Los Tigres del Norte Preparing to Perform in London for First Time

Los Tigres del Norte are preparing for a European first…

The legendary norteño band will be visiting London, England, for the first time ever.

Los Tigres del NorteIt’s a special trip the band’s bass guitarist Hernán Hernández describes as “something new for us and I’m a little nervous but at the same time, I have good vibes.”

Los Tigres del Norte, who have been hitting the recording studio in hopes of releasing new music very soon, recently made history in Texas.

Earlier in March, the band broke its own stadium attendance record at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

As part of their Siempre Contigo tour, the renowned norteño band made a pit stop at the rodeo’s Go Tejano Day, where they drew an audience of 75,595 at the sold-out NRG Stadium. Los Tigres broke its own 2019 record by topping it with nine more attendees this year.

“This is the fifth time that we come here to Houston, it’s very exciting,” accordion player and vocalist Jorge Hernández tells Billboard. “[Fans] encourage me to do something more. Next time we come here, we have a better show for them. It’s our responsibility.”

“Our songs have a lot of meaning for the Hispanic people who live in the United States or the ones who come from another country to the U.S.,” bass guitarist Hernán elaborates. “Singing for them is like giving them something related to where they come from, how hard it’s for them to live here. A lot of people are undocumented and our songs carry those messages, and I think that’s something very special for us.”

At the Houston Rodeo, the group known as The Voice of the People performed a one-hour set of its biggest corridos, norteño and cumbia songs.

“When we come to these types of shows, we know there’s going to be a lot of families. I even think about my own kids,” Hernán expresses. “It’s a way for the new generation to know who Los Tigres del Norte are because I know their families know about Los Tigres. It’s a very nice feeling.”

Ivan Cornejo to Make Performance Debut at This Year’s RodeoHouston

Ivan Cornejo is lassoing a special gig for the first time…

The 19-year-old Mexican American singer-songwriter will make his performance debut at this year’s RodeoHouston as part of the 2024 lineup, which will showcase some of the biggest names across several genres, including rock, rap, country, Latin, Christian and more.

Ivan Cornejo,Cornejo is set to perform on Sunday, March 3.

But he isn’t the only Latinx act set to perform.

Los Tigres del Norte will perform during the event as part of Go Tejano Day on Sunday, March 10.

Other artists set to perform during RodeoHouston, which will take place at Houston’s NRG Stadium from February 27 through March 17, include

Jelly RollBlake Shelton, 50 Cent, the Jonas Brothers, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church and for King & Country.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to bring such a wide range of musical genres to the RodeoHouston stage,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO, in a statement. “We’re welcoming 10 new entertainers who will make their debut on the star stage, as well as many fan-favorites from a variety of genres from our country roots, to EDM and hip-hop.”

The artists further add to RodeoHouston’s nearly 100-year legacy, in which time the rodeo has committed more than $600 million to aid education and youth-focused efforts in Texas.

Each year, RodeoHouston draws more than 2 million people to its mix of rodeo/Western activities, musical performances and carnival midway.

Tickets go on sale at rodeohouston.com on Thursday, January 18, in two waves — at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Here’s the official lineup of performers:

Feb. 27 – Opening Day, presented by Texas Capital – Blake Shelton
Feb. 28 – Armed Forces Appreciation Day, presented by Crown Royal – Carly Pearce
Feb. 29 – for KING + COUNTRY
March 1 – Black Heritage Day, presented by Kroger – 50 Cent
March 2 – HARDY
March 3 – Ivan Cornejo
March 4 – First Responders Day, presented by BP America – Hank Williams Jr.
March 5 – Oliver Anthony
March 6 – Community Day, presented by TC Energy – Jelly Roll
March 7 – Volunteer Appreciation Day, presented by Phillips 66 – Luke Bryan
March 8 – Major Lazer
March 9 – Lainey Wilson
March 10 – Go Tejano Day, presented by Fiesta Mart – Los Tigres del Norte
March 11 – Whiskey Myers
March 12 – Bun B
March 13 – Nickelback
March 14 – Zac Brown Band
March 15 – Jonas Brothers
March 16 – Brad Paisley
March 17 – RODEOHOUSTON Finals – Eric Church

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.”

