Luisa Sonza to Receive Global Force Award at Billboard Women in Music Awards

Posted on January 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Luisa Sonza is a global force… And now she’ll have an award to prove it!

The 25-year-old Brazilian singer-songwriter will be among the honorees of this year’s Billboard Women in Music Awards.

Sonza will receive one of Billboard’s new Global Force Awards.

Sonza has released three studio albums, two EPs and two compilations. She has also collaborated with both Katy Perry and Demi Lovato. She and Pabllo Vittar cohost the HBO Max show Queen Stars.

But she’s not the only Latinx artist being feted…Young Miko will receive the Impact Award.

The Puerto Rican rapper and singer-songwriter cracked the Billboard Hot 100 last year with her reggaeton song, “Classy 101” (with Feid). She incorporates her identity and interests, including anime and urban music, into her music.

Ice Spice will receive the Hitmaker Award.

“Four” is the 24-year-old half-Dominican American rapper’s magic number at the moment. That’s the number of Grammy nominations she received this year, including best new artist. And it’s the number of top 10 hits on the Hot 100 she amassed last year – for collaborations with Taylor Swift (“Karma”), PinkPantheress (“Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2”) and a pair of collaborations with Nicki Minaj (“Princess Diana” and “Barbie World,” which also featured Aqua).

The latter song is nominated for two Grammys – best rap song and best song written for visual media. “Karma” is nominated for best pop duo/group performance.

Tracee Ellis Ross will host the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards, which will be held Wednesday, March 6, at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif. – just outside of Los Angeles — and will stream on March 7. The annual event features musical performances and honors women powerhouses who are shaping the music landscape.

Presenters, performers and additional honorees, including the identity of the 2024 Billboard Woman of the Year, will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We could not be more excited to celebrate these inspiring and dynamic artists from around the world, as they move our culture forward and inspire women everywhere to push boundaries and pursue their own dreams,” Billboard’s editorial director, Hannah Karp, said in a statement. “With the talented Tracee Ellis Ross as our host, this year’s Billboard Women in Music Awards will be an unforgettable evening.”

Tickets to attend the Women in Music Awards are available to the public. American Express Card Members get early access to tickets from Wednesday, January 24 at 10:00 am PT/1:00 pm ET – Friday, January 26 at 10:00am PT/1:00 pm ET (terms apply), before the public on-sale Saturday, January 27, at 10:00 am PT/1:00 pm ET, at billboardwomeninmusic.com. Prices range from $89 – $279. Fans can watch the show on Thurs, March 7 at 5pm PT/8pm ET on billboardwomeninmusic.com; more details about the stream will be announced soon.

Here’s a list of the 2024 honorees that have been announced so far.

NewJeans: Group of the Year Award
The South Korean group made a big splash in August 2023 when their second EP, Get Up, entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1, displacing Taylor Swift’s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). The group also had five Hot 100 hits, topped by “Super Shy,” which rode the chart for two months.

Ice Spice: Hitmaker Award
“Four” is Ice Spice’s magic number at the moment. That’s the number of Grammy nominations she received this year, including best new artist. And it’s the number of top 10 hits on the Hot 100 she amassed last year – for collabs with Taylor Swift (“Karma”), PinkPantheress (“Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2”) and a pair of collabs with Nicki Minaj (“Princess Diana” and “Barbie World,” which also featured Aqua).

The latter song is nominated for two Grammys – best rap song and best song written for visual media. “Karma” is nominated for best pop duo/group performance.

Victoria Monét: Rising Star Award
Monét was nominated for seven Grammys in 2024, for performance, songwriting and engineering. Her haul includes two of the Big Four awards – best new artist and record of the year for “On My Mama.” Monét’s album Jaguar II is nominated for two awards – best R&B album and best engineered album, non-classical.

Kylie Minogue: Icon Award
Minogue kicked off her Las Vegas residency on the heels of her 2023 Tension album, which featured the dance-floor smash “Padam Padam.” The track is nominated for a Grammy for best pop dance recording. Minogue won a Grammy for best dance recording 20 years ago for “Come Into My World.”

Minogue has a longer history on the Billboard Hot 100 than any of this year’s other nominees. She landed her first top 10 hit, a cover version of Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion,” in 1988. She returned to the top 10 in 2002 with “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.” Her album Fever reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in 2002.

Maren Morris: Visionary Award
Last year, Maren announced that she was taking a break from country music, the format in which she became a star. She has also been outspoken about aspects of country music culture where she would like to see change. She won a Grammy for best country solo performance for “My Church” seven years ago. She has landed two top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, Hero (No. 5 in 2016) and GIRL (No. 4 in 2019). She landed her biggest hit to date for a pop recording, “The Middle,” on which she teamed with Zedd and Grey. The smash reached No. 5 on the Hot 100 in 2018.

