Victor Manuelle’s Music Career Celebrated by House of Representatives in Puerto Rico

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

It’s an enchanting time for Victor Manuelle…

The 54-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer, who was born in New York and raised in Isabela, Puerto Rico, was honored this week by the House of Representatives in Puerto Rico.

The legislative body celebrated Manuelle’s 30-year prolific music career with an intimate ceremony.

“Honor to whom honor deserves […] Thank you Victor for always putting our island so high,” wrote a tourist Instagram account called “Enjoy Isabela Puerto Rico.”

“Puerto Rico! this would not have been possible if it were not for the love you have given me during these 30 years of experience,” Manuelle shared on Instagram. “Thank you for watching me grow as a performer and loving me so much! I will always be grateful to you.”

Manuelle, known for hits such as “Tengo Ganas,” “He Tratado,” and “Si Tu Me Besas,” is wrapping up a weekend of concerts at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, as part of the commemoration.

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Romeo Santos Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart with Rosalia-Collab “El Pañuelo”

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Romeo Santos is back at the top of the charts…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer has logged a new career No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart as his Rosalia-collab “El Pañuelo” rules the February 4-dated ranking.

The song rises 3-1 with 9.9 million audience impressions, an 8% gain, earned in the U.S. in the week ending Jan. 26, according to Luminate.

Rosalía scores her third straight No. 1, and second through a bachata single. Thanks to “El Pañuelo,” Santos becomes the fourth artist to accumulate at least 18 No. 1s since Tropical Airplay chart launched in 1994. He joins Marc Anthony, who leads with 35, followed by Victor Manuelle (29), and Prince Royce (22).

The new No. 1 also marks the 10th time a pair-up comprising a female and a male on lead role has reached No. 1 since the chart’s inception.

Here’s a look at the chart-topping pair-ups:

Peak Date, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1
Aug. 15, 1998, “Corazón Encadenado,” Gisselle & Sergio Vargas, one
June 26, 1999, “No Me Ames,” Jennifer López & Marc Anthony, seven
June 18, 2016, “La Bicicleta,” Carlos Vives & Shakira, one
Dec. 31, 2016, “Olvídame y Pega La Vuelta,” Jennifer López & Marc Anthony, two
April 29, 2017, “Deja Vu,” Prince Royce & Shakira, 11
Oct. 26, 2019, “La Mejor Versión de Mí,” Natti Natasha & Romeo Santos, 15
May 29, 2021, “Víctimas Las Dos,” Victor Manuelle & La India, one
May 28, 2022, “Te Espero,” Prince Royce & Maria Becerra, four
Dec. 3, 2022, “Monotonía,” Shakira & Ozuna, nine
Feb. 4, 2023, “El Pañuelo,” Romeo Santos & Rosalía

Further, Santos also unlocks another achievement on the current chart: “Solo Conmigo,” his latest single, takes the Greatest Gainer award, rising 19-12 with a lofty 310% gain in audience, to 2 million.

Plus, “Sin Fin,” with Justin Timberlake, holds at No. 9 for a second week (after its previous No. 1 debut last September), while “Siri,” with Chris Lebron, dips 18-22.

All songs are on Santos’ latest album, Formula, Vol. 3, which crowned Tropical Albums for 15 weeks.

Beyond its Tropical Airplay coronation, “El Pañuelo” bests its previous Latin Airplay ranking with a 3-2 jump.

Romeo Santos to Release “Formula Vol 3” in September

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Romeo Santos will be sharing his winning Formula in less than a month…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican-American singer, known as the King of Bachata, has announced plans to release his latest album Formula Vol 3. On September 1.

Santos revealed the release date of his new album with a 14-second teaser on social media on Monday, August 15.

The video featured a crown spinning at the guitar’s sound of what could be his next single as his voice says: “You don’t forget Romeo! Y yo, ni te recuerdo .”

The caption of the Instagram post read, “9.1.2022 FV3,” the date for the album’s release.

The new album comes eight years after Santos released Vol. 2 in 2014. Following the LP’s release, it became the best-selling Latin album to move 100,000 copies in the first week, making it the best debut for a Latin album since teen pop group RBD’s Celestial in 2006. Since the last Formula album in 2014, Santos has released Golden (2017) and Utopia (2019).

Throughout his career, Santos — also the leader of bachata supergroup Aventura — has scored a total of 43 entries on the Hot Latin Songs chart, the fourth-most among tropical acts, trailing Marc Anthony’s 60, Gilberto Santa Rosa’s 48 entries, and Victor Manuelle, who’s had a total of 47.

Santos has had a total of seven No. 1s — including his highest charting title at No. 1, “Odio,” feat. Drake, which topped the list for 13 weeks — making him the third-most among tropical acts, right behind Gloria Estefan, who has 15, and Anthony’s eight entries.

Additionally, Santos has scored 20 total top 10s, tying Juan Luis Guerra for the third-most among Tropical acts, behind Anthony and Estefan.

