A reminder that diversity is not a threat — it is America’s strength.

By The Honorable Rick Singh
Former Orange County Property Appraiser

Bad Bunny’s halftime performance reminded us of something every American needs to hear right now:

We may come from different places, but we share far more in common than we sometimes realize. Our greatest strength has always been our willingness to embrace diversity — not fear it.

As an elected official, I delivered many speeches over the years. But one of the most meaningful moments of my public service was speaking to newly sworn American citizens — individuals who had taken their oath of citizenship just minutes before I addressed them.

I can tell you this: they were some of the proudest Americans I have ever encountered — men and women from every corner of the world, united by one oath and one dream.

For many, English was a second language. For some, this was the first country they had ever traveled to. But the pride in their eyes was unmistakable.

Watching them always brought me back to my own story.

I still remember arriving in America as a 10-year-old after spending my first decade of life in tropical Guyana — and experiencing so many things for the first time: winter in New York City without a coat, running water, electricity, trains, cars, and even an escalator, which absolutely terrified me.

I shared those experiences with them. I also shared my mother’s journey — her strength and sacrifice — which inspired me and reminded me of what so many immigrant families endure with quiet courage.

And I reminded those new Americans of something important:

Be proud of your culture.
Be proud of your food.
Be proud of your faith.
Be proud of your music.

Not only be proud of it — share it.

Share it with your American neighbors and friends, because that’s how we foster harmony and understanding.

When we share our traditions, we don’t just celebrate who we are — we educate. We break down stereotypes. We replace fear with familiarity. And we turn strangers into neighbors.

That is how we grow closer. That is how we build community.

And that brings me back to Bad Bunny.

His performance spoke powerfully to the idea of diversity — and to the universal language that connects all people: music. In many ways, it was world culture presented on one of America’s biggest stages.

It was also a master class in Puerto Rican culture — which I must remind some people is American culture.

Like so much of Latin America and the Caribbean, it also carried a deeper story: slavery and the legacy of indentured laborers, including those brought from India, who cut sugar cane and planted crops that fueled global empires.

When I saw the sugar cane fields in the performance visuals, I was reminded of where I was born — Guyana — where I spent my first ten years of life. My parents were humble sugar cane farmers.

The coconut stand selling fresh coconuts reminded me of Bourda Market in Georgetown.

And the vibrant Latin music took me right back to my childhood in the Bronx — hearing legends like El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Iris Chacón playing from apartment windows or speakers on fire escapes.

Different cultures.
Different rhythms.
Different drums from different lands.

But one shared spirit.

That’s America.

And when we embrace that truth, we don’t become weaker — we become stronger.

Because the reality is simple:

Together, we are all American.

Across Latin America and the Caribbean — regardless of language, flag, or heritage — we share lived experiences shaped by common history: agricultural roots, multi-generational homes, the neighborhood bodega or corner shop, struggle and resilience, rhythm and resistance, elders playing dominoes, and families gathering around food and music.

It’s not geography.
It’s identity.

It’s music.

In the end, Bad Bunny delivered something meaningful — not just for Puerto Ricans, but for every immigrant and every family with a story like mine.

His performance wasn’t just music and spectacle. It was a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and what we’ve overcome.

It reminded millions that being American isn’t about looking a certain way or speaking a certain language. It’s about owning your story, celebrating your roots, and contributing that richness to the shared tapestry of this country.

Boricua love, baby — you’ve got to love it.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Miranda Lambert delivered a high-energy pre-race concert Sunday ahead of the 68th running of the Daytona 500, performing for a crowd of more than 100,000 fans at Daytona International Speedway.

The three-time Grammy Award winner took the stage before the green flag, setting the tone for NASCAR’s most prestigious event with a performance that blended country hits and fan favorites.

Country Music Star Miranda Lambert Performs Live Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Star Power on NASCAR’s Biggest Stage

Speedway President Frank Kelleher said Lambert’s presence elevated the atmosphere surrounding the race.

“To have this level of talent with an artist such as Miranda Lambert performing our pre-race concert adds an incredible amount of energy for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500,” Kelleher said.

The pre-race concert has become a signature part of the Daytona 500 experience, drawing major national recording artists each year.

Country Music Star Miranda Lambert Performs Live Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Continuing a Tradition of Big-Name Performers

Lambert joins a lineup of recent headliners who have performed at the annual event, including Pitbull in 2024, Dierks Bentley in 2023 and Florida Georgia Line in 2016.

The performances add entertainment value to a race weekend already known for its pageantry, celebrity appearances and patriotic tributes.

Country Music Star Miranda Lambert Performs Live Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

A Crowd of More Than 100,000

With grandstands packed and the infield buzzing, Lambert’s concert energized fans before drivers took to the 2.5-mile superspeedway for “The Great American Race.”

The Daytona 500 remains NASCAR’s premier event, combining elite competition with large-scale entertainment — and Lambert’s performance underscored the spectacle that defines race day in Daytona Beach.