Ismael Cruz Córdova to Star Opposite Bad Bunny in Residente’s “Porto Rico”

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Ismael Cruz Córdova has landed a rico role…

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican actor has joined the cast of René “Residente” Pérez Joglar’s feature film screenwriting and directing debut, Porto Rico.

Cameras are officially rolling in the Dominican Republic on the film starring Benito “Bad Bunny” Martínez Ocasio, Viggo Mortensen and Edward Norton.

Cruz Córdova is one of 11 new additions to the cast. Others include: Richard Gadd, Rhenzy Feliz, Daniel Brühl, Latin music icon Rubén Blades, Alberto Guerra, Marcel Ruiz, Arian Cartaya, Óscar Jaenada, Carmen Machi and Luis Tosar.

From a screenplay by Alexander Dinelaris and Residente, Porto Rico is an epic Caribbean western and historical drama inspired by true events. The film blends historical scope with a visceral, lyrical narrative exploring Puerto Rico’s origins.

The screenplay is based on the life of Puerto Rican revolutionary José Maldonado Román, known as Águila Blanca, set in the late 19th century. Maldonado Román fought against colonialism by leading a gang of ex-convicts to vindicate Puerto Rico as it sought its identity as a country.

It will also cover the 1898 U.S.A. takeover of Puerto Rico from Spain, which saw the renaming of the island as Porto Rico.

Norton and Mortensen, both of whom are fluent in Spanish, are playing roles connected to their country of origin. And while the production lost a Spaniard in Bardem, three new Spanish natives are part of the cast: Jaenada, Machi and Tosar.

Further details regarding who the new actors will play are under wraps.

Behind the camera, the creative team features major award winners and nominees: cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, production designer David Crank and costume designer Anna Terrazas.

Pérez Joglar and Erick Douât produce Porto Rico for 1868 Studios alongside Norton, Bill Migliore, and Michael Bederman for Class 5 Films. The film is backed by Live Nation Studios, Class 5 Films, and strategic partners including the José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones Initiative, Mike and Sukey Novogratz, Henry R. Muñoz III, Ric Elias, and Noah Assad. Additional strategic partners include HarbourView Equity Media Group, Talipot Studio, and Wieden+Kennedy Entertainment.

Alejandro G. Iñárritu executive produces alongside Michael Rapino, Ryan Kroft, Stella Bulochnikov, Scott Budnick, Jones, Feliciano, Mike and Sukey Novogratz, Assad, Muñoz III, Elias, Sherrese Clarke, Niija Kuykendall, Regina Solórzano, and Lakshmi Iyengar. UTA Independent Film Group is handling sales.

Rubén Blades to Receive Billboard Icon Award at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Rubén Blades is preparing for an iconic moment…

The 78-year-old Panamanian musician, singer, composer, actor, activist and politician will be recognized with the Billboard Icon Award at the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Billboard and Telemundo have announced.

Blades will receive the honor during the October 22 ceremony, which will be broadcast live from Miami.

The Billboard Icon Award recognizes an artist whose career has not only remained relevant over time but has also established them as one of the most distinguished figures in their genre, celebrated worldwide for achieving both musical and commercial success.

Over more than five decades, Blades has been one of the most influential voices in Latin music, contributing to the redefinition of salsa through a unique combination of musical innovation and powerful storytelling.

As a central figure in New York’s salsa revolution of the 1970s, the Panamanian singer, songwriter and musician expanded the horizons of classic Afro-Cuban salsa by incorporating influences from rock, jazz, pan-Latin music and sounds from various parts of the world.

His songs have stood out not only for their unforgettable melodies but also for their socially conscious lyrics and memorable characters that turned everyday life stories into timeless music. Who could forget classics from his repertoire like “Pedro Navaja,” “Decisiones” or “El Padre Antonio y Su Monaguillo Andrés”?

“I am grateful to everyone who has contributed over the course of more than fifty years to making it possible for my work to be recognized today,” Blades said in a statement. “No one succeeds without help. It is important to acknowledge the contributions of all the musicians, arrangers, composers and engineers I have worked with, as well as the group that has been by my side on this journey for the past 16 years, Roberto Delgado y Orquesta de Panamá.”

Blades will also sit down for the exclusive Icon Q&A at Billboard Latin Music Week with Billboard‘s co-chief content officer Leila Cobo for what promises to be one of the most anticipated moments of the week.

Blades continues to record and tour internationally, most recently releasing País Portátil with Roberto Delgado y Orquesta. The album brings together eight interconnected songs that explore themes including migration, corruption, incarceration, social responsibility and hope, continuing Blades’ longstanding tradition of using music to examine the social realities of Latin America while encouraging reflection and change.

Broadcast live from the James L. Knight Center in Miami, the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards ceremony will air on Telemundo on Thursday, October 22, at 8:00 pm ET.

Fans will also be able to watch the show live via the Telemundo app, Peacock and Telemundo Internacional across Latin America and the Caribbean. Tickets to attend the event are now available through Ticketmaster.

This year, Peso Pluma leads the list of finalists with 17 mentions, followed by Tito Double P with 15 and Fuerza Regida with 12. Karol G is a nine-time finalist, Prince Royce has eight nods and Bad Bunny seven.

Produced by Telemundo and MBS Special Events, the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards coincide with Billboard Latin Music Week, which returns to Miami Beach on Oct. 19-22 with a stellar program featuring Fuerza Regida, Greeicy, Jay Wheeler, Kany García, Maluma, Pitbull, Rawayana, Ryan Castro, Trueno, Zhamira and many more.

Edgar Barrera Leads Pack of Latin Grammys Nominees with 10 Nods

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Edgar Barrera is this year’s Latin Grammy hotshot.

The 36-year-old Mexican American songwriter, producer and musician tops the list of nominees for the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards, announced Wednesday, September 16.

Barrera, an acclaimed Mexican songwriter and producer received 10 nominations, in the general categories of record of the year, album of the year and song of the year — mostly for his work on projects by Karol G and Carín León.

Three of his nominations are in the best regional song category. He’s also competing for the awards of songwriter and producer of the year, which he has won in the past.

His 10 new nominations add to the 72 he has received throughout his career, of which he has won 29 so far.

CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Jorge Drexler, Karol G and Rosalía follow with seven nominations each, while Silvana Estrada and Mon Laferte received six.

All of them are vying for album of the year, alongside Anitta, Carín León, Milo J and Rawayana. Most also compete for song and record of the year.

At just 19 years old, Argentine singer and rapper Milo J surprises with five nominations, including in the three main categories, with a folk album.

In addition, the album received a sixth nod, for best recording package. Meanwhile, legendary Cuban singer Omara Portuondo earns a new nomination at 95 years old, in the category of best traditional tropical album.

“I love seeing this flexibility and incredible mobility of our artists,” Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, tells Billboard Español, also highlighting the nominations of an urban singer like Karol G in a Mexican music category, a flamenco star like Niña Pastori in a tropical music category, and a young Argentine urban artist like Nathy Peluso in a salsa category.

Rosalía’s uber-eclectic LUX appears in fields including pop, alternative and Portuguese language, besides album of the year.

“The album of the year category, if you analyze it, is a wonderful list,” he adds “There’s such a great diversity — not just in genre. Interestingly, it’s half men, half women. But look at how amazing it is: We have Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Colombia, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay — seven countries represented. And that diversity also permeates the song and record categories.”