Charli XCX: Powerhouse Award
The pop star performed “Speed Drive” on Barbie: The Album. Her biggest unaccompanied hit on the Hot 100, “Boom Clap,” was also from a film, The Fault in Our Stars. That song made the top 10 in 2014. She has made the top 10 as a featured artist twice – on Icona Pop’s “I Love It” and Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy.” Charli XCX’s album Crash reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200 in 2022.

Tems: Breakthrough Award
The Nigerian singer-songwriter and record producer is nominated for a Grammy as a co-writer of Rhianna’s smash “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The smash, which entered the Hot 100 at No. 2 in late 2022, is nominated for best song written for visual media. A year ago, it brought Tems and her co-writers an Oscar nod for best original song.

Tems won a Grammy last year – best melodic rap performance for Future’s “Wait for U,” on which she was featured (along with Drake). That song topped the Hot 100 in 2022. Tems landed her first top 10 hit, as a featured artist on Wizkid’s “Essence,” in 2021. Justin Bieber was also featured on that smash.

Young Miko: Impact Award
The Puerto Rican rapper and singer-songwriter cracked the Hot 100 last year with her reggaeton song, “Classy 101” (with Feid). She incorporates her identity and interests, including anime and urban music, into her music. Young Miko’s birth name is María Victoria Ramírez de Arellano.

Luísa Sonza: Global Force Award
The Brazilian singer-songwriter will receive one of Billboard’s new Global Force Awards. Sonza has released three studio albums, two EPs and two compilations. She has also collaborated with both Katy Perry and Demi Lovato. She and Pabllo Vittar cohost the HBO Max show Queen Stars.

Young Miko Teaming Up with Bizarrap for New Single “Music Session, Vol. 58”

Posted on January 9, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Young Miko is readying for a high-profile music session…

The 25-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer-songwriter and former footballer is teaming up with Bizarrap for one of the producer’s popular music sessions.

Young Miko and the Argentine producer recently announced their collaboration on Instagram.

The pair revealed that the song will arrive Wednesday, January 10.

It’s the first time the pair has joined forces for a track.

Young Miko joins an impressive roster of artists — including Shakira, Peso Pluma, Quevedo and Milo J — who’ve jumped on one of Bizarrap’s zealously streamed music sessions.

His collab with Shakira broke numerous records, including earning a staggering 14 Guinness World Records with her “Music Session, Vol. 53,” and a No. 3 spot on Billboard‘s 100 Best Songs of 2023. It also soared on multiple Billboard charts, including Latin Pop Airplay, where it spent 12 weeks at No. 1, and peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200.

The new song will follow Young Miko’s reggaetón banger “Señorita” also starring Wisin, and the club hit “Colmillo,” on which she paired up with superstars Tainy and J Balvin as well as genre pioneers Jowell & Randy.

Young Miko is set to perform in Mexico, making stops in Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City starting on March 15.

Last year, the wordsmith, who was formerly a tattoo artist, landed on Billboard Latin and Español‘s 50 Best Spanish-language Rappers of All Time; she was also Billboard‘s Latin Rookie of the Year.

During Billboard Latin Music Week 2023, Young Miko joined an all-star roster of Latin female artists — including GALE, Maria Becerra, Nathy Peluso, Nicki Nicole and Kany García — for a panel dubbed Boys Club No More.

“Classy 101,” her 2023 collaboration with Feid, landed at 99 on the Hot 100.

Maria Becerra to Perform in Times Square as Part of Univision’s “¡Feliz 2024!”

Posted on December 31, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maria Becerra will be ringing in 2024 in the Big Apple…

New York City’s Times Square is gearing up to host its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, which includes the televised ball lowering during the countdown to the new year, with the 23-year-old Argentine singer and former YouTuber set to perform.

The tradition, which has been celebrated for 120 years now, will boast Becerra and Mexican reggaeton artist Yng Lvcas will perform a medley of their biggest hits at the Center Stage.

Becerra will perform at 10:04 pm as part of Univision’s ¡Feliz 2024! program.It will air live on Univision and the Times Square New Year’s Eve webcast.

Meantime, Yng Lvcas will perform a medley of his hit songs as part of Univision’s ¡Feliz 2024! Program from 11:02 to 11:07 pm.

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Maria Becerra Signs with Wasserman Music for Worldwide Representation

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maria Becerra is expanding her world…

The 23-year-old Argentine singer-songwriter has signed with Wasserman Music for representation worldwide (except Latin America).

She’ll be represented by agents Juan Toro and Ryan Soroka.

