Karol G Leads Pack of Premios Juventud Award Winners with Five

Posted on July 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is embracing her juventud victories…

The 33-year-old Colombian superstar tied Peso Pluma for top winner honors at the 21st annual Premios Juventud.

Both Karol G and the 25–year-old Mexican singer-songwriter claimed a total of five awards each.

Karol G won awards in categories like Premios Juventud female artist and best urban album for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season).

Meanwhile, Peso won best regional Mexican album for Génesis and best urban track, sharing that award with Karol for their collab “Qlona.”

Neither Karol or Peso were at the awards show, which prides itself in speaking to the youth and for showcasing young talent.

This year, the star power was mainly fueled by veterans like Wisin and renowned producer Sergio George, who opened the show with their new salsa song “La Vida Es Una Fiesta.”

Other musical numbers featured Mexican iconic band Los Tigres del Norte, who were one of the Agent of Change honorees of the night, Los Ángeles Azules with Emilia, for a generational balance, Reik and Camila.

But newer acts like Ela Taubert — who won new generation female artist — and Los Esquivel also had a chance to take the stage. In fact, Los Esquivel delivered a riveting set with their electro corrido “Alucin,” as they turned the stage into a mini rave.

Besides the many musical numbers, the show handed out only a few awards throughout the three-hour telecast. Also, viewers were treated to pre-recorded messages by Ángela Aguilar, who sent a shout out from her wedding congratulating Premios Juventud on its 21st anniversary, and Shakira, who was one of last year’s Agent of Change recipients who returned to the event, this time via video, to remind fans and a new generation of artists to always believe in themselves.

Among the best moments of the night was the Fania tribute to celebrate its 60th anniversary, revisiting its salsa classics via a medley.

Because few awards were handed out during the telecast, there weren’t many speech opportunities. But the few that did happen were good and, one in particular, really stood out. Lele Pons shared powerful words when she received the Agent of Change award. “Stop trying to find your happiness in the acceptance of other people who don’t value you, ok? I use my platform to see if I can help people to love themselves and laugh, show cellulite, be you, be transparent,” she said. “Not everybody is going to love you, not everybody has to like you, that’s their problem, not yours. Love yourself, respect yourself, ok? You are enough. I love you.”

Here are the 2024 Premios Juventud winners:

Premios Juventud Male Artist: Carín León
Premios Juventud Female Artist: Karol G
Favorite Group or Duo of The Year: Fuerza Regida
New Generation – Female Artist: Ela Taubert
New Generation – Male Artist: Luar La L
New Generation – Regional Mexican: Xavi
The Best Beatmakers: Bizarrap
The Perfect Collab: “Bellakeo” — Peso Pluma, Anitta
OMG Collaboration: “Esta Vida” – Marshmello, Farruko
Girl Power: “Labios Mordidos” — Kali Uchis, Karol G
My Favorite Dance Track: “Contigo” — Karol G, Tiësto
Best Urban Track: “Qlona” — Karol G, Peso Pluma
Best Urban Mix: “Quema” — Ryan Castro, Peso Pluma, SOG
Best Urban Album: Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season) — Karol G
Best Pop/Urban Song: “Bonita” — Daddy Yankee
Best Pop/Urban Collaboration: “Baby Hello” — Rauw Alejandro, Bizarrap
Best Pop/Urban Album: Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran — Shakira
Tropical Hit: “Bailando Bachata” — Chayanne
Tropical Mix: “Plis” — Camilo y Evaluna Montaner
Best Tropical Album: Llamada Perdida — Prince Royce
Best Regional Mexican Song: “La Diabla” — Xavi
Best Regional Mexican Collaboration: “Lady Gaga” — Peso Pluma, Gabito Ballesteros, Junior H
Best Regional Mexican Fusion: “Según Quién” — Maluma, Carín León
Best Regional Mexican Album: Génesis — Peso Pluma
Creator of the Year: Wendy Guevara
Creator that Inspires Me: Carlos Eduardo Espina
Creator with a Social Cause: Juan González
Best LOL: Karla De La Torre
My Favorite Actor: Daniel Elbittar — El Amor No Tiene Receta
My Favorite Actress: Bárbara de Regil — Cabo
They Make Me Fall In Love: Angelique Boyer, Daniel Elbittar — El Amor Invencible

Shakira Among Headlining Acts for This Year’s Bésame Mucho Festival in Los Angeles

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is embracing the besos…

The Bésame Mucho Festival has unveiled its 2024 lineup, with the 47-year-old Colombian global superstar among this year’s headlining acts.

