Bad Bunny isn’t just having a moment — he is the moment. As if dominating playlists, selling out shows, and crashing Hollywood wasn’t enough, the Puerto Rican superstar has officially claimed the top spot on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of 2025 list. And honestly? No shocker here.
With the Grammy Awards right around the corner and a Super Bowl Halftime performance looming large, Bad Bunny is heading into one of the biggest stretches of his career already sitting comfortably on top of the pop music food chain. Billboard dropped its annual rankings Friday, and Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio came out swinging at No. 1, beating out a stacked lineup that included Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé — and yes, even pop’s reigning queen herself, Taylor Swift.
Let that sink in.
For a year defined by chart battles, cultural dominance, and nonstop fan hysteria, Bad Bunny didn’t just participate — he ran 2025. Billboard made it clear that this wasn’t about one viral hit or a lucky streak. This was about consistency, impact, and straight-up star power.
At the heart of his victory is his critically praised and massively successful album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” The project wasn’t just another drop — it was a statement. The album blended nostalgia, vulnerability, and experimental production while still delivering the kind of hits fans expect from Bad Bunny. It lived on the charts, dominated streaming platforms, and sparked endless conversation across social media, proving once again that Bad Bunny knows how to evolve without losing his edge.
Bad Bunny also turned heads with his “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” residency, which became one of the most talked-about live runs of the year. The residency wasn’t just a concert series — it was a cultural event. Fans traveled from all over to experience it, clips went viral nightly, and critics praised the production, intimacy, and raw emotion of the performances. Billboard highlighted the residency as a major factor in crowning him pop’s top dog, noting how few artists can command that level of attention without relying on gimmicks.
And then there’s Hollywood.
Because apparently conquering music wasn’t enough, Bad Bunny also made noise on the big screen with his role in “Happy Gilmore 2.” The casting raised eyebrows at first, but by the time the film dropped, audiences were sold. His appearance added another layer to his already multi-hyphenate résumé, reinforcing the idea that Bad Bunny isn’t boxed into one lane. Whether it’s music, fashion, wrestling, or film, he shows up — and people watch.
Billboard’s ranking also stirred up some serious debate online, especially after Taylor Swift was revealed as the No. 2 Greatest Pop Star of 2025 just a day earlier. Swifties immediately went into investigation mode, and fans everywhere started speculating who could possibly outrank her. When Bad Bunny’s name dropped at No. 1, the internet did what it does best — argue passionately.
As we previously reported, TMZ asked readers whether they thought Bad Bunny or Beyoncé had surpassed Taylor this year, and opinions were split. But Billboard didn’t hesitate. Their editorial team pointed to Bad Bunny’s genre-blending dominance, global reach, and undeniable influence as reasons he edged out the competition.
What really sets Bad Bunny apart is his ability to move culture, not just charts. He’s one of the few artists who can drop a Spanish-language album and still dominate English-speaking markets without compromise. He doesn’t water himself down. He doesn’t chase trends. Instead, trends chase him.
Fashion houses line up for him. Athletes quote him. Younger artists model their careers after him. And fans? They ride hard.
Heading into 2026, Bad Bunny’s schedule is stacked, his momentum is wild, and his crown is firmly in place. Grammy buzz is already heating up, and his Super Bowl Halftime performance is expected to be one of the most talked-about shows in recent memory. Win or lose on award night, one thing’s already locked in: 2025 belonged to Bad Bunny.
And if Billboard’s list is any indication, the rest of the industry is just living in his world.
