When was Earlier this year, J Balvin was planning his alien-themed concert at Coachella, and he knew exactly who he wanted to host on stage: Will Smith. In an interview with Rolling Stone The Colombian musician revealed on Tuesday why he feels so “connected” to the actor, as they both came under heavy criticism around the same time in 2022.
“Will Smith has always been one of my biggest role models. Period. I really feel a connection to him. You can't judge a person for a few mistakes,” he said. Rolling StoneReferring to the backlash Smith faced for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars, Smith said: “A mistake can't define you, because if it does, we're all bad.”
“[With] He added: “What happened with Will Smith, I felt his pain because I was going through a similar situation when I felt that part of the world was against me because of my mistakes.”
The Smith slap incident led to his 10-year ban from the Academy and intense public scrutiny. Around the same time, Balvin was criticized for his controversial video with Tokesha, “Pera,” and was also engaged in a public feud with rapper Residente.
“I think there was one person who was living in the dark and the light publicly at this moment, and that was Will Smith,” he said. “My inner child was screaming for him to be on my show because there’s no one better than him.”
During Balvin's show, Smith – in character as Men in Black Agent J made a surprise appearance, surrounded by Balvin's dancers, who were dressed as bright green aliens. Smith took the stage to sing the film's hit song. Balvin says it took some time to convince Smith to join him on the set.
“I told him I saw him, and he said, ‘Give me a week,’ and I kept pushing him, man,” he said. “I kept sending him pictures of me praying, and he called me and said he was depressed, and it was a beautiful moment to see us together, man.”
“You can never forget that. And I'm happy now with his new season as well,” he said. “Just as I enjoy a new season, he enjoys his new season, and I applaud that.”
Balvin released his comeback album. Rayo On Friday, while Smith returned to his role in bad boys To complete called ride or dieHe has also released several singles this year from an upcoming album titled Dance in your darkest moments.
