Karol G Breaks Record for Most Weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”

Posted on January 20, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is officially in a league of her own…

The 33-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning singer/songwriter’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” adds a 26th week at No. 1 on Billboard’s overall Latin Airplay chart dated January 25, breaking the record for the most weeks among all songs since the list launched in 1994.

The merengue track surpasses the 25-week domination by Shakira’s “La Tortura,” featuring Alejandro Sanz, a record the song held since November 2005, when it outdid the 20-week mark by Son By Four’s “A Puro Dolor.”

“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” released June 21, 2024, also remains as the top performer on the Tropical Airplay chart, where it has led the list for 28 weeks (of its total 31 weeks on the chart).

Karol G might also set a new record on the tropical ranking, as she is one week away from tying Prince Royce‘s record of 29 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 with “Carita de Inocente” in 2020. (It stepped aside for one week during its run atop the list, when Kyen?Es? sneaked-out one week atop the chart with “El Carnaval de Celia: A Tribute (La Vida Es Un Carnaval/ La Negra Tiene…)” in September 2020.

“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” commands both Latin Airplay and Tropical Airplay despite a 13% decline in audience impressions, to 10 million, earned during the Jan. 10-16 tracking week in the U.S., according to Luminate.

The global hit gave Karol G her 18th No. 1 on the overall Latin radio ranking when it landed at the summit last July, the second-most among women, just behind Shakira who continues at the helm with 24 champs.

While “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” spent its last week on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart on the January 11-dated list (due to the colossal take over by Bad Bunny’s new album), it also left a mark in 2024, tying with Xavi’s “La Diabla” and FloyyMenor and Cris MJ’s “Gata Only” for the most weeks at No. 1, all with 14 weeks at the summit.

Further, in addition to “Qlona,” with Peso Pluma (No. 5), Karol’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” became only the second song by a female artist to close in the top 10 on the year-end Hot Latin Songs chart in 2024, at No. 8.

Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” Ties Iconic Shakira Track for Most Weeks At No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G has earned a place in the Latin music history books…

The 33-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning superstar’s latest single “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” adds a 25th week atop Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart dated January 18.

In the process Karol G’s track ties Shakira’s “La Tortura,” featuring Alejandro Sanz, for the all-time record for the most weeks at No. 1 since the chart launched in 1994.

“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” ties the record through continued strong performance on Latin Airplay, with 25 weeks at the summit among its 29-week run.

Despite not gaining audience, the song holds solidly atop with 11.8 million total impressions, per Luminate.

Beyond its new mark, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” adds a 27th week at No. 1 on the Tropical Airplay chart, extending its second-most weeks atop, only two weeks short from the record held by Prince Royce’s “Carita de Inocente,” which continues to lead with 29 weeks in charge.

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

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

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.

Sanz, 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 Cobo, Billboard’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.

Alejandro Sanz Receives All-Star Welcome to His New Label, Sony Music Latin-Iberia

Posted on November 16, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Sanz is getting an all-star welcome at Sony Music Latin-Iberia.

The 54-year-old Spanish award-winning singer-songwriter was serenaded by Kany García, Camilo and Evaluna, among other artists, serenaded at an event hosted by Sony Music during Latin Grammy Week in Sevilla, Spain, officially welcoming Sanz to his new label.

Producer Javier Limón, a close friend of Sanz’s, hosted the event along with Afo Verde, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Latin-Iberia, and José María Barbat, president of Sony Music Iberia.

“We’re here on an unforgettable night because we have the opportunity to celebrate the arrival of Alejandro Sanz to our great Sony Music family,” said Verde, who signed Sanz to Sony this past June.

”We know the extraordinary artist that’s inside you. We know of your drive and passion for your work, your curiosity for new artists, the support you give those who are starting off, your generosity with your colleagues, your commitment to causes of fairness and the value of your friendship,” added Barbat.

