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.

Belinda To Participate in This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Belinda is preparing to highlight Latina power at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week event.

The 35-year-old Spanish-Mexican singer and actress will participate in Billboard Latin Music Week 2024, Billboard announced on Monday.

BelindaBelinda is among a roster of new conference participants that includes Camila Fernández, Chiquis, Dei V, Eslabón Armado, Kunno, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, Omar Courtz, Yahritza y Su Esencia and Zhamira Zambrano will participate in

These artists join previously announced participants including Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez and Yeri Mua.

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 already available for purchase here.

“Miami Beach is a global destination for arts and entertainment, and this is a perfect example, hosting Billboard Latin Music Week,” said Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiner. “And just like Latin music is the heartbeat of many communities, the Billboard Latin Music Week is becoming the heartbeat of Miami Beach. We are really proud to have that partnership.”

Panelists include Venezuelan content creator Marko, who’ll speak on the panel “From Viral Hits to Billboard Charts: The Power of Content Creators.”

“Us content creators have become a must to take music to the masses,” said Marko at the press conference. “We’re doing work that began a few years ago basically with no credibility. Today, we have the possibility and blessing to have an important brand like Billboard give us our own panel to display our work and accomplishments with music. It’s a fact that content creators are the new DJs.”

Mau and Ricky will speak at the panel titled “Venezuela Rising,” where Venezuelan artists will discuss the global impact of Venezuelan artists and also, their role in their country’s current political climate.

Speaking at Billboard Latin Music Week “Provides us a platform to continue speaking about our country and what’s happening there now,” said Mau. “Thanks for giving us the opportunity to speak about Venezuelan talent and also about what things need to change in Venezuela. And thanks for the opportunity to speak to a new generation. It’s so important to me to give them the tools not many of us had when we started.”

Other newly added speakers include Belinda and Zhamira Zambrano, who will participate in The Women’s Panel, Global Rising: A Conversation with Female Stars from Around the Globe, shining a spotlight on the diverse talent and voices of trailblazing Latina artists.

The highly anticipated Legacies panel will bring together Chiquis, Majo Aguilar, Camila Fernández and Lupita Infante to discuss how, by building on their remarkable dynasties, they have crafted their own careers while honoring their family names and the evolution of Latin music.

Dei V and Omar Courtz will be part of Next Gen Reggaeton: An Evening Curated by J Balvin.

Meanwhile, the panel Families Who Work Together will feature Yahritza y Su Esencia, whose sister manages the group, and Eslabon Armado, whose mother serves as their manager, highlighting the unique dynamics of family partnerships in music.

Kunno will lend his expertise as the moderator of the From YouTube to Charts panel with chart-topping artists that started their careers on social media.

Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air on Telemundo. Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, Billboard will host a special 35th-year anniversary celebration on the evening of October 18, where INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to this star-studded event.

J Balvin to Headline This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

J Balvin is helping celebrate Latin music…

The 39-year-old Colombian singer will headline the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week.

J BalvinThis year’s 35th annual event will take place from October 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. 

Known for his massive influence on Colombian reggaetón and global Latin music, the Medellín superstar — who is fresh off releasing his sixth solo studio album Rayo — will host a special night titled “Next Gen Reggaetón: An Evening Curated by J Balvin” during the week.

The event promises an exciting lineup of surprise performances and guests, all chosen by Balvin himself.

The global superstar and entrepreneur is a highly decorated and critically acclaimed cultural icon who has won multiple Billboard Music Awards and plenty of chart accolades, including nine No. 1 tracks on the Hot Latin Songs chart like “Mi Gente” with Beyoncé, “Ginza,” “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” with Black Eyed Peas) and a No. 1 on the Hot 100 (“I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny).

Apart from his curation, Balvin will engage in an exclusive Superstar Q&A moderated by Leila Cobo, chief content officer for Latin/Español at Billboard, providing deeper insights into his music and influence. The session aims to foster intimate and enlightening discussions.

