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.

Fuerza Regida Extending “This Is Our Dream Tour” with Second Leg Across U.S.

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

The dream continues for Fuerza Regida.

The Regional Mexican band is extending its This Is Our Dream Tour with a second leg across the U.S., the band announced on Monday, August 10.

Promoted by Live Nation, the 10-date run will begin on October 3 at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Ill., and concludes on November 2 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo.

The new dates will take the música mexicana group from San Bernardino, Calif., to amphitheaters and arenas in other markets, including Charlotte, N.C.; Atlanta; Birmingham, Ala.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Bakersfield and Fresno in California; and West Valley City, Utah.

The announcement follows the conclusion of Fuerza Regida’s historic U.S. stadium tour, which wrapped on August 7 at New York’s Citi Field.

The first leg included sold-out shows at Petco Park in San Diego, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and Daikin Park in Houston, with surprise appearances from artists including 50 Cent, Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, Bobby Shmurda, Fenix Flexin, J Balvin, YG, Marshmello, Chino Pacas, Clave Especial, Calle 24, Chuyín and lucha libre star Rey Mysterio.

The stadium run added to a series of milestones for Fuerza Regida, whose 2025 album 111XPANTIA debuted at No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200, the highest chart position for a música mexicana album to date.

The group has also received Grammy, American Music Award, iHeartRadio Music Award, Latin Grammy and Billboard Latin Music Award recognition in the past year.

This year, the band is set to make a headlining Q&A appearance at Billboard Latin Music Week.

Fuerza Regida’s second-leg tickets will go on sale Friday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. local time. The artist presale begins Wednesday, August 12 at 10:00 a.m. local time; a Verizon presale begins Tuesday, August 11 at 10 a.m. local time, followed by Spotify and Citi presales at noon. VIP packages will also be available.

Pitbull to Headline “Superstar Q&A” at This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull is preparing for a special Q&A…

The 45-year-old Cuban American artist has joined the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Week lineup for a “Superstar Q&A.”

Fresh off a history-making run during which he earned a Guinness World Record at London’s BST Hyde Park for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps, performed before a record-breaking crowd of nearly 70,000 fans and sold-out I’m Back Tour shows across North America and Europe, Pitbull is bringing his momentum to Billboard‘s event, which returns October 19-22 to the iconic Faena Forum Miami Beach.

He joins a lineup that includes Greeicy, Jay Wheeler, Jessi Uribe, Kany García, Lola Índigo, Paola Jara, RaiNao, Rawayana, Ryan Castro, Trueno and Zhamira, with more talent to be announced in the coming weeks.

Globally known as Pitbull, Armando Christian Pérez is a Grammy-winning independent international superstar, entrepreneur, education ambassador and motivational speaker whose influence extends far beyond music.

Currently on his global I’m Back Tour with Lil Jon, he continues to captivate audiences around the world — with billions of audio streams and video views, hundreds of Gold and Platinum certifications and a career that has redefined global crossover success.

Beyond the stage, Pitbull has built a thriving business portfolio as the founder of the Mr. 305 record label and Voli 305 Vodka, while also launching Globalization, his SiriusXM channel dedicated to global rhythmic hits.

A passionate advocate for education, he cofounded SLAM! (Sports Leadership Arts Management), a nationally recognized tuition-free public charter school network that now serves more than 10,000 students across 14 campuses throughout the United States, empowering the next generation through innovative learning and leadership.

Taking place October 19 to 22, Billboard Latin Music Week is recognized as the longest-running, highest profile and most influential gathering in Latin music. This year’s edition, with the theme “Global Consolidation,” will once again spotlight the genre’s continued worldwide expansion with multiple days of performances, exclusive conversations, panels, workshops, showcases, networking and fan experiences.

Carlos Vives to Perform Telemundo’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem at Billboard Latin Music Awards Alongside Emilia, Wisin & Xavi

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Vives is preparing to get in the game earlier than planned…

The 64-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and actor will join voices with Emilia, Wisin and Xavi to premiere Telemundo’s official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the upcoming Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will be presented live on Telemundo on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Titled “Somos Más,” the track’s lyrics will “deliver a powerful message of unity, pride and global connection through fútbol, inviting fans to wear their team colors, raise their voices and celebrate together,” according to a press release.