Camilo, Evaluna, Niña Pastori, Kany García, J·Noa, Darumas, Yerai Cortés and Montse Cortés performed some of Sanz’s emblematic songs, including “Amiga Mía” (J Noa), “Cuando nadie me ve” (Kany García) and “Desde cuando” (Camilo y Evaluna). The honoree enjoyed the evening from a table set in a semi private area, from which he could see the performances.

Other artists, including Malú, Ana Mena, Arde Bogotá, Omar Montes, Reik, Nicki Nicole, Kenia OS and María José Llergo, were also at the event ,which took place in Hacienda Azahares.

This year, Sanz is nominated for a Latin Grammy for song of the year for “Nasa” alongside Camilo, and record of the year for “Correcaminos” with Danny Ocean.

Sanz thanked his “Dear Sony family” for the warm welcome. “It’s been a beautiful night to get together again and begin this new stage, in addition to a prelude to a week where we’ll celebrate music. Let’s enjoy and celebrate!” he said.

Maluma to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma will be feelin’ the FIBES…

The 29-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter will perform at this year’s Latin Grammy Awards.

The “Felices Los 4” singer joins a roster of recently added performers that includes Milo J, Rosalia, Shakira, Sebastian Yatra, Andrea Bocelli and DJ Premier.

They’ll perform at the upcoming ceremony, which will broadcast from FIBES in Seville, Spain, on Thursday, November 16.

The newly announced artists join previously unveiled performers, including Maria Becerra, Bizarrap, Feid, Kany García, Carin León, Christian Nodal, Rauw Alejandro, Alejandro Sanz, Pablo Alborán, Edgar Barrera, Camilo, Manuel Carrasco, Iza, Juanes, Ozuna, Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma.

Additionally, Majo Aguilar, Anitta, Pedro Capó, Jorge Drexler, Luis Figueroa, Fonseca, Tiago Iorc, Mon Laferte, Natalia Lafourcade, John Leguizamo, Nicki Nicole, Carlos Ponce, Carlos Vives and Yandel join as presenters throughout the ceremony.

For the first time held outside the United States, the annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain. It will air November 16 on Univision starting at 8:00 pm ET, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 pm CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.

Danna Paola, Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.

This year, Mexican hitmaker Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with 13 nods, including songwriter of the year, producer of the year and song of the year. Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations.

Roselyn Sánchez to Return as Co-Host of This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on October 21, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Roselyn Sánchez is reporting for Latin Grammy duty…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, dancer, model, actress, producer and writer will serve as a co-host of this year’s Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, which will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville, Spain, on Thursday, November 16, at 8:00 pm ET via Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.

Sanchez, best known for her work on Devious Maids and Without a Trace, will host the awards show alongside Mexican singer Danna Paola, Colombian superstar Sebastián Yatra and Spanish actress Paz Vega.

A host staple for the awards show, Sánchez returns for the sixth time after presenting the 16th, 17th, 18th, 20th and 22nd annual Latin Grammys.

Racking up a total of 15 Latin Grammy nominations throughout his career, Yatra is nominated for best pop song for “Contigo,” featuring Pablo Alborán.

Previously nominated for a Latin Grammy, Danna Paola joins the lineup of hosts for the first time.

Last but not least, award-winning actress Paz Vega returns for a second time after hosting the 20th annual ceremony.

The first round of performers were announced earlier this week, which includes Maria Becerra, Bizarrap, Feid, Kany García, Carin León, Christian Nodal, Rauw Alejandro and Alejandro Sanz.

This year, Mexican-American super producer Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with 13 nods, including songwriter of the year, producer of the year and song of the year. Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations.

Prior to the Latin Grammys, the Latin Recording Academy will bestow the Person of the Year title to Italian icon Laura Pausini. Marco Antonio Solís received this prestigious honor last year.

