J Balvin to Perform as Part of This Year’s “Amazon Music Live” Series

J Balvin is ready for Prime (Video) Time.…

Amazon Music is continuing its Amazon Music Live programming with three new episodes, including one featuring the 39-year-old Colombian singer, commonly referred to as the “Prince of Reggaeton,”

J BalvinJ Balvin will perform as part of the livestreamed music series, which will also feature performances from Big Sean and Halsey. 

Taking place after Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, the seven-episode season will kick off on October 17 with a performance from Jelly Roll.

Big Sean will then take the stage on October 24 ahead of the release of his Better Me Than You deluxe edition. In celebration of homecoming games at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Big Sean will also be performing alongside North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine and Fellowship Gospel Choir.

Halsey will perform during the Halloween episode on October 31, just days after releasing her fifth studio album, The Great Impersonator.

J Balvin will perform the following week, on November 7.

Each episode will stream live from Los Angeles and air exclusively on Thursdays via Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch at 9:00 pm PT.

Leading up to the episodes will be the one hour Amazon Music Tonight! pre-show on Twitch, which will feature interactive mini-games, trivia and challenges tied to each night’s performer.

Gabito Ballesteros to Perform at 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards

Gabito Ballesteros is preparing for a major performance…

The Mexican singer-songwriter and record producer will perform at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Gabito Ballestero

He’s among a list of just-added performers that includes Gloria Trevi, Prince RoyceChencho Corleone and Proyecto Uno.

The artists join a previously announced lineup that includes Fuerza Regida, Grupo NicheJ Balvin, Pepe Aguilar, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Xavi and Yandel.

The awards show will broadcast on Sunday, October 20, at 9:00 pm ET on Telemundo. Viewers can also watch on the Telemundo App and Peacock and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

Both Prince Royce and Gabito Ballesteros are finalists this year. The former is up for three awards, including tropical artist of the year, solo; tropical song of the year for “Cosas de la Peda,” with Gabito Ballesteros, and tropical album of the year for his seventh album Llamada Perdida.

Meanwhile, Ballesteros is a four-time finalist vying for artist of the year, new. He’s up against Young Miko, Tito Double P, Xavi and Oscar Maydon in that category.

Karol G leads the list of finalists with 17 entries in categories including artist of the year, tour of the year, Global 200 Latin artist of the year, and top Latin album of the year for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season). 

The Billboard Latin Music Awards — the only awards that recognize the most popular albums, songs and performers in Latin music, according to Billboard’s weekly charts — coincide with Billboard Latin Music Week, which returns to Miami October 14-18 with a roster of star speakers including Alejandro Sanz, J Balvin, Young Miko, Pepe Aguilar, Feid, Gloria Estefan, Danny Ocean, Peso Pluma and many more.

Karol G Receives Two Wax Figures from Madame Tussauds 

Karol G is waxing nostalgic… 

The 33-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning singer-songweriter has officially received two of her very own wax figures at the renowned Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Karol GKarol G was present at the recent grand reveal in New York City, where she reacted to her two figures: one that captures the Colombian-inspired outfit and signature blue hair that she rocked during her 2022 Coachella performance; the other is one of her looks from the “TQG” music video with Shakira, where she had her striking red locks.

“Wow, how impressive!” Karol said in a press statement. “My first impression was I love my smile, and the color of my eyes […] I hope when my fans meet the figures that it’s a manifestation for them that one day they will meet me.”

Karol G Wax FiguresHer Coachella wax figure will remain at the Madame Tussauds in Times Square, whereas her “TQG” wax figure will be relocated to the Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas at the end of October.

“Karol G is one of our generation’s greatest living Latina performers,” added Eliza Rose, marketing manager at Madame Tussauds New York. “Her figure is a beautiful addition to our museums, and a testament to her talent, influence and the love her fans have for her.”

The “Bichota” singer—who’s a 17-time finalist at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards and whose “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” has spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart—joins Maluma, Anitta, Selena, Bad Bunny, Shakira and other Latin acts with their own wax figures.

Scotty McCreery to Serve as Presenter at People’s Choice Country Music Awards

Scotty McCreery is headed to the People’s Choice Country Music Awards

The 30-year-old part-Puerto Rican country singer and former American Idol champion has been added as a presenter for the awards show, which will air on Thursday, September 26, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.

Scotty McCreeryMcCreery is among a list of just-added presenters that includes Ashley Cooke, Bailey Zimmerman, Chase Rice, Cody Rhodes, Dasha, Orville Peck, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Shaboozey and Tanner Adell.

Meantime, Brad Paisley and rapper mgk have been added as performers for the show.

Hosted by Shania Twain, the People’s Choice Country Awards will honor the biggest names in country music, as chosen entirely by fans.

The show will feature previously-announced performances from Country Icon recipient Miranda Lambert, Country Champion recipient Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, Parker McCollum and The War And Treaty.

The 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards kicks off with Live From E!: People’s Choice Country Awards at 6:00 pm ET/PT on E!.

Additionally, the People’s Choice Country Awards Pre-Show will air live at 7:00 pm ET/4 p.m. PT on Peacock, E! Online, YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

Selena Gomez’s “Emilia Pérez” to Represent France in the Best International Feature Category at 97th Academy Awards

Selena Gomez’s latest film could earn an international Oscars nod…

France has selected Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez, starring the 31-year-old Mexican American actress/singer, to represent it in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.

Selena Gomez, Emilia PerezIn addition Gomez, the drama also stars Karla Sofía Gascón, who portrays cartel leader Emilia who enlists the help of unappreciated lawyer Rita (Zoe Saldana) to help her fake her death so she can live authentically as her true self.

It premiered at Cannes, where it earned its four actresses – Gascón, Saldaña, Gomez and Adriana Paz – a collective Best Actress award, and also clinched the jury prize.

