Enrique Iglesias Earns Eighth No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart with Maria Becerra-Collab “Así Es La Vida”

That’s life! Enrique Iglesias has made a triumphant return to the top of the charts…

The 48-year-old Spanish superstar’s “Así Es La Vida” collaboration with Maria Becerra tops BillboardTropical Airplay chart as the single advances from No. 2 to lead the December 9-dated ranking.

Enrique Iglesias, Maria Becerra

The move brings Iglesias back to the summit after a nine-year break, for his eighth champ. Becerra captures her second No. 1.

“Así Es La Vida” leads Tropical Airplay with a 14% improvement in audience impressions, to 4.8 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending Nov. 30, according to Luminate.

The song was released on September 28 via Sony Music Latin and lands at No. 1 on Tropical Airplay in its ninth week. It unseats Chayanne’s “Bailando Bachata” from the penthouse after 15 weeks in charge, the third-most this decade and the longest-leading song in 2023.

“Así Es La Vida” propels Iglesias back to the top spot after “Bailando,” featuring Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona, hit No. 1 in 2014. With over nine years to take over Tropical Airplay, it becomes the third-longest gap between No. 1s.

Chayanne holds the second-longest span with a 15-year break between “Amor Inmortal” (2008) and “Bailando Bachata” (August 5-dated list). Jennifer Lopez continues to lead with the longest-break between champs — both Marc Anthony collaborations — with a 17-year wait between “No Me Ames” (1999) and “Olvídame y Pega La Vuelta” (2016).

With the new champ, Iglesias collects his eighth No. 1 on Tropical Airplay. Here’s his collection:

Peak, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1
May 31, 2003, “Para Que La Vida,” one
June 2, 2007, “Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song),” one
Dec. 19, 2009, “Gracias A Ti,” with Wisin & Yandel, one
Sept. 11, 2010, “Cuando Me Enamoro,” featuring Juan Luis Guerra, six
Dec. 31, 2011, “Ayer,” one
March 22, 2014, “El Perdedor,” featuring Marco Antonio Solis, one
July 5, 2014, “Bailando,” featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona, four
Dec. 9, 2023, “Así Es La Vida,” with Maria Becerra

For Becerra, the new achievement gives her a second No. 1 on the tropical ranking. The Argentinian earned her No. 1 in her first chart visit through another bachata, “Te Espero,” with Prince Royce, in May 2022.

Beyond its Tropical Airplay coronation, “Vida” makes progress on the overall Latin Airplay tally, pushing 24-17.

Juan Luis Guerra Earns 12th No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart with “Mambo 23”

Juan Luis Guerra has returned to the top of the charts…

The 66-year-old Dominican Grammy-winning musician, singer, composer and record producer is back at the summit of Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart as “Mambo 23” advances 3-1 to lead the November 25-dated list.

Juan Luis GuerraThe new champ arrives nine years after he last led through “Tus Besos” in 2014, for one week in charge.

“Mambo 23” climbs to No. 1 with a 9% gain in audience impressions, to 4.45 million, earned during the November 10-16 tracking week, according to Luminate. The song, released September 22 via Rimas, is the first single from Guerra’s recently released EP Radio Güira.

With the new champ, Guerra collects his 12th No. 1 on Tropical Airplay and breaks a tie with India for the eighth-most, a score led by Marc Anthony with 35 champs since the ranking began in 1994.

Here’s the scoreboard:

35, Marc Anthony
29, Victor Manuelle
23, Prince Royce
18, Romeo Santos
14, Elvis Crespo
14, Gilberto Santa Rosa
13, Jerry Rivera
12, Juan Luis Guerra 440
11, India

Guerra last landed at the summit with “Tus Besos” in 2014. (He notched seven hits between “Tus Besos” and “Mambo 23,” including six top 10s.)

The nine-year span becomes the longest between No. 1s since Don Omar took an equal nine years (and eight months) to dominate Tropical Airplay with the one-week ruler “Dutty Love,” featuring Natti Natasha (April 2012) and “Se Menea,” with Nio García, (Dec. 2021).

