AceShowbiz - For this year's installment of our ongoing Greatest Pop Star by Year project, Billboard has dedicated the past two weeks to counting down our editorial staff's selections for the 10 Greatest Pop Stars of 2025. In our previous update, we shared the Honorable Mentions, along with our Rookie of the Year and Comeback of the Year artists. Now, we proudly unveil our number one pick: Bad Bunny, an artist who previously claimed the top spot in 2022 and has had an even more significant impact in 2025.

After an explosive rise that established him as a powerhouse in both Latin and global pop music with three Billboard No. 1 albums, Bad Bunny entered 2025 viewed as one of the most influential artists of his generation. His blockbuster album Un Verano Sin Ti topped the Billboard 200, while his darker follow-up, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana, complemented his record-breaking attendance at stadiums during the World’s Hottest Tour and his headlining performance at Coachella 2023. By the end of 2024, he had firmly established himself at the pinnacle of global music. However, with fresh singles like the minimal EDM-influenced “El Clúb” and the jíbara-inspired “Pitorro de Coco,” Benito hinted at an exciting new direction.

While his latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, debuted with less fanfare compared to his prior releases, its early popularity demonstrated the strength of quality music standing on its own. Released shortly after New Year's on January 5, coinciding with the Three Kings' Day holiday in Latin America, the album initially seemed understated. Yet, this perception quickly shifted. In a near-perfect representation of its themes focused on celebrating and preserving Puerto Rican identity and culture, the album enjoyed organic growth, propelled by word-of-mouth and cultural relevance. It became increasingly evident that this project was destined for success.

Within weeks of its launch, Debí Tirar Más Fotos ascended to the top of the Billboard 200, after making a notable debut at No. 2. This was a remarkable turnaround compared to his previous albums, including El Último Tour del Mundo (2020), Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), and Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (2023), all of which debuted within the top tier right off the bat. It is clear that Bad Bunny continues to redefine the boundaries of pop music, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.