The film was selected from a short list of four films which also included swashbuckler The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte; French-produced Indian drama All We Imagine as Light by Payal Kapadia and Misericordia by Alain Guiraudie.

This year’s revamped selection committee featured sales agent Carole Baraton, producer Nadim Cheikhroua, Venice Golden Lion winning Happening director and writer Audrey Diwan, distributor, producer and writer Michèle Halberstadt, sales agent Grégoire Melin, actress Clémence Poésy, producer David Thion, producer and distributor Rosalie Varda, producer Wachsberger and director, writer and producer Florian Zeller.

They made the selection after auditioning the sales agents, producers and U.S. distributors of the shortlisted titles on Wednesday morning.

Netflix reportedly swooped on U.S. rights for Emilia Pérez in the wake of its buzzy Cannes world premiere, pledged generous support for the awards campaign.

Pathé released the film theatrically in France on August 21, drawing some 735,000 spectators for a gross of roughly $5.9M. It will receive a limited release on the U.S. ahead of a November 13 launch on Netflix.

France last won the international film Oscar with Régis Wargnier’s Indochine in 1993. Ladj Ly’s Les Misérables was the last French film to make it through to the final nomination stage in 2020.

The Late Juan Gabriel’s Historic “Mis 40 en Bellas Artes” Concert to be Projected in Mexico City’s Zócalo

The music of the Juan Gabriel will fill one of Mexico City’s most iconic locations.

The late Mexican superstar’s Mis 40 en Bellas Artes will be projected in Mexico City’s Zócalo this Sunday, September 22, at a free event organized by the capital’s Secretary of Culture.

Juan Gabriel“After the cancellation of the second screening at the Cineteca Nacional scheduled for September 14, the city government, committed to cultural access, is offering the country’s most important plaza and stage so that more people can enjoy this memorable concert in a festive and family-friendly environment to continue the patriotic celebrations,” announced the Secretary of Culture in a statement.

A screening of the concert by the Divo de Juárez, organized by Universal Music, left hundreds of people outside the Cineteca Nacional on Friday, September 13, after the number of attendees exceeded the expectations of the organizers.

A second screening scheduled for the following Saturday, September 14, had to be canceled as the venue couldn’t accommodate the large crowd.

The organizers estimated that about 6,000 people arrived at the Cineteca Nacional last Friday to attend the event. Videos on social media show a large number of attendees who were left outside the venue, dancing and singing at the top of their lungs to the songs included in the concert — released by Virgin Music — undeterred by the rain that covered much of the city that afternoon.

“The turnout surpassed the historical attendance record set by Queen and the ‘Rock Montreal’ screening at the Rock Festival in the Cineteca Nacional,” the organizers said in a statement.

Mis 40 en Bellas Artes is one of the most iconic concerts that Juan Gabriel performed to celebrate his four decades of artistic career in August 2013, accompanied by the International Orchestra of the Arts and its choir. It features great hits from his discography, such as “Caray,” “He Venido a Pedirte Perdón,” “Querida,” “La Diferencia,” “Me Nace del Corazón,” “¿Por Qué Me Haces Llorar?,” “Abrázame Muy Fuerte,” and “Así Fue,” a song he performed on stage with Isabel Pantoja.

The screening of Juan Gabriel’s Mis 40 en Bellas Artes at the Zócalo is scheduled for 7 p.m. (local time).

Edgar Barrera Leads Pack of Latin Grammy Nominees with Nine Nods

Make that two years in a row for Edgar Barrera.

For the second year in a row, the 34-year-old Mexican American songwriter, producer, musician and award-winning hitmaker leads the list of nominees for the Latin Grammy Awards.

Edgar BarreraOn Tuesday morning, Barrera received nine nominations for the 2024 annual ceremony, including songwriter of the year and producer of the year.

He appears in the main categories of album of the year, as a songwriter on Carín León’s Boca Chueca, Vol. 1; record of the year, as Karol G’s “Mi Ex Tenía Razón” co-producer; and song of the year as co-writer of three hits — Karol G’s “Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” Shakira and Grupo Frontera’s “(Entre Paréntesis),” and Maluma and Carín León’s “Según Quién.”

He also has two nods for best regional song as a songwriter.

Barrera is followed by superstars Karol G and Bad Bunny, who each earned eight nominations. Benito also competes for record of the year, with “Monaco,” while Karol is also nominated to album of the year for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), the follow up to her Latin Grammy winning set of 2023 Mañana Será Bonito.

On its 25th anniversary, the Latin Grammy Awards are incorporating a new field of electronic music, and two new categories: best Latin electronic music performance, and best contemporary Mexican music album.

Nominees for the former include Ale Acosta, Valeria Castro, Vikina, Deorro, Bizarrap and Shakira, among others.

 

For the latter, the contenders are an impressive group of artists and creators who have contributed to the rise of the genre: Natanael Cano, DannyLux, Grupo Frontera, Carín León, Michelle Maciel and Peso Pluma.

The nominees for the coveted best new artist prize are Agris, Kevin Aguilar, Darumas, Nicolle Horbath, Latin Mafia, Cacá Magalhães, Os Garotin, Iñigo Quintero, Sofi Saar y Ela Taubert.

“As we approach the 25th edition of the Latin Grammys our awards process is more robust than ever, with our membership evaluating over 23,000 entries this year,” says Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a press release. “The Latin Grammys have grown in an amazing way to become a fundamental platform for music and culture. We are proud to share this year’s nominees, an international and diverse group of creators representing the richness and vastness of today’s Latin music.”

Other big contenders this year: Keityn, with six nods; Juan Luis Guerra with five; and Feid, Kany García, Carín León and Kali Uchis with four each. Among those with three nominations are Camilo, Jorge Drexler, Fonseca, Mon Laferte, Nathy Peluso, Residente, Peso Pluma, Shakira and Elena Rose. While with two are Pepe Aguilar, Anitta, Marc Anthony, Rubén Blades, Mau y Ricky, Danny Ocean, Nicole Zignago and more.

