the most influential global artists of the 21st century. Starting from SoundCloud to being at the top of international charts, he has brought reggaetón and Latin trap from the Caribbean to audiences worldwide. His music, mainly sung in Spanish, has broken barriers in mainstream pop and rap, making him a cultural icon across the world with numerous awards and recognition. Bad Bunny is also known for his bold fashion choices, social activism, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, giving him a role as a transformative figure in culture. 

In 2025, Bad Bunny announced his DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour, which was set to begin in late 2025 and run into mid-2026, according to AXS TV. However, his tour intentionally does not include any performances in the U.S. . This decision is a commitment to prioritizing Hispanic countries and audiences and to not only celebrate the communities that shaped his career, but send a powerful message about the value and influence of Hispanic culture in the music industry. 

According to The Music Origins Project, reggaetón and Latin trap both originated in Puerto Rico. Latin trap, especially, is a sub-genre of trap music that evolved in Puerto Rico in the early 2010s, blending the rhythm of reggaetón and dembow that have roots in Afro-Carribean music. Over the past decade, these genres have become increasingly popular, influencing pop, hip-hop, and dance culture, with artists from around the world incorporating their rhythms into mainstream music. However, despite this accomplishment, the cultural origins of reggaetón and Latin trap have often been overlooked, especially when non-Hispanic artists adopt these sounds without acknowledging their roots. This has sparked controversy within Hispanic communities about cultural appropriation and the Latin American contribution to global music being erased.  By skipping U.S. cities, Bad Bunny centers the very audiences that helped start up his career. Hispanic fans across Latin America and Spain who are frequently overlooked when it comes to international touring are placed front and center, giving them access and recognition. This approach is a celebration of their loyalty and an effort to highlight Hispanic culture in global entertainment. 

Fans in Spain and Latin America have gained significant influence through this approach. According to REMEZCLA, in 2025, Bad Bunny hosted a 30-show residency, No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He reserved the first nine concerts from July 11 to July 27 for Puerto Rican residents only, ensuring that his home community was prioritized before opening to international fans.  The residency sold out quickly and attracted massive tourism, boosting Puerto Rico’s economy significantly. Over 400,000 tickets were sold in under four hours alongside 81,000 experience packages and 30,000 hotel rooms, contributing to an influx in tourism and boost in economy during what would be considered a slower period, according to The Washington Post These efforts have shown financial gain along with representation and pride in smaller nations that rarely host global music events. By centering Puerto Rico first and then expanding to include international Hispanic audiences, Bad Bunny’s residency broadcasts a powerful message of cultural unity by connecting different Hispanic audiences through shared music and identity. 

Bad Bunny is very adamant about performing mainly in Spanish at a time where many artists pursue a sort of crossover appeal by switching from Spanish to English. While global stardom has pressured Latin artists to adapt their sound or language for U.S. and European markets, Bad Bunny has consistently resisted this trend, proving that success doesn’t require abandoning cultural identity. Instead, he has doubled down on his roots, using his music to show the diversity of Latin American traditions. The Threefold Advocate describes that Bad Bunny’s album DeBí TiRAR MáS FOTos blends reggaetón, Latin trap, salsa, bomba, plena, merengue, and other traditional Latin rhythms to celebrate Latino heritage and history. This combination not only honors the musical styles in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, but also introduces them to newer generations of fans worldwide. By refusing to change his music for mainstream English-speaking audiences, Bad Bunny has made himself an innovator. This extends beyond music. According to TIKITAKAS, his No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí residency in San Juan showcased musical identity and increased Puerto Rican tourism and public revenue. PASQUINES covered the event, describing that, hotels filled to capacity, restaurants experienced record sales, and international visitors poured into the island, confirming the economic value of embracing local culture. 

However, some non-Hispanic fans may feel excluded by the lack of U.S. cities in Bad Bunny’s tour, despite their support of Bad Bunny from the beginning of his career. Many international fans have invested years into following his music, buying his merchandise, and streaming his albums, so being left out of the 2025 tour may feel like a barrier to experiencing this important moment in his career firsthand. On the other side, hosting massive concerts in certain Hispanic countries can create economic challenges for them. While the rush of tourism and media attention can boost local business, the strain on public infrastructure, such as transportation systems and security, can stretch their resources beyond what they can handle. For example, during Bad Bunny’s 2022 “World’s Hottest Tour,” Ticketmaster’s system was overwhelmed by what they described as an “unprecedented” number of fake or duplicated tickets, according to Pitchfork. This collapse led to hundreds of thousands of legitimate ticket holders being denied entry to the sold-out concert at Estadio Azteca, Mexico.While the issue was resolved later, authorities demanded 20% compensation along with full refunds and there was a potential fine of up to 10% of Ticketmaster’s prior-year revenue. This shows the real risks that come with bringing such events to nations that may not be ready. 

Bad Bunny’s 2025 tour is bigger than just entertainment. It’s a statement of cultural pride, solidarity, and artistic integrity. By directing attention to Hispanic audiences and refusing to change his identity for English-speaking markets, he redefines what global success can look like. This tour is not only celebrating the music and traditions of Latin America but also reclaiming space for Hispanic culture on the international stage. Bad Bunny sets a powerful example for future Latin artists, encouraging them to honor their roots, elevate their communities, and redefine what it means to succeed on their own terms.