“Telemundo’s World Cup anthem is more than a song – it’s a celebration,” said Telemundo’s EVP of primetime unscripted & specials Francisco Suarez in a statement. “By bringing together these artists from four vibrant Latin American countries, we’re showcasing the richness and diversity of Latino culture while delivering a powerful message of unity, peace, and joy.”

Telemundo will broadcast all 104 matches of next year’s World Cup live – 92 of them on Telemundo and 12 on Universo. Every match will stream live on Peacock and the Telemundo App.

“This anthem is a tribute to the global spirit of fútbol and the communities we serve,” said Joaquin Duro, EVP of sports at Telemundo. “As the exclusive Spanish-language home of the World Cup, we are committed to delivering the most authentic and relevant coverage of this historic tournament. ‘Somos Más’ is one of many efforts that will elevate the fan experience and bring audiences even closer to the game.”

Vives, Emilia, Wisin and Xavi will also, for the first time, speak about the making of the song and the importance of the World Cup during a conversation at Billboard’s Latin Music Week on October 22.

Grupo Arriesgado Agrees to Contract with Smart Music Group (SMG)

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Grupo Arriesgado has agreed to a smart deal…

The Mexican group has entered into a contract with Smart Music Group (SMG), per Billboard en Espanol.

Co-founders and artist managers, Raczon López and Natalia Corona — honorees on last year’s Billboard Latin Power Players list — have launched a new label focusing on the five-member band that’s currently gaining traction on social media.

Originally formed in late 2013 on a ranch named Costa Rica in Culiacán, Sinaloa, and initially led by former frontman turned soloist Panter Bélico, Grupo Arriesgado gained popularity with hits like the accordion-infused “Jimenez” (2021), “El H,” and “Enloquecido” (2022).

With César Alfonso stepping in as the new lead vocalist, they have secured significant radio play and impressive digital platform statistics, amassing 4.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and maintaining a vigorous schedule of live performances.

Their digital presence is equally robust with 882,000 followers on Instagram, 1.1 million followers and 23.8 million likes on TikTok, and a strong YouTube following with 472,000 subscribers and over 600 million views.

Jesús Cuadras (electric bass), César Soto (bajo sexto), Alfonso Rodríguez (second voice) and Ángel de León (drums) also make up the band.

“Our relationship with Grupo Arriesgado began with the promotion of their three most recent releases, which allowed us to increase their audience on Spotify to almost 5 million monthly listeners and accumulate 35 million views on the main platforms,” López tells Billboard. “For this reason, the group wanted to take its relationship with Smart Music Group (SMG) to the next level and we have signed an agreement that makes us their representatives.”

He adds: “From now on, we will provide a comprehensive strategy that combines digital growth with presence in traditional media. This work will consolidate Grupo Arriesgado as one of the most important groups in Regional Mexican.”

López and Corona have recently managed the 2024 global breakout star Xavi, who topped Hot Latin Songs with “La Diabla” and secured the No. 2 spot with “La Víctima” on the same chart, and other notable achievements.

Under the pair’s management, Xavi also clinched the Artist of the Year (New) award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards. The duo also managed newcomer Drian.

With this new partnership, Grupo Arriesgado has embarked on a fresh phase with the release of “De Aquí Soy” (2025) and “Qué Chulada” (2024), two singles that mark a shift toward a more romantic and melodic style.

FloyyMenor Signs with Independent Artist Group for Booking

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

FloyyMenor has a new booking agent…

The 19-year-old Chilean singer and songwriter has signed with Independent Artist Group for booking.

The signing follows the huge success of FloyyMenor’s reggaeton hit “Gata Only” with Cris MJ, which was named TikTok’s Global Song of the Summer and Global Song of the Year in 2024.

According to a press release, the track saw 50 million creations on TikTok, generating more than 74 billion streams on the platform and 1.3 billion streams on Spotify; it also reached No. 2 on Spotify’s Global Chart.

“Gata Only” also had great success in the U.S., where it hit No. 27 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart for 14 weeks. It finished at No. 1 on the year-end Hot Latin Songs list.

FloyyMenor’s breakthrough came in 2023 with the single “Pa la Europa.” That was followed by the August release of his debut EP El Comienzo, on which he partnered with UnitedMasters.