The 25th annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live from Miami on Thursday, Nov. 14 beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central) on Univision, Galavisión and ViX. Preceding the telecast will be the Latin Grammy Premiere, where the winners in most categories will be announced.

Check out the complete list of nominees for the 2024 Latin Grammys below.

General Field

Record of the year
“Mil Veces,” Anitta
“Monaco,” Bad Bunny
“Una Vida Pasada,” Camilo & Carín León
“Catalina,” Cimafunk & Monsieur Periné
“Derrumbe,” Jorge Drexler
“Con Dinero y Sin Dinero,” Fonseca & Grupo Niche
“Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” Karol G
“Mambo 23,” Juan Luis Guerra y 4.40
“Tenochtitlán,” Mon Laferte
“Igual Que Un Ángel,” Kali Uchis & Peso Pluma

Album of the year
Bolero, Ángela Aguilar
Cuatro, Camilo
Xande Canta Caetano, Xande De Pilares
Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), Karol G
García, Kany García
Radio Güira, Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Autopoiética, Mon Laferte
Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, Carín León
Las Letras Ya No Importan, Residente
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Shakira

Song of the year
“A Fuego Lento,” Daymé Arocena & Vicente García, songwriters (Daymé Arocena & Vicente García)
“A La Mitad” (Banda Sonora Original De La Serie “Zorro”), Julio Reyes Copello & Mariana Vega, songwriters (Maura Nava)
“Caracas En El 2000,” Marvin Hawkins Rodriguez, Jerry Di, La Pichu, Danny Ocean & Elena Rose, songwriters (Elena Rose, Danny Ocean & Jerry Di)
“Derrumbe,” Jorge Drexler, songwriters (Jorge Drexler)
“(Entre Paréntesis),” Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Manuel Lorente Freire, Lenin Yorney Palacios & Shakira, songwriters (Shakira, Grupo Frontera)
“Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” Edgar Barrera, Andres Jael Correa Rios, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, Karol G & MAG, songwriters (Karol G)
“Según Quién,” Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Luís Miguel Gómez Castaño, Maluma, Lenin Yorney Palacios & Juan Camilo Vargas, songwriters (Maluma & Carín León)
“Te Lo Agradezco,” Rafa Arcaute, Kany García, Carín León & Richi López, songwriters (Kany García & Carín León)
“313,” Leo Genovese, Residente & Silvia Pérez Cruz, songwriters (Residente, Silvia Pérez Cruz & Penélope Cruz)

Best new artist
Agris
Kevin Aguilar
Darumas
Nicolle Horbath
Latin Mafia
Cacá Magalhães
Iñigo Quintero
Sofi Saar
Ela Taubert

Field 1: Pop

Best pop vocal album
Tofu, Caloncho
.mp3, Emilia
El Viaje, Luis Fonsi
Hotel Caracas, Mau y Ricky
Orquídeas (AOP), Kali Uchis
Escrita, Nicole Zignago

Best traditional pop vocal album
Obras Maestras, Diego El Cigala
García, Kany García
Mar Adentro, Juliana
Aún Me Sigo Encontrando, Gian Marco
Almas Paralelas, Laura Pausini

Best pop song
“A La Mitad” (Banda Sonora Original De La Serie “Zorro”), Julio Reyes Copello & Mariana Vega, songwriters (Maura Nava)
“A Las 3,” Paty Cantú, Ángela Dávalos, León Leiden & Saibu, songwriters (Paty Cantú & León Leiden)
“Ahora,” David Bisbal, Pablo Preciado & Carlos Rivera, songwriters (David Bisbal & Carlos Rivera)
“Amor,” José Andrés Benitez, Christian Bermudez, Richard Bermudez, Rodney Kumbirayi Hwingwiri, Juan Diego Linares, Luis Alejandro Márquez, Anibal Morin Diaz, Danny Ocean & Rafael Salcedo, songwriters (Danny Ocean)
“Dime Quién,” Lagos, songwriters (Lagos)
“Feriado,” Rawayana, songwriters (Rawayana)
“Igual Que Un Ángel,” Carter Lang, Manuel Lorente Freire, Kali Uchis & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters (Kali Uchis & Peso Pluma)

Field 2: Electronic

Best Latin electronic music performance
“La Ceniza,” Ale Acosta, Valeria Castro
“Drum Machine,” Alok
“Pedju Kunumigwe,” Alok, Guarani Nhandewa
“Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 (Tiësto Remix),” Bizarrap, Shakira
“BAMBOLE,” Vikina Featuring Deorro

Field 3: Urban

Best urban/fusion performance
“Nadie Sabe,” Bad Bunny
“Corazon Vacío,” Maria Becerra
“Young Miko: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 58,” Bizarrap Featuring Young Miko
“S91,” Karol G
“Tranky Funky,” Trueno

Best reggaeton performance
“Perro Negro,” Bad Bunny Featuring Feid
“Un Preview,” Bad Bunny
“Triple S,” J Balvin Featuring Jowell & Randy & De La Ghetto
“Byak,” Alvaro Diaz Featuring Rauw Alejandro
“Qlona,” Karol G Featuring Peso Pluma
“Labios Mordidos,” Kali Uchis Featuring Karol G

Best urban music album
Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana, Bad Bunny
Sol María, Eladio Carrión
Sayonara, Álvaro Díaz
Ferxxocalipsis, Feid
Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), Karol G
El Último Baile, Trueno

