February has been an extraordinary month for Bad Bunny, who started by winning album of the year at the Grammys, followed by headlining halftime at Super Bowl LX, and now continues to make headlines by dominating the Billboard Hot 100 in a historic manner.
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The Puerto Rican superstar has 18 songs on the Hot 100 this week (dated Feb. 21) — most from his 2025 album Debí Tirár Mas Fotos, along with several catalog hits from 2019 — with four of those songs reaching the top 10, three of which achieved new peaks. One of them is “DtMF,” which tops the chart for the first time (after previously hitting No. 2 in early 2025), marking both his first No. 1 as a solo artist and the first predominantly Spanish-language song to reach the top since Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s Justin Bieber-featuring “Despacito” in 2017.
How long will this dominance last? And is Bad Bunny now the biggest pop star in the world? Billboard staffers address these questions and more below.
1. Bad Bunny has 18 entries on the Hot 100 this week, including four in the top 10 and both of the top two — with “DtMF” marking his first-ever unaccompanied No. 1 hit. Is this post-Super Bowl bump bigger, smaller, or about what you expected from him?
Kyle Denis: This is exactly what I expected. Bad Bunny is a powerhouse on streaming, and the project that anchored his halftime set is just over a year old. In fact, he’s still touring it! With that overall momentum and the boost from his historic album of the year Grammy win earlier this month, everything aligned for a significant streaming surge post-Super Bowl.
Lyndsey Havens: A bit bigger. I anticipated a bump, but seeing him dominate like this is further proof of how successful his halftime show was. He delivered an incredible performance — and message — that likely attracted both old and new fans. For longtime supporters, Bad Bunny provided exactly what we hoped for (and then some). And for those less familiar, I would bet they’re still exploring all he has to offer.
Sigal Ratner-Arias: I am not surprised by these numbers at all. Bad Bunny has consistently topped charts including the prestigious Billboard 200, where four of his albums have reached No. 1. The interest generated by his Super Bowl performance – along with the controversy surrounding his selection as halftime show headliner – attracted both old fans and newcomers to listen to his music. It truly paid off.
Jessica Roiz: Honestly, I expected him to dominate the Hot Latin Songs chart after the Super Bowl, but I never thought he would have such a strong presence on the Hot 100. This reflects his genuine star power, regardless of whether you’re a fan of his music or not. What impresses me most is that the No. 1 and No. 2 spots are occupied by a modern plena song and a traditional salsa tune — quite different from popular reggaetón and música Mexicana genres.
Andrew Unterberger: If it’s surprising, it’s not very surprising. We saw how Bad Bunny’s numbers surged following the Grammys — where he didn’t even perform — so for him to showcase many of these songs during the most-watched TV event of the year was always going to have a significant impact. However, predicting that anyone will chart 18 songs in one week when he hasn’t released an album in over a year is still challenging.
2. Last year, Kendrick Lamar also dominated the top of the Hot 100 after his Super Bowl show and eventually used that momentum to secure the longest-lasting No. 1 hit of his career with “Luther” featuring SZA. Do you see Bad Bunny doing something similar with “DtMF” (or one of his other revived hits), or do you think this bump will be shorter-lived for him?
Kyle Denis: Since “Luther” was only a few months old, it had an advantage over “DtMF,” which is already a year old and has previously been in the top 10. It’s entirely possible that it remains relevant with an even longer shelf-life post-Super Bowl, but I think the boost will gradually fade as charts recalibrate in upcoming weeks.
Lyndsey Havens: Nothing signifies a new era like completely wiping your Instagram account clean. It’s possible that Benito will leverage his Super Bowl momentum to introduce new music soon. If he does, I can definitely see it leading to (if you can believe it, following such historic Grammy win and halftime show) his biggest cycle yet.
Sigal Ratner-Arias: Before the Super Bowl, “DtMF” spent 46 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart since January 2025 but only reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This isn’t his first No. 1 on this chart – he previously topped it with “I Like It,” his collaboration with Cardi B & J Balvin – but it is his first as a solo artist. Regardless of how many weeks he stays at the top, it’s already a historic achievement for Bad Bunny — no small feat given his numerous records and accomplishments.
Jessica Roiz: Personally, because it’s my favorite song right now — named as the No. 1 Latin song of 2025 by Billboard editors — I wouldn’t mind seeing “Baile Inolvidable” eventually take over. Regardless, I’m unsure how long Bad Bunny will maintain dominance on the Hot 100 chart; if he lasts two weeks or more, he will break his own record for longest-leading song. Prior to “DtMF” reaching No. 1, Bad Bunny held the chart for one week in 2018 alongside Cardi B and J Balvin on “I Like It.”
Andrew Unterberger: I’m not sure if “DtMF” will achieve a lengthy run like “Luther” — it already had an impressive run last year — but I don’t think it’ll disappear next week either or anytime soon. Many people are discovering it for the first time; based on how often I’ve heard it in videos on social media or out in public since the Grammys, excitement around it is higher than ever right now.
3. “DtMF” marks the first predominantly Spanish-language No. 1 since “Despacito” in 2017. Are you surprised it took this long? Do you think we’re likely to see more such songs now that Bad Bunny has broken through?
