J Balvin Becomes First Latino Artist to Headline NFL Kickoff Concert

J Balvin has earned a place in NFL history…

The 37-year-old Colombian singer performed at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, California, on Thursday, September 8 as part of the NFL Kickoff Experience to celebrate the beginning of the 2022 NFL season, becoming the first Latino artist to headline an NFL kickoff concert.

J BalvinJ Balvin performed ahead of the first game of the year, which saw the Buffalo Bills battle with reigning Super Bowl champs, the Los Angeles Rams.

Attendees defied the L.A. heat wave and made their way to the beach for a free day event that featured all sorts of activities and activations, including a beach football field.

Before Balvin took the stage, a local mariachi band serenaded the sweaty crowd before the Alabama State Marching Hornets took over for a riveting number.

Opening for Balvin was West Coast-based DJ and producer Tokimonsta, who was able to get the concertgoers out of the shade and closer to the main stage where they danced to her eclectic set.

Then, an inflatable giant hand appeared onstage holding up an equally large smiling face balloon — Balvin’s signature smiley face— which could only mean that the chart-topping artist was ready to take make his grand entrance. While his set was scheduled to begin at 4:00 pm, Balvin took the stage 10 minutes earlier to perform a nearly one-hour show.

He appeared in a two-piece, army-like outfit styled with a matching balaclava that only exposed his eyes.

“Cómo está la vibra esta tarde, how’s the vibe today?” he asked the crowd.

Balvin kicked off with the fan-favorite “Mi Gente” and went on to perform back-to-back hits like “Reggaeton,” “Nivel de Perreo,” “Con Altura,” “Loco Contigo,” “Blanco,” “Ritmo,” “Amarillo,” “Ginza,” “I Like It” and “In Da Getto.” He also brought out a special guest, Trueno, an emerging rapper from Argentina, to perform their collaboration “Un Paso.”

“My name is Jose but they call me J Balvin,” he added. “Where are all the warriors that fight for their dreams? I see my Latino gang representing here.”

Throughout the years, artists like Shawn MendesMeek MillMeghan Trainor and Ed Sheeran have performed at the NFL Kickoff Concert.

J Balvin Reclaims Crown as Artist with Most Videos in YouTube’s Billion Views Club

J Balvin is YouTube’s ’s Billion baller…

The 37-year-old Colombian singer’s “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” music video in collaboration with Black Eyed Peas has surpassed 1 billion views, officially making him the artist with the most videos in YouTube’s Billion Views Club once again, according to the video platform.

J Balvin“Ritmo,” which was released on October 11, 2019, on YouTube, marks Balvin’s 12th entry as a lead, featured artist or collaborator. Prior to reclaiming the crown this week, Balvin was tied with Justin Bieber with 11 music videos each with a billion views.

In 2016, he became the first Latin urban artist to reach 10 digits with a video on the platform with “Ay Vamos.” He was only the third Latin artist to reach a billion views, following Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailando,” featuring Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno, and Romeo Santos’ “Propuesta Indecente,” both in 2014.

Balvin also has one of the top five fastest videos to reach the billion-view mark with “Mi Gente,” surpassing the number in 103 days.

“Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” samples Corona’s ’90s hit “Rhythm of the Night,” fusing hip-hop and pop with Balvin’s incendiary and infectious take on reggaeton.

The track topped the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs and Hot Latin Songs

charts in 2020, becoming the Peas’ first leader on each ranking and Balvin’s first on the dance chart.

The video, which shows scenes from the Bad Boys for Life movie, now joins the Willy William-assisted “Mi Gente”; “X (Equis)” with Nicky Jam; “Con Altura” with Rosalia; “China” alongside Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, and Ozuna; “No Me Conoce (Remix)” with Jhayco and Bad Bunny; “Ay Vamos”; “I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny; “Ahora Dice” with Chris Jedi, Ozuna, and Arcangel; the Farruko-assisted “6AM”; and “Safari” featuring Pharrell Williams, BIA, and Sky in the billion-views club.

J Balvin Lands Two Singles on Spotify’s “Billions Club” Playlist

J Balvin is officially in special company…

Spotify has launched its “Billions Club” playlist to highlight the music of the members of its Billion Streams Club, including two of the 36-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter’s most iconic singles.