Best rap/hip hop song
“Aprender A Amar”, Pablo Drexler, Alberto Escámez López & Nathy Peluso, compositores (Nathy Peluso)
“Bendecido”, Eladio Carrión, compositor (Eladio Carrión)
“Blam Blam”, Al2 El Aldeano & Vico C, compositores (Vico C Featuring Al2 El Aldeano)
“La Sabia Escuela”, Akapellah, Leonardo Daniel Díaz, Jose Gonzalez Ollarves, Marlon Luis Morales Santana, Luis Jacinto Muñoz Hernandez & Pedro Elias Querales, compositores (Akapellah Featuring Canserbero & Lil Supa)“Teléfono Nuevo”, Bad Bunny & Luar La L, songwriters (Bad Bunny Featuring Luar La L)
“Thunder y Lightning”, Bad Bunny & Eladio Carrión, compositores (Bad Bunny Featuring Eladio Carrión)

Best urban song
“Bonita”, Daddy Yankee, compositor (Daddy Yankee)
“Columbia”, Quevedo, compositor (Quevedo)
“El Cielo”, Feid, Nicolás Jaña Galleguillos, Gabriel Mora Quintero, Andres David Restrepo Echavarria, Sky Rompiendo & Myke Towers, compositores (Sky Rompiendo, Feid, Myke Towers)
“La Falda”, Julio Emmanuel Batista Santos, Carlos Alberto Butter Aguila, Orlando J. Cepeda Matos, Ralph Jemar Milln Calderon, Jose Reyes, Myke Towers & Siggy Vazquez Rodriguez, compositores (Myke Towers)
“Luna”, Feid, compositor (Feid Featuring Atl Jacob)
“Qlona,” Karol G, Daniel Esteban Gutiérrez, Ovy On The Drums & Peso Pluma, compositores (Karol G Featuring Peso Pluma)

Field 4: Rock

Best rock album
El Dorado (En Vivo), Aterciopelados
Diáspora Live Vol. 1, La Vida Bohème
Herencia Lebón, David Lebón
Alicia En El Metalverso, Mägo De Oz
Mi Mejor Enemigo, Viniloversus

Best rock song
“Algo Bueno Tenía Que Tener (Bogotá)”, Diamante Eléctrico & Andrés Kenguan, compositores (Diamante Eléctrico)
“Animal Temporal”, Viniloversus, compositores (Viniloversus)
“Camaleónica”, Ali Stone, compositora (Ali Stone)
“No Me Preguntes (Live)”, Jesús Quintero & Draco Rosa, compositores (Draco Rosa)
“Qué Más Quieres”, Anton Curtis Delost, Shaun Lopez, Kathryn Ostenberg, Monica Velez & The Warning, compositores (The Warning)

Best pop/rock album
Cuando Ella Me Besó Probé A Dios, Bruses
Jet Love, Conociendo Rusia
Jay De La Cueva, Jay De La Cueva
Reflejos De Lo Eterno, Draco Rosa
Adentro, Francisca Valenzuela

Best pop/rock song
“Acapulco,” Emmanuel Horvilleur, Siddhartha & Rul Velázquez, songwriters (Siddhartha Featuring Emmanuel Horvilleur)
“Afilá,” Ali Stone, songwriter (Ali Stone)
“Blanco y Negro,” Christian Mauricio Aloisio Zavala, Lagos & Elena Rose, songwriters (Lagos Featuring Elena Rose)
“5 Horas Menos,” Conociendo Rusia & Natalia Lafourcade, songwriters (Conociendo Rusia Featuring Natalia Lafourcade)
“Diciembre,” Los Mesoneros, songwriters (Los Mesoneros)

Field 5: Alternative

Best alternative music album
Por Cesárea, Dillom Híper, Hello Seahorse!
Nica, Nicole Horts
Autopoiética, Mon Laferte
Pandora, Ali Stone
DESCARTABLE, WOS

Best alternative song
“Cabecear”, J Noa, Jeffrey Peñalva “Trooko” & Skai, songwriters (J Noa)
“Déjalo Ir,” Francisco Rjas & Francisca Valenzuela, songwriters (Francisca Valenzuela)
“El Día Que Perdí Mi Juventud,” Devonté Hynes & Nathy Peluso, songwriters (Nathy Peluso)
“Insomnia,” Goyo, Illmind, Omar Isaiah Lupuku, Don Mills, Carlos Santander & Telly, songwriters (Goyo)
“Lloro,” Nicole Horts, Camilo Velez & Maria Vertiz, songwriters (Nicole Horts)

Field 6: Tropical

Best salsa album
Yo Deluxe, Christian Alicea
Muevense, Marc Anthony
Siembra: 45° Aniversario (En Vivo en el Coliseo de Puerto Rico, 14 de Mayo 2022), Rubén Blades and Roberto Delgado & Orquesta
Joyas Que Bailan, Ronald Borjas
Coexistencia, Luis Figueroa

Best cumbia/vallenato album
‘Ta Malo, Silvestre Dangond
De La Uno A La 1000 (Primera Temporada), Omar Geles
Se Agradece, Los Ángeles Azules
Vallenatos Pa Enamorar, Osmar Pérez & Geño Gamez
La Sociedad De La Cumbia (Big Band Live), Puerto Candelaria

Best merengue/bachata album
Radio Güira, Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Agradecido Live!, Eddy Herrera
Superhéroe Merengue, Magic Juan
Lo Tengo Todo, Oscarito
Llamada Perdida, Prince Royce

Best traditional tropical album
Rodando Por El Mundo, José Alberto “El Canario”
Tengo Algo Que Decirte, Luis Fernando Borjas
Voces De Mi Familia, Alex Cuba
Los Mismos Negros, Yelsy Heredia
A Mis Ancestros, Yeisy Rojas

Best contemporary tropical album
Epílogo: La Clave Del Tiempo, Jeremy Bosch
Cuatro, Camilo
Tropicalia, Fonseca
Monte Adentro, Gusi
La Fiesta, Ilegales