Other contenders with multiple nominations include Arath Herce, with four; and BRUSES, Feid, Héctor Mazzarri, Jennifer Mosello and Eden Muñoz with three each. Artists such as Rauw Alejandro, Anitta, Bad Gyal, Beéle, Bizarrap, Ryan Castro, Daddy Yankee, Kany García, Joaquina, Juanes and Carín León, among others, received two nods.

The coveted Latin Grammy for best new artist will be between Delilah, Fabian, Loulu Gilberto, Arath Herce, Macario Martínez, Maye, Sofia Monroy, Kendall Peña, Dora Sanches, Aria Vega and Zeca Veloso.

The eligibility window was for recordings released June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.

The 27th annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live from Las Vegas on Thursday, November 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. via TelevisaUnivision platforms. Prior to the broadcast, the Latin Grammy Premiere, a non-televised ceremony announcing most of the winners, will take place.

Here’s the full list of nominees for the 2026 Latin Grammys below.

GENERAL FIELD

Record of the year

“Ha Ha,” CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso; Rafa Arcaute & Federico Vindver, record producers; Julio Gómez, recording engineer; Lewis Pickett, mixer; Lewis Pickett, mastering engineer

“¿Cómo Se Ama?” Jorge Drexler; Facundo Balta, Jorge Drexler, Mauro, Lucas Piedra Cueva & Tadu Vázquez, record producers; Lucas Piedra Cueva, recording engineer; Carles Campi Campón, mixer; Fred Kevorkian, mastering engineer

“Dime,” Silvana Estrada; Daniel Bitrán Arizpe, Edwin Erazo & Silvana Estrada, record producers; Pietro Amato, Daniel Bitrán Arizpe, Leonel Carmona, Nic Hard, Warren Spicer & J.C. Vertti, recording engineers; Daniel Bitrán Arizpe, mixer; Ryan K. Smith, mastering engineer

“O Amor Nos Encontrou,” Loulu Gilberto; Mario Adnet & Cézar Mendes, record producers; Lucas Ariel & Gabriel Pinheiro, recording engineers; Gabriel Pinheiro, mixer; David Darlington, mastering engineer

“Coleccionando Heridas,” KAROL G, Marco Antonio Solís; Edgar Barrera & Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, record producers; Edgar Barrera, Joel Iglesias & José “Pepe” Melena, recording engineers; Josh Gudwin & Joel Iglesias, mixers; Dave Kutch, mastering engineer

“Femme Fatale,” Mon Laferte; Manú Jalil & Mon Laferte, record producers; Isaí Araujo, Daniel Bitrán, Lu Garibay, Manú Jalil, Israel Rodriguez-Martinez, Nacho Sotelo & Jorge Valdés, recording engineers; Nacho Sotelo, mixer; Nacho Sotelo, mastering engineer

“Desde Que Te Tengo,” Carín León; Israel Aispuro Meneses & Orlando Aispuro Meneses, record producers; Orlando Aispuro Meneses, Alberto Medina, Abraham Eduardo Tapia García & Antonio Zepeda, recording engineers; Alberto Medina, mixer; Alberto Medina, mastering engineer

“Niño,” Milo J; Santiago Alvarado, Milo J & Santiago Ruiz “Tatool”, record producers; Luciano Nicolas Gordillo, recording engineer; Jon Castelli, mixer; Dale Becker, mastering engineer

“La Perla,” Rosalía Featuring Yahritza y Su Esencia; Noah Goldstein, David Rodríguez, Rosalía & Dylan Wiggins, record producers; Daniel Cayotte, Isaac Diskin, Tristan Hoogland, Jake Miller, David Rodríguez & Harry Wilson, recording engineers; Manny Marroquin, mixer; Bob Jackson & Brian Lee, mastering engineers

“Alma,” Elena Rose; Daramola & Héctor Mazzarri, record producers; Daramola & Héctor Mazzarri, recording engineers; Leandro “Dro” Hidalgo, mixer; Leandro “Dro” Hidalgo, mastering engineer

Album of the year

EQUILIBRIVM, Anitta; Jean Rodriguez, album producer; Raphael Rui Castro, album recording engineer; Rafael Fadul, Marcelinho Ferraz, Arthur Luna, Jean Rodriguez & Luciano Scalercio, album mixers; Anitta, Carolina Marcilio, Jennifer Mosello & Cinthya Ribeiro Dos Santos, songwriters; Felipe Tichauer, album mastering engineer

FREE SPIRITS, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso; Rafa Arcaute & Federico Vindver, album producers; Rafa Arcaute, Julio Gómez & Federico Vindver, album recording engineers; Lewis Pickett, album mixer; Rafa Arcaute, Gino Borri, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Vicente Jimenez “Vibarco” & Federico Vindver, songwriters; Lewis Pickett, album mastering engineer

Taracá, Jorge Drexler; Facundo Balta, Jorge Drexler, Mauro, Lucas Piedra Cueva & Tadu Vázquez, album producers; Lucas Piedra Cueva, album recording engineer; Carles Campi Campón, album mixer; Jorge Drexler & Mauro, songwriters; Fred Kevorkian, album mastering engineer

Vendrán Suaves Lluvias, Silvana Estrada; Daniel Bitran Arizpe, Edwin Erazo & Silvana Estrada, album producers; Daniel Bitran Arizpe, Leonel Carmona, Warren Spicer & Jc Vertti, album recording engineers; Daniel Bitran Arizpe, album mixer; Silvana Estrada, songwriter; Ryan Smith, album mastering engineer

Tropicoqueta, Karol G; Edgar Barrera & Karol G, album producers; Edgar Barrera & Joel Iglesias, album recording engineers; Josh Gudwin & Joel Iglesias, album mixers; Edgar Barrera, Andres Jael Correa Ríos & Karol G, songwriters; Dave Kutch, album mastering engineer

FEMME FATALE, Mon Laferte; Manú Jalil & Mon Laferte, album producers; Sebastián Aracena, Isaí Araujo, Manú Jalil, Nacho Sotelo & Jorge Valdés, album recording engineers; Nacho Sotelo, album mixer; Mon Laferte, songwriter; Nacho Sotelo, album mastering engineer

MUDA, Carín León; Edgar Barrera & Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, album producers; Edgar Barrera, Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Alberto Medina, Abraham Eduardo Tapia García & Antonio Zepeda, album recording engineers; Alberto Medina, album mixer; Edgar Barrera, Andrés Jael Correa Ríos, Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Carín León, Manuel Lorente Freire & Daniel Rondón, songwriters; Alberto Medina, album mastering engineer

La Vida Era Más Corta, Milo J; Santiago Alvarado, Milo J & Santiago Ruiz, album producers; Luciano Nicolas Gordillo, album recording engineer; Jon Castelli, album mixer; Santiago Alvarado, Milo J & Santiago Ruiz, songwriters; Dale Becker, album mastering engineer

¿Dónde Es El After?, Rawayana; Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Héctor Mazzarri & Andrés Story, album producers; Adam Burt, Felix Byrne, Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Katie Harvey, Héctor Mazzarri & Andrés Story, album recording engineers; Josh Gudwin, album mixer; Alejandro Abeijón, Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Héctor Mazzarri, Alberto Montenegro, Daniel Rondón & Andrés Story, songwriters; Dale Becker, album mastering engineer

LUX (Complete Works), Rosalía; Noah Goldstein, David Rodríguez, Rosalía & Dylan Wiggins, album producers; Daniel Cayotte, Isaac Diskin, Tristan Hoogland, Jake Miller, David Rodríguez & Harry Wilson, album recording engineers; Manny Marroquin, album mixer; Noah Goldstein, David Rodríguez, Rosalía & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters; Bob Jackson & Brian Lee, album mastering engineers