J Balvin

According to Spotify, the new playlist — which currently features more than 150 songs — highlights the megahits that have surpassed the one billion streams mark. Included on the new playlist are J Balvin’s “Mi Gente” with Willy William and his collaboration with Cardi B and Bad Bunny, “I Like It.”

In all Cardi B has three singles on the playlist. Along with “I Like It,” the other singles are “Girls Like You” with Maroon 5, and “Taki Taki,” her collaboration with Selena Gomez, Ozuna and DJ Snake.

Selena Gomez has three singles. Along with “Taki Taki,” her other singles on the playlist include “We Don’t Talk Anymore” with Charlie Puth, and “It Ain’t Me” with Kygo.

Bruno Mars has three singles on the playlist “That’s What I Like” and “Just the Way You Are,” as well as “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson.

Other Latin artists appearing on the playlist include Karol G, Danny Ocean, Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello and Luis Fonsi.

“Spotify has long celebrated artist milestones and we wanted to find a unique way to honor the artists and songs fans can’t stop listening to,” Ashley Graver, Global Head of Creative Artist Partnerships, tells Billboard. “The Billions Club playlist is a natural evolution of the plaques you have seen from multiple artists, and we are excited to give fans a one-stop destination to enjoy some of the most streamed songs in the world.”

Also in celebration of the newly rounded up collection of songs, Spotify created a video sharing how various artists have reveled when learning of the milestone and receiving their One Billion Streams plaque from the streamer.

Prior to the launch of the “Billions Club” playlist, some artists have marked hitting the billion streams achievement by doing more than just showing off their shiny new plaques on social media. Several have literally eaten off the platter-shaped badge of honor: Halsey dug into some Cheetos and candy, Joe Jonas dined on some McDonald’s, and Quavo ate some scrambled eggs and waffles with plenty of syrup, for example. (See Billboard’s gallery.)

Spotify has been busy this year launching new features beyond the just announced “Billions Club” playlist.

In April, the streaming service started adding some livestream events to artist pages, and in late May, partnered with Driift for tickets to a virtual concert series.

Cardi B, “I Like It,” featuring Bad Bunny & J Balvin
Cardi B, “Girls Like Me,” with Maroon 5
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
Bruno Mars, “Just the Way You Are”
Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk,” with Mark Ronson
Fifth Harmony, “Work From Home,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign
Karol G, “Tusa,” featuring Nicki Minaj
Selena Gomez, “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” with Charlie Puth
Selena Gomez, “Taki Taki,” with DJ Snake, Cardi B & Ozuna
Selena Gomez, “It Ain’t Me,” with Kygo
Camila Cabello, “Senorita,” with Shawn Mendes
Camila Cabello, “Havana,” featuring Young Thug
Luis Fonsi, “Despacito – Remix,” with Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber
Luis Fonsi, “Despacity,” with Daddy Yankee
J Balvin, “Mi Gente,” with Willy William
Danny Ocean, “Me Rehuso”

Jennifer Lopez Appears on Remix of the Black Eyed Peas & J Balvin’s Hit Single “Ritmo”

There’s no doubt Jennifer Lopezhas ritmo And now she’s singing it!

One week after her rockin’ Super Bowl Halftime Show, the 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar has joined in on the Black Eyed Peas and J Balvin‘s hit single “Ritmo,” and she shows off her sculpted dancer’s body in a barely-there bodysuit in the updated music video.

Jennifer Lopez Ritmo

The original track appears on theBad Boys For Life soundtrack, but a new version will now feature J-Lo as she takes on the repetitive hook, a sample from the original song by Corona, “Rhythm of the Night.”

Lopez teased the new remix via a snippet of the electric new video attached to the project.

“We’re taking RITMO to the next level,” echoes the message across the track’s collaborators.

It pads onto the hot streak that the Hustlers star has been enjoying as of late. At the Super Bowlshe and Shakira fully tuned into their Latin heritage to craft a triumphant appearance at the halftime show. J Balvin also made a cameo during the performance as well, delivering a rendition of his single “Mi Gente.”

