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Bad Bunny snubs the U.S. on purpose? Puerto Rico erupts as superstar’s residency sends bold political message

From sold-out shows to subtle protests, Bad Bunny’s 30-concert Puerto Rico residency is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural uprising against colonialism, displacement, and mainland dominance.

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Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico Residency Sends Political Message as Fans Celebrate Island Pride
Bad Bunny electrifies Puerto Rico with a powerful residency blending music, politics, and cultural pride at Coliseo de Puerto Rico.

Bad Bunny has never been one to play by the industry’s rules—but with his newest move, he’s not just breaking the mold, he’s rewriting the script.

As the Puerto Rican global megastar kicks off his highly anticipated 30-show residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, the island is brimming with excitement—and purpose. Dubbed by locals as “Bad Bunny mania,” the residency is being celebrated not only as a monumental musical event, but as a powerful political and cultural statement.

“Benito is speaking personally to Puerto Ricans first and foremost,” said Jorell Meléndez-Badillo, a historian of Puerto Rico at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, who helped curate the visuals accompanying the show.

A Stage Set for Puerto Rico—and Only Puerto Rico

The first nine concerts of the residency are reserved exclusively for Puerto Rican residents, a move that speaks volumes in an industry driven by global reach and streaming numbers. And yes, every one of the 18,500 seats per night is sold out.


The decision to prioritize locals is seen as deeply symbolic—a reminder that Puerto Ricans deserve front-row seats to their own culture. The remaining shows will open up to global fans, but the message is clear: Puerto Rico comes first.

“This is a unique experience that can only be had in Puerto Rico,” said fan Gilda Santos outside the arena. “Seeing Bad Bunny live here isn’t the same as anywhere else in the world.”

Indeed, restaurants have rolled out Bad Bunny-themed menus, stores are selling out of limited-edition merch, and even the local news has gone all in with live coverage and nightly features.

“Don’t Let Go of the Flag”—The Political Pulse of His Lyrics

Behind the bass drops and blazing visuals lies a deeper narrative—one steeped in the complicated realities of Puerto Rican identity, colonial legacy, and economic instability.

Bad Bunny’s newest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos), delves into themes of gentrification, displacement, and colonial neglect.

On the track Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii (What Happened to Hawaii), he laments:

“They want to take away the river and the beach. They want my neighborhood and Grandma to leave. No, don’t let go of the flag or forget the lelolai.”

The lyrics draw a parallel between the history of Hawaii—which lost its sovereignty to U.S. annexation—and the precarious position of Puerto Rico today, still a U.S. territory without statehood, voting rights, or representation in Congress.

A Concert Series with a Cause

This residency isn’t just about music—it’s a rallying cry.


According to Javier J. Hernández Acosta, dean of arts and creative industries at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Bad Bunny’s performances spotlight the island’s creative economy as a foundation for a more independent future.

“These shows are about Puerto Rican self-reliance,” he explained. “They showcase that art, music, and culture are our best resources to build economic, social, and political development.”

And it’s not just the lyrics doing the talking. The music visualizers projected during the concerts include detailed, research-based text about Puerto Rican history—curated by Meléndez-Badillo himself. These brief interludes educate tens of thousands in real-time about the centuries of resilience and resistance embedded in the island’s story.

Snubbing the U.S.? A Political Message Wrapped in Silence

In what may be his most radical move yet, Bad Bunny’s world tour will completely skip the U.S. mainland—the world’s largest music market.

That’s not a scheduling oversight. That’s a deliberate choice.

“It’s unnecessary,” he told Variety when asked why he wouldn’t be performing in the U.S. “They’ve had plenty of chances to see me.”

Critics and fans alike believe this decision reflects his growing criticism of U.S. policy, particularly its treatment of Latino immigrants and Puerto Ricans. Earlier this year, Bad Bunny posted an Instagram story during what appeared to be an ICE raid, calling out immigration agents as “sons of b*tches.”


To Hernández Acosta, this tour schedule is a message to Washington:

“You are not the center of the world. Puerto Ricans are the ones who set the priorities here.”

