Tag Archives: Latin Grammys

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

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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 Cobo, Billboard’s Chief Content Officer for Latin and Español, in a press release. “We pride ourselves in being a home for artists where they can speak creatively and openly, and we can’t wait to hear what Alejandro has to say.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luis Fonsi Earns 11th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay Chart with Carlos Vives-Collab “Santa Marta”

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Luis Fonsi has returned to No. 1 on the Billboard music charts…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican Latin Grammy-winning singer is back at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart with “Santa Marta,” his first collaboration with Carlos Vives.

Luis Fonsi
The track climbs 3-1 to lead the August 31-dated ranking.

It’s Fonsi’s 11th chart-topper and Vives’ seventh.

“It’s like an anniversary song,” Fonsi previously told Billboard of “Santa Marta,” which praises genuine love and empathy.

The song — released on May 17 as one of 12 songs on Fonsi’s 11th studio album El Viaje, which earned the Puerto Rican his 15th entry on Latin Pop Albums in June — was written by Fonsi alongside Mauricio Rengifo and Andres Torres, also producers of the album.

“Santa Marta” crowns Latin Pop Airplay after a 1% gain in audience impressions, to 3.3 million, earned in the U.S. in the tracking week of August 9-15, according to Luminate.

As the song lands at the summit, Fonsi manages his 11th No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay and seventh through a collaboration.

His first collaboration to hit No. 1 was “Despacito” with Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber, which ruled the tally for 18 weeks in 2017.

All of his No. 1s since have been collaborations. His first four leaders were all solo No. 1s, unaccompanied by any other artist, including his first No. 1, the five-week champ “Nada Es Para Siempre” in 2005.

Vives, however, raced to the No. 1 slot for the first time in 1995 when “La Tierra Del Olvido” ruled for two weeks.

The song, a core vallenato track, then made it to the pop radio ranking before it switched from a station-based tally to a genre-based survey.

Since then, Vives has crowned Latin Pop Airplay six more times, his last through “Mujeres,” a collab with fellow country singer Juanes, for one week on top in December 2023.

“Santa Marta” places Luis Fonsi back at the lead on Latin Pop Airplay after almost three years, as the Puerto Rican last occupied the No. 1 spot with “Bésame,” with Myke Towers, in November 2021.

He managed, though, three top 10s in between: “Vacaciones” with Manuel Turizo (No. 6 high in 2022), “Buenos Aires” (No. 10, September 2023) and “Pasa La Página” and “Panamá” (No. 6 high in January) The latter two (along with “Santa Marta”) are all from El Viaje.

Elsewhere, despite its 1% lift in audience impressions, “Santa Marta” dips to No. 32 on the overall Latin Airplay chart, after its No. 31 high (August 31-dated list) during its nine-week run so far.

Becky G Launching 14-Date 2024 Casa Gomez: Otro Capítulo Tour

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Becky G is taking her home on the road again…

The 27-year-old Mexican American singer and actress will hit the road in the fall with her 2024 Casa Gomez: Otro Capítulo Tour.

Becky GBecky G will kick off her 14-date stint on October 11 at The Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.

She’ll visit fans in key cities such as Atlanta, Phoenix and Houston before officially wrapping up in San Diego’s Park at the Park on November 17.

The Casa Gómez: Otro Capítulo Tour is in support of Becky’s latest studio album Esquinas, where she paid tribute to her Mexican roots with an all-música Mexicana set produced by Latin Grammy winner Edgar Barrera.

On the tour — which follows her 2023 headlining debut trek Mi Casa, Tu Casa — the artist born Rebbeca Marie Gomez is expected to perform more of her Regional Mexican hits, including the Peso Pluma-assisted “Chanel,” the Ivan Cornejo-assisted “2ndo Chance,” the Oscar Maydon-assisted “Mercedes,” and the heartfelt viral hit “Por El Contrario,” to name a few.

Esquinas finds Becky G at a crossroads of two cultures, referencing the intersection between her American style with her Mexican roots.

The album became Becky’s first entry on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart after debuting No. 3 last September. It also entered Billboard‘s Latin Pop Albums chart and Latin Rhythm Albums chart and debuted at No. 7 on the overall Top Latin Albums chart.

