Is it possible to create an intimate and special atmosphere for an album-listening party with 16,000 guests? Bad Bunny certainly proved that it is as he unveiled his highly-anticipated new album, “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana,” on October 12, in an unforgettable event.
The stage for this extraordinary experience was set at the iconic Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, lovingly known as “El Choli,” in San Juan. The event’s itinerary was shrouded in mystery when it was first announced. Fans eagerly anticipated the event, unsure if they would witness Bad Bunny himself or simply listen to the album track by track. Nevertheless, tickets sold out within two hours of becoming available, setting the stage for an electrifying night.
Expectations were diverse among the concertgoers, each making their own unique fashion statement with cowboy hats, boots, sparkly fringe tops, and skirts, reminiscent of a Renaissance faire. Of course, the blue L.A. Dodgers hat, Bad Bunny’s new signature look, made a strong appearance among the crowd. While some fans were content with the prospect of hearing the album among friends with top-notch sound, others held higher hopes for the event.
“I hope Bad Bunny comes out on a horse,” joked one fan, Dariana Cruz, expressing her wish for an extravagant entrance.
Though Bad Bunny didn’t arrive on a horse, he made a spectacular entrance that took the audience by surprise. In the center of the arena floor, a souped-up vintage Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, the same car featured in the video for “Where She Goes” and his 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards performance, descended slowly from the ceiling. The crowd erupted in cheers, and to everyone’s delight, Bad Bunny was behind the wheel.
Surrounding the car were a dozen or so dancers, all dressed in black with faces partially obscured, creating an otherworldly appearance. Bad Bunny sported a similar look, complete with a checkered handkerchief atop his head.
The album commenced with tracks playing in chronological order, starting with “Nadie Sabe.” Bad Bunny nodded along, matching the contemplative tone of the song as he reflected on his trajectory. He began his musical journey as a young teenager a decade ago, and today, approaching 30, he boasts five full-length albums, numerous EPs, and singles. In “Nadie Sabe,” the artist seemed to grapple with his rising fame and the associated loneliness it may bring.
This first song set the tone for the night, offering a glimpse of how Bad Bunny managed to make thousands of fans feel intimately connected, despite being positioned high above them in a luxury car most could only dream of. Throughout “Nadie Sabe” and the rest of the night, he appeared to be seeking individual faces in the crowd, searching for feedback and approval.
In response to positive reactions from fans, Bad Bunny expressed his gratitude with prayer hands and heartfelt bows.
The energy continued to surge as the night progressed, with a blend of trap-heavy tracks and perreo-ready jams. One surprise was the patiently paced “VOU 787,” which sampled the delicate synth instrumentation from Madonna’s “Vogue.”
Bad Bunny had some assistance from several album guests who joined him in a hay-covered VIP area situated in a corner of the venue floor. The special guests included Young Miko, Feid, Bryant Meyers, Arcángel, and Tainy. In total, around 50 extra-special guests danced on the Western-style structure.
As the evening unfolded, Bad Bunny shed his mask and began dancing outside the car. Gradually, the vehicle descended, and he eventually hopped off the platform and entered the crowd. Fans eagerly awaited the chance to have their signature sneakers signed by the artist, the same shoes they had patiently waited in line for hours to purchase. One fan, who lacked a marker, received a unique signature when Bad Bunny used burgundy lip gloss to decorate the shoe.
The artist then made his way into the VIP section, taking his time to greet every single person in its six rows. He maintained a choreographed routine as he reached various collaborators just as their songs began to play. Much to the delight of the crowd, he sang alongside Feid for his feature “Perro Negro” and with Arcángel for “Acho PR.”
To conclude the night, Bad Bunny didn’t merely play the previously released “Un Preview,” which served as an album teaser. Instead, he performed it. Singing from the VIP area, he was joined by his collaborators and friends who cheered him on. As the song played, he descended the makeshift haystack, drawing closer to the fans, who enthusiastically sang the lyrics back to him while dancing. As he declared, “Puerto Rico, los quiero, puñeta,” fans showed their love for him with resounding enthusiasm.
Bad Bunny’s album listening party proved that an event with 16,000 guests can indeed be cozy, special, and unforgettable. In an iconic venue and with an artist who knows how to create an unforgettable experience, fans left with cherished memories and a profound connection to their favorite artist.
It was an event that transcended the boundaries of a traditional album listening party, making it an evening to remember for all in attendance.
