Shakira Dazzles as First-Ever Halftime Show Performer at 2024 Copa America Final

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is celebrating a shining performance…

The 47-year-old Colombian superstar made her official Copa America debut during a special halftime performance during the tournament’s final match on Sunday, July 14.

In the midst of the Argentina vs. Colombia game, Shakira took Hard Rock Stadium by storm with a medley of old and new hits.

The superstar, dressed in a metallic silver skirt and halter top, kicked off the performance singing “Hips Don’t Lie.”

“Te Quiero, Colombia!,” she chanted in the middle of the song.

Accompanied by a group of dancers—female and robots alike—she continued with “Te Felicito,” “TQG,” and “Puntería,” all while flaunting her flawless dancing skills.

On television, the soccer field showcased large 3D wolves and floating gems, all representing her new era.

Shakira has taken center stage at many renowned sports events including the World Cup, Davis Cup, NBA All-Star Game and the Super Bowl, but this marks her first performance at the oldest international soccer tournament.

It also marks the first time ever that a soccer match features a halftime show a la Super Bowl, longer than 15 minutes. But organizers took advantage of the fact that this year’s Copa America took place in the U.S., where half time shows are customary.

“Shakira is an extraordinary South American star who has dazzled the entire world,” Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL, previously said in a statement. “Her songs are sung and danced to in every corner of the planet, turning her art into a global phenomenon that crosses borders and is enjoyed by millions of people. We are sure that her performance at the Copa América USA 2024 will enhance the message of healthy passion and unity through sport.”

Ahead of her performance, her compatriot Karol G performed Colombian’s national anthem, and Abel Pintos performed Argentina’s national anthem.

Shakira to Perform at Halftime of Copa America Final

Posted on July 13, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is preparing for some Copa action…

After rumors that the 47-year-old Colombian superstar would perform at Copa América’s final match, Shakira has been officially confirmed to perform on Sunday, July 14, when Argentina and Colombia will play for the championship.

Shakira will sing during halftime of the match, scheduled for 8:00 pm ET at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Some 54,000 people are expected to attend.

She will be the first musical act to perform during the halftime of the Copa America final.

Her song “Puntería,” featuring Cardi B, is the official song of TelevisaUnivision’s 2024 Copa América CONMEBOL coverage.

“Shakira is an extraordinary South American star who has dazzled the entire world,” said Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL, in a statement. “Her songs are sung and danced to in every corner of the planet, turning her art into a global phenomenon that crosses borders and is enjoyed by millions of people. We are sure that her performance at the Copa América USA 2024 will enhance the message of healthy passion and unity through sport.”

But this isn’t Shakira’s first performance at a high-profile soccer match.

The Colombian pop star, a former partner of Barcelona and Spain star defender Gerard Piqué, has performed at three World Cups.

Additionally, she performed at the 2020 Super Bowl.

Thalia Earns First No. 1 in 11 Years on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with Grupo Firme Collab, “Te Va a Doler”

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Thalia has returned to the summit…

The 52-year-old Mexican singer, songwriter and actress and Grupo Firme have each scored a career milestone on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as their collaboration “Te Va a Doler” reaches No. 1 on the list dated July 6.

With the new champ, Thalia returns to No. 1 after more than a decade, while Grupo Firme visits the summit for the first time.

The track is from Thalia’s A Mucha Honra album, which includes another version of the song, without Grupo Firme, remixed by Deorro.

“I’m really thrilled with all the love and support my fans and radio are giving ‘Te Va a Doler’ with Grupo Firme and the remix with Deorro,” Thalia tells Billboard. “Working alongside them was a real treat! This album is really special to me and knowing that the music is connecting with audiences means the world to me!”

“Te Va a Doler” stems from Thalia’s A Mucha Honra project, her 21st studio album released April 26 via Sony Music Entertainment.

“Te Va a Doler” rolls into the top spot with no pain on the overall Latin Airplay chart with a 10% gain in audience impressions, to 7.2 million, earned in the U.S. during the June 21-27 tracking week, according to Luminate.