Song of the year

“Coleccionando Heridas,” Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Luis Miguel Gomez Castaño & Karol G, songwriters (Karol G, Marco Antonio Solís)

“¿Cómo Se Ama?” Jorge Drexler & Mauro, songwriters (Jorge Drexler)

“Dime,” Silvana Estrada, songwriter (Silvana Estrada)

“Femme Fatale,” Mon Laferte, songwriter (Mon Laferte)

“Hasta Jesús Tuvo Un Mal Día,” Rafa Arcaute, Renee Barri, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Vicente Jimenez “Vibarco”, Martin Kierszenbaum, John Ryan, Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner & Federico Vindver, songwriters (CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso Featuring Sting)

“Humano,” Emmanuel Briceño, Juanes, Felipe Navia & Vivir Quintana, songwriters (Juanes, Vivir Quintana)

“La Perla,” Noah Goldstein, David Rodríguez, Rosalía, Ryan Tedder & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters (Rosalía Featuring Yahritza y Su Esencia)

“Mi Gran Amor,” Edgar Barrera, Becky G, Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Manuel Lorente, Daniel Rondón & Carlos Santana, songwriters (Santana Featuring Becky G)

“Nilo,” Massimo Giovanardi & Zanna, songwriters (Zanna)

“Solifican12,” Santiago Alvarado, Milo J & Santiago Ruiz, songwriters (Milo J)

Mejor nuevo artista
Delilah
Fabian
Loulu Gilberto
Arath Herce
Macario Martínez
Maye
Sofia Monroy
Kendall Peña
Dora Sanches
Aria Vega
Zeca Veloso

POP

Best contemporary pop album
KM0, Pablo Alborán
Instrucciones Para Ser Feliz, Monsieur Periné
(Enamorada), nic
Todo Puede Convertirse En Canción, Debi Nova
¿Y Ahora Qué +?, Alejandro Sanz

Best traditional pop album
Amorío, Esteman, Daniela Spalla
Puerta Abierta, Kany García
Yo Canto 2, Laura Pausini
TQ+, Reik
Querida Yo, Yami Safdie

Best pop song

“A La Niña Que Fui,” Rafa Arcaute, Nate Campany, Kany García, Richi López & Sara Schell, songwriters (Kany García)

“Amarillo,” Joaquina, songwriter (Joaquina)

“(favorito),” nic & Raquel Sofía, songwriters (nic)

“La Perla,” Noah Goldstein, David Rodríguez, Rosalía, Ryan Tedder & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters (Rosalía Featuring Yahritza y Su Esencia)

“Melancolía,” Mon Laferte, songwriter (Mon Laferte)

ELECTRONIC

Best electronic music performance
“Beto’s Horns – Fred Remix”, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Fred Again…
“Armándola De Pedo”, Kink“Circular”, Peces Raros Featuring Nick Warren
“Motopirueta”, Soucream & Mazzarr
“III. Ojalá! – Bronquio Remix”, Violeta, Bronquio

URBAN

Best urban performance
“Daddy Yankee: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 0/66,” Bizarrap & Daddy Yankee
“La Villa,” Ryan Castro, Kapo & Gangsta
“Se Lo Juro Mor,” Feid
“Dile Luna,” Karol G Featuring Eddy Lover
“Gil,” Milo J Featuring Trueno

Best reggaeton performance
“Contrabando,” Rauw Alejandro, Wisin & Ñengo Flow
“Choque,” Bad Gyal Featuring Chencho Corleone
“Verano Rosa,” Karol G Featuring Feid
“Una Aventura,” Ozuna
“Uñas Afiladas,” Sofía Reyes & Luísa Sonza

Best urban music album
Más Cara, Bad Gyal
Omerta, J Balvin & Ryan Castro
Borondo (5020 Rcrds Sessions), Beéle
Tropicoqueta, Karol G
Do Not Disturb: Late Checkout, Young Miko

Best rap/hip hop song
“Antisistema,” J Noa & Trooko, songwriters (J Noa & Trooko)
“El Pana Deiby,” Akapellah, Farlin Rafael Alonzo Flete & Melony Nathalie Redondo, songwriters (Akapellah)
“Gohan y Goku,” Arcángel, songwriter (Arcángel)
“Mono,” Kase.O, Okeiflou & Tokischa, songwriters (Tokischa, Kase.O)
“Poder,” Feid & Lil Supa, songwriters (Lil Supa, Feid & Tru Comers)

Best urban song

“Buenos Términos,” Rauw Alejandro, René Basabe, Javier Cortes Del Peso, Eduardo Puche, Miguel Puche, Nino K. Segarra & Daniel Silva De Sousa, songwriters (Rauw Alejandro)

“Daddy Yankee: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 0/66,” Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap & Daddy Yankee, songwriters (Bizarrap & Daddy Yankee)

“Por Si Mañana No Estoy,” Omar Courtz, songwriter (Omar Courtz)

“Reliquia Do 2T,” DJ GU, Mc Dkziin, Mc FR da Norte, Mc Joãozinho VT, Mc Tuto & Mc Vine7, songwriters (Varios Artistas)

“Yo y Tú,” Beele, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz “Keityn”, Diego Leon Vélez, Ovy On The Drums, Quevedo & Cristian Andrés Salazar, songwriters (Ovy On The Drums, Quevedo & Beele)

ROCK

Best rock album

A La Mitad, Beta

Malicia, Mägo De Oz

Ceremonia, 1915

Shine, Fito Páez

La Frontera, Viniloversus

Best rock song

“Destruirse,” Juan Victor Belisario, Rodrigo Gonsalves, Orlando Martinez & Emerson Swinford, songwriters (Viniloversus)

“Ego,” Anton Curtis Delost, Mónica Vélez Domínguez, Niko Rubio, Alejandra Villarreal, Daniela Villarreal & Paulina Villarreal, songwriters (The Warning)

“Las Fuerzas Armadas Del Amor,” Fito Páez, songwriter (Fito Páez)

“Montserrat,” Draco Rosa, songwriter (Draco Rosa)

“Rojo Profundo,” Dillom, Franco Dolzani, Eugenio García Carlés & Fermín Ugarte, songwriters (Dillom)

Best pop/rock album

Mi Año Gótico, Emmanuel Horvilleur

JuanesTeban, Juanes

Tierra De Nadie, La Vida Bohème

Olas De Luz, Draco Rosa

Términos & Condiciones, Usted Señalemelo

Best pop/rock song

“Antes De Que El Mundo Se Acabe,” Paty Cantú, Oscar Manuel Domínguez Montañez, Miguel Angel Mendoza Arana & Fatima Carolina Valdez Lira, songwriters (Paty Cantú)

“Hasta Jesús Tuvo Un Mal Día,” Rafa Arcaute, Renee Barri, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Vicente Jimenez, Martin Kierszenbaum, John Ryan, Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner & Federico Vindver, songwriters (CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso Featuring Sting)

“Hasta Que Me Quede Sin Voz,” Leiva, songwriter (Leiva)

“Me Levanté De La Cama,” Arath Herce Blanco, songwriter (Arath Herce)

“Ratera,” BRUSES & Luis Javier Contreras, songwriters (BRUSES)