Best tropical song
“Baila y Goza”, Renesito Avich & Rafael “Pollo” Brito, compositores (Renesito Avich Featuring Rafael “Pollo” Brito)
“Con Dinero y Sin Dinero”, Jorge Luis Chacín, Fonseca & Miguel Yadam González Cárdenas, compositores (Fonseca & Grupo Niche)
“Hasta Que Aguante El Cuerpo”, Jorge Luis Piloto, compositor (Dayhan Díaz & Pupy Santiago)
“Llorar Bonito”, Luis Figueroa & Yoel Henríquez, compositores (Luis Figueroa)
“Mambo 23”, Juan Luis Guerra, compositor (Juan Luis Guerra 4.40)

Field 7: Singer-Songwriter

Best singer-songwriter album
Compita Del Destino, El David Aguilar
Scratch De Versos, El Riqué
Pausa, Leonel García
De Magia Imperfecta, Nicolle Horbath
El Abrazo, Rozalén

Best singer-songwriter song
“Antes Que O Mundo Acabe,” Tiago Iorc, songwriter (Tiago Iorc)
“Derrumbe,” Jorge Drexler, songwriter (Jorge Drexler)
“Entonces,” Rozalén, songwriter (Rozalén)
“García,” Kany García, songwriter (Kany García)
“Luz De Cabeza,” El David Aguilar, songwriter (El David Aguilar)

Field 8: Regional-Mexican

Best ranchero/mariachi album
Mariachi y Tequila (Deluxe), Majo Aguilar
Que Llueva Tequila, Pepe Aguilar
Te Llevo En La Sangre, Alejandro Fernández
Romances Eternos, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández

Best banda album
Presente, Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda
Yo Te Extrañaré, Luis Angel “El Flaco”
Diamantes, Chiquis

Best Tejano album
Imperfecto, El Play
Siempre Gabriella, Gabriella
Ganas (Deluxe), Vilax

Best Norteño album
El Comienzo, Grupo Frontera
Modus Operandi, Intocable
LNDT, Los Nietos de Terán
Te Amaré, Pesado
Terca, Sofi Saar

Best contemporary Mexican music album
Nata Montana, Natanael Cano
Evoluxion, DannyLux
Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada, Grupo Frontera
Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, Carín León
Trastornado, Michelle Maciel
Génesis, Peso Pluma

Best regional song
“Aquí Mando Yo,” Héctor Guerrero, songwriter (Los Tigres Del Norte)
“Canción Para Olvidarte,” Mango, Nabález, Chris Zadley & Nicole Zignago, songwriters (Majo Aguilar)
“El Amor De Su Vida,” Edgar Barrera & Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, songwriters (Grupo Frontera, Grupo Firme)
“Por El Contrario,” Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz & Elena Rose, songwriters (Becky G Featuring Angela Aguilar & Leonardo Aguilar)
“Tienes Que Ser Tú,” Salvador Aponte & Yoel Henríquez, songwriters (La Energía Norteña)

Field 9: Instrumental

Best instrumental album
Impronta, Omar Acosta
Claude Bolling Goes Latin – Suite For Flute And Latin Music Ensemble, Carlomagno Araya, Jose Valentino & The Latin Music Ensemble
Capriccio Latino, Alexis Cárdenas
Encontro Das Águas, Yamandu Costa & Armandinho Macêdo
Tembla, Hamilton De Holanda & C4 Trío

Field 10: Traditional

Best folk album
Canto y Río, Martina Camargo
C4 Suena a Navidad, C4 Trío
Raíz Nunca Me Fui, Lila Downs, Niña Pastori, Soledad
Paisajes, Ciro Hurtado
Bullerengue y Tonada, Tonada

Best tango album
El Cantor de Tangos, Guillermo Fernández Featuring Cristian Zarate
Tangos Cruzados, Franco Luciani, Fabrizio Mocata
¿Y El Fin Del Amor?, Mariana Mazú
Apiazolado, Diego Schissi Quinteto
Ya Está En El Aire, Ullmann Cuarteto

Best flamenco album
Andenes del Tiempo, Vicente Amigo
Rumberas, Las Migas
Historias De Un Flamenco, Antonio Rey

Field 11: Jazz

Best Latin jazz/jazz album
Collab, Hamilton De Holanda & Gonzalo Rubalcaba
Searching For A Memory (Busco Tu Recuerdo), Sammy Figueroa Featuring Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Aymée Nuviola
My Heart Speaks, Ivan Lins
Pra Você, Ilza, Hermeto Pascoal & Grupo
El Arte Del Bolero, Vol. 2, Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo

Field 12: Christian

Best Christian album (Spanish language)

Necesito De Ti, Jesús Israel

No Yo, Sino Cristo, Majo y Dan

Maverick, Redimi2

Kintsugi, Un Corazón

Tu Iglesia, Marcos Witt

Best Portuguese language Christian album
Ele É Jesus – Ao Vivo, Bruna Karla
Deixa Vir – Vol II (Ao Vivo), Thalles Roberto
In Concert (Ao Vivo), Rosa de Saron
Vida (Ao Vivo), Eli Soares
Temporal, Vocal Livre

Field 13: Portuguese Language

Best Portuguese language contemporary pop album
Afrodhit, Iza
Super, Jão
Amaríssima, Melly
Os Garotin De São Gonçalo, Os Garotin
Escândalo Íntimo, Luísa Sonza

Best Portuguese language rock or alternative album
Erasmo Esteves, Erasmo Carlos
No Rastro de Catarina, Cátia de França
Me Chama de Gato Que Eu Sou Sua, Ana Frango Elétrico
Ontem Eu Tinha Certeza (Hoje Eu Tenho Mais), Jovem Dionisio
Lagum Ao Vivo, Lagum

Best Portuguese language urban performance
“Joga Pra Lua,” Anitta Featuring Dennis & Pedro Sampaio
“Cachimbo da Paz 2,” Gabriel O Pensador, Lulu Santos, Xamã
“Da Braba,” Gloria Groove Featuring Ludmilla & Mc Gw
“Carta Aberta,” Mc Cabelinho
“Fé nas Maluca,” Mc Carol, Iza
“La Noche,” Yago Oproprio Featuring Patricio Sid