Returning December 21 to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles for its third year, other confirmed headliners include Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Los Tigres del Norte, Juanes, Banda MS, Carlos Vives, Gloria Trevi, Paulina Rubio and more.

Bésame Mucho has established itself as a popular multi-generational event thanks to the variety of artists who perform across different stages.

For its 2024 edition, Latin rock lovers will be able to enjoy acts such as Elefante, Belanova and Enanitos Verdes.

Música Mexicana fans can catch Ana Barbara, El Fantasma, Grupo Pesado and Alicia Villarreal.

The tropical junkies can dance the night away to Elvis Crespo, Bacilos and Proyecto Uno.

This will mark Shak’s second appearance at the festival.

Earlier this year, she made a surprise announcement via a video message during Grupo Frontera’s set at the first inaugural Bésame Mucho Festival in Austin, Texas, in March.

The artist used the festival grounds to tease fans with a preview of her Frontera collaboration “(Entre Paréntesis)” ahead of the release of her seventh studio album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.

“Hola mi gente de Bésame Mucho, I leave you with my friends from Grupo Frontera and a preview of our next song ‘(Entre Paréntesis),’” Shakira said in Spanish. The group then went on to play around half a minute of the norteño track.

Early access to presale tickets begins at 10:00 am PT on Friday, May 24 via BesameMuchoFestival.com.

Los Tigres del Norte Preparing to Perform in London for First Time

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Los Tigres del Norte are preparing for a European first…

The legendary norteño band will be visiting London, England, for the first time ever.

It’s a special trip the band’s bass guitarist Hernán Hernández describes as “something new for us and I’m a little nervous but at the same time, I have good vibes.”

Los Tigres del Norte, who have been hitting the recording studio in hopes of releasing new music very soon, recently made history in Texas.

Earlier in March, the band broke its own stadium attendance record at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

As part of their Siempre Contigo tour, the renowned norteño band made a pit stop at the rodeo’s Go Tejano Day, where they drew an audience of 75,595 at the sold-out NRG Stadium. Los Tigres broke its own 2019 record by topping it with nine more attendees this year.

“This is the fifth time that we come here to Houston, it’s very exciting,” accordion player and vocalist Jorge Hernández tells Billboard. “[Fans] encourage me to do something more. Next time we come here, we have a better show for them. It’s our responsibility.”

“Our songs have a lot of meaning for the Hispanic people who live in the United States or the ones who come from another country to the U.S.,” bass guitarist Hernán elaborates. “Singing for them is like giving them something related to where they come from, how hard it’s for them to live here. A lot of people are undocumented and our songs carry those messages, and I think that’s something very special for us.”

At the Houston Rodeo, the group known as The Voice of the People performed a one-hour set of its biggest corridos, norteño and cumbia songs.

“When we come to these types of shows, we know there’s going to be a lot of families. I even think about my own kids,” Hernán expresses. “It’s a way for the new generation to know who Los Tigres del Norte are because I know their families know about Los Tigres. It’s a very nice feeling.”

Ivan Cornejo to Make Performance Debut at This Year’s RodeoHouston

Posted on January 14, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Ivan Cornejo is lassoing a special gig for the first time…

The 19-year-old Mexican American singer-songwriter will make his performance debut at this year’s RodeoHouston as part of the 2024 lineup, which will showcase some of the biggest names across several genres, including rock, rap, country, Latin, Christian and more.

Cornejo is set to perform on Sunday, March 3.

But he isn’t the only Latinx act set to perform.

Los Tigres del Norte will perform during the event as part of Go Tejano Day on Sunday, March 10.

Other artists set to perform during RodeoHouston, which will take place at Houston’s NRG Stadium from February 27 through March 17, include

Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, 50 Cent, the Jonas Brothers, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church and for King & Country.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to bring such a wide range of musical genres to the RodeoHouston stage,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO, in a statement. “We’re welcoming 10 new entertainers who will make their debut on the star stage, as well as many fan-favorites from a variety of genres from our country roots, to EDM and hip-hop.”

The artists further add to RodeoHouston’s nearly 100-year legacy, in which time the rodeo has committed more than $600 million to aid education and youth-focused efforts in Texas.

Each year, RodeoHouston draws more than 2 million people to its mix of rodeo/Western activities, musical performances and carnival midway.

