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.

Peso Pluma Among Artists Featured on Billboard’s New “Billboard Mic’d Up!” Web Series

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Peso Pluma is getting mic’ed up…

The 25-year-old Mexican singer, rapper and songwriter, whose real name is Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija, is taking part in Billboard’s new web series Billboard Mic’d Up!

The first episode is an exclusive and immersive behind-the-scenes experience of Billboard chief content officer for Latin and Español Leila Cobo’s life during Billboard Latin Music Week, a notable event in the Latin music calendar.

Viewers will gain access to intimate, unfiltered moments as Cobo interacts with some of the industry’s most prominent artists, including Peso Pluma, global sensation J Balvin, hip-hop icon Fat Joe, Thalía, María Becerra, and more throughout the week.

Mic’d Up features artist interactions and captures the excitement and energy of the various live shows and high-profile events from Billboard’s annual event celebrating Latin music.

A notable highlight from the clip is the prestigious Latin Power Players event night, which is part of Billboard‘s annual recognition of Latin executives.

In 2024, Peso Pluma’s manager George Prajin was honored with the executive of the year award for his significant contributions to the Latin music landscape and closing out the week with the celebration of Billboard Latin Week’s impressive 35th anniversary, marking a milestone that reflects the growth and evolution of Latin music over the years.

The unique format of Mic’d Up intends to offer viewers an in-depth and personal look at the inner workings of the Latin music industry, celebrating key highlights and pivotal moments that define this vibrant world. It promises to be a captivating journey through Cobo’s lens, illuminating both the glamour, humor and hard work behind the scenes of Latin music’s most significant events.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nHP1fU5vD8

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

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Sanz has achieved Icon status…

The 55-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer and songwriter will take part in this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week.

Sanz, a four-time Grammy and 22-time Latin Grammy winner, will sit down for an exclusive Icon Q&A.

Sanz joins a star-studded lineup for the five-day event, featuring exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars.

Previously announced participants include Bad Gyal, Belinda, Camila Fernández, Chiquis, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Dei V, Domelipa, Eslabon Armado, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Kunno, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, María Becerra, Marko, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Omar Courtz, Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Yeison Jiménez, Yeri Mua and Zhamira Zambrano, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

“It’s an honor to welcome Alejandro as he prepares to release new music,” says Leila Cobo, Billboard’s Chief Content Officer for Latin and Español, in a press release. “We pride ourselves in being a home for artists where they can speak creatively and openly, and we can’t wait to hear what Alejandro has to say.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Farruko to Take Part in “Moving Our Music Pa’lante” Panel at Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on September 14, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Farruko is movin’ pa’lante…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter will take part in the “Moving Our Music Pa’lante” panel discussion, which is set to take place during Billboard Latin Music Week 2021.

The event will return to Miami with a weeklong (September 20-25) event that unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers and industry leaders, and features live performances and conversations with superstars.

Presented by HBO Max and moderated by Billboard‘s Leila Cobo, the panel will explore how HBO Max creates and markets its slate of acquired Latin music films and documentaries, sharing their creative process and the strategies they use to deliver compelling content that resonates with fans across the U.S. and Latin America.

Panelists include Farruko; Edgar Martinez, svp entertainment, Loud and Live; Jessica Vargas, director of multicultural marketing, HBO Max/HBO; and Leslie Cohen, senior vp content acquisitions for WarnerMedia, HBO Max/HBO.

Other recently announced panels include “Mano a Mano” with Rauw Alejandro and Myke Towers, during which both chart-topping artists will discuss new projects, upcoming tours and the challenges and advantages for the new wave of reggaetón artists; “Making the Hit, Live” masterclass with Lunay and his longtime producers Chris Jedi and Gaby Music; and the “Coming Out Latin” panel with Raymix, Esteman, Erika Vidrio and Jhonny Caz of Grupo Firme for an insightful and heartfelt conversation on the challenges and rewards of coming out as a Latin music act.

Under the slogan “The Beat of Latin Music,” making its mark as the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, this year’s event will continue through the end of the week as Billboard launches its En Vivo concert series.

The 2021 Latin Music Week will take place from September 20 to 25 at the Faena Forum in Miami, and coincides with the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards broadcasting live via Telemundo on Sept. 23.

To register and for more information, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Rosalía to Take Part in This Year’s Virtual Latin Music Week, Moved to October Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Rosalía will help celebrate Latin music this fall…

The 26-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer-songwriterwill participate in this year’s Latin Music Week, a three-day immersive experience dedicated to Latin music, culture and entertainment.

