Mariah Angeliq to Serve as Celebrity Mentor on Billboard & Samsung’s Social-Media-Driving Competition “NXT”

Mariah Angeliq in on the hunt to find music’s next big star…

Billboard is partnering with Samsung for another season of NXT, the social media-driving competition to find the next great unsigned talent, and they’re calling on the 23-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban-American singer to help.

Mariah AngeliqThe search launches the week of September 19 with Mariah Angeliq as one of the season’s three celebrity mentors.

The reggaeton star — dubbed “La Princesa de Miami” — will begin sharing how singers can join the competition exclusively on her social channels, with the other two mentors yet to be revealed.

After submitting their audition videos, the top 12 NXT hopefuls will be selected by Billboard and armed with Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip4, Buds2 Pro and Watch5 to compete in a series of three challenges that will test their singing, dancing and creativity.

Once the dozen are whittled down based on their weekly scores, the final three will be mentored by the “El Makinon” singer and the other celebrity guests for a grand finale performance in L.A. in front of a live audience and panel of A-list judges.

The winner of NXT 2.0 will get their very own special digital Billboard cover as well as a record label meeting facilitated by Billboard, studio time to record their first single, funding for an accompanying music video, tickets to attend the 2023 Billboard Music Awards and more.

“The next Billboard No. 1 artist is out there right now dreaming of their future as a star,” Billboard president Mike Van said in a statement. “It is an honor to partner with Samsung on this momentous search for those talents who are waiting to be discovered and play a role in launching their careers.”

Anitta to Perform Free Concert at First-Ever Billboard MusicCon

Anitta is proving she Con do it…

The 29-year-old Brazilian singer/songwriter will headline the first-ever Billboard MusicCon alongside Ty Dolla $ign with free concerts on Friday and Saturday night.

Anitta

Anitta, who recently released her new album Versions of Her, and the “Champions” rapper will take the stage at AREA15 in Las Vegas this weekend.

The inaugural MusicCon will take place Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 ahead of the 2022 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night, May 15). The conference will feature a packed schedule of panels, fan experiences and free live music events in the lead-up to Sunday’s BBMAs.

While free, tickets for Anitta’s headlining show on Friday and Ty Dolla $ign’s on Saturday night will be available to MusicCon attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fans can RSVP for the show and purchase tickets to Friday’s industry Summit here.

Confirmed Summit panelists and speakers include Dina Sahim, Alex DePersia and Nelly Ortiz for a roundtable titled “Women on the Rise – Management 101” and Ukrainian artist Max Barskih presenting “Don’t F–k with Ukraine,” as well as one-of-a-kind conversations with Latto (“The Future of Hip-Hop”), Machine Gun Kelly (“A Decade of Touring”), Burna Boy (“The Explosion of Afro-Fusion”), Rauw Alejandro (“The Future of Reggaeton”) and more.

Additionally, MGK and Zedd are both set to host official MusicCon afterparties on subsequent nights of the convention at Zouk Nightclub.

Find more information about all that Billboard MusicCon has to offer by clicking here.

Anitta recently made her two-weekend Coachella debut with surprise appearances by Snoop DoggSaweetie and more.

Rauw Alejandro to Make Debut Billboard Music Awards Performance in May

Rauw Alejandro is readying to take the Billboard stage…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican singer and rapper, as the “King of Modern Reggaeton,” will perform at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, which will take place in less than a month.

Rauw AlejandroIn addition to Alejandro, the first round of performers fans can expect to see includes Megan Thee StallionRed Hot Chili PeppersLatto and Burna Boy.

They’ll all take the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at the May 15 awards show.

Alejandro is a finalist in four categories this year, including top Latin artist.

More major reveals about the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, including who’s hosting and who’s set to receive this year’s Change Maker Award, are expected in the coming weeks.

Billboard Music Awards finalists and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Luminate (formerly MRC Data).

The 2022 Billboard Music Awards will air Sunday, May 15, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT live on NBC.

Bruno Mars Leads Latinx Pack with Five Billboard Music Awards Nominations

It’s a (Silk) Sonic boom for Bruno Mars

The 36-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter is the top Latinx contender for this year’s Billboard Music Awards with five nods.

Bruno Mars, Silk Sonic, Anderson .PaakMars is nominated in the Top Duo/Group category alongside Anderson .Paak for their R&B superduo Silk Sonic, which they launched in March 2021. The duo is also nominated in the Top R&B Artist category.