ALTERNATIVE

Best alternative music album

CUERPOS, Vol. 1, Babasónicos

DESDE EL COMA, BRUSES

FREE SPIRITS, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso

Demian, Teo Planell

LUX (Complete Works), Rosalía

Best alternative music song

“Ante la duda, baila,” Ben Aler, Carlos Casacuberta, Jorge Drexler, Manuel Lorente Freire “Spread Lof”, Gabriel Lugo “Gabo”, Jesús Martos Castillo “Presser”, Mauro, Alberto Montenegro “Beto”, Pj Sin Suela, Andrés Story & Mateo Sujatovich, songwriters (Jorge Drexler)

“BUGAMBILIA,” Francisca Valenzuela & Francisco Victoria, songwriters (Francisca Valenzuela)

“El Reset,” Dante Spinetta, songwriter (Dante Spinetta)

“QUERIDA AMALIA:” BRUSES, Alex Goose & Mauro Munoz, songwriters (BRUSES)

“1:30,” Aarón Cruz, Mon Laferte, Gabriel Puentes & Emilio Reyna, songwriters (Mon Laferte)

TROPICAL

Best salsa album

Invicto, Charlie Cruz

El Alma En Clave, Luis Enrique

El Relevo, Luis Figueroa

Más Que Palabras, Grupo Niche

Malportada, Nathy Peluso

Best cumbia/vallenato album

Jorgito, Jorge Celedón y Víctor Nain Jr.

Vallenato Social Club, Gusi

Corazón Ausente, Ke Personajes

El Tiempo Perfecto, Karen Lizarazo

El Último Disco Vol. 1, Carlos Vives

Best merengue/bachata album

Música Para Bailar, Fariana

Todo Llega, Manerra

No Era El Plan, Gabriel Pagán

Oye Eta Vaina, Covi Quintana

Chula, Techy

Best traditional tropical album

Algo Nuevo De Ayer, Dayhan Díaz

Orgánico, Los Tri-O

Eternamente Omara, Omara Portuondo

Íntimo (En Vivo), Gilberto Santa Rosa

Cualquiera Se Enamora, Leoni Torres

Best contemporary tropical album

De Amor, Sueños y Cantares, Jorge Luis Chacín

Indole, Alex Cuba

Antes Que El Tiempo Se Vaya, Fonseca

Candela, Greeicy

Color Fania, Niña Pastori

Best tropical song

“Crayola”, Manuel Lara, Eddy Lugo, Danny Ocean, Daniel Rondon & Eudis Ruiz, songwriters (Danny Ocean)

“Latino”, Yeisy Rojas, songwriter (Yeisy Rojas Featuring Manolito Simonet & Ricardo Amaray)

“Nombre y Apellido”, Luis Enrique, Ender Thomas & Leon Yamil, songwriters (Luis Enrique, De La Ghetto)

“Realidad-Es”, José Aguirre, songwriter (Grupo Niche)

“Todo Llega”, Manerra, songwriter (Manerra)

SINGER-SONGWRITER

Best singer-songwriter album

Improviso, Djavan

Taracá, Jorge Drexler

Vendrán Suaves Lluvias, Silvana Estrada

Musas en Mi, Arath Herce

FEMME FATALE, Mon Laferte

Best singer-songwriter song

“Dime,” Silvana Estrada, songwriter (Silvana Estrada)

“generación digital,” Joaquina, songwriter (Joaquina)

“Las Palabras,” Jorge Drexler, songwriter (Jorge Drexler)

“Musas en Mi,” Arath Herce, songwriter (Arath Herce)

“Temblor y Réplica,” Covi Quintana, songwriter (Covi Quintana)

REGIONAL MEXICAN

Best ranchero/mariachi album

Mi Suerte Es Ser Mexicano II, Pepe Aguilar

La Fernández, Camila Fernández

La Voz De Mi Trompeta (50 Años), Mariachi Sol De México De José Hernández

Bandera Blanca, Christian Nodal

Best banda album

Tequila y Guaro, Luis Ángel “El Flaco”

Piratita, Banda Los Recoditos

Piedras A La Luna, Eden Muñoz

Best tejano album

Mi Gran Noche – Raphael En La Voz De Kevin Aguilar, Kevin Aguilar

3, Destiny Navaira

Le Seguiremos, Jay Pérez

Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya y Una Mía (Vol.2/En Vivo), Bobby Pulido

Capítulo 8, Vilax

Best norteño album

El Mundo Es Del Que Se Anima, Calibre 50

Gravedad, Duelo

Mis Compas Vol. 2, Joss Favela

Lo Que Me Falta Por Llorar, Grupo Frontera

50/50, Sofi Saar

Best contemporary Mexican music album

De Parte Mía, Kakalo

Dinastía (Deluxe), Peso Pluma, Tito Double P

Contra Todo, Rivs

Dosis, Xavi

Metamorfosis, Yahritza y Su Esencia

Best regional song

“Ese Hombre Es Malo,” Edgar Barrera, Andres Jael Correa Rios & Karol G, songwriters (Karol G)

“Estamos Todos,” Johnny Lee Rosas, Ricardo Javier Muñoz & Pablo Preciado Rojas, songwriters (Intocable)

“No Capea,” Edgar Barrera, Iván Gámez, Fabio Iván Gutierrez Ramírez, Joshua Xavier Gutierrez, Luis Mexia & Adelaido “Payo” Solís III, songwriters (Xavi, Grupo Frontera)

“Ojitos Bellos,” Miguel Armenta, Edgar Barrera, Ivan Gamez & Alex Hernandez, songwriters (Grupo Frontera)

“Osadía,” Eden Muñoz, songwriter (Eden Muñoz, Cristian Castro)

INSTRUMENTAL

Best Instrumental Album

Peregrino, Yamandú Costa & Hermanos Saboya

NOVA, Hamilton De Holanda feat. Salomão Soares, Thiago Big Rabello

Obra Viva De Hermeto Pascoal – Vol 1: Flautas, Andrea Ernest Dias, Aline Gonçalves, Eduardo Neves, Carlos Malta

La Huella De Las Cuerdas, Berta Rojas

A Tribute To Benny Moré And Nat King Cole, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Joey Calveiro, Yainer Horta

TRADITIONAL

Best folk album

Concierto De Gala (Desde El Gran Teatro Nacional) (Versión Eva) [Live], Eva Ayllón

La Quinta Esencia, Yamandu Costa, Alexis Cárdenas & Ensemble Recoveco

Cambias Mi Mundo, Lila Downs

La Vida Era Más Corta, Milo J

Candombe (En Vivo, Teatro Solís), Julieta Rada

Best tango album

Neopía, Anibal Berraute

Somos, Lidia Borda & Ariel Ardit

Fueyerías, Pablo Jaurena

Revolucionario Filarmónico, Quinteto Revolucionario & Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Bogotá

Le Grand Tango, Quinteto Astor Piazzolla

Best flamenco album

POPULAR, Yerai Cortés

Origen & Revolución, Mercedes Luján

In Illo Tempore, Mayte Martín

José Mercé Canta A Manuel Alejandro, José Mercé

Best roots song

“El Alma Mía,” Silvana Estrada, songwriter (Silvana Estrada)

“El tambor chico,” Facundo Balta & Jorge Drexler, songwriters (Jorge Drexler & Rueda De Candombe)

“La Puñalá,” Andre & Nuria Azzouzi Idrissi Ghoziel, songwriters (Andre)

“Spiritual Energies,” Eli Alvarado, songwriter (Eli Alvarado)

“Urano,” Nathasha Bravo & Jorge Glem, songwriters (Nathasha Bravo, Jorge Glem & Elvis Martínez)

