Nashy-Nashai Wins Netflix’s Latin Music Competition Series “La Firma”

It’s a special signing for Nashy-Nashai

The aspiring Argentine artist has been declared the winner of Netflix’s La Firma, the streaming services first-ever Latin music competition show.

Nashy-NashaiLa Firma starred Rauw Alejandro, Tainy, Nicki Nicole, Yandel and Lex Borrero.

“The NEON16 team signs Nashy-Nashai for her performance on #LaFirmaNetflix, with a mission to build her presence in the music industry. Stay tuned for what’s coming in 2023 for Nashy-Nashai!” says an official Instagram post.

In a similar spirit as The Voice and Making The BandLa Firma placed 12 hopeful contestants in a mansion, and followed them for the chance to secure a record deal with Neon16 — a talent incubator founded by Borrero and Tainy.

Spectators were introduced to budding talent from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Perú, and the U.S.

Nicki Nicole Releases Deeply Personal New Single “NO voy a llorar :’)”

There’ll be no tears for Nicki Nicole

The 22-year-old Argentine rapper and singer has dropped new single “NO voy a llorar :’),” her first release of 2023.

Nicki Nicole,The track is deeply personal and uncanny with a theme of heartbreak and disappointment at its center.

The song starts slow, with Nicki Nicole belting a heart-wrenching verse over melancholic organ riffs: “I will not cry when you go/ I will not suffer if you leave me/ I’ve convinced myself that your love/ Can’t be for me,” she sings — with a chipmunk-like effect. The track quickly turns into a mid-tempo, pop-urban tune where she performs — now in full-voice and with confidence — lyrics like “Go on with your life/ I won’t think of you.”

The music video, directed by Lucas Vignale, shows Nicki Nicole vulnerable in a bathtub crying — or rather un-crying (her tears are shown in reverse, rolling up her cheeks to meet her eyes) — before submerging fully in the water, only to reemerge on the street, ready to face any challenge life throws her way.

Rels B. Agrees to Co-Management Deal with Federico Lauria & Pepo Ferradas

Rels B. has new representation…

The 29-year-old Spanish rapper, songwriter and music producer has signed with managers Federico Lauria and Pepo Ferradas, whose client list includes Nicki Nicole, Duki and Bizarrap (Lauria) and Camilo, Evaluna Montaner and Lali Esposito (Ferradas).

Rels B.Lauria and Ferradas will co-manage the rising Spanish artist.

Longtime friends, Lauria (CEO of DalePlay) and Ferradas (CEO of FPM Entertainment) have collaborated in multiple tours and projects, but this marks the first time the two executives team up to jointly to work in developing an artist’s career.

Rels B, also known as Skinny Flakk, began recording as a rapper but has evolved into more R&B and urban/pop territory with highly relatable lyrics and memorable melodies.

To date, he has amassed 4.5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel and has 15.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

After scoring multiple hits in his native Spain, Lauria and Ferradas are making a concerted effort to focus on the U.S. Latin and Latin American markets. This summer, Rels B finished playing a 27-date tour of the U.S. and Latin America, and in August, he put out his first single, “Cómo dormiste?,” under Lauria and Ferradas’ management.

The track garnered Rels B his first top 10 on the Billboard Argentina charts and the music video has over 38 million YouTube views. He recently released the alt/pop-leaning “pa quererte.”

Lauria and Ferradas have long worked together in different projects, most recently in Esposito’s sold-out Argentina tour, which Lauria promoted, and includes a grand finale at Velez Stadium, with 45,000 tickets sold. Both men have also scored big management wins in the past 12 months, Lauria with Duki and Bizarrap, and Ferradas with Camilo and, prior to that, Nathy Peluso.

But this is the first time they formalize a management alliance. Rels B releases music under his own Flakk Records and Dale Play, Lauria’s label. He is signed for publishing with Sony Music Publishing.

Nicki Nicole Releases New Single “Nobody Like Yo”

Nicki Nicole knows her worth…

The 22-year-old Argentine rapper and singer is making a bold statement with the release of her latest single, “Nobody Like Yo.”

Nicki NicoleProduced by Icon and Tatool, the track is a fiery fusion of salsa and trap.

“Nobody Like Yo” Nicki Nicole having an internal battle as she tries to live her authentic self. But the pressures of being a boxing champ are getting to her head.

“‘Nobody Like Yo’ is a song that I have wanted everyone to hear for a long time,” Nicki offers. “It was saved for just the right moment which is now. It talks about an internal battle between two people that grapple every day due to their egos and pretentiousness.”

The song is her first single since releasing the 2021 album Parte de Mí

CNCO to Perform at This Year’s Latin American Music Awards

CNCO is preparing to take the global stage…

The Latin boy band is among the latest acts appearing on the performance roster for this year’s Latin American Music Awards, which will take place at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas

CNCOIn addition to CNCO, the latest list of confirmed artists includes EmiliaFarruko, Gera MXLuis Fonsi, Prince Royce, and Reik.