Rosalia joins a roster of participating superstars that includes J Balvin, Taboo and the Black Eyed Peas, Maluma,Ozuna and Carlos Vives.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary as the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry, Latin Music Week2020 will take place on October 20-23.

This year’s festivities will be virtual, and will feature intimate artist conversations, industry panels, workshops and performances.

“Latin music has become a formidable and undeniable uniting force around the world, so it’s fitting that this year’s virtual Latin Music Week will be globally accessible at no cost to the industry and fans for the first time,” said Leila Cobo, vp, Latin industry lead, Billboard. “While we were disappointed to postpone our April conference, our virtual event will allow us to connect with fans and artists from all over the world no matter where they are. During these very difficult times, we are thrilled to extend an invitation to all who wish to celebrate Latin music and culture.”

This year’s Latin Music Week was originally scheduled to take place April 20-23 in Las Vegas, but was postponed due to COVID-19.

Additional participants and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

To reserve a spot and receive updates, RSVP here.

Mala Rodriguez to Perform During the Virtual Edition of the Latin Alternative Music Conference

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Mala Rodriguez is offering a special alternative for people stuck at home during this coronavirus pandemic.

The 41-year-old Spanish Latin Grammy-winning rapper will take this in this year’s Latin Alternative Music Conference, which will be held live online.

This year, the annual Latin Alternative Music Conference will officially kick off on Tuesday, June 9 withg a variety of virtual industry panels, workshops and showcases that will live.

Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and as the nation begins to reopen gradually, the LAMC‘s five-day virtual conference includes timely panels like “The Future of Touring” with panelists Jordi Puig (OCESA), Phil Rodriguez (Move Concerts) and Sebastian De la Barra (Lotus Producciones).

And, “Mental Health and the Creative Community” presented by MusiCares and the Latin Grammys featuring Carla Morrison, Kany García, Ana Tijoux and Guaynaa.

LAMC’s Talks with Billboard Latin will feature Leila Cobo‘s fireside chats with Walter Kolm and ChocQuibTown‘s Gloria “Goyo” Martínez.’

Rodriguez will perform on June 9 as part of peermusic‘s showcase. Other participating artists include Thee Sinseers, Gaby Moreno and Lido Pimienta.

Francisca Valenzuela, Tatiana Hazel, Los Caligaris, among others will perform during the LAMC.

On closing night, LAMC will celebrate Pride Month with performances by Kany García, Mabiland, Circo and Javiera Mena.

“Providing a forum to discuss the issues we face and the potential solutions that lie ahead is key as we look towards the future,” LAMC founder Tomas Cookman said in a previous statement. “Although the days ahead may be slightly different for a time, we should always keep in mind there is very much a future as music is a human and global emotion. We are lending our hand by making the conference free for all and having a team of professionals join us in making sure the LAMC experience is as informative and technologically seamless as can be.”

Check out the full schedule on the LAMC website.

Leila Cobo to Release New Book Offering Inside Look into the Latin Music Industry

Posted on December 23, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Leila Cobo is doing some decoding…

The Colombian journalist/writer, a vice president at Billboard, will release a new book next year with Penguin Random House titled Decoding Latino: The Real Story of Latin Music.

The book will offer an insider’s view into the Latin music industry, tracking the stories behind 15 of the biggest hits of the past 50 years featuring some of the biggest names in music, including Emilioand Gloria Estefan, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvinand Luis Fonsi, among others.

“Bringing to life these stories and these songs is an honor and a pleasure,” said Cobo, who is also a classically trained pianist. “We’ve had so much fun reliving the making of these landmark songs.”

Decoding Latino will also explore areas such as the birth of Salsa, which was bred on the streets of Spanish Harlem, as well as Puerto Rican reggaetonand the bilingual chart-toppers making history.

It will be published in English and Spanish, and will also be available as an audio book.

Cobo, who has previously written four books in addition to co-writing the 2017 memoir Una Vida with recording artist Ednita Nazario, is Billboard‘s chief Latin music expert, writer and editor who has secured some of the magazine’s most iconic cover stories highlighting names like pop star Jennifer Lopez, urban king Ozuna and the recent cover story featuring Spain’s flamenco-inspired hip-hip artist Rosalía, who this month was celebrated at Billboard’s 14th annual Women in Music event for her contributions to female empowerment.

Previously, Cobo published two novels with Grand Central Publishing/Hatchette Book Group, which were translated to German, Italian and have won multiple awards. The Second Time We Met, Cobo’s 2012 novel, won the Latino Book Award for best popular fiction and was chosen as one of the top summer reads by MSN and Latina.

Cobo’s biography on the late Jenni Rivera (Penguin Random House) stayed on the U.S. top 10 list of most-sold books in Spanish for more than 25 consecutive weeks. The book on the Diva of Banda music was named a top-read by several publications, including People en Español.