According to the release, the EP became the most-listened-to Chilean project in Spotify’s history and ranked among the top Spanish albums globally in 2024. In December, Spotify also named “Gata Only” the most-streamed Latin song of the year, while that same month, FloyyMenor was named one of VEVO’s DSCVR Artists to Watch 2025. “Gata Only” was also featured on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s “Favorite Music of 2024” list.

In October, FloyyMenor became the first Chilean artist to win a Billboard Latin Music Award, where he took home the Global 200 Latin song of the year. He also won top Latin song at the Billboard Music Awards for “Gata Only.”

FloyyMenor is set to release his debut album YTSQS later this year.

Feid Earns 11th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay Chart with “Sorry 4 That Much”

Posted on October 22, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

It’s Lucky No. 11 for Feid.

The 32-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and record producer has earned his 11th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, and sixth this year, as “Sorry 4 That Much” rises 2-1 to lead the October 26-dated tally.

“Sorry 4 That Much” leads thanks to a 6% gain in audience impressions, to 6.6 million, earned in the U.S. during the October 11-17 tracking week, according to Luminate.

As the song lands at the summit, it ejects J Balvin and Chencho Corleone’s “Polvo de Tu Vida” from the lead, after the latter falls with an 11% dip in audience, to 5.8 million.

Of the 16 No. 1s on Latin Rhythm Airplay in 2024, only five were by a soloist, unaccompanied by any other collaborator — including “Sorry 4 That Much.”

Here’s a review of that elite group:

Artist, Title, Peak Date, Weeks at No. 1
Bad Bunny, “Monaco,” Jan. 27, one
Myke Towers, “La Falda,” Feb. 24, one
Ozuna, “Baccarat,” March 30, one
Venesti, “Es Normal,” July 27, two
Feid, “Sorry 4 That Much,” Oct. 26

“Sorry 4 That Much” takes Feid to his sixth straight No. 1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay, and all have come in 2024 — the most No. 1s of any act this year.

Elsewhere, Feid nearly misses the No. 1 on the overall Latin Airplay chart, where “Sorry 4 That Much” jumps 3-2, just behind Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” for the latter’s 14th week in the lead.

Feid’s new achievement lands on the heels of the Billboard Latin Music Awards 2024, where the Colombian became a finalist in 11 categories, including Global 200 Latin Artist of the Year.

Gabito Ballesteros to Perform at 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Gabito Ballesteros is preparing for a major performance…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karol G Receives Two Wax Figures from Madame Tussauds

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is waxing nostalgic…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anuel AA to Make Feature Film Debut in Indie Horror Film “You Lose You Die”

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Anuel AA is set to make his big screen debut…

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and singer, whose real name is Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago, will make his feature debut in Carlos “Spiff TV” Suarez’s indie horror film You Lose You Die.

He joins previously announced stars Freddy Rodriguez, who also executive produces, and Ashley Elizabeth Fliehr (WWE star Charlotte Flair).

Shooting is due to wrap imminently in the Dominican Republic and the project will be shopped following post-production.

You Lose You Die follows sociopathic tech expert Mr. Fantastik (Rodriguez), who runs a popular show on the dark web with two other sociopathic tech experts, Ms. Perfect (Fliehr) and Mr. Creep (Anthony Alvarez). On the show, thousands of viewers vote on games and challenges for prisoners to participate in. If the prisoners lose, viewers vote on the weapons the sociopaths use to kill them.

In addition to Anuel AA who plays EZ Money, the cast includes Josh Bredl as Mr. Large, Sophia Zimba as Kara, Ashley Hernandez as Julie, Alejandro Duran as Alfonso, Noah Crider as Chase, Marcella Acuña as Christie, Mercy Grant as Darling and Lydia Faith Gomez as Jamie.

Rodriguez, Josue “Sway” Mendez and Ulysses Terrero serve as executive producers, with Mendez also producing.

Michael Patti is director of photography.

Anuel AA is a Latin trap music pioneer. He recorded his debut album Real Hasta La Muerte (2018) which topped the U.S. Top Latin Albums chart.

He has collaborated with notable artists such as Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna and J Balvin. His hits include “Secreto” and “China.” He won the Billboard Latin Music Award for New Artist of the Year in 2019.

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