After years of public disagreement and pointed criticism,reggaeton stars J Balvin and Residente have signaled a reconciliation as
J Balvin and Residente have put their public feud behind them, sharing a photo together that confirms a reconciliation just before the start of 2026. The surprising show of unity comes after a period of pointed criticism and public disagreements between the two reggaeton stars, marking a significant moment for fans of Latin music.
The image, posted on Wednesday, December 31st, shows the artists relaxed and smiling for the camera. J Balvin is sporting sunglasses, jeans, a white polo shirt, and matching white sneakers. Residente opted for a wine-colored t-shirt, beige pants, and a baseball cap.
“Faced with the immensity of what’s happening in the world, this is possibly one of the smallest things. But in such a complex world, the fact that two people who don’t agree on everything can reconnect seems valuable to us,” reads the caption accompanying the photo.
J Balvin and Residente revealed the reconciliation followed a meeting several months ago. “We met months ago. We listened to each other. We understood each other. In the end, time has the reason,” the message concluded, and was also shared by the Calle 13 artist in his Instagram stories.
The image, which has already garnered over 1.2 million reactions, has drawn responses from several other artists. “Thank you both for this. I love you,” wrote DJ Bizarrap. “How beautiful,” commented Maluma. “I’m very happy,” said Yandel. “What a gentleman,” added Ryan Castro. “2025 was a great year,” mentioned Ricky Montaner.
Residente confirms reconciliation meeting with J Balvin months ago.Fuente: Instagram (residente)
What sparked the feud between J Balvin and Residente?
J Balvin and Residente’s differences began in 2021, when the Colombian singer expressed his frustration with the limited number of nominations for reggaeton artists that year.
José Álvaro Osorio Balvin, known as J Balvin, alleged a boycott at the awards show, urging his fellow artists to abstain from attending. “If we have power in the genre, none of us should go! That is, all of us because we are a movement,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Residente didn’t appreciate J Balvin’s message, responding directly to his colleague. “If the Grammys don’t value us, then why do I have 31 awards? Am I not urban, do I not rap, or what genre are we talking about?” he countered.
René Pérez Joglar, known as Residente, also criticized J Balvin for not objecting in 2020 when he received 13 nominations. “You didn’t ask for a boycott then. You probably even had outfit changes planned for each award,” he pointed out.
Furthermore, the Puerto Rican artist mocked J Balvin’s music, comparing it to a “hot dog cart,” a comment that went viral in memes and was met with irony by the singer of ‘Ay vamos’ and ‘Ginza’. “I respect your opinion,” J Balvin replied.
The conflict continued in March 2022, when Residente released BZRP Music Sessions #49/66 with Argentine producer Bizarrap. This track was recently revisited by fans due to J Balvin’s collaboration with Bizarrap on BZRP Music Sessions #62/66, where he reflected on their personal connection.
Bad Bunny and J Balvin Reconciled During Mexico Concert
Bad Bunny and J Balvin shared a moment of unity on stage during a concert in Mexico City on Sunday, December 21st.
The popular ‘Conejo Malo’ was performing at the Estadio GNP when J Balvin made a surprise appearance, sending the crowd of over 60,000 people into a frenzy.
“And now, brother, we are two men standing up representing Latinos wherever we go, and I wish you all the best, may God bless you,” J Balvin said.
Bad Bunny, who is currently on his Debí tirar más fotos tour, thanked J Balvin for his words before performing their collaborative hits: La canción, Qué pretendes, Si tu novio te deja sola, and I Like It (featuring Cardi B).
“You know the feeling is mutual, I respect you a lot, I love you a lot, and if I ever messed up, I apologized a long time ago,” Residente responded.
The performer of Mónaco and Tití me preguntó revealed he had already spoken with his colleague about appearing in Mexico.
“People don’t know, but we had a conversation several weeks ago, but we were waiting for the perfect moment to share the stage, and it’s great that it happened here in Mexico! Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico!” he exclaimed.