Silk Sonic’s An Evening With Silk Sonic earned Mars a nod in the Top R&B Album category, while the group’s chart-topping single “Leave the Door Open” is up for Top R&B Song.

Additionally, Mars is nominated for Top R&B Tour for Bruno Mars at Park MGM.

Bad Bunny has also picked up five nods this year.

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and record producer is up for Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Male Artist and Top Latin Tour for El Último Tour Del Mundo and

Bad Bunny is also nominated twice in the Top Latin Song category. He’s nominated for the singles “Yonaguni” and “Volví,” his collaborations with Aventura.

Kali Uchis is the top Latina nominee…

The 27-year-old Colombian American singer is up for Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Female Artist, Top Latin Album for Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞, and Top Latin Song for telepatía.

Farruko is nominated for four BBMAs, including one outside of the Latin field.

Along with his nods for Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Male Artist and Top Latin Song for his hit single “Pepas,” the 30-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter’s track is also nominated in the Top Dance/Electronic Song category.

Rauw Alejandro has earned four nods…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican singer and rapper is up for Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Male Artist, Top Latin Album for Vice Versa, and Top Latin Song for “Todo De Ti.”

Karol G has earned three nods…

The 31-year-old Colombian singer is up for Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Female Artist and Top Latin Album for her album KG0516.

Eslabon Armado is nominated for two awards…

The Mexican group is up for Top Latin Duo/Group and Top Latin Album for Corta Venas.

Other artists earning a nod include Aventura, FKA Twigs, J Balvin, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Rosalia, Grupo Firme and Cardi B.

This year’s awards are based on the tracking period of March 26, 2021, through March 17, 2022. That corresponds to Billboard chart dates of April 10, 2021, through March 26, 2022.

Billboard Music Awards finalists and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Luminate (formerly MRC Data).

The BBMAs have celebrated music’s greatest achievements for more than 30 years. Unique among music awards shows, finalists are determined by performance on the Billboard charts. Since 1940, the Billboard charts have been the most

The BBMAs will broadcast live coast-to-coast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 15 at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT on NBC and will stream live on Peacock. This year’s host has not been announced.

The 2022 Billboard Music Awards are produced by MRC Live & Alternative. Robert Deaton is executive producer.

Tickets to attend the show are available to the public. Prices start at $90 per ticket and are available for purchase here. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Here are the 2022 Billboard Music Awards finalists:

ARTIST AWARDS

Top Artist
Doja Cat
Drake
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd

Top New Artist
Givēon
Masked Wolf
Olivia Rodrigo
Pooh Shiesty
The Kid LAROI

Top Male Artist
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Lil Nas X
The Weeknd

Top Female Artist
Adele
Doja Cat
Dua Lipa
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift

Top Duo/Group
BTS
Glass Animals
Imagine Dragons
Migos
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak)

Top Billboard 200 Artist
Adele
Drake
Juice WRLD
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Artist
Doja Cat
Drake
Justin Bieber
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd

Top Streaming Songs Artist
Doja Cat
Drake
Lil Nas X
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd

Top Song Sales Artist
Adele
BTS
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Walker Hayes

Top Radio Songs Artist
Doja Cat
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd

Top Billboard Global 200 Artist (NEW)
Doja Cat
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd

Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Artist (NEW)
BTS
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd

Top Tour
Eagles (Hotel California Tour)
Genesis (The Last Domino? Tour)
Green Day, Fall Out Boy & Weezer (The Hella Mega Tour)
Harry Styles (Love on Tour)
The Rolling Stones (No Filter Tour)

Top R&B Artist
Doja Cat
Givēon
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak)
Summer Walker
The Weeknd

Top R&B Male Artist
Givēon
Khalid
The Weeknd

Top R&B Female Artist
Doja Cat
Summer Walker
SZA

Top R&B Tour
Bruno Mars (Bruno Mars at Park MGM)
Omarion & Bow Wow (The Millennium Tour 2021)
Usher (The Vegas Residency)

Top Rap Artist
Drake
Juice WRLD
Lil Baby
Moneybagg Yo
Polo G

Top Rap Male Artist
Drake
Juice WRLD
Polo G

Top Rap Female Artist
Cardi B
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion

Top Rap Tour
J. Cole (The Off-Season Tour)
Lil Baby (The Back Outside Tour)
Omarion & Bow Wow (The Millennium Tour 2021)

Top Country Artist
Chris Stapleton
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift
Walker Hayes

Top Country Male Artist
Chris Stapleton
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen

Top Country Female Artist
Carrie Underwood
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift

Top Country Duo/Group
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Zac Brown Band

Top Country Tour
Luke Bryan (Proud to Be Right Here Tour)
Eric Church (Gather Again Tour)
Chris Stapleton (All-American Road Show Tour) 

Top Rock Artist
Glass Animals
Imagine Dragons
Machine Gun Kelly
Måneskin
twenty one pilots

Top Rock Tour
Genesis (The Last Domino? Tour)
Green Day, Fall Out Boy & Weezer (The Hella Mega Tour)
The Rolling Stones (No Filter Tour)

Top Latin Artist
Bad Bunny
Farruko
Kali Uchis
Karol G
Rauw Alejandro

Top Latin Male Artist
Bad Bunny
Farruko
Rauw Alejandro

Top Latin Female Artist
Kali Uchis
Karol G
Rosalía

Top Latin Duo/Group
Calibre 50
Eslabon Armado
Grupo Firme 

Top Latin Tour
Bad Bunny (El Último Tour Del Mundo)
Enrique Iglesias & Ricky Martin (Live in Concert)
Los Bukis (Una Historia Cantada Tour)

Top Dance/Electronic Artist
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Lady Gaga
Marshmello
Tiësto

Top Christian Artist
Carrie Underwood
Elevation Worship
for King & Country
Lauren Daigle
Ye

Top Gospel Artist
CeCe Winans
Elevation Worship
Kirk Franklin
Maverick City Music
Ye

ALBUM AWARDS

Top Billboard 200 Album
Adele, 30
Doja Cat, Planet Her
Drake, Certified Lover Boy
Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album
Olivia Rodrigo, SOUR

Top Soundtrack
Arcane League of Legends
Encanto
In The Heights
Sing 2
tick, tick…BOOM!

Top R&B Album
Doja Cat, Planet Her
Givēon, When It’s All Said and Done…Take Time
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak), An Evening With Silk Sonic
Summer Walker, Still Over It
The Weeknd, Dawn F  

Top Rap Album
Drake, Certified Lover Boy
Moneybagg Yo, A Gangsta’s Pain
Rod Wave, SoulFly
The Kid LAROI, F*ck Love
Ye, Donda

Top Country Album
Florida Georgia Line, Life Rolls On
Lee Brice, Hey World
Taylor Swift, Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor Swift, Red (Taylor’s Version)
Walker Hayes, Country Stuff: The Album

Top Rock Album
AJR, OK Orchestra
Coldplay, Music of the Spheres
Imagine Dragons, Mercury – Act 1
John Mayer, Sob Rock
twenty one pilots, Scaled and Icy

Top Latin Album
Eslabon Armado, Corta Venas
J Balvin, Jose
Kali Uchis, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞
Karol G, KG0516
Rauw Alejandro, Vice Versa

Top Dance/Electronic Album
C418, Minecraft – Volume Alpha
FKA twigs, Caprisongs
Illenium, Fallen Embers
Porter Robinson, Nurture
Rüfüs Du Sol, Surrender

Top Christian Album
Carrie Underwood, My Savior
CeCe Winans, Believe for It
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music, Old Church Basement
Phil Wickham, Hymn of Heaven
Ye, Donda

Top Gospel Album
CeCe Winans, Believe for It
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music, Old Church Basement
Maverick City Music, Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition
Maverick City Music & Upperroom, move your heart.
Ye, Donda

SONG AWARDS

Top Hot 100 Song
Doja Cat ft. SZA, “Kiss Me More”
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Olivia Rodrigo, “good 4 u”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

 

Top Streaming Song
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Glass Animals, “Heat Waves”
Olivia Rodrigo, “good 4 u”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

 

Top Selling Song
BTS, “Butter”
BTS, “Permission to Dance”
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”
Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”

Top Radio Song
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”
Olivia Rodrigo, “good 4 u”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

Top Collaboration
Doja Cat ft. SZA, “Kiss Me More”
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar & GIVĒON, “Peaches”
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, “Industry Baby”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