JAZZ

Best Latin jazz/jazz album

Folklore, Caracas Trio

Paco De Lucia Music For Big Band, Alex Conde

Verve, Lívia Mattos

Gonzalo Plays Pino, Gonzalo Rubalcaba

Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at The Village Vanguard, Miguel Zenón Quartet

CHRISTIAN

Best christian album (Spanish language)

Tú, Hakuna Group Music

Días Contigo, Majo y Dan

Inquebrantable, Sarai Rivera

Eterno, Marcos Witt, Marco Barrientos & Marcos Vidal

Mayday, Alex Zurdo

Best Portuguese language christian album

Primeiro (Ao Vivo), Ziza Fernandes

Avenida Do Arrependimento, Thalles Roberto

Betel (Ao Vivo), Eli Soares

O Que Atravessa O Peito, Verboemcarne

Shuv, Victin

PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE

Best Portuguese language contemporary pop album

Equilibrivm, Anitta

Ludom, Ludom

Antes Que A Terra Acabe, Luedji Luna

BRava, Jenni Mosello

MARINADA vol.01, Marina Sena

Best Portuguese language rock or alternative album

Resistência! Ao Vivo no Circo Voador, Black Pantera

Let It Burn / Deixa Arder, Chico Chico

Rádio Love Nacional, Detonautas

foto em grupo, FOTO EM GRUPO

CARRANCA, Urias

Best Portuguese language urban album

Novo Testamento, AJULLIACOSTA

FREQUÊNCIA LUNAR, BUDAH

CARO Vapor II – qual a forma de pagamento? – Don L

Emicida Racional VL 2 – Mesmas Cores & Mesmos Valores – Emicida

Terra Vermelha: Do interior pro interior, Matuto S.A.

Best samba/pagode album

50 Anos De Carreira, Leci Brandão

Jessé – As canções de Zeca Pagodinho, Teresa Cristina

Nos Braços do Povo, Vol 2 (Ao Vivo), Xande De Pilares

Sentimento, Ferrugem

Quinhão, Mosquito

Best MPB (musica popular brasileira)/MAPB (música afro portuguesa brasileira) album

Criolo, Amaro e Dino, Criolo, Amaro Freitas, Dino d’Santiago

Vende-se Lembrança, Pedro Emílio

Améfrica, Bia Ferreira

Afim, Zé Ibarra

Eita, Lenine

Best sertaneja music album

Fire Arena, Ana Castela

Cantando Sua História 2 (Ao Vivo), Simone Mendes

Raiz BH (Ao Vivo / Deluxe), Lauana Prado

Registro Histórico (Ao Vivo), Luan Santana

Traia Acústico (Ao Vivo), Traia Véia

Best Portuguese language roots album

Eu Vou Morrer de Amor ou Resistir, Carminho

Dominguinho Vol. 2 (Ao Vivo), João Gomes, Mestrinho, Jota.pê

Até Cansar o Cansaço, Juliana Linhares

Molho Lambão, Psirico

Amor Perene, Zaynara

Best Portuguese language song

“Águas De Um Mar Azul,” Fábio & Hyldon, songwriters (Urias)

“Memória,” Carminho, Noah Goldstein, Armando Machado, Rosalía & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters (Rosalía, Carminho)

“No Vento De Nós,” Djodje Almeida, Criolo, Dino d’Santiago & Amaro Freitas, songwriters (Criolo, Amaro Freitas, Dino d’Santiago)

“Sua Onda,” Arnaldo Antunes, Carlinhos Brown & Marisa Monte, songwriters (Marisa Monte)

“Viver e Morrer De Amor Na América Latina,” Johnny Hooker, songwriter (Johnny Hooker e Ney Matogrosso)

CHILDREN’S

Best children’s album

Mil Secretos, Cantoalegre, Marta Gómez

¡A Jugar!, Danilo & Chapis

Mardearena, Magdalena Fleitas

Aprendo Jugando, OTA El Hipopótamo

Dinosaurios: Una Travesía Cretácica, Tu Rockcito

CLASSICAL

Best classical album

Gabriela Ortiz: Yanga, Alisa Weilerstein; Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Dmitriy Lipay, album producer (Los Angeles Philharmonic)

Odyssey, Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Dmitriy Lipay, album producer (Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra Of Venezuela)

Opus 33 “Romantic Cello”, Gregorio Nieto; Josep Vicent, conductor; Fernando Arias, album producer (London Symphony Orchestra)

Sinfonia Em Quadrinhos, Hermeto Pascoal; Tiago Costa, conductor; Tiago Gomes, album producer (Orquestra Jovem Tom Jobim)

Tania León: Horizons, Raíces (Origins), Stride, Pasajes [Live], Dima Slobodeniouk; Karina Canellakis, Edward Gardner & Dima Slobodeniouk, conductors; Tim Burton, Nick Parker & Andrew Walton, album producers (London Philharmonic Orchestra)

Best classical composition

“Adagio De Las Tres y Diez (for Bandoneón & String Orchestra),” Richard Scofano, composer (Richard Scofano)

“Odisea: Concerto For Venezuelan Cuatro And Orchestra,” Gonzalo Grau, composer (Gustavo Dudamel, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, Jorge Glem)

“Raíces (Origins) – Live,” Tania León, composer (London Philharmonic Orchestra, Edward Gardner)

“Tríptico Sudamericano,” Elodie Bouny, composer (Berta Rojas Featuring Pedro Franco, Federico Tarazona & Jorge Glem)

“Yanga,” Gabriela Ortiz, composer (Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Tambuco Percussion Ensemble)

VISUAL MEDIA

Best music for visual media

“Amor Animal,” Murci Bouscayrol (Murci Bouscayrol, artist); Murci Bouscayrol, composer

“La Casa De Los Espíritus (Banda Sonora Original De La Serie De Amazon Prime),” Varios Artistas; Matthew Atticus Berger, Manuel Garcia, Victor Jara, Fernando Milagros, Marcela Millie Soto, Tomas Videla & Juan Pablo Villanueva, composers

“Las Muertas,” Fernando Velázquez (Fernando Velázquez, artist); Fernando Velázquez, composer

“Menem (Banda Sonora De La Serie Original De Prime Video),” Sergei Grosny (Sergei Grosny, artist); Sergei Grosny, composer

“O Agente Secreto (Trilha Sonora Original),” Mateus Alves & Tomaz Alves Souza (Mateus Alves & Tomaz Alves Souza, artists)

ARRANGING

Best arrangement

“Juanito Alimaña,” Daniel Barón & Henry Villalobos, arrangers (Dani Barón y Henry Villalobos)

“Dando y Dando,” Gonzalo Grau, arranger (Luis Enrique)

“Sonho Inca,” Rafael Beck & Felipe Montanaro, arrangers (Guilherme Rondon, Rafael Beck E Felipe Montanaro)

“A Deriva (Adrift),” Felipe Salles, arranger (Felipe Salles Featuring Tatiana Parra)

“Cazadero’s March,” Teco Cardoso, arranger (Utupe Oficina Sonora, Mônica Salmaso, Teco Cardoso e Davi Fonseca)

RECORDING PACKAGE

Best recording package

Amores Perros (Banda Sonora Original Reedición 25° Aniversario), Dawn Baillie, art director (Varios Artistas)

Anela, María Blaya Miralles & Maria Elvira Garcia Perez, art directors (Belén Aguilera)

Florece En El Caos, Nicolas Fervenza, art director (No Te Va Gustar)