Best samba/pagode album
Alcione 50 Anos (Ao Vivo), Alcione
Xande Canta Caetano, Xande De Pilares
Iboru, Marcelo D2
Tardezinha Pela Vida Inteira (Ao Vivo), Thiaguinho
Subúrbio (Ao Vivo), Tiee

Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira)/MAPB (Música Afro Portuguesa Brasileira) album
D Ao Vivo Maceió, Djavan
Se o Meu Peito Fosse o Mundo, Jota.Pê
Portas (Ao Vivo), Marisa Monte
Outros Cantos, Milton Nascimento, Chitãozinho & Xororó
No Tempo da Intolerância, Elza Soares

Best Sertaneja music album
Boiadeira Internacional (Ao Vivo), Ana Castela
Paraíso Particular (Ao Vivo), Gusttavo Lima
Cintilante (Ao Vivo), Simone Mendes
Raiz Goiânia (Ao Vivo), Lauana Prado
Luan City 2.0 (Ao Vivo), Luan Santana

Best Portuguese language roots album
Mariana e Mestrinho, Mariana Aydar, Mestrinho
Aguidavi do Jêje, Aguidavi Do Jêje, Luizinho Do Jêje
De Norte a Sul, João Gomes
Night Clube Forró Latino (Volume I), Marcelo Jeneci
Faróis do Sertão, Gabriel Sater

Best Portuguese language song
“Alinhamento Milenar,” Jão, Pedro Tófani & Zebu, songwriters (Jão)
“Ata-me,” Junio Barreto, songwriter (Alaíde Costa)
“Chico,” Bruno Caliman, Carolzinha, Douglas Moda, Jenni Mosello & Luísa Sonza, songwriters (Luísa Sonza)
“Esperança,” Criolo, Dino D’Santiago, Amaro Freitas & Nave, songwriters (Criolo, Dino D’Santiago, Amaro Freitas)
“Ouro Marrom,” Jota.Pê, songwriter (Jota.Pê)

Field 14: Children’s

Best Latin children’s album
Navidad de Norte a Sur: Cantoalegre Big Band (En vivo), Cantoalegre, Orquesta La Pascasia
Cantemos Juntos, Claraluna
¡A Cantar!, Danilo & Chapis
Dun Dun Dara, Payasitas Nifu Nifa
Todos Podemos Cantar 2024, Todos Podemos Cantar

Field 15: Classical

Best classical album
Aire, Aire… No Puedo Respirar, Ricardo Jaramillo, director; Ricardo Jaramillo, Jefferson Rosas & Marcela Zorro, productores
Credo For Orchestra, Choir And Five Soloists, Iván Cardozo, Fernando Escalona, Claudio González, Jhoxiris Medina & Grace Terán; Christian Vásquez, director; Maria Beatriz Cárdenas, Eugenio Carreño & Eduardo Martínez Planas, productores (Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela, Coro Nacional Simón Bolívar)
Fandango, Anne Akiko Meyers & Gustavo Castillo; Gustavo Dudamel, director; Dmitry Lipay, productores (Los Angeles Philharmonic)
Fantasies of Buenos Aires, Lincoln Trio; Daniel Binelli & Ted Viviani, productores
The Latin Rites, Josep Vicent, director; Fernando Arias, productor (Adda Simfònica Alicante)

Best classical contemporary composition
“Caribbean Berceuse,” Paquito D’Rivera, composer (Barcelona Clarinet Players, Paquito D’Rivera, North Texas Wind Symphony, Eugene Migliaro Corporon (director))
“Fandango,” Arturo Márquez, composer (Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Anne Akiko Meyers)
“La Minerva – III. Himno A La Mujer,” Juan Pablo Contreras, composer (Juan Pablo Contreras, Orquesta Latino Mexicana, Angélica Olivo)
“Meditation No.1,” Julien Labro, composer (Takács Quartet, Julien Labro)
“Sueño Austral,” Daniel Freiberg, composer (Barcelona Clarinet Players, Freiburger Blasorchester, Miguel Etchegoncelay & Daniel Freiberg)

Field 16: Arranging

Best arrangement
“Sueño Austral,” Daniel Freiberg, arranger (Barcelona Clarinet Players, Freiburger Blasorchester, Miguel Etchegoncelay & Daniel Freiberg)
“Night In Tunisia,” Hilario Durán, arranger (Hilario Durán And His Latin Jazz Big Band Featuring Paquito D’Rivera)
“Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día,” Julio Reyes Copello, arranger (Ricky Martin, Christian Nodal)
“Linha de Passe,” Nailor Proveta, arranger (Orquestra Jazz De Matosinhos, Gabi Guedes, Kiko Freitas)
“Rapsodia Aérea,” Andrés Soto, arranger (Andrés Soto, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Costa Rica, Carl St. Clair)

Field 17: Recording Package

Best recording package
En Vivo – 100 Años de Azúcar, Nelson Albareda, Sebastian Aristizabal, Kemelly Figueroa-Mouriz, Omer Pardillo-Cid & Albertico Rodríguez, art directors (Celia Cruz)
Figurantes, Boa Mistura, art director (Vetusta Morla)
Karma, Carlos Ortiz, art director (Diana Burco)
Realismo Mágico, Carlos Sadness, art director (Carlos Sadness)
Tekoá, Leonardo Macias, art director (Jair Oliveira)

Field 18: Songwriter

Songwriter of the year
Edgar Barrera
Yoel Henríquez
Manuel Lorente Freire
Horacio Palencia
Pablo Preciado