Top Billboard Global 200 Song (NEW)
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”
Olivia Rodrigo, “good 4 u”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Song (NEW)
BTS, “Butter”
Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”
Lil Nas X, “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

Top Viral Song (NEW)
Doja Cat ft. SZA, “Kiss Me More”
Gayle, “abcdefu”
Glass Animals, “Heat Waves”
Masked Wolf, “Astronaut In The Ocean”
Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”

Top R&B Song
Doja Cat & The Weeknd, “You Right”
Givēon, “Heartbreak Anniversary”
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar & Givēon, “Peaches”
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak), “Leave The Door Open”
WizKid ft. Justin Bieber & Tems, “Essence”

Top Rap Song
Drake ft. 21 Savage, Project Pat, “Knife Talk”
Drake ft. Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, “Industry Baby”
Masked Wolf, “Astronaut In The Ocean”
Polo G, “Rapstar”

Top Country Song
Chris Stapleton, “You Should Probably Leave”
Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood, “If I Didn’t Love You”
Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan, “Buy Dirt”
Luke Combs, “Forever After All”
Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”

Top Rock Song
Coldplay X BTS, “My Universe”
Elle King & Miranda Lambert, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
Imagine Dragons, “Follow You”
Måneskin, “Beggin’”
The Anxiety: Willow & Tyler Cole, “Meet Me at Our Spot”

Top Latin Song
Aventura x Bad Bunny, “Volví”
Bad Bunny, “Yonaguni”
Farruko, “Pepas”
Kali Uchis, “telepatía”
Rauw Alejandro, “Todo De Ti”

Top Dance/Electronic Song
Elton John & Dua Lipa, “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix”
Farruko, “Pepas”
Regard x Troye Sivan x Tate McRae, “You”
Tiësto, “The Business”
Travis Scott & HVME, “Goosebumps”

Top Christian Song
Anne Wilson, “My Jesus”
Ye, “Hurricane”
Ye, “Moon”
Ye, “Off The Grid”
Ye, “Praise God”

Top Gospel Song
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music ft. Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, “Jireh”
Ye, “Hurricane”
Ye, “Moon”
Ye, “Off the Grid”
Ye, “Praise God”

Ashanti Officially Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Ashanti is celebrating a Star-ring moment…

The 41-year-old half-Afro-Dominican singer/actress has officially received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

AshantiAshanti star was unveiled on the morning of Thursday, April 7 — a feat her mom and manager Tina Douglas, predicted decades ago.

“It’s surreal,” Ashanti told Billboard, moments after unveiling her star and taking photos with longtime friends and collaborators Tichina Arnold and Ja Rule. “I’m shocked, stunned and over the top grateful. This is a staple in my career and the fact that it will be here forever is a big deal.”

The honor comes 20 years after the release of Ashanti’s self-titled debut studio album, which premiered at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and charted for 55 weeks. The Grammy-winner and actress has since released 18 Hot 100 tracks, including two No. 1 hits.

“I’m not a super emotional person, so the fact that I cried a little bit today is a little weird for me,” Ashanti said with a laugh. “I’m so humbled and overjoyed to have friends, family and genuine people here supporting me that I love.”

In addition to Arnold and Ja Rule, Ashanti was surrounded by her parents, Tina and Ken-Kaide Thomas Douglas, sister Kenashia Douglas, Lupita Cornejo, Simone Smith, her team, many loved ones and fans. All of whom she thanked during her acceptance speech, naming her parents as her lifeline and family as her foundation.

“The fact that my mom spoke this into existence is surreal,” the star explained. “She really had that feeling as a mother to say, ‘My child is gonna get this.’ She manifested it and I’m forever grateful.”

Previously, Ashanti’s mom showed onlookers a photo of the star she had originally created for her daughter. “I didn’t know she still has that star,” Ashanti said proudly.

“I’m grateful to the [Hollywood Chamber of Commerce] for doing this because as artists, we put so much into it, so many sacrifices, so to feel like we’re being rewarded with something that [lasts] forever is an honor.”

After Ashanti’s star ceremony, family and friends joined her for an intimate, lavish lunch at Tatel Beverly Hills, where many shared heartfelt words about the Billboard Music Award-winner — and hilarious stories.

After listening to the kind words and fun memories, Ashanti shared a message of her own. “My family has been my backbone from the beginning. I didn’t wake up and say ‘I wanna be a star or singer,’ it happened accidentally. But being in this business for so many years has taught me so much.”