“Latin music is living its most successful and globally recognized moment ever this year. But Billboard has been proudly at its side for over 35 years as the main flagbearer, supporter and ultimate opinion maker for Latin music around the world,” said Cobo in a press release. “During a year when Latin music is dominating the charts and the cultural zeitgeist, we are thrilled to return to Miami Beach, the global capital of Latin music, for this exciting week-long event.”

The announcement also highlighted the expansive lineup for this legacy event, featuring a blend of established stars and emerging talents including Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, JOP, Keityn, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Mau y Ricky, Mon LaFerte, N.O.R.E., Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez, and Yeri Mua, with more to be announced in the coming months.

Tickets are now available here.

Prime Video Acquires Documentary Film About Bad Gyal, “La Joia: Bad Gyal”

Bad Gyal is ready for Prime time…

Prime Video has acquired a documentary film about the 27-year-old Spanish singer, songwriter, DJ and model, whose real name is Alba Farelo Solé.

Bad GyalTitled La Joia: Bad Gyal, the original doc follows Bad Gyal, exploring how she attempted to conquer the mainstream while her debut album was postponed for over a year for reasons beyond her control.

Known for her distinctive overall use of Auto-Tune, Bad Gyal has developed a strong cult following  since her musical career began in 2016, with her uploading a cover of Rihanna‘s “Work“, sung in Catalan, to YouTube.

She continued to make music as an independent artist, releasing records like “Indapanden“, “Jacaranda” and the popular “Fiebre“.

Bad Gyal later released two mixtapes: Slow Wine Mixtape (2016) and Worldwide Angel (2018), which consecrated her as an emerging artist within the Spanish urban scene.

Bad Gyal signed with Interscope Records and Aftercluv in 2019, and saw mainstream acclaim with songs like “Santa María“, “Zorra” and “Alocao“, the latter becoming the number-one song in Spain for 2019

Her debut album La Joia was released in 2024.

Vampire Films is making the film in co-production with Double Body, Entrelíneas and Nanouk Films.

David Camarero is the director behind the project.

La Joia: Bad Gyal will premiere on Prime Video at the end of this year.

J Balvin to Release New Album, “Rayo,” This August

J Balvin will be catching some rayos this summer…

The 39-year-old Colombian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer has announced plans to release his upcoming new album, titled Rayo, on August 9.

J BalvinBalvin’s 15-track LP includes collaborations with Feid, Chencho Corleone, Bad Gyal and Carín León, among others. 

The set will follow the hitmaker’s Grammy-nominated Jose released three years ago, which peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart for three weeks.

Overall, Balvin has placed four No. 1 sets on the tally since 2016, including Energía, Vibras and Oasis, his 2019 joint album with Bad Bunny.

As with all his previous albums, this one also started with a name before even recording any of the songs included. “My albums have always started with their names,” he previously told Billboard. “That way, we let ourselves be guided by the vibe.” The singer-songwriter also shared that London was a major source of inspiration for the set, specifically its nightclub scene, where he and his team would play demos sometimes. “We wanted to see fan reaction, and it was amazing,” he teased.

According to a press release, Rayo is an expression of “earnest need for human connection that drove Balvin to create an album that feels more like a house party than a collection of songs.”

On this new album, he blends elements of reggeatón with electronic pop and dembow, the statement further adds.

In April, Balvin performed a riveting sci-fi-inspired headlining set at Coachella, where he sang his biggest anthems to date, including hits recent hits such as the Tainy-produced “Colmillo” and “Dientes.”

Some of his surprise guests included Jowell & Randy, De La Ghetto and Will Smith.

The new album announcement coincides with Balvin’s new single “Gaga” in collaboration with Saiko. The Keityn and L.e.x.v.z.-produced track dropped on Thursday (July 11).