For Casa Gómez: Otro Capítulo, Becky partnered with Save the Music Foundation and will provide $1 of all ticket sales to STM to help deliver equitable access to music education for millions of students in the United States, according to a press release.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 3 p.m. local time on Wednesday, August 21.

Becky G, Casa Gomez: Otro Capítulo Tour

Fans can sign up for the presale code here.

General tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. local time on Friday, August 23 via www.iambeckyg.com.

 

Pepe Aguilar Signs Worldwide Deal with SESAC Latina

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Pepe Aguilar is going global…

The 55-year-old Mexican American singer and producer has signed a worldwide deal with SESAC Latina, per Billboard.

Pepe AguilarPreviously with BMI, Aguilar now joins his children, Ángela and Leonardo Aguilar, who are also part of the SESAC Latina roster.

“We are pleased to announce that superstar Pepe Aguilar has affiliated with SESAC Latina,” Celeste Zendejas, SVP, SESAC Latina, said in a statement. “His career success is truly unparalleled, and he is one of the most iconic figures in Latin music. We pride ourselves on being a family at SESAC, and we are thrilled to work with one of the most famous families in the Mexican artistic world, and we can’t wait to celebrate their continued success in the years to come.”

The son of regional Mexican music royalty — his father was the legendary Antonio Aguilar and his mother the iconic Flor Silvestre — Aguilar, who has been performing since he was a toddler, branched out of regional early in his career to sing in rock bands.

Eventually, he would become a renowned ranchera and mariachi music artist placing, so far, nine top 10 titles on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart.

Throughout his career he’s also won four Grammys and five Latin Grammy Awards.

Most recently, he released Que Llueva Tequila, which thrives on the regal mariachi sound that has characterized Aguilar’s style. Earlier this month, the regional Mexican hitmaker also wrapped his Jaripeo Hasta Los Huesos Tour with his children and brother Antonio Aguilar Jr.

Pepe Aguilar joins SESAC Latina’s roster that includes Nicky Jam, Edén Muñoz, Christian Nodal and Manuel Turizo, among others.

Draco Rosa to Receive The Latin Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award

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Draco Rosa will receive a special honor for his storied career…

The 55-year-old Puerto Rican singer, musician, songwriter and entrepreneur will be one of the recipients of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy, as part of its annual Special Awards presentation.

Draco RosaDraco is among a roster of honorees that include Albita, Lolita Flores, Alejandro Lerner, Los Angeles Azules and Lulu Santos.

Additionally, Puerto Rican composer Ángel “Cucco” Peña and Mexican guitarist Chucho Rincón will receive the Trustees Award.

“It is with great pride that we honor these musical legends who continue redefining our Latin music and heritage, said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating them as part of our Latin GRAMMY 25th anniversary festivities in November.”

According to the Latin Academy, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and its communities.

Meanwhile, the Trustees Award is given to artists who’ve made “significant contributions to Latin music during their careers in ways other than performance.”

Both are voted on by the Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees.

Draco has evolved from boy band stardom to becoming a rock en español icon and global hitmaker.

He originally garnered fame as a member of boy band Menudo in the 1980s, singing lead on the band’s biggest stateside hit, “Hold Me” and featuring prominently in the accompanying music video.

After leaving the band he moved to Brazil where he released two albums, achieving mainstream success.

Following a brief subsequent stint in California, he returned to New York and joined the band Maggie’s Dream, which split after only one album, allowing him to resume his solo career.

The singer and composer has released numerous albums and has composed multiple songs for Ednita Nazario, Julio Iglesias and former Menudo band-mate, Ricky Martin.

He has also been featured on VH1‘s Behind the Music.

Renowned for her fiery vocal delivery, Albita has been championing Cuban music and tradition since the late ’80s.

Her career in the U.S. has produced success, including multiple Grammy and Emmy nominations and wins.

In 2005, Albita was cast for a major role in the Broadway-produced musical play The Mambo Kings, where she worked for six months to rave reviews.

Daughter of Spanish legends Lola Flores and Antonio “El Pescaílla” González, Lolita Flores has made significant contributions to modern flamenco with her stunning voice and diverse repertoire.

Flores started her career in the early 1970s and with the release of the album Amor, amor and a single of the same name in 1975 she achieved success in her native Spain, as well as in countries in Latin America.