She went on to thank God and her supporters as she briefly became emotional again. “I’ve had a lot of people betray and stab me and I’ve been naive, so to be here enjoying this moment, I appreciate you for believing in me.”

“Without the machine behind me, I would not be here,” Ashanti continued. “I’m able to live out my dream. This star symbolizes that I kinda did something right.”

Karol G’s “El Makinon,” Featuring Mariah Angeliq, Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Karol G’s winning streak continues…

The 30-year-old Colombian singer’s collaboration with Mariah Angeliq, “El Makinon,” rises from No. 7 to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart dated June 5.

Karol G & Mariah Angelique

The rise to the summit comes a week after Karol G’s first live performance at the Billboard Music Awards on May 23, and her win for Top Latin Female Artist. She performed a medley of the tune and “Bichota” on the NBC broadcast.

The track rises with a 26% boost in audience impressions, to 8.7 million, earned in the week ending on May 30, according to MRC Data. That’s a 1.8 million gain from the previous week. “El Makinon” marks Karol G’s 11th Latin Airplay No. 1. Mariah Angeliq claims her first on any Billboard chart.

“El Makinon” is the fifth consecutive track from KG0516 (Karol’s first Top Latin Albums No. 1 debut) to crown Latin Airplay: “Tusa” with Nicki Minaj, “Ay, Dios Mio!,” “Bichota” and “Location” with Anuel AA and J Balvin all ruled for at least one week. Among women, she holds the record for the most leaders on the chart from the same album.

Beyond its Latin Airplay coronation, “El Makinon” takes the Greatest Gainer/Airplay honor on Hot Latin Songs, which blends airplay, digital sales, and streaming data, with a 7-6 lift.

It’s only the third female pairing to rule since the chart’s inception in 1994.

Bad Bunny Releases Surprise New Single “100 Millones,” Featuring Luar La L

Bad Bunny is giving fans 100 million reasons to dance…

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican rap superstar, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has surprised fans with the release of the new single “100 Millones.”

Bad Bunny W Magazine Cover

Bad Bunny dropped the new track at the stroke of midnight, without much fanfare.

With an assist from Luar La L, it’s Bunny’s first release of new material this year, and the followup to single “La Noche De Anoche” with Rosalía, which appeared on his 2020 album El Último Tour del Mundo.

And, there’s more new music on the way.

Bad Bunny stopped by New Music Daily on Apple Music 1 to discuss the new number and his next song “Yonaguni,” which is due out next week.

Luar La L “is so hot right now on the streets in Puerto Rico is killing it,” Bad Bunny told New Music Daily host Zane Lowe. “He has that confidence. He has the energy.”

Of “Yonaguni,” expect a bit of both words. “It’s a balance is what people want,” he explained. “But that’s the idea, make a balance, give the people (what) they want, like the street fire street bang, and also like a chill, sweet rhythm to dance and enjoy for the summer.”

Bad Bunny wrote the song just three weeks ago, not long after her completed his WWE debut. “I was like three months working hard training, learning how to get the bump. How to fight, how to throw the punches,” he said of his time in the ring. “But I enjoyed it a lot. It was a dream come true. I was like a kid.”

Bad Bunny is in red-hot form. He won four categories at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards last weekend, including top Latin artist for the second year in a row, and performed “Te Deseo lo Mejor” on the night. The song is lifted from El Último Tour Del Mundo, which made history last year as the first all-Spanish-language album to hit No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.

It was his second record-setting feat in the same calendar year. Earlier in 2020, his album YHLQMDLG opened at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, for what was then the highest charting all-Spanish-language title on the chart.

Bad Bunny: The Top Latinx Winner at the Billboard Music Awards

Bad Bunny is celebrating a memorable night…

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican superstar took home four awards at Sunday’s Billboard Music Awards, the most of any Latinx artist.

Bad Bunny W Magazine Cover

Bad Bunny collected the awards Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Male Artist, Top Latin Song (“Dákiti“) and Top Latin Album (YHLQMDLG).

Bad Bunny, who performed “Te Deseo Lo Mejor” after accepting his Top Latin Artist award, presented by Lena Waithe, holds the record for the most top 40 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart with 104. He also holds the record for the most hits in total on that chart: 111. His chart-topping YHLQMDLG won him his first Grammy on March 14, when it was named Best Latin Pop or Urban Album.