Jennifer Lopez & Shakira See Huge Streaming Uptick Post-Super Bowl Halftime Performance

Life is but a stream for Jennifer Lopezand Shakira

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar and the 43-year-old Colombian superstar have seen a major uptick in streaming activity following their Super Bowl LIVhalftime show, according to initial reports to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

Jennifer Lopez & Shakira

In total, J.Loand Shaki’s song catalogs earned 31.1 million on-demand streams (audio and video combined) on February 2 and February 3 — up 193% compared to their streaming sum on January 31 and February 1 (10.6 million).

Individually, Lopez’s songs tallied 10.1 million streams on February 2-3, up 149% versus the 4.06 million they collected on January 31 and  February 1.

Shakira’s songs earned 20.98 million clicks on February 2 and February 3, up 221% as compared to the 6.53 million they earned on January 31 and February 1.

As for the songs performed during the halftime show, includingthose by guest performers Bad Bunny(“I Like It”) and J Balvin(“Que Calor,” “Mi Gente”), the songs performed in the halftime show snared 24.85 million on-demand streams on February 2 and February 3, up 157% compared to the 9.66 million they registered on January 31 and February 1.

The most streamed song after the halftime show… Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie,” which captured 3.16 million streams on those two days combined — up 194% compared to the 1.07 million it earned the two days before the Super Bowl.

Jennifer Lopez & Shakira Rock the Super Bowl with Their Epic & Latin Proud Halftime Show

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira are celebrating an epic night at Hard Rock Stadiumin Miami.

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar and the 43-year-old Colombian superstar teamed up for an electrifying Super Bowl halftime show.

Shakira & Jennifer Lopez

J.Loand Shakimade history at Super Bowl LIVon Sunday as the first two Latina women to co-headline the coveted halftime show gig, and they each brought their unique styles to a worldwide audience, performing a combined 20 songs in 14 minutes. (Gloria Estefanwas part of the 1992 and 1999 halftime shows, and sent her support for Lopez and Shakira, both of whom she has written songs for.)

Shakira kicked things off with her hit “She Wolf,” then seamlessly transitioned into her track “Empire,” where she showcased her ability to shred on the guitar.

After a brief dance interlude, Shakira — who rocked a sparkly red two-piece — broke into “Whenever, Wherever” and a cover of Cardi B’s “I Like It,” with an assist from Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer Bad Bunny, who appears on the original singer.

Shaki, who celebrated her 43rd birthday on Super Bowl Sunday, then showed off her dancing skills once again before singing “Hips Don’t Lie,” during which she crowd-surfed atop a group of enthusiastic fans.

Then, Lopez took over the program, taking the stage atop a skyscraper-like pole for a high-energy performance of “Jenny from the Block” and “Ain’t It Funny,” and then transitioned into “Get Right.”

After shedding her studded black leather bodysuit for a sparkly silver one, Lopez showed off her Hustlersmoves own on a stripper pole, while singing “Waiting for Tonight.”

J.Lo was then joined by J. Balvin, who assisted her on “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.”

Lopez continued to flaunt her moves to “Mi Gente” before moving on to a high-octane version of “On the Floor.”

The performance then transformed into a family affair as Lopez brought out her 11-year-old daughter Emme, who hit the stage singing a slowed-down rendition of “Let’s Get Loud” — with Shakira on drums — before her mom came back out wearing a large jacket made of feathers that featured the American flag on one side and the Puerto Rican flag on the other. It was a show of support to the territory, which has been affected by natural disasters in recent years, including Hurricane Maria and a recent damaging earthquake.

Emme briefly sang Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” while the set design featured glowing cages housing child performers, a marked gesture of solidarity toward the Latin community and those impacted by anti-immigration policies.

Then Shakira joined Lopez to sing “Let’s Get Loud” together.

The duo then moved on to Shakira’s hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” before switching back to “Let’s Get Loud,” at which point they closed out their set with impressive synchronized shimmiesas fireworks went off behind them, before wrapping their historic performance with a hug.

Jesús López to Receive Desi Arnaz Pioneer Award at the La Musa Awards

Jesús López has a pioneering spirit…

The chairman and CEO of Universal Music Latin America and Iberian Peninsula will receive the Desi Arnaz PioneerAward at the seventh annual La Musa Awards from the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

López, who is responsible for Universal Music Groupoperations in all Spanish and Portuguese-speaking territories of the world, will receive the recognition for his many contributions throughout his professional career. 