An Island in Celebration—and Defiance

Outside the Coliseo, the atmosphere is electric. Vendors line the streets, blasting reggaeton and selling food, drinks, and rare Bad Bunny merch. Inside, fans are dancing, crying, and shouting every lyric back at the stage.

“Bad Bunny has been unique in carrying the name of Puerto Rico high,” said fan Jackeline Carrasquillo from Río Grande. “Now with this residency, we are here so they know that Puerto Rico is the island of enchantment.”

This isn’t just a concert series. It’s a moment in history—a celebration of an artist who is unapologetically rooted in his homeland, even as he dominates global charts.

It’s also a reminder that resistance doesn’t always look like protest signs or marches. Sometimes, it looks like a sold-out arena in San Juan, filled with joy, music, and pride.

As Puerto Rico continues to rebuild from Hurricane Maria, battle rising living costs, and face mass migration, one thing is clear: Bad Bunny hasn’t forgotten where he came from—and he’s making sure no one else does either.

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Olivia Rodrigo Leaves Her Idol ‘Mind Blown’ With Stunning A Cappella Christmas Cover

Teaming up with Jacob Collier, Olivia Rodrigo delivers a pitch-perfect ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ that earns praise from Sheryl Crow

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Olivia Rodrigo and Jacob Collier perform a stunning a cappella version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
Olivia Rodrigo and Jacob Collier perform a stunning a cappella version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”

Olivia Rodrigo just delivered an early holiday gift that instantly melted the internet — and left one of her biggest idols completely stunned.

On Monday, December 8, acclaimed musician Jacob Collier shared a video featuring himself and the Gen Z pop superstar performing an a cappella cover of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The stripped-down rendition, rich with layered harmonies and emotional warmth, quickly became a fan favorite — and even earned a jaw-dropping reaction from Sheryl Crow.

“Ok MIND BLOWN,” Crow wrote in the comments, summing up what thousands of listeners were thinking.

Olivia Rodrigo and Jacob Collier perform a stunning a cappella version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”


A Simple Start, A Breathtaking Finish

The video begins casually, with Olivia Rodrigo flashing a heart with her hands and asking, “Hi, Jacob! How’s this?” What follows is anything but casual.

Rodrigo launches into a soft, crystal-clear vocal take on the classic holiday song — originally made famous by Bing Crosby in the 1940s. One by one, Jacob Collier layers in intricate backing harmonies, creating a rich, almost orchestral soundscape without a single instrument.

“I’ll be home for Christmas / You can plan on me,” the pair sing in perfect sync. “Please have snow and mistletoe / And presents under the tree.”

Sharing the clip, Collier wrote, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas with my dear friend @oliviarodrigo 🎄,” keeping the caption as understated as the performance was powerful.

A Classic Song, A Modern Revival

Though “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” dates back more than 80 years, the song has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, even peaking at No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021. Rodrigo and Collier’s version feels both timeless and modern — respectful of the original while infused with their distinct musical identities.

Fans praised Rodrigo’s control and emotional restraint, while Collier’s signature harmonic genius elevated the performance into something almost sacred.

Sheryl Crow’s Full-Circle Moment

The most notable reaction came from Sheryl Crow, a longtime inspiration for Rodrigo. The admiration between the two artists has been mutual and well-documented.

The pair first crossed paths at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards in 2022, where Crow presented Rodrigo with Woman of the Year. During her acceptance speech, Rodrigo gushed,
“Sheryl, I am such a massive fan of you and your songwriting… It really means the world.”

Olivia Rodrigo and Jacob Collier perform a stunning a cappella version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”


In 2023, Rodrigo returned the favor by helping induct Crow into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Reflecting on that moment, Rodrigo told Billboard,
“It was an honor to join Sheryl on stage. She’s equally as kind as she is talented.”

Crow, for her part, has been equally generous with praise. Speaking on The Tonight Show, she called Rodrigo “the real deal,” adding,
“She’s a great songwriter. She seems kinda unaffected by all of it.”

A Holiday Moment Fans Won’t Forget

For Rodrigo, who first rose to fame on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series before becoming one of pop’s most defining voices, the performance marks another reminder of her versatility — not just as a hitmaker, but as a vocalist deeply rooted in melody and storytelling.