“Mambo 23” rules the tropical ranking as it ejects Chayanne’s “Bailando Bachata” from its 14-week domination; along with Manuel Turizo’s “La Bachata,” the third-longest run this decade, both with 14 weeks atop.

The pair trail Prince Royce’s “Carita de Inocente” with 29 weeks at No. 1, the most in the 2020’s decade, and Daddy Yankee and Marc Anthony’s “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta” (22 weeks in charge).

Elsewhere, “Mambo 23” lifts 25-21 on the overall Latin Airplay, Guerra’s highest rank since “Muchachita Linda” reached No. 15 in October 2015.

Chayanne’s “Bailando Bachata” Rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart

Chayanne is back at the summit…

Nine weeks after capturing his first top 10 in more than 14 years on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart, the 55-year-old Puerto Rican Latin pop singer and actor is back in command – with his first No. 1 since 2008 – as “Bailando Bachata” rises 2-1 to rule the August 5-dated list.

Chayanne The song earns Greatest Gainer honors for the week fueled by an 18% increase in audience impressions, to 8.9 million, earned in the week ending July 27, according to Luminate.

“Honestly, I always do things because I feel them and since we started working on the album, bachata was considered,” Chayanne tells Billboard. “With the excessive amount of competition these days I wasn’t expecting it, but I am very grateful for this No. 1.”

“Bailando Bachata” is the third single from Chayanne’s forthcoming studio album (released date TBD). It follows two top 10 singles: “Te Amo y Punto” and “Como Tú y Yo” reached No. 6 and No. 7, respectively on Latin Pop Airplay in late 2022.

“Bailando Bachata” tops the list 14 years after Chayanne’s last leader, “Amor Inmortal,” dominated for five weeks in late 2008. The over 14-year window between new rulers is the longest gap by any artist since December 2016, when Jennifer Lopez ended a 17-year wait between No. 1s when “Olvídame y Pega La Vuelta,” with Marc Anthony, topped the list. It was her first No. 1 since “No Me Ames,” also with Marc Anthony, in 1999.

As bachata proliferates on a global level, more artists are basking on its popularity.

Notably, five of the six songs that have arrived at the summit on Tropical Airplay in 2023 belong to the genre. Here’s the recap:

Title, Artist, Peak Date, Total Weeks at No. 1
“Monotonia,” Shakira & Ozuna, Jan. 7 (nine)
“El Pañuelo,” Romeo Santos & Rosalia, Feb. 4 (four)
“La Bachata,” Manuel Turizo, Feb. 11 (14)
“Me EnRD,” Prince Royce, July 8 (four)
“Bailando Bachata,” Chayanne, Aug. 5

About the genre’s craze, Chayanne feels differently: “I love both bachata as much as all tropical rhythms. All the songs on the new album are special, I always surround myself with professionals and I only record what I feel I like, that suits me and that the public may like, not necessarily because there is a trend.”

As “Bailando Bachata” takes charge of Tropical Airplay, it ejects Prince Royce’s “Me EnRD” from its four-week command with a 17% dip in audience, to 8.4 million.

Further, “Bailando Bachata” concurrently delivers extra goods for Chayanne with a 5-3 lift on the overall Latin Airplay list, matching his career-high for almost a decade, as “Humanos a Marte” landed and at an equal No. 3 high in August 2014.

“In my case, inspirations go hand-in hand with rhythm and lyrics,” Chayanne adds. “I like songs that denote joy and invite to dance. This one most certainly will be included on my next tour; I want all to dance it with me.”

Chayanne to Perform at This Year’s “iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina”

Chayanne is preparing for a fiesta

iHeartMedia has announced that the 2023 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina will return to Miami at Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena) on Saturday, October 21, with the 55-year-old Puerto Rican Latin pop singer and actor among the artists scheduled to perform.

ChayanneIn addition to Chayanne, the one-night event will feature performances featuring Ricardo MontanerFonseca, Servando y Florentino, Luis Figueroa, GALE and Menudo.

Enrique Santos, president and chief creative officer of iHeartLatino and on-air talent for iHeartRadio, will host the 10th annual edition.