Los Tigres del Norte to Donate Partial Proceeds from Upcoming Hometown Concert to Local Non-Profits

Los Tigres del Norte are giving back to their hard-hit community…

The Mexican supergroup have announced that they’ve teamed up with the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., to donate a portion of the proceeds from the band’s upcoming hometown show on April 1.

Los Tigres del NorteThe donations will benefit local organizations Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS) and Hijas del Campowho aid area farmworkers in the aftermath of recent floods and the Half Moon Bay shooting.

“It has also been important to us to show our gratitude by giving back to the community,” the norteño ensemble said in a statement. “Farmworkers already face many hardships in daily life and we could not stand by when so many people close to home have had to face these additional horrible events. We also encourage more people to join us once again in supporting this hardworking, but underserved community.”

Ana Bárbara Becomes First Regional Mexican Songwriter to Receive BMI Icon Award

Ana Bárbara is celebrating a history-making win…

The 52-year-old Mexican singer, actress, television personality and model became the first regional Mexican songwriter to ever receive a BMI Icon Award.

Ana BárbaraAna Barbara received the award at the BMI Latin Awards, which took place on March 21 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles.

“As an iconic female Regional Mexican artist, whose body of work continues to be an indomitable inspiration for the creative community, we’re thrilled to name Ana Bárbara a BMI Icon,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “Dubbed as La Reina Grupera, she has forged a career that spans decades. Her artistic achievements have paved the way for the next generation of female songwriters in the genre and earned the respect of the industry at large as one of the most groundbreaking songwriters of all time. For that, we salute Ana as a true icon and look forward to celebrating all our top music creators behind some of today’s most-performed Latin songs.”

The “Bandido” singer joins an elite group of artists who have received BMI’s highest honor including Carlos SantanaGloria EstefanJuan Luis GuerraLos Tigres Del Norte and Los Lobos, among others. Throughout her 30-year career — which she kicked off in the early ’90s with her self-titled debut album in 1994 — Ana Bárbara has a total of 16 entries on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs, four of those are top 10 hits including “La Trampa” and “Me Asusta Pero Me Gusta.” On the Regional Mexican Airplay tally, she’s entered 21 songs, five of which hit the top 10.

Edgar Barrera, the prolific songwriter who seamlessly navigates between genres, was given the first ever Impact award for his remarkable presence and influence across the charts of many genres.

The evening — hosted by BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Latin Jesus Gonzalez — was also evening of encores. Tainy won the contemporary songwriter of the year award for the second year in a row, and Horacio Palencia also repeated his regional Mexican songwriter of the year award, this time tying with Barrera.

Sony Music Publishing, home to Tainy and Barrera, took home the contemporary Latin publisher of the year award, marking the seventh time in 10 years that it does so.

Universal Music Publishing Group won Regional Mexican publisher of the year, and the smash “Pepas” — performed by Farruko and written by Víctor Cardenas VIIC, IAMCHINO, Axel Quezada “Ghetto” and Keriel K4G Quiróz — was named contemporary Latin song of the year. “Jugaste y Sufrí” by Daniel Balderrama Espinoza won the Regional Mexican song of the year.

But the belle of the ball was undoubtedly Aba Bárbara. The Mexican singer, resplendent in a shimmering dress with a pink feathered skirt, delivered a set of her own compositions, backed by a her band and ending with “Lo Busqué,” during which she accompanied herself on guitar. The performance was a reminder of just how prolific Ana Bárbara has been in her 30-year career, placing 16 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart and 14 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart.

“Songwriting was something I didn’t always speak about,” Bárbara told Billboard earlier. “I was always shy about my songwriting, from the time I wrote [her first major hit] ‘Quise Olvidar,’ because composing wasn’t common among women. Now, I believe in all my songs, and I believe they’re all for me.”

Her inspirations, said Ana Bárbara, were the greats of Mexican music, including José Alfredo Jiménez; Joan Sebastian and Marco Antonio Solís, who both mentored her; and Ana Gabriel, also a singer and composer.