Last week’s No. 1, Kali Uchis and Peso Pluma’s “Igual Que Un Ángel,” falls to No. 4, after the latter’s one week reign, with an 18% dip in audience, to 6.5 million.

“Te Va a Doler” gives both acts a reason to celebrate. Thalia scores her first No. 1 in 11 years, and Grupo Firme achieves its first leader.

Thalia returns to No. 1 for the first time since “Te Perdiste Mi Amor,” featuring Prince Royce, took over Latin Airplay for one week on May 4, 2013. In between, she placed three other songs below the top 15.

Thalia adds a sixth No. 1 to her account. Plus, she expands her span of champs to 24 years, dating back to first week at the apex on June 17, 2000, when “Entre El Mar y Una Estrella” seized the crown.

As Thalia’s collection of champs grows, here’s a look at the singer’s Latin Airplay chart-toppers:

Peak Date, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1
June 17, 2000, “Entre El Mar Y Una Estrella,” one
July 20, 2002, “Tu Y Yo,” one
Oct. 26, 2002, “No Me Enseñaste,” two
Feb. 28, 2004, “Cerca De Ti,” one
May 4, 2013, “Te Perdiste Mi Amor,” featuring Prince Royce, one
July 6, 2024, “Te Va A Doler,” with Grupo Firme

Further, when “Te Va A Doler” debuted at No. 39 in May, Thalia made her first chart appearance since “No Me Acuerdo,” with Natti Natasha, in Sept. 2018.

Grupo Firme, meanwhile, captures its first No. 1 after missing the throne with the No. 2-peaking “El Amor De Su Vida,” with Grupo Frontera, in Oct. 2023.

The Tijuana-based band becomes just the third regional Mexican ensemble to rule Latin Airplay in 2024, following Fuerza Regida with its Marshmello collab, “Harley Quinn,” and Grupo Frontera through “(Entre Parentesis),” with Shakira, both for one week in charge, on the Feb. 3- and May 18-dated charts, respectively.

“Te Va A Doler” additionally reaches No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay. Thalia secures her first ruler since the three-week champ “Entre El Mar y Una Estrella” in June 2000, and Grupo Firme claims a first No. 1 on the Latin pop radio ranking with its first entry.

Karol G’s “Provenza” Music Video Becomes Ninth to Enter YouTube’s Billion Views Club

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is on Cloud Nine.

The 33-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning singer/songwriter has achieved yet another career milestone as herher “Provenza” music video surpasses one billion views on YouTube, just two years after it was released.

Filmed by Pedro Artola on the island of Lanzarote, the beachy music video marks Karol G’s ninth clip to enter the coveted “Billion Views Club” as a lead, featured artist or collaborator.

She also ranks No. 17 on the Global Top Artists chart.

On the Billboard charts, “Provenza” hit No. 1 on both the Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay charts in 2022.

“Provenza” follows her other one-billion titles: “China” with Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Ozuna & J Balvin; the Nicki Minaj-assisted “Tusa”; “Secreto” in collaboration with Anuel AA, as well as “Culpables”; “Bichota”; “TQG” with Shakira; “El Makinon” in collab with Mariah Angeliq; and the Bad Bunny-assisted “Ahora Me Llama.”

Climbing up the list with more than 750 million views each are “Mi Cama,” “A Ella,” and the heartfelt “Creéme” with Maluma.

The news comes on the heels of Billboard’s 2024 Woman of the Year and Latin Woman of the Year unleashing her summer-friendly tropical tune “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.”

The feel-good track, produced by Edgar Barrera, Sky Rompiendo and Karol, is a flirty merengue inspired by her love and admiration for the Dominican Republic.

“Its culture, its music, its colors, the hospitality, the energy … everything feels very authentic and special there,” she expressed of the Caribbean island in Instagram an post. “Its people have embraced me in a way that fills my heart and inspires me all the time.”

Danny Ocean Earns First-Ever No. 1s on Billboard Charts with “Amor”

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a special, long-awaited first for Danny Ocean.

The 32-year-old Venezuelan singer, songwriter and record producer, whose real name is Daniel Alejandro Morales Reyes, has earned his first No. 1 on a Billboard chart with “Amor.”

