[Review] Bad Bunny’s Most Wanted Tour

Thousands of fans sporting colorful, light-up cowboy hats and western attire packed inside the Smoothie King Center on Tuesday night for Bad Bunny’s Most Wanted Tour. It was the first time performing in New Orleans for the three-time Grammy Award winner. The show got a late start but most attendees were understanding considering Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, also known as Bad Bunny, attended the 2024 Met Gala in New York less than 24 hours before. In fact, he served as one of the four co-chairs of this year’s event alongside Zendaya, Chris Hemsworth, and Jennifer Lopez!

In 2022, Bad Bunny embarked on a four-month stadium tour. This time, he’s chosen to play arenas offering fans a much more intimate experience. The setup for this tour consists of two crescent moon-shaped stages parallel to each other with a linear platform floated between them. The setup and colors differ from the colorful and beach-like energy exuded during the World’s Hottest Tour.

Around 9:20 p.m. the Philharmonic Orchestra Project, led by composer Carlito Lopez, took one of the two main stages to perform a 10-minute orchestral prelude. Bad Bunny’s voice echoed across the arena, “Dicen que el mundo va a acabarse, ojalá que sea pronto” (They say the world is going to end, I hope it’s soon) before a cloud of smoke appeared on the second stage as he rose from the floor.

The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter performed for over two hours. While his setlist was primarily songs from his latest album, nadie sabe lo que va pasar manaña, he also performed a medley of his older music including “Soy Peor,” “Chambea,” and “Tu No Metes Cabra.” If fans were hoping to relive his 2022 World’s Hottest Tour or hear songs from Un Verano Sin Ti live, they were out of luck. The only two tracks that made the setlist from that album were “Me Porto Bonito” and “Efecto.”

Although this show didn’t have lots of visuals, Bad Bunny made up for it with a high-energy performance, twenty dancers, fireworks, and crowd interactions. Throughout the night, he performed on both stages but the 30-year-old took it to the next level as he soared over the crowd. The 360°-linear platform gave fans in the 100 level and higher an up-close view of him. While above the crowd, he took a moment to speak about New Orleans’ impact on music around the world.

One of the highlights of the show was the crowd. Their love for the music and excitement throughout the night was electric. There were moments throughout the night when Bad Bunny would pause to look around the audience as they outpour their adoration. Whether they were chanting “Benito” or singing along word for word as they waved their respective countries’ flags throughout the night, his loyal fans did not miss a beat! It quickly reminded me why Bad Bunny has been named one of Spotify’s most streamed artists for years. His reach spans across various countries, demographics, and walks of life. Also, attendees quite literally lit up the Smoothie King Center. Concert-goers were given cowboy boot-shared lanyards that synchronized to the show as they walked inside the venue. The Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, and Hunter Hayes have previously done the same with light-up bracelets. It makes fans part of the show plus is a great (and free) souvenir!

As the Most Wanted Tour closed with a confetti-filled performance of “WHERE SHE GOES,” it solidified why Bad Bunny is deemed The King of Latin Trap and that he’s here to stay. I can’t wait to see what he has in store next!