Here’s the Rayo tracklist:

“Cosa de Locos”
“Polvo de tu Vida” featuring Chencho Corleone
“Swat” featuring Luar La L
“Bajo y Batería”
“Doblexxó” featuring Feid
“3 Noches”
“Gaga” featuring Saiko
“Gato” featuring Bad Gyal
“Lobo” featuring Zion
“La Noche” featuring Dei V
“Origami” featuring Ryan Castro and Blessd
“Sólido”
“Stoker” featuring Carin León
“Ganster”
“En Alta” featuring Omar Courtz, Yovngchimi, Quevedo, Mambo Kingz, DJ Luian

Anitta Releases Bad Gyal-Collaboration “Double Team,” Reveals Release Date for New Album “Funk Generation”

Anitta is bringing the funk…

The 30-year-old Brazilian singer, songwriter, dancer, actress and occasional television host is set to release Funk Generation, her first full-length studio album under Republic Records and Universal Music Latin Entertainment.

Anitta & Bad GyalThe album will be released on April 26.

Funk Generation is an album where I celebrate my roots,” Anitta said about the forthcoming record. “It’s where I express the power of Rio’s funk in every track its unique, danceable, and sensual beats. It’s a rhythm born in the favelas, where I grew up, and it exudes resistance and art in every community. I’m proud to work on a project about a genre that has been unfairly stigmatized in Brazil but is slowly gaining recognition worldwide.”

Funk Generation is the extended album counterpart to Funk Generation: a Favela Lovestory, the three-song bundle Anitta shared last August.

That set included the funk-imbued singles “Funk Rave,” “Casi Casi” and “Used To Be,” which gave fans an indication of where she was headed next sonically. “I dive into carioca funk,” Anitta said in a statement at the time. “The rhythm that raised me and is part of the culture from where I was born.”

Anitta also says this album includes “important collaborations” that have helped her tell the complete story of this album, including a just-released new single and music video “Double Team” featuring Bad Gyal and Puerto Rican rapper Brray.

Anitta and Bad Gyal, a Spanish singer also signed to Universal Music Latino, have also recently released “Bota Niña,” a collaboration for Bad Gyal’s debut album “La Joia.”

“Double Team” — a song that trades lines in Spanish, Portuguese and English — arrives with an accompanying music video starring Anitta, Bad Gyal and Brray and is set in a sweltering open-air baile funk party.

Young Miko Among Opening Acts for Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito Tour

Young Miko is preparing for a Bonito experience…

The 24-year-old Puerto Rican rapper has been named as one of the opening acts for Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito tour.

Young Miko,Young Miko will appear at the seven of the “Bichota” singer’s 15 U.S. stops, including Karol G’s first night in Los Angeles, as well as Houston, New York, Atlanta and more.

Other special guests for Karol G’s show include DJ Agudelo888, who will appear at all 15 shows, and Bad Gyal, who will be an opening act at Karol G’s two Miami shows.

Karol G announced her special guests on Instagram following her history-making Lollapalooza performance—as the first female Latin act to headline the festival in more than 30 years.

Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito tour

Becky G Makes Cameo Appearance in Tainy’s Just Released “La Baby” Music Video

Becky G is making a Tainy appearance…

One week after surprising he world with “La Baby,” a new single off Tainy’s upcoming studio album DATA, the Latin hitmaker has brought in a host of celebrity women, including the 26-year-old Mexican American singer, rapper and actress, for the summer-friendly track’s official video, released on Monday.

Becky GIn addition the 26-year-old Mexican American singer/atress, the star-studded music video features Camila Cabello, Lali, Elena Rose, Bad Gyal, Evaluna, RaiNao and PaoPao singing along to the verses from Daddy Yankee, Feid and Sech.

In a 90’s-inspired selfie clip, each artist is seen doing their own respective thing, such as getting ready for a night out (Bad Gyal), working out at the gym (Lali), drinking a morning coffee (Evaluna) or enjoying a late-night drive around town (Elena Rose).

“La Baby” sees Tainy opting for infectious reggaeton with hard-hitting drum beats and lyrics meant to empower and motivate the ladies.

