Miami hosted the 25th annual Billboard Latin Music Awards 2025, broadcast live from the James L. Knight Center. The night featured numerous tributes and performances, but a powerful moment unfolded as legendary actress Rita Moreno publicly defended Bad Bunny. She recognized him as a symbol of pride and perseverance for a new generation.
Hours before her stage appearance, the West Side Story icon spoke with Us Weekly en Español. She shared her enthusiasm for Bad Bunny’s global success, exclaiming, "Bad Bunny in the Super Bowl? Oh, I’m ecstatic!"
Moreno also confronted critics who suggest Bad Bunny is "not American." With seasoned clarity, she responded, "So what? I’m Puerto Rican too. So what? How annoying!"
The 93-year-old actress not only affirmed her heritage but also her respect for young artists like Bad Bunny. She herself paved the way for Latinos in entertainment decades ago.
During her moving presentation speech for the Billboard Latin Artist of the 21st Century Award, Moreno spoke from the heart. She made history as the first Latina to win an Oscar.
"When I started, opportunities were few, almost infinite, and every small step forward was a victory," Moreno recalled. "Today I see an artist who brings to the whole world that same strength, that same passion, that helped me never give up." Her voice reportedly broke as she added, "It moves me so much, from my heart, Benito, to give you this award."
The moment earned a standing ovation from the audience. Bad Bunny, 31, visibly moved, embraced Moreno before delivering his acceptance speech.
His words captured the essence of his journey: authenticity, hard work, and humility. "Thank you for those words, Rita. I respect you a lot, I admire you a lot," he said. He added that hearing other artists express themselves that way gives him confidence that "being myself and doing things with my heart will always be the best decision."
Bad Bunny, who arrived with 27 nominations and secured 11 awards, also thanked his team and inspirations. He stated he receives the award with pride, acknowledging his effort. However, he stressed that it also belongs to all dreamers, hard workers, and young people with unfulfilled goals.
He candidly admitted to not preparing a speech. "What I say now I am saying from the heart. I had nothing practiced," he confessed. "I still don’t understand receiving these types of awards, but I thank God, because he knows this will not feed my ego. I receive it with humility. I will continue to be the same."
His message concluded with an inspiring reflection. "Go to the studio, have fun, vent, be yourselves, say what hurts you, what makes you happy, and never forget yourselves. I love you and adore you, thank you."
This symbolic exchange between Rita Moreno and Bad Bunny united generations. It celebrated the diversity and rich history of Latin music. It was a profound encounter between two icons representing perseverance and the pride of being Latino.
The Billboard Latin Music Awards 2025 aired live on Telemundo on Thursday, October 23. Reruns are available on Peacock and Universo.