“We’re honored to once again bring together incredible artists, electrifying music and a vibrant community,” Santos said in a statement. “Here’s to a decade of unforgettable moments, unity and the power of Latin music!”

Besides performing, Chayanne will also receive the iHeartRadio Corazón Latino Award which, according to iHeartMedia, honors an individual who “exemplifies their big heart through their selfless work enhancing the lives of the Latin community and beyond.”

The Puerto Rican icon — known for hits such as “Dejaría Todo” and “Torero” — has teamed up with and supported organizations such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Nations Human Rights for Climate Change, Women Refugees Commission and Heroes Por la Vida.

iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina will be broadcasted across iHeartRadio digital stations.

Additionally, Hulu will serve as the official streaming destination of the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina with performances live-streamed exclusively to Hulu subscribers.

The event launched in 2014 in Los Angeles but has since been taking place in Miami.

Throughout the years, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina has featured headliners such as Jennifer Lopez, Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ricky Martin and Ozuna.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday (July 21) at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

Chayanne Releases New Tropical Single “Bailando Bachata”

Chayanne is in a bachata state of mind…

The 54-year-old Puerto Rican Latin pop singer and actor has returned to tropical music with “Bailando Bachata,” the third single from his highly-anticipated new album which debuts on Thursday, May 25 at 8:00 pm ET via Sony Music Latin.

ChayanneChayanne’s new single follows the previously released tracks:

reggaeton-pop single “Tú y Yo” and ballad “Te Amo y Punto.”

“I love the genre,” Chayanne told Billboard Español ahead of the bachata single’s premiere, noting that he has visited Santo Domingo countless times and that “anywhere in the world, when they play Caribbean music like salsa, merengue, bachata, one enjoys dancing to it very closely, so I am very excited.”

“How lucky I am that I can see you when I wake up every day/ And when I travel I miss you/ I have your photograph in my wallet”, begins the romantic Spanish-language song, co-written by Chayanne, Yasmil Marrufo, Andy Clay Cruz Felipe and Mario Alberto Cáceres Pacheco. “We are like the glass and the wine/ We go together since the moment we saw each other,” says part of the chorus.

Just as romantic is the music video, directed by Katherine Díaz and produced by Guacamaya Films.

Set in the 1970s, the clip stars Venezuelan actress and model Veronica Schneider. Upon arriving home, she lies down to watch her favorite series — starring Chayanne, of course — when she notices that the artist can see her from the screen.

“When I’m on TV, beware, because I’m watching you!”, he warns Billboard Español with a laugh.

“Bailando Bachata” is not Chayanne’s first foray into bachata — he “flirted” with the genre almost a decade ago with his pop-fusion song “Bailando Dos Corazonas.”

The new song, he explains, “is something more faithful, more complete, which makes me very excited.”

The 3-minute track is part of his forthcoming eight-song album. When asked if he’ll include any regional Mexican music — a genre currently enjoying significant global success — Chayanne couldn’t contain himself and revealed eagerly: “Yes! That too!”

“I started flirting with a lot of rhythms without leaving the backbone of pop,” he said. “But yes, the Mexican regional, you guessed right. There is also a song of that genre and it is beautiful”.

As for the release of his highly anticipated new set — his first studio album since 2014’s En Todo Estaré, which reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart — he said that he finished recording and hopes to make an announcement very soon. “Right now we are mastering, so it’s a matter of setting a date,” he says.

Erika Ender Sells Song Catalog to Hipgnosis Song Management

Erika Ender is cashing in…

Hipgnosis Song Management has acquired the song catalog of the 48-year-old Panamanian-American singer and songwriter, who co-wrote the 2017 smash hit “Despacito” alongside Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

Erika EnderAccording to the company, Hipgnosis has acquired a 100% interest in Ender’s publishing copyrights — including the writer’s share of performance — in all songs in her catalogue published, released or utilized through her Sony Music Publishing deal from 2007 through 2019, which includes more than 25 No. 1 songs.

“Despacito,” originally released in January 2017 and later in a bilingual version with Justin Bieber, spearheaded a global Latin movement made possible by streaming. The remix peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — where it ruled for 16 weeks — and spent 56 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard‘Hot Latin Songs chart.