They join previous performers Black Eyed Peas, Boza, Calibre 50, Chiquis, Christian Nodal, Esteman, Gerardo Ortiz, Gloria Trevi, Jesse & Joy, Jhay Cortez, Lit Killah, Los Ángeles Azules, Lupita D’Alessio, María Becerra, Nicki Nicole, Ozuna, Sofía Reyes, and Tiago PZK.

The three-hour event will “pay tribute to today’s most influential and iconic Latin artists” in 26 categories, including favorite video and favorite social artist, selected by a committee of industry professionals who consider the quality, content, creativity, and fan engagement.

The 2022 Latin AMAs nominations are led by Bad Bunny with 10 nominations. He’s followed by the eight-time nominee Jhay Cortez, and Karol G, J Balvin, and Rauw Alejandro with seven nods each.

This year’s nominees, which are determined by fan voting via LatinAmas.com, are based on key fan interactions with music, including streaming, sales, airplay, and social activity tracked by Billboard through its data partners Luminate — formerly MRC Data — and Next Big Sound for data covering the periods of Feb. 6, 2021, through Jan. 29, 2022.

The 2022 Latin AMAs will take place on Thursday, April 21, live from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The seventh annual ceremony will be broadcast on Telemundo starting at 7 p.m. ET with the red-carpet pre-show followed at 8 p.m. ET by the awards show.

Jesse & Joy to Perform at This Year’s Latin American Music Awards

Jesse & Joy are preparing for the Latin AMAs

The Latin American Music Awards have announced the first round of performers for its 2022 edition, with the Mexican sibling duo – comprised of brother Jesse Huerta and sister Joy Huerta – set to take the stage.

Jesse & JoyJesse & Joy are among a roster of performers that includes The Black Eyed Peas, BozaCalibre 50Chiquis, Esteman, Gerardo Ortiz and Gloria Trevi.

The Latin AMAs will be broadcast on Telemundo from Las Vegas starting at 7:00 p.m. ET with the red-carpet pre-show.

Other acts confirmed to grace the stage include Jhay Cortez, Lit KillahLos Ángeles Azules, María BecerraNicki Nicole, Sofia ReyesOzuna and Tiago PZK.

The awards show kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET live from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

According to a press release, the forthcoming three-hour event will “pay tribute to today’s most influential and iconic Latin artists” in 26 categories, including favorite video and favorite social artist, selected by a committee of industry professionals who consider the quality, content, creativity and fan engagement.

As it was previously announced, Mexican songstress Lupita D’Alessio will be honored with the Legend Award and Regional Mexican chart-topping artist Christian Nodal will receive the Extraordinary Evolution Award. Nodal is also a five-time nominee at this year’s Latin AMAs.

The 10-time-nominated Bad Bunny leads the list of nominees. The Puerto Rican hitmaker is followed by Jhay Cortez with eight nominations, and Karol G, J Balvin and Rauw Alejandro with seven nods each.

This year’s nominees are based on key fan interactions with music, including streaming, sales, airplay and social activity tracked by Billboard through its data partners MRC Data and Next Big Sound for data covering the periods of February 6, 2021, through January 29, 2022. All Latin AMA categories are determined by fan voting.

To vote for your favorite artists, visit LatinAMAs.com.

Maluma Among the Headlining Acts for This Year’s Baja Beach Fest

Maluma is headed south of the border this summer…

The 27-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter will co-headline this year’s Baja Beach Fest, which will return to the beaches of Mexico this summer.

Maluma, Quay Australia,In addition to Maluma, the Rosarito-based fest will also be headlined by Anuel AA, Farruko and Wisin y Yandel.

The festival will also feature a headlining performance from Sinaloan heroes Banda MS.

The festival is slated to run two weekends in a row, from August 12-14 and August 19-21 for three days each. Each weekend will close out with a headlining set from Daddy Yankee, who recently suggested on social media he would be heading out on his last world tour this year.

The Reggaeton and Latin Trap festival will also see sets from Myke Towers, Natanael CanoSechJhay CortezEl AlfaNatti Natasha and more.

Jay WheelerTokischaMoraNicki Nicole, Arcángel and VF7 and Lunay, among others, are also set to perform at the beachside resort.

Baja Beach Fest first emerged as a one-day event in 2018 and has continued to grow each year.

In 2019, the festival expanded to two days and welcomed top-tier talent including OzunaJ BalvinBecky GBad Bunny and Nicky Jam.

In 2020, the festival postponed due to the pandemic and returned in 2021 with performances from Ozuna, Balvin and Karol G for 30,000 fans.

https://twitter.com/BajaBeachFest/status/1484615711443935232

Rauw Alejandro to Judge Netflix’s Reality Competition Series “La Firma”

Rauw Alejandro is on the hunt for new urban talent…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican singer and rapper, known as the “King of Modern Reggaeton,” and fellow reggaeton star Yandel are among the Latin artists helping Netflix in their search for the next Latin urban music star in the reality competition series, La Firma.

Rauw AlejandroThe duo will be joined by Nicki Nicole and Lex Borrero as judges of the competition, while super-producer Tainy will serve as mentor and music producer/supervisor.

