Bad Bunny to make history as Super Bowl halftime show headliner

In the United States, the 51st season of 'Saturday Night Live' kicked off with Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny hosting and Doja Cat as the musical guest. This season-opening episode took place shortly after Bad Bunny concluded a historic residency in Puerto Rico and was announced as the headliner for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show. During the monologue, Bad Bunny expressed his excitement regarding the Super Bowl performance and acknowledged the backlash he has faced, particularly from certain political circles due to his selection for the show. He humorously remarked that even Fox News seemed to approve of his performance, a statement he backed by showcasing a montage of Fox News clips praising him. His words reached out to U.S. Latinos, emphasizing that his achievement was a shared victory for the community, while also making light of language barriers in a playful manner. In the wake of his announcement, there have been varied reactions regarding his performance, especially amidst political tensions, as he has been a critic of former President Donald Trump's administration and policies, particularly concerning immigration matters. The revamped cast of 'SNL' includes new featured players during this season, following significant departures from the show, and is seen as a fresh start after its acclaimed 50th season that garnered 12 Emmy Awards. Following Bad Bunny's hosting appearance, upcoming episodes will feature Amy Poehler and Sabrina Carpenter, both of whom played prominent roles in the previous season’s celebrations. The overall changes in the cast and the strong political overtones surrounding the performances highlight the challenges 'SNL' faces in maintaining cultural relevance while navigating its identity in a changing political landscape.