Now, Gabriel is also inspiring a new generation, as evidenced by the opening number of the night, a tribute to her music performed by young Mexican singers Adriana Ríos, Alisun Solís, Angélica Gallegos and Lupita Infante.

Intocable Earns Record-Tying 45th Top 10 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart

It’s a milestone tie for Intocable.

The Regional Mexican band, hailing from Zapata, Texas, has reached a milestone 45 top 10s on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “Un Poquito Tuyo” rises 13-9 on the December 10-dated ranking.

IntocableIntocable now ties with Los Tigres del Norte for the most top 10s overall.

“Un Poquito Tuyo” lands in the upper reaches of the chart in its fifth week due to a 15% weekly increase in audience impressions earned in the U.S. in the week ending December 4, according to Luminate.

The song was released on October 14 via Good I Music.

“Un Poquito Tuyo” is the second single from Intocable’s forthcoming album (release date to be announced).

It was written by Carlos Preciado and Ricardo Muñoz.

The song advances to the tally’s top region and earns the group its 45th top 10, all spanning four decades, tying with Los Tigres del Norte for the most top 10s since the chart launched in 1994.

Here’s the leaderboard:

45, Intocable
45, Los Tigres del Norte
44, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga
36, Los Tucanes de Tijuana
35, La Arrolladora Banda el Limón de Rene Camacho
32, Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
32, Calibre 50
30, Marco Antonio Solis
28, Conjunto Primavera
24, Vicente Fernandez

The new top 10 arrives just a month after the sextet earned its second top 10 of 2022 through “Más Muerto Que Vivo,” with Matisse (November 5-dated ranking).

Previously, “Si Me Duele Que Duela” ruled for two week in July.

Elsewhere, “Un Poquito Tuyo” climbs 32-26 on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart.

Christina Aguilera to Receive Spirit of Hope Award at Billboard Latin Music Awards

It’s a spirited time for Christina Aguilera.

The 41-year-old half-Ecuadorian American actress and pop star will receive the Spirit of Hope award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Christina AguileraThe special award — which was established in 1996 in honor of the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla — will recognize Aguilera for her philanthropic and humanitarian contributions beyond her musical work.

Aguilera 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 pm ET.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards — where Bad Bunny leads the list of finalists with a staggering 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.

In addition to her musical accolades, including more than 75 million records sold worldwide, five No.1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, the artist also known as Xtina has lifted her voice to help end the cycle of domestic abuse, been a longtime supporter and ally to the LGBTQ+ community, raised awareness about HIV/AIDS research, and traveled the globe to help feed children in poverty-stricken areas.

Aguilera joins past Billboard Spirit of Hope recipients including Gloria Estefan, Emmanuel, Willy Chirino, Olga Tañon, Maná, Los Tigres del Norte, Ricky Martin, El General, Soraya, Juan Luis Guerra, Shakira, Ricardo Montaner, Juanes, Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony, Carlos Vives, Carlos Santana, Luis Fonsi, and Maluma.

Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga Earns 18th No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart

Make that four chart-toppers in a row for Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga.

The Mexican banda’s first collaboration with Grupo Firme, “El Reemplazo,” has reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay tally dated September 3.

Banda el RecodoThe original version of “El Reemplazo” finds its home on Grupo Firme’s 2020 LP Nos Divertimos Logrando Lo Imposible.

The new version, alongside Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga, was released May 31 via LGA/Music VIP. It takes over atop Regional Mexican Airplay (rising 4-1) as the Greatest Gainer of the week, thanks to a 28% gain in audience impressions, to 5.7 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending August 28, according to Luminate.

“El Reemplazo” trades places with La Fiera de Ojinaga’s “Luna de Miel” with a 4-1 dip after its one-week reign.

For Banda El Recodo, “El Reemplazo” is its fourth consecutive win among a collection of 18 champs. The 18th No. 1 moves the group into a tie for the second-most No. 1s since the chart launched in 1994. They tie Banda MS’ 18 rulers, while Calibre 50 remains ahead with 22 leaders.

Notably, Banda El Recodo is just the third band, alongside Intocable and Los Tigres del Norte, to score No. 1 titles in four decades.