Becky G to be Honored at the Latin Recording Academy’s Leading Ladies of Entertainment Luncheon

Posted on November 10, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Becky G is a (leading) lady who lunches…

For the second consecutive year, the Latin Recording Academy will host its Leading Ladies of Entertainment luncheon, honoring professional women within arts and entertainment who have made significant contributions to their fields, including the 21-year-old Mexican American singer/songwriter/actress.

In addition to Becky G, this year’s honorees include Univision journalist and anchor Pamela Silva Conde; BMI’s VP of Creative for Latin music, Delia Orjuela; and Cynthia Hudson EVP and GM of CNN en Español and Hispanic Strategy for CNN/US.

“With great pride and admiration we laud these honorees who throughout their careers have continually demonstrated grit, determination, an absolute sense of pride, and an indomitable spirit,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., president/CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.

The Leading Ladies of Entertainment program launched last year with a similar lunch in Las Vegas, honoring executives like Lionfish Entertainment founder Rebeca Leon (who manages Juanes, Rosalía and J Balvin), Warner Music Latina GM Gabriela Martinez and Billboard’s executive director of Latin content and programming Leila Cobo.

The event was a rare honor designed specifically for women involved in Latin music and entertainment.

Erika Ender Among the Latin Recording Academy’s Inaugural “Leading Ladies of Entertainment”

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Erika Ender is a leading lady…

The Latin Recording Academy will honor the accomplishments of women working in the Latin music industry, including the 42-year-old Panamanian and Brazilian singer, songwriter and actress, with a ceremony recognizing “The Leading Ladies of Entertainment.”

Considered one of the most prolific composers in the Latin music market today, Ender is the woman behind Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s global hit “Despacito,” having co-written the song with the Puerto Rican superstars.

Last month, Ender was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Billboard’s Leila Cobo, Executive Director of Content and Programming for Latin Music and Entertainment, will also be honored during the inaugural event, which will take place on Tuesday (November 14) at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Las Vegas.

Recording engineer Marcella Araica, Rebeca Leon, CEO and Founder of Lionfish Entertainment; Gabriela Martinez, General Manager Warner Music Latina and SVP Marketing Warner Music Latin America; and Univision’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Rodriguez will also be honored as 2017’s “Leading Ladies.”

The new Latin Grammy week event will precede the 18th annual awards, which will be broadcast live on Univision from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday (November 16).

“It is my pleasure to welcome this new event to Latin Grammy Week, where we will have another opportunity to celebrate talented and inspiring individuals,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., Latin Recording Academy President/CEO, said in a statement. “Women face a myriad of difficulties in the entertainment industry, but despite those obstacles, the women we are honoring have continually demonstrated perseverance, fortitude, and grace under pressure.”

Davina Aryeh, Chief Marketing Officer of The Latin Recording Academy, pointed out that the gender gap in the music industry “is more pronounced for Latinas.”

“We want to empower and inspire women,” she added. “Not only through the symbolic importance of the event…but also through the tangible financial contribution it will have as we donate proceeds back to our Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation in the form of scholarships for young women interested in studying music.”

Nicky Jam to Speak at Songwriter Q&A During This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Conference

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam is ready to open up about his red-hot career…

The 34-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer-songwriter, boasting back-to-back singles on the Top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, has been confirmed for the Songwriter Q&A during this year’s Billboard Latin Music Conference in Miami.

Presented by Jorge Mejia’s Sony/ATV, the “Songwriter Q&A,” now in its third year, features hitmakers at the peak of their careers.

Nicky Jam, whose song “El Perdón” with Enrique Iglesias became the second-longest running track ever at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, will discuss his career, his hits and his songwriting strategy in a conversation with Leila Cobo, Bilboard’s executive director of Latin content and programming.

Nicky Jam is a finalist for eleven Billboard Latin Music Awards including Artist of the Year. His song “El Perdón” with Iglesias vies for five additional awards including Hot Latin Song of the Year, Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event and Airplay Song of the Year.

Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias’ “El Perdón” spent 30 weeks atop the Hot Latin Songs chart (it peaked on March 21, 2015), becoming the second-longest running No. 1 ever on the chart. His latest single “Hasta El Amanecer” is currently No. 3 on Hot Latin Songs.

The Billboard Latin Music Conference, which will be held April 25-28 at the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach Fla., will also feature key industry leaders and music stars. Registration to the conference is open at BillboardLatinConference.com with early bird, loyalty and group rates available.

The Billboard Latin Music Conference 2016 culminates with the annual Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air live on the Telemundo network April 28 from the BankUnited Center in Miami.

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