Rock legend Jon Bon Jovi has stepped boldly into the debate ignited by criticism of Latin superstar Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show. As some critics questioned the place of non-English songs on such a prominent American stage, Jon Bon Jovi’s response was clear, passionate, and resonated widely.

Known for his fearless authenticity and hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “It’s My Life,” Jon Bon Jovi questioned the very notion of limiting music’s universal power.

“When did music start needing permission?” he asked in a recent interview. “You don’t have to understand every word to feel something. If Bad Bunny gets people dancing, crying, or singing along — that’s the magic. Why would anyone want to take that away?”

His words sparked a wave of support online, with fans applauding his defense of artistic freedom and cultural inclusion. Jon Bon Jovi, who has performed worldwide, emphasized music’s natural ability to transcend language barriers.

“I’ve performed in countries where no one spoke English,” he said. “But people still sang along. That connection — that’s what music is about. It’s not English or Spanish, it’s emotion.”

Highlighting the dangers of “extreme thinking,” Jon Bon Jovi compared restricting artists’ language choices to “telling a bird it can’t fly because its wings are the wrong color.” He called on listeners to reject such narrow-mindedness, which he said “kills creativity.”

Jon Bon Jovi also praised Bad Bunny for his role in breaking global music barriers while staying true to his roots. “He’s unapologetically himself — that’s what makes him special. The Super Bowl is supposed to bring people together, and what better way to do that than through music that comes from the heart, no matter what language it’s in?”

In true Jon Bon Jovi fashion, he closed with a message of unity and defiance: “Music’s not supposed to divide us — it’s supposed to lift us. If it moves you, it’s already doing its job.”

With his trademark honesty and courage, Jon Bon Jovi reminds the world that music’s true power lies beyond words — in the shared feelings and connections it creates.