For fans, the collaboration is more than just a Christmas cover. It’s a meeting of generations, talent, and influence — and a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful performances need nothing more than voices and heart.

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Justin Bieber Revisits the Bowling Alley From His ‘Baby’ Era 15 Years Later — A Full-Circle Moment Fans Didn’t Expect

The pop star returns to the iconic filming location of his breakout hit ‘Baby,’ reliving memories from the start of his global superstardom

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Justin Bieber Revisits the Bowling Alley From His ‘Baby’ Era 15 Years Later — A Full-Circle Moment Fans Didn’t Expect
Justin Bieber revisits the bowling alley where he filmed ‘Baby,’ 15 years after his breakout hit

Justin Bieber recently took fans on a nostalgic journey back to where it all began. On Thursday, December 11, the global pop icon shared an Instagram Reel revealing that he revisited the bowling alley where he filmed the music video for his career-defining hit “Baby” — a full 15 years after the song changed his life forever.

“Went to where I shot my music video for baby. This is what happened,” Bieber captioned the post, instantly sending longtime fans into an emotional spiral. The Reel shows Bieber casually walking through the bowling alley, singing Baby a cappella while friends beatbox beside him — recreating the magic that once introduced him to the world as a teenage sensation.

A Casual Look, A Powerful Memory

Now 31, Bieber appeared relaxed and reflective in the video, wearing an oversized gray T-shirt, baggy embellished shorts, a silver chain, and a beanie. The vibe was far from the polished pop-star image of his early years — instead, it felt intimate, spontaneous, and deeply personal.

Justin Bieber Revisits the Bowling Alley From His ‘Baby’ Era 15 Years Later — A Full-Circle Moment Fans Didn’t Expect


Friends and collaborators including Eddie Benjamin, Oranj Goodman, Gabriel Jacoby, and Kyle Massey accompanied him. In one moment that delighted fans, a friend even stepped in to perform Ludacris’ famous verse: “When I was 13, I had my first love…”

‘Baby’: The Song That Changed Everything

Released in 2010, “Baby” was the lead single from Justin Bieber’s debut studio album My World 2.0. The track quickly became a global phenomenon, peaking at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and turning Bieber into one of the most recognizable faces in pop culture.

The music video was filmed at Universal CityWalk and Lucky Strike Lanes in Los Angeles, locations that became instantly iconic for an entire generation of fans who grew up watching Bieber’s rise.

Inspired by Michael Jackson

Back in 2010, Ludacris compared the Baby video to a modern-day version of Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” during an interview with MTV News — a comparison that underscored how massive Bieber’s breakout moment truly was.

At the time, Bieber explained that the song and video centered around teenage heartbreak and persistence.

“It starts off, I really like this girl, but we didn’t get along,” Bieber said then. “I want her back, and I’m chasing her around. She’s playing hard to get, but I’m persistent.”

Ludacris Knew It Was a Hit

Ludacris, now 48, recalled having to creatively frame his verse to fit a teen love story.

“I knew it was a hit as soon as I heard it,” he said. “I just had to figure out how I could get on a record with a 15-year-old.”

He famously added, “Mark my word, that’s going to be one of the biggest songs of 2010.”
History proved him right.

Justin Bieber Revisits the Bowling Alley From His ‘Baby’ Era 15 Years Later — A Full-Circle Moment Fans Didn’t Expect


Jasmine Villegas Looks Back

Jasmine Villegas, who played Bieber’s love interest in the Baby music video, later reflected on the experience in a PEOPLE interview.

“I was around 16 or 17,” she said. “I knew he was on YouTube, but I didn’t realize what it would become. I didn’t put two and two together at first.”

From Teen Idol to Global Icon

Bieber’s quiet return to the bowling alley wasn’t just about revisiting a set — it symbolized how far he’s come. From a YouTube discovery to a chart-topping artist who has navigated fame, controversy, marriage, health struggles, and reinvention, Justin Bieber’s journey has been anything but ordinary.