Field 19: Production

Best engineered album
Analu, Tó Brandileone, engineers; Daniel Musy, mixer; André Dias, mastering engineer (Analu Sampaio)
Era Uma Vez, Pedro Peixoto & Matheus Stiirmer, engineers; Pedro Peixoto, mixer; Fili Filizzola, mastering engineer (Mobi Colombo)
Os Garotin De São Gonçalo, Uiliam Pimenta, Julio Raposo & Pepê Santos, engineers; Bernardo Martins, mixer; Felipe Tichauer, mastering engineer (Os Garotin)”Quem É Ela?, Túlio Airold, Alex Dos Reis Silva & Gianlucca Pernechele Azevedo, engineers; João Milliet, mixer; Fili Filizzola, mastering engineer (Mariana Nolasco)
Se o Meu Peito Fosse o Mundo, Thiago Baggio, Will Bone, Leonardo Emocija, Rodrigo Lemos & Felipe Vassão, engineers; João Milliet, mixer; Felipe Tichauer, mastering engineer (Jota.Pê)

Producer of the year
Edgar Barrera
Eduardo Cabra
Nico Cotton
Juan Luis Guerra, Janina Rosado
Julio Reyes Copello

Field 20: Music Video

Best short form music video
“Ale Ale,” Marc Anthony; Carlos Pérez, director; Joanna Egozcue, producer
“Baticano,” Bad Bunny; Stillz, director
“Oliveira Dos Cen Anos,” C. Tangana; C. Tangana, director
“Sálvanos,” Leonel García; Nuno Gomes, director; Nuno Gomes, producer
“Glock,” Mau y Ricky; Daniel Duran, director; Alegna Espinoza & Maricel Zambrano, producers
“313,” Residente Featuring Penélope Cruz & Silvia Pérez Cruz; Residente, director; Carolina Wolf, producer

Best long form music video
Beautiful Humans Vol 1. Documental, Alemor; Wismer Jimenez, director; Alemor & Wismer Jimenez, producers
Meu Karma, Jovem Mk; Kaique Alves, Gabriel Avelar & Beto Galloni, directors; Rodrigo Castello, Mariê Nunes & Eduardo Saraiva, producers
Hotel Caracas, Mau y Ricky; Daniel Duran, director; Alegna Espinoza & Maricel Zambrano, producers
Grasa (Album Long Form), Nathy Peluso; Agustín Puente, director
Nacimos Llorando, Rubio; Fernando Cattori, director; Luis Betances, Fernando Cattori, Josep Pardo, Jaume Rigual, Ana Laura Solis, Aura Solis & Joe Solis, producers

Carlos Vives Unveils His Wax Figure at Mexico City’s Wax Museum 

Carlos Vives is waxin’ nostalgic. 

The 63-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and actor now has his double at the Wax Museum of Mexico City.

Carlos VivesVives helped unveil his figure on Thursday night at the institution, where it will share space with Mexican cultural figures, like painter Frida Kahlo and wrestler El Santo.

“I’m happy with this recognition that the Mexican people give me, that’s how I feel,” Vives said during the ceremony, evidently moved. “We have come to Mexico so much, our hearts have been touched by its music, by its art, by its cinema, its television.”

Carlos Vives Wax FigureHe added: “Being here in the museum, next to so many figures from the world, but above all next to the Mexican stars, who from my childhood and my youth had been a great example and inspiration — being here with them is the greatest honor I’ve received from the Mexican people.”

The new wax figure shows Vives looking a bit younger and taller than the real artist.

It carries a guitar and wears fitted leather pants and a black t-shirt emblazoned with his name and the title of his sixteenth album, Cumbiana (2020). It’s located in the main hall of the museum, close to those of Vicente Fernández and Marco Antonio Solís.

Vives — who is performing this Saturday, September 7 before 10,000 people for a sold-out show at the National Auditorium in Mexico City — shared the honor with the Colombian musicians who inspired him in his youth and who are part of his history.

“They are here with me and represent what I wanted to show the world: a beautiful and diverse oral tradition like our country,” he said.

His addition to the museum comes two months ahead of his honoring as the Latin Recording Academy 2024 Person of the Year in November, during the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys in Miami.

Born in Santa Marta, Colombia, Vives is one of the most respected artists in Spanish-language music and a pioneer of a new Latin American sound, redefining traditional Colombian vallenato by incorporating to it pop and rock sounds. With No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts such as “Volví a Nacer,” “Fruta Fresca” and “La Bicicleta” with Shakira, among others, he has become an ambassador of Colombian and Latin American culture around the world.

“He has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of people and today he will be immortalized at the Wax Museum of Mexico City,” said the museum in a press release prior to Thursday’s ceremony.

Located in the central neighborhood of Colonia Juárez, in an old Art Nouveau style mansion, the Wax Museum of Mexico City celebrates this year its 45th anniversary.

In its 14 thematic rooms, visitors can appreciate some 260 wax figures of characters from history, art, politics, and sports, from Diego Rivera and Salvador Dalí, to Bill Gates, Ronaldinho, Hugo Sánchez, ‘Canelo’ Álvarez; Gene Simmons, Michael Jackson, Chaplin, Alex Lora, Chabelo, and more.

According to the museum, the wax figures are made by its team of sculptors and many wear clothes that belonged to the real character. The creation of each figure takes approximately four to eight months.

Camila Cabello’s “I Luv It” Music Video Earns MTV VMAs Nod for “Best Trending Video”

Camila Cabello is a trending sensation…

The 27-year-old half-Mexican and half-Cuban singer has earned a nod in the Best Trending Video for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.

Camila CabelloCabello earned the nod for the clip for her Playboi Carti-collaboration “I Luv It.”

The MTV VMAs also announced nominees in three other social categories: Song of Summer, Best Group and VMAs Most Iconic Performance.

All voting will be hosted on @MTV Instagram Story.

MTV also announced a “bonus week” of voting across general categories, now closing September 6 at 6:00 pm ET.