In the Top Latin Artist category at the BBMAs, Bad Bunny was up against Anuel AA, J Balvin, Maluma and Ozuna.

“I share this [award] with all of my colleagues nominated who are doing big things for the genre,” he said in Spanish during his speech.

El Conejo Malo wasn’t the only one representing Latin music at the BBMAs. Colombian hitmaker Karol G also took center stage performing “Bichota” and “El Makinon” after being announced winner of the Top Latin Female Artist award, beating out Becky G and Rosalía.

Karol G, whose most recent album KG0516 debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, becoming her first No. 1 on that list, has amassed 25 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including three No. 1s. She has had 10 No. 1s on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart.

She performed a medley of her hits “Bichota” and “El Makinon,” both from her latest album KG0516. She also flaunted her “next level” dance moves that she rehearsed “very hard” for, as she told Billboard’s Leila Cobo.

“I’m happy and I’m nervous,” she said ahead of her big night. “A lot of power…with this performance, I want to express that I feel like a woman and a business girl. I feel so happy and grateful for everything that’s happening in my career and my life, and to have the opportunity to inspire girls all over the world.”

Finally, representing the Regional Mexican realm, Eslabon Armado took home the Top Latin Duo/Group award. The teenage trio was up against Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga and Los Dos Carnales in that category.

Known for their sierreño ballads, Eslabon Armado – comprised of brothers Pedro (lead vocalist) and Brian Tovar (bass and bajoloche), along with friend Gabriel Hidalgo (harmony and background vocals) – scored three consecutive chart-topping albums in 2020: Tu Veneno MortalVibras de Noche and Corta Venas.

“Always grateful to God, our parents, our label and our fans,” Eslabon Armado posted on their social media after they won the award. “This award is for all of you.”

Hosted by Nick Jonas, the ceremony also honored P!nk as the Icon, Drake as the artist of the decade and Trae Tha Truth as the Change Maker.

Here’s the full list of winners:

Top Artist: The Weeknd
Top New Artist: Pop Smoke
Top Male Artist: The Weeknd
Top Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Top Duo/Group: BTS
Top Billboard 200 Artist: Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Artist: The Weeknd
Top Streaming Songs Artist: Drake
Top Song Sales Artist
: BTS
Top Radio Songs Artist:
The Weeknd
Top Social Artist (Fan Voted): BTS
Top R&B Artist:
The Weeknd
Top R&B Male Artist: The Weeknd
Top R&B Female Artist
: Doja Cat
Top Rap Artist: Pop Smoke
Top Rap Male Artist: Pop Smoke
Top Rap Female Artist: Megan Thee Stallion
Top Country Artist: Morgan Wallen
Top Country Male Artist: Morgan Wallen
Top Country Female Artist: Gabby Barrett
Top Country Duo/Group: Florida Georgia Line
Top Rock Artist: Machine Gun Kelly
Top Latin Artist: Bad Bunny
Top Latin Male Artist: Bad Bunny
Top Latin Female Artist
: Karol G
Top Latin Duo/Group: Eslabón Armado
Top Dance/Electronic Artist
: Lady Gaga
Top Christian Artist
: Elevation Worship
Top Gospel Artist
: Kanye West
Top Billboard 200 Album: Pop Smoke, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon
Top R&B Album: The Weeknd, After Hours
Top Rap Album: Pop Smoke, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon
Top Country Album: Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album
Top Rock Album: Machine Gun Kelly, Tickets to My Downfall 
Top Latin Album: Bad Bunny, YHLQMDLG 
Top Dance/Electronic Album
: Lady Gaga, Chromatica 
Top Christian Album: Carrie Underwood, My Gift
Top Gospel Album: Maverick City Music, Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1 
Top Hot 100 Song: The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”
Top Streaming Song: DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch, “ROCKSTAR”
Top Selling Song: BTS, “Dynamite”
Top Radio Song: The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”
Top Collaboration (Fan Voted): Gabby Barrett ft. Charlie Puth, “I Hope”
Top R&B Song: The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”
Top Rap Song: DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch, “ROCKSTAR”
Top Country Song: Gabby Barrett, “I Hope”
Top Rock Song: AJR, “Bang!”
Top Latin Song
: Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, “Dákiti”
Top Dance/Electronic Song: SAINt JHN, “Roses (Imanbek Remix)”
Top Christian Song: Elevation Worship ft. Brandon Lake, “Graves Into Gardens”
Top Gospel Song: Kanye West ft. Travis Scott, “Wash Us In The Blood”

Bad Bunny to Perform at This Year’s Billboard Music Awards

Bad Bunny is bringing some Latin heat to the Billboard Music Awards

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer will perform “Te Deseo Lo Mejor” from his 2020 album El Último Tour Del Mundo, which made history as the first all-Spanish-language album to hit No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.