La Huella De Las Cuerdas, Celeste Prieto, art director (Berta Rojas)

La Vida Era Más Corta, Camilo Joaquín Villarruel, art director (Milo J)

SONGWRITER

Songwriter of the year

Edgar Barrera

Iván Gámez

Yoel Henriquez

Jenni Mosello

Sara Schell

PRODUCTION

Best engineered album

Boas Novas, Mauro Araújo & Kira Malevskaia, engineers; Duda Mello, mixer; Alexandre Rabaço, mastering engineer (Zeca Veloso)

Esgotada, Tó Brandileone, Kaique Del Giudice, Pedro Emmanuel, Lucas Fernandes & André Whoong, engineers; João Milliet & Ricardo Mosca, mixers; Felipe Tichauer, mastering engineer (Tiê)

Lux (Complete Works), Daniel Cayotte, Isaac Diskin, Tristan Hoogland, Jake Miller, David Rodríguez & Harry Wilson, engineers; Manny Marroquin, mixer; Bob Jackson & Brian Lee, mastering engineers (Rosalía)

Marco, Pedro Peixoto Rievers, mixer; Henrique Filizzola, mastering engineer (Marco Baptista)

Taracá, Carles Campi Campón, mixer; Fred Kevorkian, mastering engineer (Jorge Drexler)

Producer of the year

Edgar Barrera

Julio Raposo

Santiago Ruiz “Tatool”

Juan Pablo Vega

Federico Vindver

MUSIC VIDEO

Best short form music video

“10 anos de Castelos & Ruínas”, Bk’; Willy Hajli & Poeta Visual, video directors; Tutu Menezes, Vitor Jun Nozaki Cardoso, Rodrigo Rondino & Claudio Zanoti, video producers

“CHINGONA”, Tamara Flores; Harlock Chavez & Rupert Höller, video directors; Svetlana Pavlova & Alexa Pereda Puente, video producers

“Moleirinha”, Karetus Featuring Isabel Silvestre, CONAN OSÍRIS & Julio Pereira; Gonçalo Pereira, video director; Mafalda Leal Da Costa, video producer

“INRI”, Los Tres; Pato Escala & Nj López, video directors; Pato Escala & Nj López, video producers

“Sauvignon Blanc (Official Video)”, Rosalía; Noah Dillon, video director; Laura Elizabeth Seydel, video producer

Best long form music video

FREE SPIRITS (The Film), CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso; Ferran Echegaray & Ferina, video directors; Jean-Baptiste Fusil, Ellie Loarca & Francisco Wechsler, video producers

Hasta Que Me Quede Sin Voz, Leiva; Mario Forniés & Lucas Nolla, video directors; Mario Forniés, video producer

Guerras Invisíveis, L7nnon; Kaique Alves & Thiago Eva, video directors; Fernando Alonso & Eduardo Saraiva, video producers

Back To The Childhood, Maleh; Maurizio Iazzetta, video director; Jeffer Lozada & Marcial Suárez, video producers

FLAMENCO, Varios Artistas; Carla Simón, video director; Mónica Blas, Claudia Mayer, Oscar Romagosa & Albert Soler, video producers

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute to Recognize María Antonia “Toñita” Cay

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

María Antonia “Toñita” Cay will be recognized for her impact this Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Puerto Rican-born matriarch, who founded and still presides over the Caribbean Social Club in Brooklyn, has been named the 2026 Medallion of Excellence honoree by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a Hispanic nonprofit and nonpartisan 501 leadership development organization established in 1978 by organizing members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Toñita will be recognized at the organization’s 49th Annual Awards Gala, an unforgettable evening of recognition, culture, and community, honoring the leaders and changemakers shaping America‘s future during Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington, D.C.

For more than five decades, Toñita has made Williamsburg’s Caribbean Social Club a gathering place for generations, bringing people together through music, food and Puerto Rican tradition while ensuring that no one in her community goes without a meal.

Her impact has reached national audiences through appearances including Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and her annual Toñita Fest.

Other honorees include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Maria Hinojosa, the 2026 Medallion of Excellence honoree; 2026 Chair’s Award honoree Joseph M. Acaba, the associate director for mission and strategy at NASA’s Johnson Space Center; and Legacy Award winners Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04) and Rep. Nydia Velasquez (NY-07).

The awards ceremony will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 17, 2026.

Bad Bunny Makes History with Seven Emmy Wins for Super Bowl Halftime Show

Posted on September 6, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is celebrating a historic run of victors at the Creative Arts Emmys.

The 32-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning superstar claimed the first Emmy of his career for his headlining Super Bowl LX halftime show.

The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny actually swept all seven categories in which it was nominated,making the performance the most awarded Super Bowl halftime show in Emmy history.

The haul included Outstanding Variety Special (Live), making Bad Bunny’s performance only the second Super Bowl halftime show to win the top program prize, following the 2022 show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent.

It was also the first Spanish-language program to win the category.

The show also won for directing, music direction, choreography, sound mixing, lighting design, technical direction and camerawork.

The awards recognized the extensive creative and technical prowess behind the 13-minute performance, which brought together Puerto Rican imagery, Latin music and guest appearances by artists including Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.

Bad Bunny’s victory comes seven months after another major milestone: Debí Tirar Más Fotos became the first Spanish-language album to win the Grammy for Album of the Year.

The Emmy adds another major awards distinction to a year that has already been historic for the artist.

His Emmy night extended beyond the Super Bowl, as well.

The Saturday Night Live season opener he hosted won Outstanding Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program, giving a second production featuring Bad Bunny an Emmy.

Overall, Bad Bunny’s seven Emmys not only made history for the Super Bowl halftime show, but they underscored the scale of a performance that arrived amid intense attention around his selection and ultimately received the TV Academy’s strongest possible vote of confidence.

And Bad Bunny’s run shows no sign of slowing. His song “EoO” is featured in the record-breaking monetary hit Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and he is set to star in Porto Rico, the upcoming film from fellow Puerto Rican artist Residente.

Judeline & Rusowsky Earn First No. 1 on Billboard Charts with Karol G-Collab “BbY WOW”

Posted on August 25, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a memorable first for Judeline and Rusowsky.

The Spanish artists have scored their first Billboard No. 1, as “BbY WOW,” with Karol G, rockets from No. 5 to the top of the Hot Latin Songs chart dated Aug. 29.

“BbY WOW” lands at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs — which blends streams, airplay and sales — off a streaming-fueled surge.

The collab registered 6.1 million official on-demand streams in the United States during the Aug. 14-20 tracking week, according to Luminate.

The sum takes the song to a No. 34 start on the overall Streaming Songs chart and to an equal 5-1 trek on the Latin Streaming Songs list.

“It’s honestly hard to believe that a song we recorded just last month is already topping the charts — and in the U.S. of all places,” Judeline shared with Billboard. “Everything around ‘BbY WOW’ has happened so fast that I’m still processing it. I’m so thankful to Karol for giving me this opportunity, and to everyone who has embraced the song. Seeing how far it has traveled in such a short time is something I never could have imagined.”

“BbY WOW” gives Karol G her 11th No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs—and makes her the first artist in nearly two years to replace herself at the summit. Her Drake collaboration “Ahí” falls 1-4 after a 30% streaming dip, with 4.2 million U.S. clicks. The chart mixes streaming data, radio airplay and digital sales into its formula.

The last artist to pull off the feat was Bad Bunny, whose “Nuevayol” handed the crown to “DtMF” in January 2025.