Tickets go on sale at rodeohouston.com on Thursday, January 18, in two waves — at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Here’s the official lineup of performers:

Feb. 27 – Opening Day, presented by Texas Capital – Blake Shelton
Feb. 28 – Armed Forces Appreciation Day, presented by Crown Royal – Carly Pearce
Feb. 29 – for KING + COUNTRY
March 1 – Black Heritage Day, presented by Kroger – 50 Cent
March 2 – HARDY
March 3 – Ivan Cornejo
March 4 – First Responders Day, presented by BP America – Hank Williams Jr.
March 5 – Oliver Anthony
March 6 – Community Day, presented by TC Energy – Jelly Roll
March 7 – Volunteer Appreciation Day, presented by Phillips 66 – Luke Bryan
March 8 – Major Lazer
March 9 – Lainey Wilson
March 10 – Go Tejano Day, presented by Fiesta Mart – Los Tigres del Norte
March 11 – Whiskey Myers
March 12 – Bun B
March 13 – Nickelback
March 14 – Zac Brown Band
March 15 – Jonas Brothers
March 16 – Brad Paisley
March 17 – RODEOHOUSTON Finals – Eric Church

Erika Ender Sells Song Catalog to Hipgnosis Song Management

Posted on April 1, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Erika Ender is cashing in…

Hipgnosis Song Management has acquired the song catalog of the 48-year-old Panamanian-American singer and songwriter, who co-wrote the 2017 smash hit “Despacito” alongside Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

According to the company, Hipgnosis has acquired a 100% interest in Ender’s publishing copyrights — including the writer’s share of performance — in all songs in her catalogue published, released or utilized through her Sony Music Publishing deal from 2007 through 2019, which includes more than 25 No. 1 songs.

“Despacito,” originally released in January 2017 and later in a bilingual version with Justin Bieber, spearheaded a global Latin movement made possible by streaming. The remix peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — where it ruled for 16 weeks — and spent 56 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart.

To date, the original version has more than 8 billion views on YouTube. It also won three Latin Grammy awards, including song and record of the year. The Bieber-assisted version received nominations for both song and record of the year at the 2018 Grammys.

Ender has also penned songs for other artists like Los Tigres del Norte, Chayanne, Gloria Trevi and Prince Royce.

In 2017, Ender became the youngest person to be inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The amount paid for Ender’s catalog was not disclosed but it further highlights the interest in Latin or Spanish-language music catalogs.

“Erika Ender has defined Latin music for the last 30 years,” Merck Mercuriadis, chief executive and founder of Hipgnosis Song Management, said in a statement. “Her more than 40 Number 1 singles have made her one of the most successful and influential songwriters of all time. Over the last 5 years Despacito has ruled the airwaves and helped to drive the new LATAM domination going to Number 1 in 47 countries, but Erika is so much more than that one song with a rich catalogue of many incredible songs. I’m delighted to welcome her to the Hipgnosis Family!”

“I am very excited about this partnership with Hipgnosis. I’ve always believed that music is eternal,” added Ender. “I’m confident my songs are in good hands with Merck and his team, and they will do their best to keep my catalogue active, present and alive, as they honor and recognize that the songs are the seeds to the entire music industry, the message that touches and marks people’s lives and where it all begins.”

Los Tigres del Norte to Donate Partial Proceeds from Upcoming Hometown Concert to Local Non-Profits

Posted on March 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Los Tigres del Norte are giving back to their hard-hit community…

The Mexican supergroup have announced that they’ve teamed up with the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., to donate a portion of the proceeds from the band’s upcoming hometown show on April 1.

The donations will benefit local organizations Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS) and Hijas del Campo, who aid area farmworkers in the aftermath of recent floods and the Half Moon Bay shooting.

“It has also been important to us to show our gratitude by giving back to the community,” the norteño ensemble said in a statement. “Farmworkers already face many hardships in daily life and we could not stand by when so many people close to home have had to face these additional horrible events. We also encourage more people to join us once again in supporting this hardworking, but underserved community.”

Ana Bárbara Becomes First Regional Mexican Songwriter to Receive BMI Icon Award

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ana Bárbara is celebrating a history-making win…

The 52-year-old Mexican singer, actress, television personality and model became the first regional Mexican songwriter to ever receive a BMI Icon Award.

Ana Barbara received the award at the BMI Latin Awards, which took place on March 21 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles.