Bad Bunny W Magazine Cover

In addition to topping the Billboard 200, Bad Bunny has also reached No. 1 on Billboards other flagship, all-genre chart, the Billboard Hot 100. He topped that chart with “I Like It,” his 2018 collab with Cardi B and J Balvin. In addition, he has cracked the top five on the Hot 100 with two other hits: “Mia” (featuring Drake) and “Dakiti” (a collab with Jhay Cortez).

Bad Bunny, a four-time BBMA winner, is nominated for seven more BBMAs this year, including top Latin artist and top Latin album, two categories he won last year. Bad Bunny is one of only nine artists with seven or more BBMA nods this year — and the only one representing Latin music.

He won his first Grammy on March 14, when his album YHLQMDLG won for best Latin pop or urban album.

Bad Bunny holds the record for the most top 40 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart with 104. He also holds the record for the most hits total on that chart: 111.

But Bad Bunny won’t be the only Latin artist to perform…

Karol G will take the stage for a special medley of her hits “Bichota” and “El Makinon.”

The 30-year-old Colombian singer’s most recent album, KG0516, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, becoming her first No. 1 on that list. It also made the top 20 on the Billboard 200, her highest ranking to date.

Karol G has amassed 25 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including three No. 1s. She has had 10 No. 1s on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart.

Hosted by Nick Jonas, the show will include performances by (in alphabetical order by principal performer) AJR, BTS, DJ Khaled featuring H.E.R. and Migos, Duran Duran, Glass Animals, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis with Sounds Of Blackness featuring Ann Nesby, Alicia Keys, P!nk, twenty one pilots and The Weeknd.

In addition to performing, P!nk will receive the ICON Award. She is the youngest recipient of that award to date.

Drake will receive the Artist of the Decade Award.  Trae Tha Truth will receive the Change Maker Award.

Billboard Music Awards finalists and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including audio and video streaming, album and digital song sales, radio airplay, and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including MRC Data and Next Big Sound. This year’s awards are based on the chart period of March 21, 2020 through April 3, 2021.

Fan-voted categories include top social artist and top collaboration. Voting opened on May 10 and closes May 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT on Twitter and billboard.com/bbmasvote. For more information, visit billboardmusicawards.com/vote.

Bad Bunny Releases Epic “Yo Perreo Sola” Remix Featuring Ivy Queen & Nesi

Bad Bunny isn’t perreo-ing sola anymore…

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer, rapper, and songwriter joined voices with Ivy Queen and Nesi to give a show-stopping performance of his smash single “Yo Perreo Sola” performance at the Billboard Music Awards earlier this month.

Bad Bunny, Ivy Queen, Nesi

And now he’s premiering the remix to the hit song…

Bad Bunny brought out Nesi, who was already on the original version, and reggaetón icon Ivy Queen for the epic set that championed women, bringing together two generations of female artists in reggaetón.

“It’s important for me to champion women, but it should be important for everyone,” Bad Bunny tells Billboard exclusively. “With time you understand the power of your voice, and if I have the power to inspire and motivate people to listen to my music, then I can also motivate them to do positive things for society and defend women. It’s important for other artist to start doing the same and motivate their fans.”

The new version of “Yo Perreo Sola” stays true to its original version, but this one finds Ivy Queen taking on some of Bad Bunny’s verses for a more direct and impactful delivery of the song’s ultimate message: I don’t need a man — I can twerk alone.

It’s a message men should understand and respect. “This award goes to women around the world, especially Latin women and those from Puerto Rico,” Bad Bunny said as he accepted the top Latin artist award during the ceremony. “Without you, nothing would exist, not even reggaetón. So enough with the machista violence against women. This song has a social message about understanding that you can perrear [twerk], get educated and be respectful all at the same time. If she doesn’t want to dance with you, respect her — she can dance alone.”