Kyle Denis: I’m not entirely surprised; however, it feels like this should have happened sooner. To me, “Tití Me Preguntó” was an extended No. 1 hit! While it’s fantastic to see “DtMF” at number one now, it took well-timed events like Grammys and Super Bowl weekend to get there; such timing is quite rare so I’m uncertain if we’ll see more predominantly Spanish-language Hot 100 No. 1s soon. I’d be more optimistic if U.S. top40 radio routinely embraced predominantly Spanish-language songs without remixes featuring non-Latin artists; as perspective: Benito has yet to reach top ten on Radio Songs with any solo track while “DtMF” hasn’t appeared on any positions within that chart.
If anyone can redefine language rules at top40 radio in this decade, it’s likely Bad Bunny.
Lyndsey Havens: I’m not surprised either; when considering how “Despacito” dominated conversations and culture while topping charts—it became somewhat of a sonic time capsule—but also marked Luis Fonsi’s peak moment thus far as an artist unlike Bad Bunny who represents an ongoing cultural force rather than just one song dominating discussions; he embodies that position himself now instead of merely being defined by one hit song’s success alone.
So while I believe there may be more Spanish-language No.1s ahead; it’s evident how challenging achieving mainstream recognition can be for Spanish-speaking artists; however Benito seems determinedly reshaping that landscape.
Sigal Ratner-Arias: We all knew “Despacito” would open doors for Spanish-language music – even though its version that topped Hot100 featured Justin Bieber singing English lyrics alongside its original Spanish composition! A lot has changed within nine years since then across music industry dynamics; hence my hope lies within seeing more opportunities arise now following Bad Bunny’s breakthrough!
Jessica Roiz: Yes! Surprising indeed how long it took nearly ten years before another Latin song reached number one spot within Hot100 charts! Even more astonishing remains fact none among biggest hits listed throughout history within HotLatinSongs reflected feats achieved earlier such as “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias alongside Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona which ruled atop charts for forty-one weeks or Shakira featuring Alejandro Sanz’s “La Tortura,” reigning twenty-five weeks—both deserving their own chance at reaching number one spot! Now following Super Bowl halftime show ignited renewed interest towards Bad Bunny’s artistry—hopefully translating into broader consumption patterns across Latin music leading towards more number ones sooner rather than later!
Andrew Unterberger: Given explosive growth witnessed globally regarding Spanish-language music over past decade—while no single track stands out definitively feeling like missed opportunity towards achieving number one status—still surprising none have made their way there since twenty seventeen! However if nothing else expect shorter distances ahead towards returning back into Top spot again!
4: Do you believe Bad Bunny will capitalize upon this moment by swiftly heading back into studio recording new material or opt instead taking some time off following conclusion tour this summer? What advice would you offer him were you part team?
Kyle Denis: Person-to-person—take some well-deserved break! My friend has been grinding tirelessly nearly two years straight; hoping he’ll manage carve out few months just for himself—especially given heightened fame surrounding him lately! Nevertheless Bad Bunny thrives within studio environment; historically speaking he’s never taken longer than year-and-half between releasing studio albums (excluding mixtapes/collaborative projects released along way)! Expecting new material ready come summertime—potentially coinciding celebration concluding tour; makes complete sense! Why not leverage recent expansion surrounding already massive fanbase?
Lyndsey Havens: Suspect he’s already been working diligently behind scenes crafting next steps forward! If part team would suggest allowing moment breathe before unveiling project destined become second Spanish-language Album Year winner followed closely thereafter once feeling refreshed returning stage… well given Coachella/SuperBowl experiences under belt—he can tackle any stage imaginable!
Sigal Ratner-Arias: As prolific hitmaker—Bad Bunny has never been artist capable spending much time away from studio environment; even when claiming need pause—he surprises fans shortly thereafter dropping full albums instead singles! Expecting same outcome following conclusion SuperBowl although may take longer due ongoing worldwide tour commitments ahead! No advice offered here; anticipate continued musical evolution while remaining true Puerto Rican roots spreading essential messages promoting Latin pride/unity!
Jessica Roiz: Unpredictability defines Bad Bunny’s character—as demonstrated through title choice given previous album YHLQMDLG (yo hago lo que me de la gana)—indicating he’ll do whatever pleases him without external guidance! However suspect he’s currently busy recording fresh tracks; post-SuperBowl immediately wiped clean content Instagram account—a strategy utilized previously prior surprise album releases!
Andrew Unterberger: If forced wager—would predict slight hiatus from music throughout remainder twenty twenty-six—but wouldn’t be shocked should album drop next three months either way! Regardless don’t foresee any losses incurred whether taking time developing next project versus jumping back into action immediately! Only advice offered revolves ensuring upcoming endeavor resonates deeply within himself rather than chasing trends currently prevalent: Bad Bunny’s proven success stems primarily from setting trends instead simply following them!
5: Is Bad Bunny now recognized as biggest pop superstar globally?
Kyle Denis: Come on… absolutely without question!
Lyndsey Havens: He’s definitely among them—and rightly so!
Sigal Ratner-Arias: Yes indeed! For how long? Uncertain—but based upon numbers presented today—it holds true!
Jessica Roiz: Absolutely! No doubts whatsoever!
Andrew Unterberger: Taylor Swift might still hold slight edge—but if she does—she’s only one!