The search will take place across Latin America, the United States, and Spain.

In the series, viewers will follow the journeys of the selected artists as they head to Miami for the competition.

The winner will sign with talent incubator NEON16.

La Firma was created by Borrero, developed by Howard T. Owens and showrunner Nikki Boella, and produced by Propagate and NTERTAIN, which was founded by Borrero, Tommy Mottola, and Range Media Partners.

Christina Aguilera Releases Spanish-Language EP “La Fuerza”

Christina Aguilera is proving she’s a fuerza to be reckoned with…

The 41-year-old half-Ecuadorian American Grammy-winning singer is revisiting her Latin roots with this week’s release of La Fuerza, her first Spanish album in more than two decades.

Christina AguileraAguilera’s EP includes the singles “Pa’ Mis Muchachas,” a collaboration with Becky G, Nicki Nicole and Nathy Peluso; and a classic ballad, “Somos nada,” which she sang for the first time on stage last November during the Latin Grammys.

Her return to Latin market was imminent in her career, she told CNN en Español‘s Zona Pop at a press conference.

Mi Reflejo” had been such a beautiful, special time in my life, but it was 20- plus years ago when I was coming on the scene. I was so green to the business. I was baby Christina,” she said. “20 years later, I’m a grown woman who had such an incredible career. Now I get to come back having reflected on that.”

Aguilera also said as a mother now, she relishes the chance to share her Spanish music with her kids because it’s “a big part of them and who they are.”

“And so, they can see mommy do her thing in Spanish, they can hear it and feel it from a musical level,” Aguilera said.

La Fuerza is just the first of three releases she hopes to make in 2022.

Aguilera said she will address her relationship with her father in one releasing later in the year.

“I have a little bit of an estranged relationship with my father. I’ve spoken openly about it in the past,” she said. “I do address my father, and it’s the first time I … am coming from a place where I’m making peace with certain parts of my past.”

On a “deeper level,” she added, “this album means a great deal to me just because I’ve been able to embrace so many things about who I am and where I am now.”

Two of the songs from “La Fuerza” are collaborations, something common in Latin music.

“Latin music is such a community-based, beautiful environment, and there’s so much love there that I wanted to make it a unified experience,” Aguilera told CNN en Español.

“It’s more important to me now that I do things with artists who I not only admire, but I know I’m doing it because I love and want the experience. The experience outweighs any other thing to me. And at this point in my life and career, it’s important for me to do things that I love to do and not for any other reason,” the singer said.

In her first single, “Pa’ Mis Muchachas,” Aguilera surrounded herself with feminine powerhouses.

“I have so much admiration for other strong women and women who speak their truth,” she said.

Nicki Nicole, Aguilera said, “reminds me a lot of me coming up — so fresh and new in the business when I did my first Spanish album.” Nathy Peluso, meanwhile, is “so incredible on stage” and “a natural mover and performer.”

“I get mesmerized when I watch her,” she said. “And then you have Becky G, who represents such a strong, polished, smart little businesswoman. I love having conversations with her.”

Working on this song, the singer recalled her experience making 2001’s “Lady Marmalade,” in which Aguilera joined forces with singers Mýa, Lil’ Kim, and Pink.

“I loved doing ‘Lady Marmalade’ back in the day,” Aguilera said, “and every different woman representing who they are as strong women.”

A theme of empowerment that seems to have no language barriers.

Christina Aguilera to Release Her Spanish Language EP “La Fuerza” This Week

Christina Aguilera is sharing her strength this week…

The 41-year-old half-Ecuadorian American Grammy-winning singer will release her highly anticipated Spanish-language EP La Fuerza on Friday, January 21.

Christina Aguilera

Aguilera — who had been teasing her upcoming collaboration with Ozuna — also unveiled La Fuerza‘s tracklist via Instagram.

The Ozuna-assisted “Santo,” set to drop on Thursday, is part of the EP, along with girl-power anthem “Pa’ Mis Muchachas,” which features Nathy PelusoNicki Nicole and Becky G. “The first chapter,” Aguilera teased in the caption.

La Fuerza is the first of her three-part album, set to be released more than 20 years after her first Spanish effort, Mi Reflejo. That release debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart in September 2000, and remained there for 19 weeks.

The album also peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 chart.

“It’s been a project that I wanted to follow up for so long, but I’m so happy that it’s happening now as a grown woman,” Aguilera previously told Billboard. “Having been a mother, having experienced the career I have, I bring a different view and set of passions. Now it’s coming from a deeper perspective and wanting to explore.”

“It can be intimidating and scary to put yourself out there in a way you know will be challenging. I don’t write in Spanish the way I do in English, but I know my heart,” she continued. “It’s a layered journey I’ve been on but now having kids of my own, I want them to see that mommy doesn’t know everything. I’m still learning too and I’m not going to back down from something I’m truly passionate about because I’m scared or I’m afraid of what people will think. This is me being me on my own journey of life. I could cry about it. It means a lot to me.”

Here’s the tweet with the full track list:

https://twitter.com/xtina/status/1483855266101792773