The pop-dembow tune surges 10-1 on the overall Latin Airplay chart and 2-1 on the Latin Pop Airplay ranking dated June 15.

“What makes me happiest, beyond my name being there, is that a Venezuelan is at No. 1,” Ocean tells Billboard. “This is a project that has always honored love.”

“Amor” takes the crown with 8.7 million audience impressions, up 54%, on U.S. reporting radio stations during the May 31-June 6 tracking week, according to Luminate.

Thanks to the 54% percentage surge on airplay, “Amor” wins the Greatest Gainer honor, awarded weekly to the song with the largest gain in impressions among the chart’s 50 titles. Among the song’s biggest supporters, New York’s WXNY leads the way in the latest tracking week, Puerto Rico’s WKAQ comes second, while Los Angeles’ KXOL rounds out the top three.

“Amor,” one of 12 tracks on Ocean’s third studio album, Reflexa, completes a five-week journey to the top on Latin Airplay, having debuted at No. 45 on the chart dated May 18.

Thus, it takes second-fastest rise to the summit among the ranking’s 21 rulers in 2024, after Xavi’s “La Diabla” which reached the penthouse in its third week (chart dated February 10).

Only one song achieved the feat faster: Shakira and Cardi B’s “Puntería” debuted atop the list dated April 6. Here’s the recap of those songs that needed the least weeks to land at No. 1 on Latin Airplay in 2024:

Weeks To Position, Title, Artist, Reached On
1, “Puntería,” Shakira & Cardi B, April 6 (debut)
3, “La Diabla,” Xavi, Feb. 10
5, “Amor,” Danny Ocean, June 15
7, “Por El Contrario,” Becky G with Leonardo Aguilar & Angela Aguilar, March 9
7, “(Entre Paréntesis),” Shakira & Grupo Frontera, May 18

As “Amor” hits No. 1 on Latin Airplay, it pushes Alejandro Fernández and Alfredo Olivas’ “Cobijas Ajenas” from the lead, with a 33% drop in impressions, to 5.9 million.

Over on Latin Pop Airplay, with “Amor” Ocean outdoes his prior best showing of No. 5 for “Miedito o Qué?,” with Ovy On The Drums and Karol G, in January 2021.

Blessd & Feid Lead Latest Billboard Latin Airplay Chart with “Si Sabe Ferxxo”

Posted on May 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Blessd has another chart-topper on his hands…

The 24-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter and rapper, whose real name is Stiven Mesa Londoño. and Feid combine forces atop Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, as the pair’s first collaboration “Si Sabe Ferxxo“ climbs from No. 7 to lead the list dated June 1.

The new champ is the second team-up by two Colombian artists to rule the overall Latin radio tally in less than a year, after Shakira and Manuel Turizo united at No. 1 through “Copa Vacía” (one week in charge) in October 2023.

“Si Sabe Ferxxo” is one of eight collaborative cuts from Blessd’s 14-track album, Si Sabe, which earned the 24-year-old his first entry on any Billboard albums chart, debuting and reaching No. 29 and No. 15 high on the Top Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts dated February 10, respectively.

The song advances to the chart’s summit with a 28% gain in audience impressions, up to 8.5 million, earned in the U.S. during the May 17-23 tracking week, according to Luminate.

With “Si Sabe Ferxxo,” Blessd achieves his second No. 1 on Latin Airplay, following his three-way collab “Medallo,” with Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavarez, in May 2022.

For Feid, “Si Sabe Ferxxo” becomes the hitmaker’s eighth No. 1 on the overall radio ranking, which began with “Porfa,” featuring J Balvin, Maluma, Nicky Jam, Sech and Justin Quiles, climbing to No. 1 in August 2020.