Fans vote for their favorites across 15 gender-neutral categories, including video of the year, by visiting MTV’s website. Voting for best new artist will remain active into show.

With nominations in these four social categories added in, Taylor Swift maintains her lead as the year’s top nominee (12), followed closely by Post Malone (11), Eminem (eight), Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Sabrina Carpenter and SZA (seven each); Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, GloRilla, LISA, Olivia Rodrigo and Teddy Swims (four each).

The 2024 MTV VMAs are set to air live on Wednesday, September 11, at 8:00 pm ET/PT from New York’s UBS ArenaMegan Thee Stallion is set to host the show.

The 2024 show will be held just three days shy of the 40th anniversary of the inaugural VMAs at Radio City Music Hall.

Cabello, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, GloRilla and Rauw Alejandro were the first artists slated to perform at the awards; they were announced on August 12.

Benson BooneHalseyLenny Kravitz and LISA were added to the lineup on August 21.

Shawn MendesAnittaKarol G and LL Cool J were added on Aug. 27.

Here are the nominees in the four social categories, along with information on how to vote.

VMAs Most Iconic Performance
24 hours of fan voting for the new category that celebrates some of the most memorable VMAs performances from the history of the show begins Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. ET on @MTV Instagram Story (one round, tap to vote); concludes Sept. 11 @ 11 a.m. ET.

Beyoncé – “Love on Top” (2011)
Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Madonna, Missy Elliott – “Like a Virgin” & “Hollywood” (2003)
Eminem – “The Real Slim Shady” & “The Way I Am” (2000
Katy Perry – “Roar” (2013)
Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi” (2009)
Madonna – “Like a Virgin” (1984)
Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me” (2009)

Best Trending Video
Fans will vote for the newly added category that celebrates the artist’s videos and/or songs that inspired fandoms to generate content related to the video and/or song starting Sept. 2 at @ 11 a.m. ET on @MTV Instagram Story (one round, tap to vote); closes Sept. 3 @ 11 a.m. ET.

Beyoncé – “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
Camila Cabello feat. Playboi Carti – “I Luv It” – Geffen / Interscope Records
Chappell Roan – “Hot to Go!” – Amusement Records / Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
Charli XCX – “Apple” – Atlantic Records
Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba – “Mamushi” – Hot Girl Productions
Tinashe – “Nasty” – Nice Life Recording Company 

Best Group
Fan voting for favorite group across all genres will begin Tuesday, Sept. 3 @ 11 a.m. ET on @MTV Instagram Story (two rounds bracket-style face-off, final round tap to vote); closes Sept. 6 @ 11 a.m. ET.

*NSYNC – RCA Records
Coldplay – Atlantic Records
Imagine Dragons – KIDinaKorner / Interscope Records
NCT Dream – SM Entertainment / Virgin Music Group
NewJeans – ADOR / Geffen Records
SEVENTEEN – PLEDIS Entertainment / Geffen Records
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – BIGHIT MUSIC / IMPERIAL / Republic Records
Twenty One Pilots – Fueled By Ramen 

Song of Summer
Fan voting for all-round favorite summer 2024 hit will launch Friday, Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. ET on @MTV Instagram Story (three rounds bracket-style face-off, final round tap to vote); closes Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. ET.

Ariana Grande – “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” – Republic Records
Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things” – Night Street Records, Inc. / Warner Records
Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Chappell Roan – “Good Luck, Babe!” – Amusement Records / Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
Charli XCX & Billie Eilish – “Guess featuring Billie Eilish” – Atlantic Records
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar – “Like That” – Wilburn Holding Co. / Boominati / Epic / Republic
GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion – “Wanna Be” – CMG / Interscope Records
Hozier – “Too Sweet” – Columbia Records
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us” – pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records
Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen – “I Had Some Help” – Mercury / Republic / Big Loud
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” – Island
Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – American Dogwood / EMPIRE
SZA – “Saturn” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Tommy Richman – “Million Dollar Baby” – ISO Supremacy / PULSE Records / Concord

Alejandro Sanz to Make Special Appearance at This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Alejandro Sanz has achieved Icon status…

The 55-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer and songwriter will take part in this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week.

Alejandro SanzSanz, a four-time Grammy and 22-time Latin Grammy winner, will sit down for an exclusive Icon Q&A.

Sanz joins a star-studded lineup for the five-day event, featuring exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars.

Previously announced participants include Bad Gyal, Belinda, Camila Fernández, Chiquis, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Dei V, Domelipa, Eslabon Armado, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Kunno, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, María Becerra, Marko, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Omar Courtz, Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Yeison Jiménez, Yeri Mua and Zhamira Zambrano, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

“It’s an honor to welcome Alejandro as he prepares to release new music,” says Leila CoboBillboard’s Chief Content Officer for Latin and Español, in a press release. “We pride ourselves in being a home for artists where they can speak creatively and openly, and we can’t wait to hear what Alejandro has to say.”

Sanz’s Icon Q&A marks his return to Latin Music Week after he sat for an exclusive conversation in 2003.

From his debut in 1991 with Viviendo Deprisa to his album of the year Latin Grammy-nominated latest studio album SANZ, released in December 2021, Sanz has established himself as one of the most well-known and influential artists around the world.

With more than 25 million records sold, all his albums have obtained multi-platinum status in Spain, Latin America and the United States.

Throughout his career, Sanz has collaborated with renowned artists from all over the world, from Alicia Keys to Shakira, Destiny’s Child, Laura Pausini, Ivete Sangalo, Juanes, Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony and many more.

Among his latest releases are “NASA” with Camilo; “La Despedida,” included in the soundtrack of the movie Bullet Train; and “Yo Soy” with Eros Ramazzotti.

He recently obtained his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was honored by his hometown of Andalucía with the city’s highest distinction, a medal with the title of “Favorite Son.”

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Billboard Latin Music Week will take place October 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Tickets are available for purchase here.