“As an iconic female Regional Mexican artist, whose body of work continues to be an indomitable inspiration for the creative community, we’re thrilled to name Ana Bárbara a BMI Icon,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “Dubbed as La Reina Grupera, she has forged a career that spans decades. Her artistic achievements have paved the way for the next generation of female songwriters in the genre and earned the respect of the industry at large as one of the most groundbreaking songwriters of all time. For that, we salute Ana as a true icon and look forward to celebrating all our top music creators behind some of today’s most-performed Latin songs.”

The “Bandido” singer joins an elite group of artists who have received BMI’s highest honor including Carlos Santana, Gloria Estefan, Juan Luis Guerra, Los Tigres Del Norte and Los Lobos, among others. Throughout her 30-year career — which she kicked off in the early ’90s with her self-titled debut album in 1994 — Ana Bárbara has a total of 16 entries on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs, four of those are top 10 hits including “La Trampa” and “Me Asusta Pero Me Gusta.” On the Regional Mexican Airplay tally, she’s entered 21 songs, five of which hit the top 10.

Edgar Barrera, the prolific songwriter who seamlessly navigates between genres, was given the first ever Impact award for his remarkable presence and influence across the charts of many genres.

The evening — hosted by BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Latin Jesus Gonzalez — was also evening of encores. Tainy won the contemporary songwriter of the year award for the second year in a row, and Horacio Palencia also repeated his regional Mexican songwriter of the year award, this time tying with Barrera.

Sony Music Publishing, home to Tainy and Barrera, took home the contemporary Latin publisher of the year award, marking the seventh time in 10 years that it does so.

Universal Music Publishing Group won Regional Mexican publisher of the year, and the smash “Pepas” — performed by Farruko and written by Víctor Cardenas VIIC, IAMCHINO, Axel Quezada “Ghetto” and Keriel K4G Quiróz — was named contemporary Latin song of the year. “Jugaste y Sufrí” by Daniel Balderrama Espinoza won the Regional Mexican song of the year.

But the belle of the ball was undoubtedly Aba Bárbara. The Mexican singer, resplendent in a shimmering dress with a pink feathered skirt, delivered a set of her own compositions, backed by a her band and ending with “Lo Busqué,” during which she accompanied herself on guitar. The performance was a reminder of just how prolific Ana Bárbara has been in her 30-year career, placing 16 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart and 14 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart.

“Songwriting was something I didn’t always speak about,” Bárbara told Billboard earlier. “I was always shy about my songwriting, from the time I wrote [her first major hit] ‘Quise Olvidar,’ because composing wasn’t common among women. Now, I believe in all my songs, and I believe they’re all for me.”

Her inspirations, said Ana Bárbara, were the greats of Mexican music, including José Alfredo Jiménez; Joan Sebastian and Marco Antonio Solís, who both mentored her; and Ana Gabriel, also a singer and composer.

Now, Gabriel is also inspiring a new generation, as evidenced by the opening number of the night, a tribute to her music performed by young Mexican singers Adriana Ríos, Alisun Solís, Angélica Gallegos and Lupita Infante.

Intocable Earns Record-Tying 45th Top 10 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart

Posted on December 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a milestone tie for Intocable.

The Regional Mexican band, hailing from Zapata, Texas, has reached a milestone 45 top 10s on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “Un Poquito Tuyo” rises 13-9 on the December 10-dated ranking.

Intocable now ties with Los Tigres del Norte for the most top 10s overall.

“Un Poquito Tuyo” lands in the upper reaches of the chart in its fifth week due to a 15% weekly increase in audience impressions earned in the U.S. in the week ending December 4, according to Luminate.

The song was released on October 14 via Good I Music.

“Un Poquito Tuyo” is the second single from Intocable’s forthcoming album (release date to be announced).

It was written by Carlos Preciado and Ricardo Muñoz.

The song advances to the tally’s top region and earns the group its 45th top 10, all spanning four decades, tying with Los Tigres del Norte for the most top 10s since the chart launched in 1994.

Here’s the leaderboard:

45, Intocable
45, Los Tigres del Norte
44, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga
36, Los Tucanes de Tijuana
35, La Arrolladora Banda el Limón de Rene Camacho
32, Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
32, Calibre 50
30, Marco Antonio Solis
28, Conjunto Primavera
24, Vicente Fernandez

The new top 10 arrives just a month after the sextet earned its second top 10 of 2022 through “Más Muerto Que Vivo,” with Matisse (November 5-dated ranking).