Among female acts, Karol last did it in September 2023, when “Qlona,” with Peso Pluma, replaced “Mi Ex Tenía Razón.”

In addition to their Hot Latin Songs win, Judeline and Rusowsky race to their first No. 1 on the Hot Latin Rhythm Songschart, where “BbY WOW” climbs 5-1. Meanwhile, it soars 73-38 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 — Karol’s highest ranking in two years, after the No. 32-peaking “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” (August 2024).

On the global front, “BbY WOW” surges 171-37 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, with 17.9 million streams in the U.S. Plus, it debuts at No. 41 on the Global Excl. U.S. tally with 11.9 million clicks registered outside the country.

Bruno Mars Earns Five MTV Video Music Awards Nominations

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Bruno Mars is leading the Latino pack of MTV Video Music Awards nominees.

The 40-year-old part-Puerto Rican Grammy-winning superstar has earned five MTV VMAs nominations, including two in the major categories.

Mars is up for Artist of the Year, as well as Video of the Year and Best R&B for “I Just Might.”

Shakira has earned three nods this year.

The 49-year-old Colombian superstar has earned three nods.

Shakira is up for Best Collaboration and Best Latin for “Dai Dai,” her FIFA World Cup collaboration with Burna Boy.

She also has a second nomination in the Best Latin category for her Anitta-collab “Choka Choka.”

Kehlani has earned two MTV VMAs nods.

The 31-year-old half-Mexican and part-Spanish American singer & songwriter is nominated in the Best R&BCategory for “Folded” and in the Best Hip-Hop category for her Cardi B-collab “Safe.”

Other Latin nominees include Fuerza Regida, Bad Bunny, Karol G, Rosalia and Ryan Castro.

The 2026 VMAs will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, at 7:30 p.m. ET and 4:30 p.m. PT on CBS, with a simulcast on MTV and a stream on Paramount+.

The MTV VMAs are produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Van Toffler serves as producer. Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barbara Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer serve as executive producers, alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Melanie Block serves as co-executive producer and Gary Lanvy as co-producer.

Video Of The Year
Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records
Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records
GENER8ION – “STORM starring Yung Lean” – Iconoclast Music
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records
Sabrina Carpenter – “Tears”- Island
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

Artist Of The Year
Ariana Grande – Republic Records
Bruno Mars – Atlantic Records
Madonna – Warner Records
Morgan Wallen – Big Loud/Mercury Records
Sabrina Carpenter – Island
Taylor Swift – Republic Records

Song Of The Year
BTS – “Swim” – BIGHIT MUSIC
Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas” – Columbia Records
HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI – “Golden” – Republic Records/Visva Records
Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – “Bring Your Love” – Warner Records
Olivia Dean – “Man I Need” – Island
PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records
RAYE – “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” – Human Re Sources

Best New Artist
Bella Kay – Atlantic Records
CORTIS – BIGHIT MUSIC
Magnus Ferrell -Visva Records/Republic Records
Malcolm Todd – Columbia Records
Myles Smith – RCA Records
Sienna Spiro – Capitol Records
Stella Lefty – Sandlot/Atlantic Outpost

Best Collaboration
Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice – “Chains & Whips” – Roc Nation Distribution
French Montana x Max B – “Ever Since U Left Me” – Coke Boys Records
Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – “Bring Your Love” – Warner Records
PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records
Shakira & Burna Boy – “Dai Dai” – Sony Music US Latin
Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye – “Hard Part” – Def Jam Recordings

Best Pop
Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records
Charli xcx – “SS26” – Atlantic Records
LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi” – Lloud Co./RCA Records
Olivia Rodrigo – “drop dead” – Geffen Records
Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour” – Island
Tate McRae – “Nobody’s Girl” – RCA Records
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

Best Hip-Hop
Cardi B ft. Kehlani – “Safe” – Atlantic Records
Don Toliver – “E85” – Cactus Jack/ Atlantic Records
Drake – “Janice STFU” – OVO/Republic Records
Megan Thee Stallion – “LOVER GIRL” – Hot Girl Productions
Travis Scott – “DUMBO” – Cactus Jack/Epic Records
Tyler, The Creator – “SUGAR ON MY TONGUE” – Columbia Records

Best R&B
Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records
Chris Brown – “It Depends/Obvious” – RCA Records
Dave & Tems – “Raindance” – Neighbourhood Recordings/Capitol Records
Justin Bieber – “YUKON” – Def Jam Recordings
Kehlani – “Folded” – Atlantic Records
Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis – “Is It a Crime” – Epic Records

Best Alternative
Geese – “Taxes” – Partisan Records/Play It Again Sam
mgk & Fred Durst – “FIX UR FACE” – EST 19XX LLC/Interscope Records
Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide” – Mercury Records
Olivia Rodrigo – “the cure” – Geffen Records
SOMBR – “Homewrecker” – SMB Music/Warner Records
Tame Impala – “Dracula” – Columbia Records
twenty one pilots – “Drag Path” – Fueled By Ramen

Best Dance
Bebe Rexha & Faithless – “New Religion” – Bebe Rexha Music LLC/EMPIRE
Harry Styles – “Aperture” – Columbia Records
Lady Gaga & Doechii – “RUNWAY” – Lil Monsters/Top Dawg Entertainment/Interscope Records/Capitol Records
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records
PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records
Slayyyter – “DANCE…” – RECORDS/Columbia Records
Tate McRae – “Nobody’s Girl” – RCA Records

Best Latin
Anitta with Shakira – “Choka Choka” – Republic Records/UMLE
Bad Bunny – “NUEVAYoL” – Rimas Entertainment
Fuerza Regida – “TU SANCHO” – Rancho Humilde/Street Mob Records/Sony Music US Latin
KAROL G – “Papasito” – Bichota Records/Interscope Records
Rosalía ft. Yahritza Y Su Esencia – “La Perla” – Columbia Records
Ryan Castro, Kapo & GANGSTA – “LA VILLA” – AWOO Corp./ Sony Music US Latin
Shakira & Burna Boy – “Dai Dai” – Sony Music US Latin

Best K-Pop
BLACKPINK – “JUMP” – YG Entertainment
BTS – “SWIM” – BIGHIT MUSIC
CORTIS – “REDRED” – BIGHIT MUSIC
KATSEYE – “PINKY UP” – HYBE x Geffen Records
LE SSERAFIM (feat. j-hope of BTS) – “SPAGHETTI” – SOURCE MUSIC
LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi” – Lloud Co./ RCA Records

Best Country
Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas” – Columbia Records
Kacey Musgraves – “Dry Spell” – Lost Highway/Interscope Records
Lainey Wilson – “Somewhere Over Laredo” – Broken Bow Records
Luke Combs – “Back in the Saddle” – Columbia Nashville
Shaboozey – “Cowgirl” – American Dogwood/EMPIRE
Stella Lefty – “Boston” – Sandlot/Atlantic Outpost
Tucker Wetmore – “Brunette” – Back Blocks Music/Mercury Records

Best Direction
Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records
Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records
GENER8ION – “STORM starring Yung Lean” – Iconoclast Music
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records
Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour” – Island
Taylor Swift – “Opalite” – Republic Records

Best Art Direction
Charli xcx – “SS26” – Atlantic Records
Lady Gaga & Doechii – “RUNWAY” – Lil Monsters/Top Dawg Entertainment/Interscope Records/Capitol Records
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records
PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records
SOMBR – “My Body Isn’t Ready” – SMB Music/Warner Records
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

Best Cinematography
A$AP Rocky – “PUNK ROCKY” – A$AP Worldwide/RCA Records
Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records
LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi” – Lloud Co./ RCA Records
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records
Shaboozey – “Cowgirl” – American Dogwood/EMPIRE
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

Best Editing
Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records
Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records
LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi” – Lloud Co./ RCA Records
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records
Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour” – Island
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

Best Choreography
GENER8ION – “STORM starring Yung Lean” – Iconoclast Music
Harry Styles – “Dance No More” – Columbia Records
KATSEYE – “PINKY UP” – HYBE x Geffen Records
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records
Tate McRae – “Nobody’s Girl” – RCA Records
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

Best Visual Effects
Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records
JISOO X ZAYN – “Eyes Closed” – Warner Records
Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records
PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records
RAYE ft. Hans Zimmer – “Click Clack Symphony.” – Human Re Sources
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

Karol G’s “No Me Arrepiento De Sentir Tanto” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums Chart

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is a woman on top…

The 35-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning superstar’s sixth studio album, No Me Arrepiento De Sentir Tanto, debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart dated August 22, halting Bad Bunny’s reign with Debí Tirar Más Fotos.