Her songs “Sarandonga,” “Lo voy a divider” and “Si la vida son dos días,” among others, have become staples in Spanish radio.

In 2002, she won a Goya Award for Best New Actress for her performance in the movie Rencor. Flores has also appeared in several television programs such as Directísimo and Hostal Royal Manzanares. In February 2019, she received the Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes.

Hailing from Buenos Aires, Alejandro Federico Lerner was a trailblazer in Argentine rock during the ’70s and is celebrated as a seminal figure in the genre.

From Iztapalapa to the world, Los Ángeles Azules have been instrumental in propelling Mexican cumbia to international acclaim since the ’70s, continually infusing the genre with a Latin alternative twist that keeps it vibrant and relevant.

Lastly, Lulu Santos, a gifted Brazilian guitarist, singer and composer, has enchanted audiences for over five decades with his distinctive contributions to Brazilian music.

The honorees will be celebrated at a private event on Sunday, November 10, in Miami during Latin Grammy Week. As in previous years, Latin Grammy Week will include the Latin Grammy Person of the Year gala, which this year honors Colombian sensation Carlos Vives, the Special Awards ceremony and a Leading Ladies of Entertainment luncheon, among other events.

Nominations for the 2024 Latin Grammys will be announced on September 17, and the awards ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

Google Mexico Dedicates its Latest Google Doodle to the Late Juan Gabriel

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Juan Gabriel’s legacy lives on(line)…

For the first time in its history, Google has dedicated its famous doodle to the late Mexican singer, songwriter and actor, one of the greatest figures of Mexican music, for his invaluable artistic legacy.

Juan GabrielOn Monday, July 15, the logo that appears on the search engine’s home page in Mexico honored the legendary composer and performer to remember that on this day in 1995, his song “El Palo” reached the top spot on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart. 

“Today, our Google Doodle honors a legend, Juan Gabriel, ‘El Divo de Juárez’. One of the most important singer-songwriters in Latin America. His songs and his entire legacy continue to live on in Mexico and the world,” wrote Google México on its X account.

According to information from Google Mexico, the doodle was created by Mexican illustrator Humberto Irigoyen, who spent four months working on it in order to gather many details about the artist’s life and work.

To the rhythm of his famous song “Noa, Noa”, Internet users can navigate the 2D illustration, which shows different stages and facets during a fruitful career spanning more than four decades, in which he became a true benchmark of Hispanic music in the world: from his youth on stage, his foray into television, his creative process when writing his songs, as well as his bright and colorful costumes that sealed part of his artistic personality.

The doodle also illustrates his historic 1990 performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico’s most important cultural venue, which was recorded and released as the live album Juan Gabriel en el Palacio de Bellas Artes. That recital made the artist the first Mexican popular music singer-songwriter to perform there with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional.

Juan Gabriel, known internationally for classics such as “Querida” and “Amor Eterno”, died on August 28, 2016 at his home in Santa Monica, California, of natural causes, in the middle of a concert tour. He was 66 years old.

“El Palo” was part of his album El México Que Se Nos Fue, which won the 1995 Premio Lo Nuestro award for best regional Mexican album.

Inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame in 1996, Juan Gabriel built a legacy as a multifaceted artist over more than four decades, recording songs in genres as diverse as rancheras, baladas, pop and boleros, songwriting and producing other artists.

Among his many accomplishments, El Divo de Juárez sold more than 150 million records, composed more than 1,800 songs, released 34 studio albums, was nominated six times for a Grammy, won three posthumous Latin Grammys and more than 20 of his hits reached the top 10 on the Billboard charts, including seven No. 1s on the Hot Latin Songs chart. His song “Yo No Sé Qué Me Pasó” opened the first edition of that chart in 1986 at No. 1.

Emilio Estefan Partners with Latino U.S. Senators to Help Designate May 2024 as “Latin Music Appreciation Month”

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Emilio Estefan has partnered with two Latino U.S. senators to help recognize the impact of Latin music in the nation.

The 71-year-old Cuban musician and producer, who has won 19 Grammy Awards, teamed up this week with U.S. senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla) to have

Emilio EstefanMay 2024 designated as “Latin Music Appreciation Month” in the United States.

Lujan and Rubio introduced the bipartisan resolution.