Fifteen years later, Baby still echoes — not just as a song, but as the starting line of one of pop music’s most defining careers.

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Euphoria Season 3 First Photos Drop After Four-Year Wait — Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi Return Older and Darker

HBO unveils new Season 3 images as Euphoria jumps five years ahead, revealing adult lives, broken ties, and shocking futures

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Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi return in HBO’s Euphoria Season 3 after a five-year time jump
Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi return in HBO’s Euphoria Season 3 after a five-year time jump

After nearly four years of silence, HBO’s Euphoria is finally back in focus. On Friday, the network released the first official photos from Euphoria Season 3, giving fans their first glimpse at where the beloved — and deeply troubled — characters have landed after a dramatic five-year time jump.

The images confirm what creator Sam Levinson has been hinting at for months: Euphoria is no longer a high school story. The former teens are now adults, navigating careers, relationships, addiction, ambition, and consequences that didn’t fit inside lockers and classrooms.

Zendaya’s Rue Enters a New, Dangerous Phase

At the center of the series remains Zendaya, returning as Rue Bennett. In the newly released photos, Rue appears isolated and solemn — sitting alone in a church in one image, and riding in a truck in another.

Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi return in HBO’s Euphoria Season 3 after a five-year time jump


Across the first two seasons, Rue’s struggle with substance abuse — fueled by grief over her father’s death — defined the emotional core of Euphoria. Season 3 takes that struggle even further.

According to Sam Levinson, Rue is now “south of the border in Mexico,” deeply in debt to drug dealer Laurie, played by Martha Kelly. The new season will follow Rue as she searches for “very innovative ways” to survive and pay off what she owes — a storyline that suggests the show is entering its darkest territory yet.

Nate and Cassie’s Shocking Future

One of the biggest reveals from Levinson confirms a jaw-dropping arc: Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi) and Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney) are now living together in the suburbs — and they’re engaged.

In the Season 3 photos, Nate is seen in a suburban kitchen making hamburgers, a quiet image that contrasts sharply with his violent and manipulative past. Cassie, meanwhile, stands outside a house as an ice cream cone melts in her hand — a visual metaphor for her unraveling emotional state.

Levinson revealed that Cassie is now addicted to social media and obsessed with the illusion of success surrounding her former classmates. He also confirmed that Nate and Cassie will get married before the end of the season, a development that is already dividing fans online.

Jules, Maddy and Lexi Find New Worlds

Jules Vaughn, played by Hunter Schafer, is now attending art school. A new image shows her working in an art studio, with Levinson describing her as “nervous” about her future as a painter.

Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) has moved to Hollywood, working at a talent agency while juggling undisclosed “side hustles.” In one of the most striking photos, Maddy appears fully glam on a film set — a far cry from her high school chaos.

Interestingly, Maddy appears alongside Lexi Howard (Maude Apatow) in multiple images. Lexi is now working as an assistant to a showrunner, played by Sharon Stone, and is seen wearing a “crew” pass on what looks like a large-scale production set, complete with gladiator costumes in the background.

Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi return in HBO’s Euphoria Season 3 after a five-year time jump


The Losses Still Linger

Season 3 also carries the weight of real-life and fictional loss.

At the end of Season 2, Fezco (Angus Cloud) watched helplessly as his younger brother Ashtray (Javon Walton) was killed during a SWAT raid. Tragically, Angus Cloud himself died of an accidental overdose in 2023, and his absence looms large over the new season.

Not all characters are returning. Barbie Ferreira, who played Kat Hernandez, previously exited the show, citing creative differences and a lack of direction for her character. Storm Reid, who portrayed Rue’s sister Gia, will also not return for Season 3.

A Grown-Up Euphoria

Speaking earlier this month at an HBO presentation, Sam Levinson explained why the five-year leap felt necessary.

“It felt natural,” he said. “It allows the characters to not only leave high school behind, but college as well.”

The new photos hint at adulthood without spoiling key plot points — solitude, ambition, domesticity, and identity all quietly woven into the visuals.

If Seasons 1 and 2 were about chaos in youth, Euphoria Season 3 looks poised to explore something more unsettling: what happens when trauma grows up with you.

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