Previously, “Si Me Duele Que Duela” ruled for two week in July.

Elsewhere, “Un Poquito Tuyo” climbs 32-26 on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart.

Christina Aguilera to Receive Spirit of Hope Award at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a spirited time for Christina Aguilera.

The 41-year-old half-Ecuadorian American actress and pop star will receive the Spirit of Hope award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

The special award — which was established in 1996 in honor of the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla — will recognize Aguilera for her philanthropic and humanitarian contributions beyond her musical work.

Aguilera will also perform during the awards show, which will take place on Thursday, September 29, at the Watsco Canter in Miami, and will be broadcast live on Telemundo beginning at 7:00 pm ET.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards — where Bad Bunny leads the list of finalists with a staggering 23 nods across 13 categories — will be simulcast on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, the Telemundo App, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

In addition to her musical accolades, including more than 75 million records sold worldwide, five No.1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, the artist also known as Xtina has lifted her voice to help end the cycle of domestic abuse, been a longtime supporter and ally to the LGBTQ+ community, raised awareness about HIV/AIDS research, and traveled the globe to help feed children in poverty-stricken areas.

Aguilera joins past Billboard Spirit of Hope recipients including Gloria Estefan, Emmanuel, Willy Chirino, Olga Tañon, Maná, Los Tigres del Norte, Ricky Martin, El General, Soraya, Juan Luis Guerra, Shakira, Ricardo Montaner, Juanes, Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony, Carlos Vives, Carlos Santana, Luis Fonsi, and Maluma.

Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga Earns 18th No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart

Posted on September 3, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Make that four chart-toppers in a row for Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga.

The Mexican banda’s first collaboration with Grupo Firme, “El Reemplazo,” has reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay tally dated September 3.

The original version of “El Reemplazo” finds its home on Grupo Firme’s 2020 LP Nos Divertimos Logrando Lo Imposible.

The new version, alongside Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga, was released May 31 via LGA/Music VIP. It takes over atop Regional Mexican Airplay (rising 4-1) as the Greatest Gainer of the week, thanks to a 28% gain in audience impressions, to 5.7 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending August 28, according to Luminate.

“El Reemplazo” trades places with La Fiera de Ojinaga’s “Luna de Miel” with a 4-1 dip after its one-week reign.

For Banda El Recodo, “El Reemplazo” is its fourth consecutive win among a collection of 18 champs. The 18th No. 1 moves the group into a tie for the second-most No. 1s since the chart launched in 1994. They tie Banda MS’ 18 rulers, while Calibre 50 remains ahead with 22 leaders.

Notably, Banda El Recodo is just the third band, alongside Intocable and Los Tigres del Norte, to score No. 1 titles in four decades.

Here’s a recap of his No. 1s in the 1990s, 2000s, ‘10s and now ’20s:

Peak, Title, Artist
Feb. 20, 1999, “Adorable Mentirosa,” Juan Gabriel Con Banda El Recodo
Dec. 4, 1999, “Te Ofrezco Un Corazón,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
May 20, 2000, “Yo Se Que Te Acordarás,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
March 31, 2001, “Y Llegaste Tú,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Aug. 24, 2002, “No Me Se Rajar,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
April 19, 2008, “Tómame O Déjame,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Feb. 14, 2009, “Te Presumo,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Dec. 5, 2009, “Me Gusta Todo De Ti,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
June 19, 2010, “Dime Que Me Quieres,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Dec. 10, 2011, “Te Quiero A Morir,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Aug. 11, 2012, “Sin Respiración,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
April 6, 2013, “La Mejor De Todas,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Nov. 23, 2013, “Vas A Llorar Por Mí,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
July 25, 2015, “Mi Vicio Mas Grande,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Oct. 9, 2021, “Qué Tienen Tus Palabras?,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Feb. 19, 2022, “Esta Vida Es Muy Bonita,” Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
June 11, 2022, “Brindo,” Mario Bautista & Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Sept. 3, 2022, “El Reemplazo,” Grupo Firme & Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga

The new win gifts Grupo Firme its fifth No. 1.

In October of 2021, Grupo Firme marked a career milestone as the third act to score an entry on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 with a regional Mexican song — when “Supérame (En Vivo Desde Culiacán, Sinaloa)” (one of their five Regional Mexican No. 1s) entered the Hot 100.

Beyond its Regional Mexican Airplay coronation, “El Reemplazo” concurrently makes progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart with an 18-12 trek.

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