“That kitty is lost/ She doesn’t have an owner/ An architect/ She’s building her dreams/ Everyone I show her off to/ Says she’s hot like a jalapeño,” he sings on his verse.

“Thank you to these incredible women for being a part of it,” Tainy expressed on his Instagram account.

“La Baby” is part of Tainy’s debut solo studio album DATA, slated for a June 29 release. The release also comes on the heels of Tainy unveiling its stacked tracklist including Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Myke Towers, J Balvin, Arcangel, Kany Garcia, Young Miko and many more.

“[DATA] is a representation of who I am as a person, and as a fan of music,” Tainy previously told Billboard Español. “To be able to have my own album is so special. I’m putting my everything into this, all the knowledge I’ve acquired since I started working with the people I admire.”

Anuel AA to Perform at This Year’s Latin American Music Awards

Anuel AA is heading to the Latin American Music Awards

The first wave of performers has been announced for this year’s Latin AMAs, with the 30-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and singer among those set to take center stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Anuel AAAnuel AA will perform “Más Rica Que Ayer” during the show.

Other performers include newlyweds Guaynaa and Lele Pons, who will perform a medley that includes their latest collaboration “Abajito”; Myke Towers, who will perform his newest track “Mi Droga”; and Prince Royce, who will surprise viewers with an unreleased song.

Additionally, Spanish newcomer Bad Gyal and Regional Mexican crooner Eden Muñoz will make their Latin AMAs debut. The former will deliver her single “Chulo,” and the latter will offer his viral solo hit “Chale!

Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours, and even social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (February 12, 2022, through February 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations; at eight nods each are Grupo Frontera, Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, Romeo Santos, and Rosalía.

Meanwhile, Muñoz, Bizarrap, Blessd, Grupo Frontera, Los Lara, Luis Figueroa, Luis R Conriquez, Quevedo, Santa Fe Klan and Yahritza y Su Esencia are nominated in the best new artist category.

Carlos Vives and Pepe Aguilar will be recognized as 2023 Latin AMAs Legacy honorees. This year’s ceremony will be co-hosted by Galilea Montijo, Julián Gil and Natti Natasha.

For the first time since its debut on October 8, 2015, on Telemundo, the ceremony will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS and Galavisión after TelevisaUnivision acquired the rights from dick clark productions in September.

Karol G Reveals Doodle-Inspired Cover Art & Track List for New Album “Mañana Será Bonito”

Karol G is getting colorful

The 31-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter has unveiled the colorful doodle-inspired cover and tracklist for her forthcoming album Mañana Será Bonito, which will be released on February 24.

Karol GThe 17-song album, which kicks off with “Mientras Me Curo del Cora,” features collaborations with QuevedoCarla MorrisonSean PaulSechBad GyalJustin Quiles and Angel Dior.

It also includes previously released singles “Provenza,” “Cairowith Ovy on the Drums, “Gatubela” featuring Maldy, and the Romeo Santos-assisted “X Si Volvemos.”

“This is the face of my album,” Karol wrote on social media. “I present it with all my love and pride. To be honest, I can’t believe I was able to contain myself and not share the release date sooner but I can finally share it with you. I am happy and counting down the days.”

Mañana Será Bonito will be her fourth studio album. It will follow her 2021 Grammy-nominated KG0516, which scored Karol her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums. The set earned the biggest week for a Latin album by a woman since Shakira‘s 2017 El Dorado.

Karol G nabbed the No. 1 spot on Billboard‘s 2022 year-end Top Latin Artists – Female chart for a fourth consecutive year. She was also No. 2 on the overall Top Latin Artists chart – the only female act in the top 10. Furthermore, Karol G’s $trip Love Tour became the highest grossing U.S. tour by Latin female act in history. It grossed $69.9 million and sold 410,000 tickets across 33 shows in North America (through the end of October), according to numbers reported to Billboard Boxscore.