The Desi Arnaz Pioneer Award was created by the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in honor of the early television visionary, songwriter and entertainer, who developed the iconic comedy show I Love Lucy, which he produced and starred in with his wife, Lucille Ball.

For more than four decades, López has worked with some of the greatest artists in Latin music, including Juan Luis GuerraJuanesJosé Luis PeralesJoan Manuel SerratMecano and Juan Gabriel. Most recently, he has launched the careers of Karol Gand Sebastian Yatra, among many of a new generation of acts. Lopez was also behind the global hits “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee and J Balvin’s “Mi Gente,” which were pivotal in the current explosion of Latin music.

Lopez’s roster of international hits also includes Los del Rio’s “Macarena,” “La Camisa Negra” by Juanes, and “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Buenoand Gente de Zona.

Previous recipients of the award include Quincy JonesNat King Coleand Raul Pablo Alarcon Sr

The La Musa Awards ceremony will take place on October 24 at the James L. Knight Centerin Miami. This year’s class of inductees includes Ivy QueenWillie ColónMichael SullivanChico Novarroand Armando Larrinaga.

Anuel AA’s Single “China,” with Daddy Yankee, Karol G, J Balvin & Ozuna, Rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

Anuel AA is back at the top of the charts…

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and singer’s latest single “China,” featuring Daddy YankeeKarol GOzuna and J Balvin, rises 2-1 in just its third week on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart dated August 17. 

Anuel AA, Karol G. Ozuna, Daddy Yankee

It’s the fastest climb to the top in 2019 and the quickest ascent since Bad Bunny’s “MIA,” featuring Drake, jumped 9-1 in its second week (October 27, 2018).

“I’m extremely happy, blessed and grateful to God and my fans,” Anuel AA tells Billboard. “I thank my colleagues for trusting me, my team for their great work and giving their 200% to make this dream come true.”

“China” is a reimagination of Shaggy’s 2000 hit “It Wasn’t Me.” It was produced by Tainy and co-written by the five artists on the track. 

It opened at No. 2 just three weeks ago, on the August 3-dated list.

“The artists on this track give it an elevated presence right out of the gate given the caliber of each individually and the power they present here collectively,” Ismael Santa Cruz, Vice President, Managing Director Radio Strategy at Univision Communications, tells Billboard. “The fact that the track samples a hit from 19 years ago also helps it build a foundation from which to grow on.”

Despite the song’s decline in streaming activity and digital sales (in the week ending August 8, according to Nielsen Music), “China” moves thanks to 6% boost in audience impressions (to 8 million) earned in the week ending August 11.

The Hot Latin Songs chart ranks the most popular Latin songs of the week, blending streaming, sales and airplay data.

“‘China’ is the strongest song of my career up to date,” Anuel AA told Billboard on July 12. “It’s the mix of different cultures with each of the collaborators contributing with its own flow. I had been looking to revive a classic and when I heard Shaggy’s mix, it hit me.”

“China” is Anuel AA’s third leader, Daddy Yankee’s seventh, Karol G’s second, Ozuna’s fourth, and J Balvin’s sixth. Notably, Karol G becomes the first core Latin female artist to secure a No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs tally in over a year — since Karol herself led the list. Her first No. 1 arrived on May 12, 2018, with “Dame Tu Cosita,” a co-billed track with Pitbull and El Chombo, featuring Cutty Ranks. It topped the list for two weeks. 

“The inclusion of Karol G helped the track,” Santa Cruz adds. “It was important to include a female artist in the song. This is a great time for female artists in the Latin rhythmic space as they are driving a lot of momentum and bringing a fresh sound.”

Prior to Karol G, the last time a core Latin female artist ranked at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs was way back in early 2017, when Shakira’s “Chantaje,” featuringMaluma, wrapped up 10 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 on the February 11, 2017-dated list.

