Adele Defends Bad Bunny and the Power of Music Beyond Language: “If You Love Music, Let Yourself Feel It”
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
British superstar Adele, whose voice has moved millions with hits like Someone Like You and Easy on Me, has spoken out on one of the most heated debates ahead of the Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show — whether music performed in non-English languages belongs on America’s biggest stage. Her answer? A resounding yes.
“Music Is About Feeling, Not Translation”
In a recent interview, Adele addressed criticism aimed at Bad Bunny, the Latin superstar set to headline this year’s halftime performance. Some viewers have argued that the show should feature only English-language songs, but Adele called that idea “narrow and outdated.”
“Music is about feeling, not translation,” she said. “If a song makes you cry, dance, or fall in love, it’s already done its job. Why should it matter if it’s sung in English, Spanish, or any other language?”
Her calm yet passionate words resonated deeply online, earning praise from fans who admire her authenticity and respect for music in all its forms.
The Universal Language of Emotion
Adele, who has performed to audiences around the globe, shared how music transcends words wherever she goes.
“When I sing Hello in countries where English isn’t the main language, people still sing every word back to me — sometimes through tears,” she said. “That’s the power of music. It’s not about understanding every lyric, it’s about understanding the heart behind it.”
Her experience reflects what many artists have long said: melody, rhythm, and emotion connect people far beyond language barriers.
Defending Bad Bunny’s Place on the Super Bowl Stage
The backlash against Bad Bunny — one of the most streamed and influential artists in the world — struck Adele as misguided.
“The NFL is watched by the whole world. So why shouldn’t the music reflect that?” she asked. “Bad Bunny has brought so much light, energy, and culture to global music. The idea that someone like him shouldn’t sing in Spanish is ridiculous — it’s his voice, his art, his truth.”
Her defense came with a broader message about representation, inclusivity, and celebrating culture rather than limiting it.
Calling Out “Extreme Thinking”
Adele warned against the kind of rigid thinking that divides rather than unites.
“Music has always been about unity,” she said. “The moment we start saying who can or can’t sing in their own language, we’re not protecting culture — we’re strangling it.”
Her comments echo the growing call for the Super Bowl — one of the most-watched events worldwide — to embrace music’s global reach rather than retreat into outdated notions of who belongs on the stage.
A Message of Openness and Joy
True to her signature humility and warmth, Adele ended her thoughts with a simple yet powerful reminder.
“If you love music, let yourself feel it — no matter where it comes from or what language it’s in. That’s what makes it pure.”
Why Adele’s Words Resonate Now
At a time when music crosses borders faster than ever — with Latin, Afrobeats, K-pop, and other global genres dominating streaming charts — Adele’s comments underscore a cultural shift. Music fans are increasingly rejecting limits based on language and celebrating artists who bring their heritage to the world stage.
And coming from one of the most beloved and successful artists of the 21st century, Adele’s defense of Bad Bunny feels both timely and powerful.
Her message is simple but profound: great music doesn’t need translation — it needs heart. And when it comes to uniting millions through sound, no language should be off-limits.