Los Ángeles Azules to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Los Ángeles Azules have earned an extra special honor…

The Mexican cumbia group will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

 Los Ángeles AzulesThe band, known for songs like “El Listón de Tu Pelo,” “Cómo Te Voy a Olvidar” and “Mi Niña Mujer,” among many other cumbia anthems, will be recognized for their enduring, exceptional career that has expanded the reach of Latin music worldwide.

The award will be presented at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, where they will also hit the stage with a special performance.

The ceremony will be held Thursday, October 5, and will be broadcast live on Telemundo from the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Fla.

“We are very honored to receive this award,” the group — led by the Mejía-Avante brothers — said in a statement. “It is a recognition to our music, which we have shared with our audiences throughout all these years.”

With a 40-year musical career, Los Ángeles Azules have achieved great success, including 14 entries on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, with three songs in the top 10. They also have 16 entries on Latin Airplay, of which six reached the top 10, including “Nunca es Suficiente,” with Natalia Lafourcade, which peaked at No. 3 in 2019. Their 2020 album De Buenos Aires Para El Mundo debuted at No. 8 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart, making it the band’s 12th album to reach the top 10 on the tally.

Past recipients of the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award include Raphael, Paquita la del Barrio, Armando Manzanero, Miguel Bosé, Los Temerarios, Intocable, José José, Marco Antonio Solís, Ricardo Arjona and Maná, among others.

Besides airing live on Telemundo, the Billboard Latin Music Awards will air simultaneously on the Hispanic entertainment cable channel, Universo, Peacock, the Telemundo App, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

Peso Pluma leads the list of finalists with 21 nods across 15 categories including artist of the year, songwriter of the year, Global 200 Latin artist of the year, and Top Latin Album of the year.

Nicky Jam to Receive Billboard Hall of Fame Award at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Nicky Jam is standing hall

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American artist will receive the Billboard Hall of Fame award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Nicky JamThe special award will recognize the reggaetón artist, actor and entrepreneur for his prolific work that transcends musical genres and languages.

He is also set to perform at the awards show, which will take place on Thursday, September 29, at the Watsco Canter in Miami and will broadcast live on Telemundo beginning at 7:00 pm ET.

Nicky now joins past Billboard Hall of Fame recipients including Alejandro Fernández, Banda El Recodo, Carlos Vives, Daddy Yankee, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Franco de Vita, Joan Sebastian, José José, Marc Anthony, Marco Antonio Solís, Mongo Santamaria, Rocío Dúrcal and Vicente Fernández.

Born Nick Rivera Caminero, the half Puerto Rican, half Dominican star is considered one of the pioneers of reggaetón with more than three decades of music.

The 13-time Billboard Latin Music Award winner is known for his Hot Latin Songs No. 1 hits such as his Enrique Iglesias-assisted “El Perdón,” which topped the chart for 30 weeks in 2015, and “Hasta El Amanecer,” which ruled for 18 weeks.

Currently, he’s making the rounds with his singles “Sin Novia” and “Ojos Rojos,” which topped both the Latin Airplay and Latin Rhythm Airplay charts in April.

Raphael to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Raphael is being feted for his extraordinary career…

The 79-year-old Spanish singer and actor will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards, according to Telemundo.

Raphael

Raphael will be recognized for his “exceptional professional career and his artistic and personal contributions” that have influenced the development of Latin music around the world.

The singer will also perform during the awards show, which will take place on Thursday, September 29, at the Watsco Canter in Miami and will be broadcast live on Telemundo beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards — where Bad Bunny leads the list of finalists with a whopping 23 nods across 13 categories — will be simulcast on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, the Telemundo App, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

With a musical career that spans more than 60 years, Raphael — known for anthemic songs such as “Yo Soy Aquel,” “En Carne Viva” and “Mi Gran Noche” — has garnered worldwide recognition as a pioneer of Spanish-language romantic ballads.

In 1962, he began his professional career, where he soon earned first, second and third prize at Spain’s Festival Internacional de la Canción in Benidorm. He also performed two consecutive times at the Eurovision Festival, starred in various films and hosted a radio show called The Raphael Show.

To date, he’s recorded more than 60 albums and has sold over 70 million records. Raphael is currently on tour in support of his Raphael 6.0 LP.

He’s slated to release a new album at the end of the year.

Past recipients of the Billboard lifetime achievement award include Paquita la del Barrio, Armando Manzanero, Miguel Bosé, Los Temerarios, Intocable, José José, Marco Antonio Solís, Ricardo Arjona and Maná, among others.

Daddy Yankee to Be Inducted Into Hall of Fame at 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards

Daddy Yankee is heading into the Hall (of Fame)

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and rapper, known as the “King of Reggaetón,” will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Billboard and Telemundo have announced.