Maria Becerra to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maria Becerra is preparing to hit the Latin Grammys stage…

The 23-year-old Argentine singer and former YouTube content creator will perform at the 24th annual Latin Grammy awards show.

Becerra is among a roster of A-list performers that includes Bizarrap, Feid, Kany García, Carin León, Christian Nodal, Rauw Alejandro and Alejandro Sanz.

The Latin Recording Academy announced the first round of performers on Tuesday, October 17 for the upcoming ceremony, which will broadcast from FIBES in Seville, Spain, on Thursday, November 16.

Four-time nominee Becerra is nominated in categories including song of the year and best reggaeton performance.

Meanwhile, Bizarrap is nominated in six categories, including producer of the year.

Feid is a five-time nominee with entries in best urban music album and best rap/hip-hop song.

García is nominated for best regional song.

León is in the running for best norteño album.

Nodal is up for best ranchero/mariachi album and best regional song.

Alejandro is a best urban music album nominee, and Sanz is nominated in record of the year and song of the year.

This year, Mexican hitmaker Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with 13 nods, including songwriter of the year, producer of the year and song of the year. Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations.

The Latin Grammy Week will include the person of the year gala — honoring Laura Pausini — and the special awards ceremony, the leading ladies of entertainment luncheon, the best new artist showcase and a reception for the nominees, among other events.

The 24th annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast on November 16 on Univision starting at 8:00 pm ET, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 pm CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Additional international broadcasting partners and local airings will be available soon.

Shakira to Receive Video Vanguard Award at This Year’s MTV Video Music Awards

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is being celebrated for leading the way…

The 46-year-old Colombian superstar singer-songwriter will receive the Video Vanguard Award at MTV‘s 2023 Video Music Awards on September 12, becoming the first South American artist to earn the award.

Shakira will accept the award and perform at the ceremony for the first time since 2006.

The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer is a four-time VMA winner and 30-time nominee.

She won her first VMA — the award for International Viewer’s Choice — Latin America (North) — in 2000 for “Ojos Así.” She snagged the same award in 2002 for “Whenever, Wherever/Suerte” and also scooped up the trophy for Best Choreography in a Video for 2006’s “Hips Don’t Lie” as well as Most Earth-Shattering Collaboration for 2007’s “Beautiful Liar” with Beyoncé.

Shakira has also earned three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys in her career.

The Video Vanguard Award, named after Michael Jackson, went to Nicki Minaj last year. Previous winners include Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Kanye West, David Bowie, Madonna and Rihanna. The Beatles and A Hard Day’s Night director Richard Lester won the award at the first VMAs in 1984.

Shakira is nominated for four VMAs this year: Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration and Best Latin for “TQG” with Karol G, and Best Latin for “Acróstico.”

Earlier this year, her hit collaboration with Bizarrap, “Music Sessions Vol. 53,” set a number of streaming records on Spotify and YouTube.

Shakira first performed at the VMAs in 2002 with her rendition of “Objection (Tango),” and was the first artist to perform a song entirely in Spanish at the ceremony alongside Alejandro Sanz when they sang “La Tortura” in 2005.

Taylor Swift leads this year’s VMA nominations with eight, while SZA comes in second with six nominations. Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus, Sam Smith, Olivia Rodrigo and Kim Petras each have five nominations, and Blackpink and Diddy tie Shakira’s four. Demi Lovato, Karol G, Måneskin, and Stray Kids are confirmed to perform at the ceremony, with MTV announcing more performers soon.

Julio Reyes Copello Signs Multiyear Worldwide Deal with Sony Music Publishing

Posted on March 16, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Julio Reyes Copello has a new worldwide deal…

The 53-year-old Colombian producer, songwriter and record engineer has inked a multiyear worldwide deal with Sony Music Publishing.