To date, the original version has more than 8 billion views on YouTube. It also won three Latin Grammy awards, including song and record of the year. The Bieber-assisted version received nominations for both song and record of the year at the 2018 Grammys.

Ender has also penned songs for other artists like Los Tigres del NorteChayanneGloria Trevi and Prince Royce.

In 2017, Ender became the youngest person to be inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The amount paid for Ender’s catalog was not disclosed but it further highlights the interest in Latin or Spanish-language music catalogs.

“Erika Ender has defined Latin music for the last 30 years,” Merck Mercuriadis, chief executive and founder of Hipgnosis Song Management, said in a statement. “Her more than 40 Number 1 singles have made her one of the most successful and influential songwriters of all time. Over the last 5 years Despacito has ruled the airwaves and helped to drive the new LATAM domination going to Number 1 in 47 countries, but Erika is so much more than that one song with a rich catalogue of many incredible songs. I’m delighted to welcome her to the Hipgnosis Family!”

“I am very excited about this partnership with Hipgnosis. I’ve always believed that music is eternal,” added Ender. “I’m confident my songs are in good hands with Merck and his team, and they will do their best to keep my catalogue active, present and alive, as they honor and recognize that the songs are the seeds to the entire music industry, the message that touches and marks people’s lives and where it all begins.”

Julio Reyes Copello Signs Multiyear Worldwide Deal with Sony Music Publishing

Julio Reyes Copello has a new worldwide deal…

The 53-year-old Colombian producer, songwriter and record engineer has inked a multiyear worldwide deal with Sony Music Publishing.

Julio Reyes Copello I am thrilled to be starting this new phase of my creative life as part of the great Sony Music Publishing family,” says Copello, who won producer of the year honors at the 2022 Latin Grammys. “I am very grateful for the belief, respect and enthusiasm that [Sony Music Publishing president/CEO for Latin America & U.S. Latin] Jorge Mejia and his team have shown, which will be essential in order to find new outlets and homes for my music.”

“I have known and admired Julio for many years,” adds Mejia. “He is widely respected as a musician’s musician, with a deft touch at the piano and a sensitivity as a producer and songwriter, that makes all manner of artists and writers feel right at home whenever they work with him. It is a dream come true, therefore, to finally be able to work directly with Julio, as well as the artists and songwriters he’s developing. I can’t wait for what comes next.”

Reyes is currently working on upcoming releases with Spanish pop star Pablo Alborán, Marc AnthonyAlejandro Sanz, among many others.

The four-time Grammy and seven-time Latin Grammy winner is widely considered one of Latin pop’s most important songwriters, producers and musicians.

Since launching his career in 2001, the Cúcuta alchemist has also penned hits for the likes of superstars Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Thalía, Chayanne, Laura Pausini, Kany García and more.

In total, he has earned 48 Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations; he also has more than 10 ASCAP awards under his belt.

Aside from his songwriting career, Reyes founded Art House Records, a talent incubator where he continues to discover and develop emerging artists, which includes Joaquina, Riza, Ela Taubert and more.

Additionally, he partnered with Abbey Road Institute — the first U.S. music production school, and an extension of the music production education program held at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.

Together, both parties established the Art House Academy & Abbey Road Institute Miami, where they specialize in music performance, music production and sound engineering to develop and educate “the next generation of singer/songwriters, music producers and sound engineers.”

Ángela Aguilar to Perform at This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards

Ángela Aguilar is preparing for her Billboard moment…

The 18-year-old Mexican-American singer-songwriter will perform at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to take place on Thursday, September 29.

Ángela AguilarAguilar is part of a roster of recently added performers that includes Alejandra Guzmán, Calibre 50Elvis CrespoFarrukoLos Ángeles AzulesOzuna and Piso 21.

Billboard and Telemundo announced on Tuesday (Sept. 6) the second round of performers who will take the stage at Miami’s Watsco Center.

The new list of acts join an already star-studded lineup that includes Camilo, Carlos Vives, Chayanne, CNCO, Eslabon Armado, Grupo Firme, Maluma, Pablo López, Pepe Aguilar, Raphael and Tini.