Daddy Yankee

Given to artists who have achieved worldwide recognition for their work, transcending musical genres and languages, the accolade will honor the “Con Calma” hitmaker for his fruitful career that spans over three decades as a pioneer and top exponent of reggaeton.

Daddy Yankee will receive the award during the ceremony set to take place Thursday, September 23, live from Miami where he will also perform his latest hit “Métele al Perreo” for the first time on television.

The chart-topping, global star — known for reggaeton anthems such as “Gasolina” and “Dura” — has sold more than 17 million albums and placed 84 entries on the Hot Latin Songs chart, with seven of those hitting No. 1 and 36 landing in the top 10.

On the Latin Airplay chart, he has logged a total of 73 titles, including 24 No. 1s and 42 top 10s.

On the social front, his philanthropic work through “Daddy’s House” has been recognized by Billboard with the spirit of hope award.

Past recipients of the Billboard hall of fame award include José José, Vicente Fernández, Rocío Durcal, Marco Antonio Solís, Joan Sebastian, Marc Anthony, Franco de Vita and Alejandro Fernández, among others.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards will be broadcast live on Telemundo, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. ET with the traditional red carpet special, followed by the awards show at 8:00 pm.

Carlos Rivera Releases New Album “Leyendas,” Featuring Duets with Iconic Singers

Carlos Rivera is celebrating for a legendary moment…

The 35-year-old Mexican singer has released his new album Leyendas, in which he shows off his young spirit and classic heart.

Carlos Rivera

On the album, Rivera duets with older, iconic singers on some of their best-known tracks.

From Roberto Carlos’ “Un Millón de Amigos” to José Luis Rodríguez’s “Agárrense de Las Manos,” Rivera traverses the Latin American songbook with the care of someone who grew up admiring, and finally emulating, the voices and personalities that defined Latin pop in the ’70s and ’80s.

These are big arrangements, big strings, big voices, big productions, and it’s a reminder of another face of Latin music.

Rivera took great care to curate the songs by artists who’ve passed: The set includes Rocío Dúrcal’s  “Amor Eterno” and José José’s “Amor, Amor,” both recorded from existing tracks.

The most poignant inclusion is Armando Manzanero’s “Todavía,” which Rivera was actually able to record live with Manzanero during the pandemic, just a few months before his death.

It’s a reminder that there’s no reason to wait to celebrate greatness.

José José Lands Posthumous No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums Chart

José José’s passing has people purchasing…

Reactions to the death of the Mexican singer/musician and actor, who passed away at the age of 71 late last month, sends the Príncipe de La Canción back atop Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums chart as Serie Platino 20 Exitos, Vol. 2 opens at No. 1 on the October 12-dated chart.

José José

Serie Platinologged 3,000 in equivalent album units earned in the week ending October 3 (up 803%), according to Nielsen Music

The 1997 album earns José his first No. 1 in over 31 years as he last took the crown in 1988 with the nine-week ruler Soy Así.

The romantic balladeer claimed his first crown, however, when Reflexiones, his 20th studio album, landed at the summit in 1985, where it remained for eight consecutive weeks.

Three other José José sets arrive on Latin Pop Albums: El Principe de La Canción at No. 6, Secretos at No. 7 and 20 Triunfadoras de José José at No. 11. With the four new albums visiting the tally for the first time, the Mexican artist now holds the record for the most chart entries with 32 (Juan Gabriel follows with 31).

The Latin Pop Albums chart ranks the most popular Latin pop albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units. Units are comprised of traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).

Concurrently, Serie PlatinoEl Principe andSecretos debut on the Top Latin Albumschart at No. 13, No. 30and No. 34, respectively; he’s had 18 total charted titles since his first entry in 1994.

In the week ending October 3, the singer-songwriter’s catalog of albums earned 8,000 equivalent album units (up 930%) and sold 2,000 copies (up from a negligible figure previously). Meanwhile, his songs logged 68 million total on-demand streams (up 1,318%).

As Serie Platinoarrives, two of the greatest-hits album’s 20 tracks enter the Latin Digital Song Sales chart: “El Triste” at No. 16 and “Amar y Querer” at No. 25. It’s José’s first visit to the chart, which began on January 2010.

José José died at 71 of pancreatic cancer in Homestead, Florida.

Kany Garcia to Be Honored at This Year’s La Musa Awards

Kany Garcia is seriously A-Muse-d!

The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced its honorees for the 2019 La Musa Awards, with the 26-year-oldPuerto Rican singer and songwriter making the list.

Kany Garcia

Garcia, a three-time Latin Grammy winner, will be awarded the Elena Casals La Musa Award.

Garcia has penned all the songs for her albums. And she’s also written songs for other artists like Ha*AshEdnita NazarioPedro CapóFabiola and Chayanne.