The effort was led by award-winning producer Estefan, People en Español and political strategist and organizer Nathaly Arriola Maurice, after the group traveled to Washington, D.C. last December to meet with Senator Luján.

“As one of the only Hispanics in the United States Senate, I’m honored to introduce this resolution recognizing Hispanic and Latino achievements in music and culture,”  Luján said, according to People en Español. “The impact of Hispanic and Latino artists in the U.S. and around the world is immeasurable – from driving cultural trends to achieving commercial success – and it’s worth celebrating.”

Since kicking off his career in the ‘70s, Estefan has always focused on elevating Latin music and culture.

“The recognition of Latin Music Month marks a crucial moment to highlight the true story of our music, which carries a diversity of styles from all corners of the world,” he expressed. “These sounds have influenced many generations and continue to be the inspiration for the new ones.”

Carlos Vives Named Latin Recording Academy’s 2024 Person of the Year

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Carlos Vives is set to receive the highest honor from the Latin Recording Academy.

Twenty-five years after leading the list of nominees for the first edition of the Latin Grammys, the 62-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and actor has been named the 2024 Person of the Year.

Carlos VivesVives — winner of 18 Latin Grammy Awards, two Grammy Awards and a Billboard Latin Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee — “will be honored for his more than three-decade career as a multifaceted singer and composer, as well as for his continued commitment to environmental and social initiatives,” per the Latin Recording Academy.

“Carlos Vives is one of the most prolific and beloved artists of our time, whose commitment to Latin music and support for the new generations truly personifies the values of our Academy,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives.”

“It’s still surprising to me,” Vives told Billboard Español this week in an exclusive interview. “It’s like a message that the Academy gives at the end, because 32 years ago I chose a path [that was unconventional]. To be successful, to be commercial, there was one way. This other path that’s cultural or has to do with your identity, that doesn’t work, [they would say].”

In Wednesday’s press release, he added: “I am honored and moved to have been chosen as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. It is the reward for an authentic journey, for a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity. These spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to take care of it and to respect it in order to exalt humanity with it.”

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

His commitment to good causes transcends the musical realm. In 2015, he created the Tras La Perla initiative to promote the sustainable development of Santa Marta and its ecosystem. In addition, he created the Escuela de Música Río Grande to offer artistic experiences to children and young people, and founded the record label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talent. He’s also been a strong advocate and generous supporter of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation since its inception, the Latin Recording Academy highlights, and sponsored its annual Prodigy Scholarship in 2018.

His latest album, Escalona: Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, earned him his 18th Latin Grammy when it was crowned best cumbia/vallenato album in 2023. This year he was also recognized with the ASCAP Founders Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

Vives will be feted as Person of the Year at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of his renowned repertoire. Details of the event, to be presented in November during the 2024 Latin Grammy week in Miami, will be announced at a later date.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts.

Past honorees are Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).

Christian Nodal Announces Pa’l Cora Tour Across United States

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Christian Nodal is preparing to trek across the United States. 

The 25-year-old Mexican singer and songwriter, one of the most sought-after artists worldwide within the booming regional Mexican music scene, has announced his Pa’l Cora Tour 2024 in the U.S.

Christian NodalThe mariacheño superstar will kick off his 25-date arena tour in Seattle on September 11, which will see him making stops in major cities such as Los Angeles, Denver, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Newark, Brooklyn, Miami and Atlanta. He’ll wrap up in Baltimore on November 10 at the CFG Bank Arena.

“I’m very excited that we will meet again very soon. I’m working very hard to make Pa’l Cora Tour even more surprising than the previous one,” Nodal said in a press release. “Get your Don Julio tequila ready so we can toast together. Wait for me, I’ll be there. I love you all.”

Recently, Nodal partnered with Tequila Don Julio for the launch of A Summer of Mexicana to “celebrate and spotlight inspiring Mexican creatives who live Por Amor,” read a press release.

Nodal has won six Latin Grammys, eight Latin Billboard Music Awards, and 11 Latin American Music Awards. His songs “Botella Tras Botella” with Gera MX and “La Intención” with Peso Pluma have reached the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 60 and 92, respectively, among other chart achievements.

Pre-sale of tickets for Pa’l Cora Tour begins on May 15, and the official on sale begins on the following day, May 16, at www.cmnevents.com.

