Bad Bunny’s electrifying halftime show at Super Bowl LVIII on February 8th did more than just entertain millions; it sparked a renewed interest in a classic of French chanson. A brief sample of Charles Aznavour’s “Hier Encore” featured in Bad Bunny’s performance of “Monaco” has sent the 1964 song soaring up streaming charts worldwide, demonstrating the enduring power of music to transcend generations and cultural boundaries.
The unexpected resurgence highlights a growing trend of older songs finding new life through popular culture. Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” famously revitalized by its inclusion in the Netflix series Stranger Things, serves as a prime example. Just as that song resonated with a new audience decades after its release, Aznavour’s work is now being discovered by listeners unfamiliar with the French singer-songwriter’s extensive catalog. This phenomenon underscores the significant impact that film, television, and now major events like the Super Bowl can have on musical legacies.
Bad Bunny’s 13-minute Super Bowl performance, watched by nearly 130 million Americans, has resulted in a 470% increase in streams for his music in the United States and a 210% increase globally, according to reports from Rolling Stone as cited by Le Parisien. But the impact extends beyond the Puerto Rican artist’s own discography. The inclusion of the “Hier Encore” sample in “Monaco” has directly benefited Aznavour, introducing his music to a new generation of listeners.
Aznavour’s “Hier Encore” Sees Streaming Surge
Released in 1964, “Hier Encore” is considered one of Charles Aznavour’s most iconic songs. The song’s melancholic melody and reflective lyrics have resonated with audiences for decades. Following the Super Bowl, streams of “Hier Encore” increased by 37% worldwide and a remarkable 84% in the United States, according to Vibration. This surge demonstrates the power of a high-profile event to introduce classic music to a broader audience.
The unexpected pairing of Bad Bunny’s contemporary sound with Aznavour’s classic chanson has captivated many. Many American viewers, unfamiliar with Aznavour’s work, were prompted to search for the origin of the captivating melody featured in “Monaco.” This curiosity has led to a broader exploration of Aznavour’s catalog, with Spotify reporting a 9% overall increase in streams of his music.
Bad Bunny Celebrates Latin Culture on a Global Stage
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance was not only a musical spectacle but also a celebration of Latin culture. The artist showcased his roots through a performance filled with symbolism and references to various Latin American countries, including Colombia, Brazil, and Canada. This display of cultural pride was seen by some as a direct response to criticism from Donald Trump regarding his selection as the Super Bowl halftime performer, as Charts in France reported. The performance also included appearances from fellow Latin artists like Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga.
The success of Bad Bunny’s performance extends beyond streaming numbers. He is already considered one of the most listened-to artists in the world, and his Super Bowl appearance has solidified his position as a global music icon. According to RFI, Bad Bunny recently earned three Grammy Awards in 2026, including Album of the Year.
The impact of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance continues to unfold, demonstrating the power of music to connect cultures and revive timeless classics. As Aznavour’s music experiences a resurgence, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of French chanson and the ability of contemporary artists to introduce these treasures to new audiences. The continued success of both Bad Bunny and Charles Aznavour will be closely watched in the coming months, as the ripple effects of this unexpected collaboration continue to be felt across the music industry.
What other classic songs might find new life through unexpected collaborations in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends!