José José, referred to as El Príncipe de la Canción, will receive the Living Legend Award, The 71-year-old Mexican crooner, who began his musical career in his early teens, has released more than 30 albums, his last Tenampa in 2001. 

Jesús López, chairman & CEO for Universal Music Latin Americaand the Iberian Peninsula, will receive the Desi Arnaz Pioneer Award, while music executive Nestor Casonuwill be honored with the Ralph S. Peer Publisher Award

Additional honorees will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

In addition to unveiling the first wave of honorees, LSHOF has also announced that Spotify is returning as the official title sponsor of the awards ceremony. According to an official statement, the “continuing partnership aligns with Spotify’s unparalleled commitment to supporting and highlighting Latin music and songwriters on its global platform.”

In May, Ivy QueenWillie ColónMichael SullivanChico Novarro, and Armando Larrinaga were announced as the five songwriters who will be inducted at the prestigious hall this year. 

The 2019 group of inductees, which were selected by the general public from a previously announced list of 24 nominated songwriters and composers, is comprised of some of the greatest performers, lyricists, and musicians in Latin music today.

The 2019 honorees will be officially inducted at the seventh annual La Musa Awards ceremony and gala, taking place October 24 at the James L. Knight Centerin Miami.

Tickets for the 7th annual La Musa Awards are now on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

Angel Garcia Advances to Next Round on “America’s Got Talent” with Spanish Audition

Angel Garcia has nothing to be sadabout…

The 12-year-old Latino singer, who hails from Los Angeles, has made a major impression on America’s Got Talent.

Angel Garcia

Sounding like a true angel, Garcia wowed the judges during his official audition.

Inspired by his father to pursue music, Angel performs his take on Jose Jose’s Spanish classic “El Triste” during his audition airing July 10.

Although the clip doesn’t include Simon CowellMel B, Howie Mandell and Heidi Klum‘s reactions, the judges and crowd seem very impressed in this clip of the performance.

In the end, Garcia managed to advance  the next round, earning three yes votes, with only Mandell voting no.

Telemundo to Air Nicky Jam Biopic “El Ganador”

Nicky Jam is opening up about his life…

Telemundo will premiere a biopic series titled El Ganador about the 35-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer, the chart-topping artist revealed on the network’s Un Nuevo Dia morning show.

Nicky Jam

“They will know my whole story, everything that happened to me, also my childhood,” he said.

The series, with no release date yet, will begin filming this summer. It will be produced by Nicky Jam with his manager Juan Diego Medina and directed by Jessy Terrero.

El Ganador” is also the first song from his comeback studio album Fenix, which briefly tells his life story through its lyric and a music video released last month.

“The song and video are just a fragment of the story. In the series, I detail my life, what happened to my mom, my dad and all my suffering.”

The “El perdón” singer hopes to help and inspire younger kids and from the series learn that “they too can be down and rise.”

But Nicky Jam’s isn’t the only biopic being released by Telemundo…

The network also announced Mexican singer/songwriter José José‘s series titled Nace un Ídolo.

José José’s story embodies a man’s journey to “reach the status of an idol — including fame and fortune — and the high price he had to pay to achieve his dreams.”

The series, produced by Telemundo Studios, highlights the passion and excitement that a superstar artist feels for his craft and the adoration of his fans. It also displays the frailty of the man coping with his addiction and its damaging effects such as almost losing his family, his voice and his life.

Cristian Castro Rocks Out for Pepsi…

He may be a Grammy-nominated pop sensation, but don’t let Mexican singer Cristian Castro‘s well-groomed looks fool you. He’s a bit of a rockero at heart.

Castro is starring in a heavy metal inspired commercial for Pepsi in Argentina to promote the company’s “one, two, three, four, five” campaign.

Shot in Buenos Aires and airing in the region, the ad starts off with a heavy metal band strumming their guitars on the stage and leaping into the audience.

When one of the longhaired, tattooed members of the band takes a break open a Pepsi, Castro—looking all dapper in a white tuxedo—appears and starts crooning one of his classic pop hits. He then morphs into a black leather-clad rocker with punk hair.

“It’s a campaign that strengthens the ties between Pepsi and music, showing a completely surprising and fun side of a mega star like Cristian Castro,” says Lopez Marti, Pepsi’s marketing manager for the Southern Cone.

The campaign coincides with the upcoming release of Castro’s new album, “Mi amigo el Príncipe,” due out on November 1. It’s the follow-up to “Viva el Príncipe” an homage to Mexican singer José José, where Castro sings accompanied by a full orchestra.

But this isn’t Castro’s first “full metal jacket” experience. Last month, he created a hilarious video with mun2 that featured his secret life as a “Metalero.”