Here are the tour dates:

Sept. 11 — WAMU Theater @ Seattle, Wash.
Sept. 12 — Toyota Center @ Kennewick, Wash.
Sept. 20 — SAP Center @ San José, Calif.
Sept. 26 — Toyota Arena @ Ontario, Calif
Sept. 27 — Honda Center @ Anaheim, Calif.
Sept. 28 — Kia Forum @ Los Angeles, Calif.
Sept. 29 — Desert Diamond Arena @ Glendale, Ariz.
Oct. 4 — Ball Arena @ Denver, Colo.
Oct. 6 — Delta Center @ Salt Lake City, Utah
Oct. 10 — Payne Arena @ Hidalgo, Texas
Oct. 11 — Dickies Arena @ Fort Worth, Texas
Oct. 12 — Moody Center @ Austin, Texas
Oct. 13 — Smart Financial Centre @ Sugar Land, Texas
Oct. 18 — Allstate Arena @ Chicago, Ill.
Oct. 20 — Prudential Center @ Newark, N.J.
Oct. 23 — Place Bell @ Montreal, CAN
Oct. 24 — Coca Cola Coliseum @ Toronto, Canada
Oct. 26 — Barclays Center @ Brooklyn, N.Y.
Oct. 27 — Agganis Arena @ Boston, Mass.
Nov. 1 — Kia Center @ Orlando, Fla.
Nov. 2 — Kaseya Center @ Miami, Fla.
Nov. 3 — Hertz Arena @ Ft. Myers, Fla.
Nov. 8 — Gas South Arena @ Atlanta, Ga.
Nov. 9 — Greensboro Coliseum @ Greensboro, N.C.
Nov. 10 — CFG Bank Arena @ Baltimore, Md.

Ricky Martin to Headline LA Pride in the Park

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Ricky Martin is taking great pride in his next performance…

The 52-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will headline LA Pride in the Park, which will return to the Los Angeles State Historic Park on Saturday, June 8.

Ricky MartinThis marks Martin’s first-ever headlining Pride performance.

Moreover, Martin will be the first openly gay Latin artist to take center stage at the popular Pride event.

The theme for this year’s Pride season is “Power in Pride,” which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community’s ability to live authentically.

“I am thrilled to be headlining LA Pride in the Park because it’s an incredible opportunity to celebrate love, diversity, and equality,” Martin said in a statement. “LA Pride is a testament to the power of community, the power of visibility, and the power of standing up for our rights. Being part of this vibrant community fills me with pride and purpose.”

“With his electrifying stage presence and chart-topping hits, Ricky Martin has long been an inspiration to millions around the world,” said Gerald Garth, board president of CSW/LA Pride. “His participation in LA Pride in the Park goes beyond mere entertainment; it symbolizes a powerful affirmation of queer Latin identity and a celebration of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. We cannot wait to be ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ while beaming with Pride!”

Across 20 acres and with a capacity of 25,000, LA Pride in the Park is one of the largest official Pride concerts in the country.

The nonprofit Christopher Street West Association has produced the LA Pride celebration for more than 50 years. General admission and VIP passes are now available to purchase at lapride.org.

Throughout his nearly four-decade career, Martin has brought Latin music and culture to the mainstream, paving the way for an explosion of crossover talent.

Born in Puerto Rico in 1971, Martin gained fame as a member of Menudo before embarking on a highly successful solo career, which has brought him two Grammy Awards and four Latin Grammy Awards.

Martin’s 1999 smash “Livin’ La Vida Loca” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks and received Grammy nods for record and song of the year. It was also nominated for record of the year at the inaugural Latin Grammys in 2000 – a show that became a reality because of the undeniable crossover success of artists like Martin, Santana and Marc Anthony, among others.

In May 1999, Martin appeared on the cover of Time in a story headlined “Latin Music Goes Pop!”

In November 2006, at age 34, he became the youngest-ever person of the year recipient at the annual gala put on by the Latin Recording Academy.

Martin is also an accomplished actor, earning a Primetime Emmy nod for his role in FX’s The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story and displaying his talent on Broadway. He starred in Jingle Jangle for Netflix, opposite Forest Whitaker and Anika Noni Rose and can now be seen in the Apple TV series Palm Royale alongside Laura Dern, Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney and Carol Burnett.