In a milestone moment for Latin music, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny was named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year in November 2022, thanks to the unprecedented global success of his chart-topping album Un Verano Sin Ti.
The award recognized the reggaeton and trap artist’s meteoric rise and impact on global streaming trends, with his 2022 album becoming the most-streamed album of the year worldwide on Apple Music. It marked a historic moment, not just for the artist himself, but for the prominence of Spanish-language music on international platforms.
Reggaeton Revolution: Bad Bunny’s Global Moment
The Apple Music accolade is one of the most prestigious honors in the digital music space. In 2022, no other artist matched the cultural and streaming dominance of Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.
Un Verano Sin Ti, released in May 2022, captured the hearts of listeners across the globe with its genre-blending sound, incorporating reggaeton, Latin trap, bossa nova, and indie pop. It remained on the Billboard 200 for over 13 consecutive weeks, peaking at No. 1 multiple times.
Apple Music revealed that songs like “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Me Porto Bonito” were among the year’s most-played tracks on the platform, helping drive Un Verano Sin Ti to become the most-streamed album on Apple Music globally.
Latin Music Reaches New Heights
Bad Bunny’s achievement marked the first time a Spanish-language artist received the Apple Music Artist of the Year title. It reflected a broader shift in music consumption habits, where non-English music increasingly dominates global charts.
“Seeing Bad Bunny reach this milestone is incredibly exciting. It speaks volumes about the power of music to cross cultures and languages,” said Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Apple Music and Beats, in a press release.
Artist and Activist: More Than Just Music
In addition to his streaming success, Bad Bunny used his platform in 2022 to amplify social issues, including gender violence in Latin America and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. His music videos and performances often incorporate political messaging, further endearing him to fans who see him as a voice for change.
He also sold out stadiums around the world during his World’s Hottest Tour, with tickets vanishing in minutes in the U.S., Latin America, and Europe.
What It Means for the Music Industry
- Breakthrough for Spanish-language artists: Bad Bunny’s dominance paves the way for more non-English-speaking artists to gain mainstream recognition.
- Streaming as a new metric of success: With physical sales declining, platforms like Apple Music are increasingly central to measuring an artist’s impact.
- Cultural crossover: The success of Un Verano Sin Ti reaffirms that cultural authenticity can translate globally without needing to cater to English-speaking markets.
Quotes from the Industry
Apple Music executives praised Bad Bunny for redefining what it means to be a global superstar.
“He truly ushered in a seismic shift in the global music scene. His influence in 2022 was undeniable,” said Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s Global Head of Editorial.
Bad Bunny himself reacted with humility: “Thank you to Apple Music and my fans. I’m happy that people are enjoying my music and having a good time. That’s all I ever wanted,” he said in a statement shared on Apple’s website.
A Look Ahead
With his continued rise, Bad Bunny shows no signs of slowing down. Rumors are swirling about new music in the works for 2025, and his crossover into Hollywood—featuring roles in Bullet Train and a potential Marvel role—suggests his star will only shine brighter.