The deal caps off a significant 2023 for Becerra who in May signed a label deal with Warner Music Latina, in a joint venture with 300 Entertainment, followed by an exclusive administration deal with Warner Chappell Music in August.

In May, Becerra received the visionary award at the inaugural Billboard Latin Women in Music gala.

Becerra — known for fusing pop, cumbia villera, bachata and reggaeton — broke in 2019 with her EP 222.

Two years later, she released her debut album, Animal, featuring collaborations with artists such as Cazzu, Becky G and Tiago PZK. The set earned Becerra a Latin Grammy nomination for best urban music album.

Overall, Becerra has scored three entries on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including her J Balvin collaboration “Qué Más Pues?” She’s also claimed three top 10 spots on Latin Airplay, including two No. 1 hits: “Te Espero,” featuring Prince Royce and “Así Es La Vida” with Enrique Iglesias.

Notably, she holds the record for the most entries by a woman on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 with 43.

Most recently, Becerra sold out her upcoming March 23 show at the River Plate Stadium in her native Argentina in less than 90 minutes, making history in doing so.

Before her show at the fabled venue, which has a capacity of nearly 65,000, Becerra will perform at Viña del Mar in Chile on March 1.

Peso Pluma Teams Up with Anitta to Release Reggaeton Banger “Bellakao”

Posted on December 9, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Peso Pluma is expanding his sound, and he’s enlisted a Latina superstar to help…

The 24-year-old Mexican singer has joined voices with Anitta to release the single “Bellakao.”

The sweltering reggaetón number continues to showcase Peso Pluma’s genre versatility.

In their first collaboration together, Peso Pluma and Anitta belt out a duet about feeling intoxicated with each other’s irresistibility.

“Everyone wants to get close to me/ But I don’t want anyone/ It’s just that when you move it like that/ The atmosphere gets dangerous,” spits the Brazilian femme fatale.

Meanwhile, Peso pluma leads the tongue-twisting “Bellaque-que-que-que-que-que-queo” verbiage to hype up the vibe.

The music video was filmed in Madrid, and viewers see the collaborators performing their bellakeo ritual against a dingy, dark backdrop.

Kali Uchis & Karol G Release New Single “Labios Mordidos”

Posted on November 24, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Kali Uchis has teamed up with Karol G for a lip-biting new single…

The 29-year-old Colombian-American singer and songwriter and the 32-year-old Colombian superstar have joined voice the release the catchy new single “Labios Mordidos,” marking their second collaboration this year.

The pair previously teamed up for the highly successful single “Me Tengo Que Ir” from Karol G’s Mañana Sera Bonita (Bichota Season) earlier this year.

Produced by Manuel Lara and Albert Hype, the sweltering reggaeton cut sees the two indulging in risqué flirtation.

“The girl is on fire and sticks to me like a tattoo/ I guarantee there’s no one harder than you,” Kali seductively croons in Spanish. Meanwhile, Karol responds with her hushed coo: “I guarantee there’s no one more chimba than you … The baby is aggressive with that cute face/ That tattoo on her back left me breathless.”

“I’m so excited for the Kuchis to finally have one of my favorite songs on Orquídeas with one of my favorite artists Karol,” Uchis said in a statement. “I hope this brings everyone lots of holiday cheer and you make plenty of memories going into the new year with this song!”

During Karol G’s opening performance of the 2023 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, November 19, La Bichota teased fans with a snippet of the song.

As anticipation builds for Uchis’ fourth album, Orquídeas, due January 12, “Labios Mordidos” emerges as the third single, offering a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. The song follows the vintage bolero-style song “Te Mata” and the Dominican dembow of “Muñekita” with El Alfa and JT.

“The orchid is the national flower of Colombia, and we have more species of orchid than anywhere on earth,” Uchis said last month. “I always felt distinctly intrigued and magnetized by the flower. This album is inspired by the timeless, eerie, mystic, striking, graceful and sensual allure of the orchid. With this vast scope of fresh energy, I wish to redefine the way we look at Latinas in music.”

The album will feature more collaborations, including with Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro and more. Orquídeas is Uchis’ second all-Spanish release.

Uchis entered a total of six Billboard Year-End Charts, including the Top Latin Artists chart at No. 32 and Top R&B Artists at No. 11. In October, she concluded her Red Moon in Venus Tour with sold-out performances across the U.S.

Daddy Yankee to Livestream His Last “La Última Vuelta” Show Globally in December

Posted on November 23, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is taking his final show global…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar is closing out his farewell tour, La Última Vuelta, with a series of four back-to-back shows, dubbed “La Meta,” in his native Puerto Rico kicking off on November 30. The last show, however, will be live-streamed globally.

Taking place on Sunday, December 3, at the Coliseo, the final concert, which, according to a press release, will be a “totally new show,” will be able to be streamed by fans who purchase a $20 ticket.