Here’s a recap of his No. 1s in the 1990s, 2000s, ‘10s and now ’20s:

Peak, Title, Artist
Feb. 20, 1999, “Adorable Mentirosa,” Juan Gabriel Con Banda El Recodo
Dec. 4, 1999, “Te Ofrezco Un Corazón,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
May 20, 2000, “Yo Se Que Te Acordarás,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
March 31, 2001, “Y Llegaste Tú,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Aug. 24, 2002, “No Me Se Rajar,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
April 19, 2008, “Tómame O Déjame,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Feb. 14, 2009, “Te Presumo,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Dec. 5, 2009, “Me Gusta Todo De Ti,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
June 19, 2010, “Dime Que Me Quieres,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Dec. 10, 2011, “Te Quiero A Morir,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Aug. 11, 2012, “Sin Respiración,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
April 6, 2013, “La Mejor De Todas,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Nov. 23, 2013, “Vas A Llorar Por Mí,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
July 25, 2015, “Mi Vicio Mas Grande,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Oct. 9, 2021, “Qué Tienen Tus Palabras?,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Feb. 19, 2022, “Esta Vida Es Muy Bonita,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
June 11, 2022, “Brindo,” Mario Bautista & Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Sept. 3, 2022, “El Reemplazo,” Grupo Firme & Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga

The new win gifts Grupo Firme its fifth No. 1.

In October of 2021, Grupo Firme marked a career milestone as the third act to score an entry on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 with a regional Mexican song — when “Supérame (En Vivo Desde Culiacán, Sinaloa)” (one of their five Regional Mexican No. 1s) entered the Hot 100.

Beyond its Regional Mexican Airplay coronation, “El Reemplazo” concurrently makes progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart with an 18-12 trek.

Prime Video Releases Trailer for New Documentary “Los Tigres del Norte: Historias Que Contar”

Los Tigres del Norte have stories to tell…

Prime Video has released the first trailer for its documentary about the legendary Mexican norteño band.

Los Tigres del NorteTitled Los Tigres del Norte: Historias Que Contarthe film highlights everything from the Mexican group’s humble beginnings to its challenging road to success, and ultimately becoming one of Regional Mexican music’s biggest acts.

Directed by Carlos Pérez Osorio and produced by José Nacif GoberaHistorias Que Contar will premiere on June 17 via Prime Video.

The official trailer features the Amazon Original song “Jefe de Jefes.”

Los Tigres del Norte to Co-Headline First-Ever Bésame Mucho Festival at LA’s Dodger Stadium

Los Tigres del Norte are puckering up

The legendary Mexican norteño band will co-headline the first-ever edition of Bésame Mucho, taking place on Saturday, December 3 at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium.

Los Tigres del NorteLos Tigres del Norte will headline alongside Julieta VenegasCafé Tacvba, ZoéSin BanderaJuanes and Banda El Recodo, among many other Latin acts who will perform.

The festival featured a head-turning, multigenerational lineup, featuring pop, Regional Mexican, merengue, cumbia and rock artists.

According to the Need Pastel-designed flyer, the Tropicália and La Tocada-organized event will be a one-day festival with three separate stages: Rockero stage, Las Clásicas stage and Te Gusta El Pop? stage.

The fest will also feature sets by Bronco, Banda Machos, Caifanes, Enanitos Verdes, Panteón Rococó, Los Ángeles Azules, Sonora Dinamita, Kabah, Fey and Aleks Syntek with additional headliners to be announced later this year.

Giving When We Were Young vibes featuring a packed lineup, the logistics of how the festival will pan out throughout the day are yet to be outlined by its producers.

But just hours after the event was announced, Latin music fans took to social media to comment on the nostalgia-provoking lineup while also confirming their attendance to a festival that’s 10 months away.

“I’m there,” someone tweeted. “The lineup is absolutely insane,” another Twitter user wrote.

Tickets for the Bésame Mucho festival will go on sale Friday, February 18 at 5:00 pm ET. General admission tickets will start at $199.99 with VIP tickets starting at $324.99.

Visit besamemuchofestival.com for more information.