Here’s his collection of champs:

Peak, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1
Aug. 29, 2020, “Porfa,” with J Balvin, Maluma, Nicky Jam, Sech & Justin Quiles, one
March 4, 2023, “Hey Mor,” with Ozuna, one
April 15, 2023, “Yandel 150,” Yandel, four
Aug. 19, 2023, “Niña Bonita,” with Sean Paul, one
Jan. 13, 2024, “Bubalu,” with Rema, two
April 20, 2024, “Perro Negro,” with Bad Bunny, one
May 4, 2024, “Luna,” with Atl Jacob, two
June 1, 2024, “Si Sabe Ferxxo,” with Blessd, one

As “Si Sabe Ferxxo” rises to No. 1, it unseats another Warner Latina song from the summit: Myke Towers’ “La Capi” dips 1-5 with a 25% decrease in audience impressions, to 7.71 million.

Elsewhere, thanks to its radio haul, “Si Sabe Ferxxo” rises 36-31 with the Greatest Gainer/Airplay honors of the week on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, which combines airplay, digital sales and streaming data.

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

Posted on May 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

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.

Vives — 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).

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.

Xavi Earns Second No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Corazón de Piedra”

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Xavi is back on top…

The 19-year-old Mexican American singer has earned his second No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “Corazón de Piedra” advances from No. 3 to lead the May 25-dated ranking.

“Corazón de Piedra” takes the top spot as the Greatest Gainer of the week, with 7.8 million audience impressions on U.S. reporting radio stations during the May 10-16 tracking week, according to Luminate.

That’s a 27% gain from the week prior. Last week’s leader, Shakira and Grupo Frontera’s “(Entre Paréntesis),” slips to No. 2 after falling 15% in audience, to 6.3 million.

To date, the biggest supporters for “Corazón de Piedra” among reporters to the Regional Mexican Airplay chart reporting panel are KOND Fresno, Calif., KISF Las Vegas and KLNO Dallas, all with over 400 plays for it since its release, followed closely by WOJO Chicago and KHOT Phoenix (with all five stations owned by Univision).

Thanks to “Corazón de Piedra,” Xavi nabs his second No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay, just three months after “La Diabla” earned him his maiden champ on the Feb. 10-dated list (the latter dips 24-38 on the latest chart, with a 31% drop in audience, to 2 million).

In between his two chart-toppers, the Phoenix-based artist reached No. 20 with “La Víctima” (chart dated March 2).

Beyond its Regional Mexican Airplay coronation, “Corazón de Piedra,” released March 23 through Interscope/ICLG, reaches a new peak on the overall Latin Airplay tally, jumping 9-5 in its seventh week.

Myke Towers’ “La Capi” Rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Myke Towers’ latest single has topped another chart…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and songwriter’s “La Capi” rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart dated May 25 online one week after the track rose to the summit on the Tropical Airplay chart.

“La Capi,” released via One World International/Warner/Warner Latina, advances from No. 3 to No. 1 boosted by a 12% gain in audience impressions, to 10.3 million, across U.S. Latin stations in the week ending May 10-16, according to Luminate.

The merengue-flavored tune sends Shakira and Grupo Frontera’s “(Entre Paréntesis)” to No. 2 after one week in charge, with a 5% dip in audience, to 9.1 million.

With “La Capi,” Towers banks his 12th No. 1 on Latin Airplay, dating back to “Caramelo,” with Ozuna and Karol G, in 2020.

Towers also enlarges his chart-topping rate to three champs this year, after “Borracho y Loco,” with Wisin, and “La Falda” hit No. 1, for one week in charge each in Feb.

He ties Feid for the most No. 1s on Latin Airplay in 2024.

Notably, out of the 18 No. 1s in 2024, Towers is the third male soloist to hit No. 1 unaccompanied by another artist. He previously led this year, on his own, with “La Falda” on the Feb. 24-dated list.

Also in 2024, Xavi achieved the feat through “La Diabla” (two weeks at No. 1 in February and March), while Ozuna completed a one-week reign with “Baccarat” (March 30 chart).

Towers’ new leader joins “La Falda” and “Lala” as the third No. 1 from Towers’ album, LVEU: Vive La Tuya…No La Mía, his fourth top 10 on Top Latin Albums (No. 9 high, last December).

Elsewhere, “La Capi” holds strong at its No. 1 peak on Tropical Airplay for a second week.

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