The live stream event will be powered by streaming company Kiswe with a “state-of-the-art technology will guarantee that fans worldwide experience the passion and thrill of Daddy Yankee’s final show.”

Yankee’s La Última Vuelta trek, which kicked off last year following his retirement announcement, landed at No. 13 on the Top 40 Tours of 2022 with a total gross of over $125 million, according to last year’s Year-End Boxscore charts.

The “Con Calma” singer announced in March 2022 that he was retiring and would culminate his decades-long career with a world tour and his album Legendaddy, which he dropped that same month. The set peaked at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart dated April 9, 2022.

“This career, that has been a marathon, I finally see the finish line. Now I get to enjoy what you all have given me. They say that I made this genre global but it was you guys that gave me the key to open the doors to make this the biggest genre in the world,” Daddy Yankee said in a statement then. “I confess that it’s the biggest treasure I can have in my career. I always worked so I didn’t fail you, so I didn’t get into problems, with much discipline, to inspire the new generation to be leaders. Today, I’m announcing my retirement from music by giving you my best production and my best concert tour.”

Born Raymond Ayala, his career exploded with 2004’s breakthrough hit “Gasolina,” launching a genre that altered the sound and business of Latin music and became a global phenomenon.

“This historic night will mark the end of a three-decade journey for one of the most iconic Latin American artists of our time,” said Glenn Booth, CEO of Kiswe. “We are thrilled that we have been chosen to help millions of fans experience Daddy Yankee’s final performance on a touring stage and witness his heartfelt farewell.”

Karol G’s “El Makinon” Video Joins YouTube’s Billion Views Club

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is celebrating a big (machine) streaming hit…

Two years after its music video was released, the 32-year-old Colombian superstar and Mariah Angeliq’s girl-power anthem “El Makinon” has surpassed the billion-views mark on YouTube.

The three-minute clip for “El Makinon” is Karol G’s seventh entry to the Billion Views Club as a lead, featured artist or collaborator. She also claims No. 10 on YouTube’s Global Top Artists and No. 15 on U.S. Top Artists.

Featured on Karol’s 2021 KG0516 album, the infectious head-bopping, hip-swaying reggaetón song produced by Neo is about breaking all the rules with the girls.

“El Makinon,” slang for a “big machine,” tells the story of a girl who’s been independent since she was 16 years old, and now that she’s older, she still depends solely on herself.

“El Makinon” debuted at No. 9 on Hot Latin Songs and later peaked at No. 6 on the tally.

Most recently, Karol G performed a medley (“QLONA,” “Labios Mordidos” and “Ojos Ferrari”) at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, November 19. She also won two awards: top Latin female artist and top Latin touring artist. During her acceptance speech, she thanked her loyal fanbase.

“These awards mean the connection is there between all of you and me. I think you’re more than fans — you’re part of the team and the family. I give you half of all this because nothing would’ve been possible without you,” she said. “I always say awards are special because they’re an extra validation to what we do, but like I said before, to have your unconditional love, with or without music, with or without a tour, that will always be the best present ever and that’s what I hope will never fail or go away.”

Becky G Teams Up with BIBI to Release New Single “Amigos”

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Becky G is celebrating amistades…

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer, rapper and actress has joined voices with BIBI to release the single “Amigos.”

Becky G and BIBI combine their Mexican-American swag and South Korean steelo to ignite the scene in the new scintillating single.

This reggaetón groove, pulsating with a suspenseful edge, lures listeners into a sonic escapade, complete with minimal sliding bass that hints at a drill essence near the end.

Sung in Spanish, English and Korean, the sultry lyrics empower, as the duo look for new amigos while they charm their way through a party before executing a seductive heist, leaving a trail of mystery and stolen treasures in the music video.

“I know we’re having a good time and you always want more/ But if myjevo calls, we are just friends,” Becky G croons with a touch of playful defiance.

Daddy Yankee Comes Out of Retirement to Release New Single “Bonita”

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is has come out of retirement with a positive message…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican superstar and reggaeton legend has released the new single “Bonita.”

With a mix of tropical rhythms, the summer song intended to warm up the fall has been well-received on his social media.

“There are good people and there are bad things / Everything is going to be okay / Live today not tomorrow,” he asserts in the lyrics.

Daddy Yankee shared the song with a lyric video and an uplifting message on his networks: “If you are reading this it means that God gave you one more day of LIFE! We can fall into the deepest black hole and get up to see the LIGHT on the path and sing: ‘BEAUTIFUL LIFE IS’. Your life is worth a lot, don’t forget it.” “

Bonita” provides a message to lift our spirits with a contagious rhythm.

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