Since then, three women who traditionally have only charted with English-language recordings have claimed the crown: Selena Gomez and Cardi B (featured on DJ Snake‘s “Taki Taki,” alongside Ozuna; 13 nonconsecutive weeks starting October 13, 2018) and Beyoncé (featured on J Balvin and Willy William‘s “Mi Gente”; 10 consecutive weeks starting October 21, 2017).

Beyond “China’s” coronation on Hot Latin Songs, the tune also climbs to a new high on the Latin Digital Songs Sales and Latin Streaming Songs chart through an equal 2-1 boost.

On the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, “China” lifts 44-43.

Ozuna Named Contemporary Latin Songwriter of the Year at BMI Latin Awards with a Record Nine 2018 Hits

Ozunais on Cloud Nine… 

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singer/songwriter was named the Contemporary Latin Songwriter of the Year at the 26th annual BMI Latin Awards.

Ozuna

Ozuna was recognizedfor writing a record-breaking nine of the most-performed Latin songs of 2018, including “Ahora Dice,” “Criminal,” “El Farsante,” “Escápate Conmigo,” “La Modelo,” “La Rompe Corazones,” “Se Preparó,” “Te Boté (Remix)” and “Tu Foto.”

Ozuna attended the night’s festivities and took the stage to accept each one of his nine awards.

Legendary Mexican singer/songwriter Mario Quinteroof Los Tucanes de Tijuana received the BMI President’s Award.

Quintero, who has seen the fortunes of his Tucanes de Tijuana ebb and rise through the years, is in the midst of a major resurgence that includes an appearance at Coachella next month. On Tuesday night, his words of appreciation were mostly to his wife.

“I have few opportunities to recognize her,” he said, admitting he was nervous. “My wife. I call her mi cielo (my heaven). Thank you, mi cielo, for giving me the freedom I need. It’s important to say that when your partner gives you too much freedom, you can make mistakes. But when you give your partner the liberty they need to grow, it’s amazing. And it’s reciprocal.”

Producer Sebastian Krys was honored with the BMI Champion Award. Krys was not only honored for his work as a producer (Elvis CostelloAlejandro SanzCarlos Vives, La Santa CeciliaLuis Fonsi and Enrique Iglesias, among many others), but also for his work as a philanthropist through his Los Producersinitiative — which raises money for multiple music education initiatives — asked songwriters to “dig deeper” in a time of short attention spans.

“You create the raw material on which our culture is based,” he said. “Most of our music does not reflect our truth. I challenge each of you to speak from your truth. We cannot allow popular music to become a version of Instagram. Some people say ‘this is what the labels want’ or ‘this is what the platforms want.’ But as Henry Fordsaid, if I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses. Be bold, be brave, be real influencers.”

Other winners of the evening included J Balvin, who won Contemporary Latin Song of the Year for “Mi Gente,” and Espinoza Paz, named Regional Mexican Songwriter of the Year for his hits “Ésta Es Tu Canción,” “Las Cosas No Se Hacen Así” and “Ojalá Que Me Olvides.” Omar Robles won Regional Mexican Song of the Year for “El Color de Tus Ojos.” 

Selena Gomez Earns First No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart with “Taki Taki”

It’s a special first for Selena Gomez

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer/actress has earned her first chart-topper on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart with “Taki Taki,” her collaboration with DJ Snake, Cardi B and Ozuna.

Selena Gomez

The track climbs 2-1 on the December 8-dated chart, as “Taki Taki” ascends with a 14 percent lift in audience, rising to 14.53 million audience impressions in the week ending December 2, according to Nielsen Music.

It’s the first leader for DJ Snake, the eighth for Ozuna and third for Cardi B.

Gomez first entered the chart in 2013 with “Come & Get It,” and “Taki Taki” marks her first ranking in Latin Airplay’s top 40.

The rise earns Cardi B her third chart topper and the eighth for Ozuna, seven of his No. 1s have arrived in 2018.

Notably, DJ Snake is the first European DJ/producer to lead the Latin Airplay chart in 2018. He’s also the first DJ/producer to be No. 1 in a lead role on a track since Willy William — another DJ/producer of French descent — topped the list with “Mi Gente.” The latter, credited to J Balvinand Willy William (and featuring Beyoncé on a popular remix), was No. 1 for 12 nonconsecutive weeks between September 16 and December 16, 2017.