Bad Bunny leads the list of finalists for the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards, with 23 nods across 13 categories. He is up for artist of the year, tour of the year, Hot Latin Songs artist of the year, male, and top Latin album of the year for his album Un Verano Sin Ti, which has logged nine nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for album of the year at the recent MTV Video Music Awards. Bad Bunny won artist of the year — the first time a Latin artist has been in a marquee category at that show.

Following Bad Bunny is Colombian star Karol G with 15 entries in 11 categories — a record number of nods for a female artist. Karol’s categories include artist of the year and Hot Latin Songs artist of the year, female, as well as Hot Latin Song of the year, vocal event, for her Becky G collab “MAMIII.”

The 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards, the longest-running awards show in Latin music, will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET on September 29, preceded by a one-hour red carpet special.

The awards will broadcast simultaneously on Spanish entertainment cable network Universo, throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional, the Telemundo App and on Peacock.

Christina Aguilera to Host Intimate ‘Premiere Party’ at Billboard Latin Music Week

Christina Aguilera is throwing a premiere party

The 41-year-old half-Ecuadorian American singer will take part in this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week, taking place September 26-October 1 at the Faena Forum in Miami.

Christina AguileraDuring the conference, Xtina will be hosting the “Premiere Party with Christina Aguilera,” where she’ll be debut never-before-heard music and answer fan questions in an intimate setting.

But Aguilera isn’t the only new addition to the lineup…

Justin Quiles will take part in an engaging panel about connecting people with music through technology, while Wisin y Yandel will join Nicky Jam for a compelling conversation during The Nicky Jam Rockstar Show Live from Billboard Latin Music Week.

The artists join a star-studded lineup that already includes: Bizarrap, Blessd, Camilo, Chayanne, Cris Chil, Dannylux, Dimelo Flow, Eladio Carrion, Elena Rose, Foreign Teck, Grupo Firme, The Children of Jenni Rivera, Kuinvi, Kunno, Lili Zetina, Luis R Conriquez, Eslabón Armado, Ivy Queen, Maluma, Mariah Angeliq, Ovy On The Drums, Subelo Neo, Tini, Tokischa, Ugly Primo and The King of Bachata Romeo Santos.

More participants will be announced in the weeks leading up to the 2022 Latin Music Week.

Registration is now open here.

Grupo Firme to Take Part in ‘Superstar Panel’ During Billboard Latin Music Week

Grupo Firme will be taking part in this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week.

The Regional Mexican band will take part in one of the various superstar panels during the event, which will take place on September 26-30 at Miami’s Faena Forum.

Grupo FirmeFounded by Eduin Caz in Tijuana, Mexico, in 2013, Grupo Firme — which straddles the genres of banda and norteño — is comprised of Eduin’s brother Jhonny Caz, Abraham Hernández, Joaquín Ruiz, Christian Gutiérrez, José Rubio and Dylan Camacho.

Touring titans, in 2021, the band secured a historic booking at Los Angeles’ 20,000-capacity Staples Center as the first Latin act to perform the most shows in a single calendar year at the venue with seven sold-out concerts this summer. (The only other artist who has done more in one year is Adele, with eight performances in 2016.)

Grupo Firme joins the already announced star-studded lineup that includes Romeo SantosCamiloChayanneIvy QueenNicky JamEslabon ArmadoBizarrapBlessdYahritza Y Su EsenciaLuis R. ConriquezOvy on the Drums, Kunno, and The Rivera Family.

More participants will be announced in the weeks leading up to the 2022 Latin Music Week. Registration is now open at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

For 30 years, Billboard Latin Music Week has been the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world. After a sold-out 2021 edition that featured Q&As with Daddy Yankee and Karol G, as well as show-stopping performances by AnittaRauw Alejandro, and Natti Natasha, the event returns, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.

Billboard Latin Music Week will also coincide with the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Thursday, Sept. 29, in Miami. The Billboard Latin Music Awards will broadcast live on Telemundo, and will also broadcast simultaneously on the Spanish entertainment cable network, Universo, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.