“I am thrilled to be starting this new phase of my creative life as part of the great Sony Music Publishing family,” says Copello, who won producer of the year honors at the 2022 Latin Grammys. “I am very grateful for the belief, respect and enthusiasm that [Sony Music Publishing president/CEO for Latin America & U.S. Latin] Jorge Mejia and his team have shown, which will be essential in order to find new outlets and homes for my music.”

“I have known and admired Julio for many years,” adds Mejia. “He is widely respected as a musician’s musician, with a deft touch at the piano and a sensitivity as a producer and songwriter, that makes all manner of artists and writers feel right at home whenever they work with him. It is a dream come true, therefore, to finally be able to work directly with Julio, as well as the artists and songwriters he’s developing. I can’t wait for what comes next.”

Reyes is currently working on upcoming releases with Spanish pop star Pablo Alborán, Marc Anthony, Alejandro Sanz, among many others.

The four-time Grammy and seven-time Latin Grammy winner is widely considered one of Latin pop’s most important songwriters, producers and musicians.

Since launching his career in 2001, the Cúcuta alchemist has also penned hits for the likes of superstars Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Thalía, Chayanne, Laura Pausini, Kany García and more.

In total, he has earned 48 Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations; he also has more than 10 ASCAP awards under his belt.

Aside from his songwriting career, Reyes founded Art House Records, a talent incubator where he continues to discover and develop emerging artists, which includes Joaquina, Riza, Ela Taubert and more.

Additionally, he partnered with Abbey Road Institute — the first U.S. music production school, and an extension of the music production education program held at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.

Together, both parties established the Art House Academy & Abbey Road Institute Miami, where they specialize in music performance, music production and sound engineering to develop and educate “the next generation of singer/songwriters, music producers and sound engineers.”

Alejandro Sanz Announces U.S. “Sanz En Vivo Tour”

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Sanz is headed to the United States…

The 54-year-old Grammy-winning singer will return to the U.S. for the first time since the pandemic with his Sanz En Vivo Tour, produced by Loud And Live.

The 11-date trek kicks off in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in September and has stops in cities such as Chicago, New York and Houston before wrapping up in Los Angeles in October.

“I expect this comeback will be filled with a lot of love, magic, good energy. Let’s enjoy music,” adds Sanz, who recently wrapped up a 15-date stint in Mexico.

The first time Sanz toured in the U.S. was more than 20 years ago. Much has changed since then.

“I remember the first few times I went to the U.S. on tour, there were very few Latin companies,” the Spanish singer-songwriter tells Billboard. “There was probably a promoter in Miami, another in Los Angeles. But all of us together have been paving this road, we’ve created a world in the U.S. that is now a huge market. It’s now time to go back and celebrate what we’ve been able to accomplish in this country with Spanish music.”

To still be able to tour and do sold-out shows at this point of his decades-long career, is everything, says Sanz. “For an artist, everything is about being on a stage. Everything else is a bonus, even recording. To be able to be on stage is what one dreams when you dream of being a musician. You dream of sharing, to be able to fill spaces with emotions.”

In his shows, Sanz promises to perform the classics, such as “Corazón Partío,” “Amiga Mía” and “Mi Persona Favorita,” plus new music, including songs from his 2021 Latin Grammy-nominated album SANZ.

Tickets are set go on sale March 17 at 10:00 am local time via www.alejandrosanz.com.

Here’s the complete list of dates for Sanz En Vivo:

Sept. 16 – San Juan – Coliseo de Puerto Rico
Sept. 21 – Orlando – Amway Center
Sept. 23 – Miami – Miami-Dade Arena
Sept. 27 – Chicago – Rosemont Theater
Sept. 29 – Washington, D.C. – EagleBank Arena
Sept. 30 – New York – The Theater at MSG
Oct. 5 – McAllen – Bert Ogden Arena
Oct. 7 – Dallas – Texas Trust CU Theater
Oct. 8 – Houston – Smart Financial Centre
Oct. 12 – El Paso – El Paso County Coliseum
Oct. 14 – Los Angeles –Microsoft Theater

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