Bad Bunny’s album has spent a record 77 nonconsecutive weeks atop the list and has been No. 1 since the January 24-dated chart.

Karol G’s set also floods Hot Latin Songs with 13 entries, led by “Ahí,” with Drake, which opens at No. 1.

No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto was released August 7 via Bichota/Interscope/Capitol, just more than a year after Tropicoqueta led the Top Latin Albums chart for two weeks in July 2025.

The new set marks Karol G’s fifth straight debut at the summit among seven career entries — only Unstoppable and Ocean fell short, peaking at No. 2 in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto begins with 50,000 equivalent album units earned in the United States in the tracking week of August 7-13, according to Luminate.

For its chart debut, the set registered 48,000 from streaming activity, which equals to 49.5 million official on-demand streams.

Album sales comprised a little over 1,000 units, with a negligible number of track-equivalent units.

With No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto, Karol G adds her fifth No. 1 on Top Latin Albums. No other female artist has dominated the overall Latin albums ranking in the past decade like Karol G, who trails only the late Jenni Rivera and Shakira, each with seven No. 1 albums, the most among female artists in the chart’s history, dating to 1993.

Meanwhile, No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto opens at No. 8 on the all-genre Billboard 200 — Karol G’s fourth top 10 — and breaks through to No. 1 on Top Latin Pop Albums. Plus, the set arrives at No. 7 on Top Streaming Albums.

Here’s a rundown of Karol G’s No. 1s on Top Latin Albums:

Title, Debut Date, Weeks at No. 1
KG0516, April 10, 2021, one
Mañana Será Bonito, March 11, 2023, five
Mañana Sera Bonito (Bichota Season), Aug. 26, 2023, one
Tropicoqueta, July 5, 2025, two
No Me Arrepiento De Sentir Tanto, Aug. 22, 2026, one

On the tracks front, 13 tracks from the new album join two already charting titles on Hot Latin Songs, which includes streaming data, radio airplay and digital sales into its formula. “Después de Ti,” with duet parter Greg González, and the album’s first charting track, flies 17-10, while fellow advance single “Matadora” slips 4-3.

But the biggest winner is “Ahí,” her collab with Drake, which debuts at No. 1 largely by 5.9 million official U.S. clicks. The sum yields a No. 46 start on the overall Streaming Songs chart, and a No. 1 on Latin Streaming Songs.

Ricky Martin to Perform at the Halftime Show of the 2026 NFL Rio Game in Brazil

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is preparing for a Latin American halftime show…

The 54-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will perform at the halftime show of the 2026 NFL Rio Game in Brazil alongside and Brazilian DJ, singer and producer Pedro Sampaio on September 27, the National Football League’s biggest international season to date.

The Baltimore Ravens will face the Dallas Cowboys that Sunday at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium, marking the first NFL regular-season game in the city.

The performance will be the second of a record seven halftime shows during the NFL’s 2026 International Games, which will span seven countries and four continents.

The game will begin at 4:25 p.m. ET.

“I grew up in Rio de Janeiro, seeing Maracanã Stadium as a place where history was made,” Sampaio said in a statement. “I never imagined that my first time performing on that field would be alongside Ricky Martin, who has always been a huge inspiration to me. “Maracanã is part of the history of both sports and music, and being part of this moment — especially at the first NFL game in my hometown — is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

The Brazilian funk artist has amassed more than 14 billion audio and video streams worldwide, according to a press release, and more than 11 million monthly Spotify listeners.

He has collaborated with Latin music giants like Anitta, Pabllo Vittar, J Balvin and Nicky Jam, and was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2024.

Martin, who has sold more than 95 million albums worldwide throughout his three-decade career — and achieved a historic Hot 100 No. 1 with “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” among other chart achievements — said the performance will bring him back to “one of my favorite places in the world: Rio.”

“Being part of another historic NFL event alongside Pedro Sampaio is incredibly exciting,” Martin added. “There’s nothing quite like the energy of the Brazilian people, and I can’t wait to reunite with our fans and perform live at the iconic Maracanã.”

In February, Martin joined Bad Bunny during his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show to perform the chorus of Benito’s “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii.”

Tim Tubito, senior director of global game presentation, music and entertainment at the NFL, stated, “Over the past year, the NFL has embraced the global power and cultural influence of Latin music, and Pedro Sampaio and Ricky Martin each have a unique connection with fans across Brazil, Latin America and beyond.”

The performance will be broadcast live in Brazil on Globo’s channels GETV and sportv. Limited-edition merchandise commemorating the halftime show will be available at NFL Shops in Rio.

The announcement follows the previously confirmed performance of the Jonas Brothers at the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game on Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the first-ever NFL game in Australia.

Bad Bunny to Wrap “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” World Tour in Puerto Rico

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is heading home to tirar más fotos…

Following one year of performances across the globe, the 32-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning superstar will be bringing his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour back to Puerto Rico for its final run.

The two-night event is scheduled for August 22 and 23 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, according to a press release issued Monday, August 17.

Weeks before the announcement, anticipation began to build as rumors circulated that Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasiowould perform once more on the island before concluding the trek.

Although there was no word from the artist or his team, local outlets reported that the singer would perform at Bithorn Stadium at the end of August. Speculation intensified after Rimas Entertainment reserved dates at the stadium.

Before the concerts begin, fans will be able to enjoy an experience outside the stadium featuring a local market, activations and activities celebrating the tour’s culmination.

The trek kicked off in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on November 21 — the first of 55 performances — following a sold-out, 30-day residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, known as “El Choli,” which generated millions of dollars for the island last summer.

From 2025 through July 2026, the artist toured across five continents, bringing his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos and the iconic La Casita — designed by the Puerto Rican artist to resemble the typical homes of the island — to audiences in 22 cities.

Along the way, he invited celebrity guests to join him for house parties inside the structure.

Debí Tirar Más Fotos was released in January 2025, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 before climbing to No. 1 the following week. It became the fastest Latin album to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, doing so in just 13 days, and earned Bad Bunny the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in February.

The following week, his performance at the Super Bowl halftime show helped the album return to the top of the Billboard 200 and propelled the song “DTMF” back to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour is already the highest-grossing tour by a male Latin artist in history, with $467.5 million in gross earnings.

In June, Bad Bunny became the first Latin artist to surpass $1 billion in career gross ticket sales.

Tickets for both performances go on sale Wednesday, August 19 at 10 a.m. through PR Ticket, with a limit of four tickets per transaction.

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