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Santos is confirmed for this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week, set to take place September 26-30 at the Faena Forum in Miami. Other confirmed artists to speak at the conference include Camilo, Ivy Queen, Chayanne, Nicky Jam, Eslabon Armado, Bizarrap, Blessd, Ovy on the Drums, Luis R. Conriquez, among many others. Registration is now open at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Prince Royce’s “Lao’ a Lao'” Rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay & Tropical Airplay Charts

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Prince Royce is back on top…

Fresh off his exclusive Facebook Live performance of “Lao’ a Lao’,” the 32-year-old Dominican American singer conquers the radio airwaves as his latest song jumps 4-1 to lead Billboard’s overall Latin Airplay chart (dated October 30). It concurrently takes over atop Tropical Airplay (2-1).

The bachata track was released August 12 and opened on Latin Airplay at No. 16 on the August 28-dated survey, with 5 million audience impressions earned in the U.S. On the latest chart, it bounds with a 34% gain, to 10.7 million, in the week ending October 24, according to MRC Data. The growth gives Royce his 14th leader and secures the song the week’s greatest gainer honor.

“Lao’ a Lao’” follows Royce’s only other No. 1 on the all-Latin ranking, which arrived more than six months ago: “Hasta Que Salga El Sol,” with Natti Natasha (one week atop the April 17-dated list).

“Lao’ a Lao’” also rebounds to No. 1 on Tropical Airplay to become the radio format’s most-played song for a second week after its August 28 lead. The champ then earned Royce his 21st leader, the third-most, trailing only Marc Anthony’s 34 wins and Victor Manuelle‘s 29.

Beyond its Latin Airplay and Tropical Airplay coronations, “Lao’ a Lao’’” rises35-25 on the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart.

Luis Vazquez Named to Billboard’s 21 Under 21 List

Posted on October 9, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Vazquez is one of the young ones to watch…

The 15-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer has been named to Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list, which features a mix of young chart-toppers, TikTok stars-turned-artists and on-the-verge breakout acts, among many more making waves in the industry right now.

Vazquez kicked off his music career at just 5 years old, having joined the musical group Los Bravitos de la Plena, founded by his musician father in Puerto Rico.

By 2019, Vazquez was discovered by artist manager Andy Martinez, who signed him to his label, JAK Entertainment, with a 360 deal. Earlier this year, Vazquez, whose biggest inspiration is Victor Manuelle, released “Tu Fan,” an urban-infused salsa track that highlights his crisp, dulcet vocals. “Tu Fan” scored Vazquez his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart, making him the youngest soloist to arrive at the summit since the chart began in October 1994.

But Vazquez isn’t the only Latinx artist to make the list…

Lucia de la Garza, sister Mila de la Garza and their fellow The Linda Lindas members, Bela Salazar and Eloise Wong, have made the cut.

The Linda Lindas first played together in January 2018 (before they were officially a band) when Dum Dum Girls founder Kristin Kontrol had them accompany her at the Los Angeles Girlschool festival.

By April 2019, the Latinx and Asian American punk rockers had opened a one-off date for Bikini Kill. The group has since independently released its debut, self-titled EP; placed a synch in Amy Poehler’s February film Moxie; and in May — after going viral with its anti-intolerance hit “Racist, Sexist Boy” — sisters Lucia and Mila, cousin Eloise and friend Bela signed with Epitaph Records and made their late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Pedro Tovar Jr., Brian Tovar and Ulises Vázquez are also celebrating their place on the list…

Together they form Eslabon Armado.

Just six months after the band’s third album, Corta Venas, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart in January, the teenage band from Patterson, Calif., landed another chart-topper on the tally with Tu Veneno Mortal, Vol. 2. The 12-track set was the act’s fourth No. 1 in less than 13 months. With new member Ulises Vázquez now in tow, the trio — which won top Latin album artist of the year, duo or group at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards — doesn’t plan to slow down.

“I have a new strategy for the remainder of the year: release music when people expect it least,” reveals group member Pedro Tovar. “I want to have that element of surprise like other mainstream artists have done.”

For the complete 21 Under 21 list, click here.

A committee of Billboard editors and reporters weighed a variety of factors in determining the 2021 21 Under 21 list, including, but not limited to, impact on consumer behavior, measured by metrics such as album and track sales, streaming volume (listed here as each artist’s career global total to date), social media impressions and radio/TV audiences reached; career trajectory; and overall impact in the industry, specifically during the past 12 months. Where required, record-label market share was consulted using MRC Data market share for album plus track-equivalent and stream-equivalent album consumption units. Unless otherwise noted, MRC Data is the source for sales/streaming data.

Victor Manuelle to Replace Carlos Rivera as Co-Host of the Latin Grammys Awards Show

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Victor Manuelle is stepping-in in a big way…

The 52-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer will now be co-hosting the Latin Grammys this Thursday night alongside previously announced hosts Yalitza Aparicio and Ana Brenda Contreras.

Victor Manuelle replaces Carlos Rivera, who had to back out due to being exposed to COVID-19.

“This has been a tough year for all of us in the music industry,” Manuelle, who served as Latin Grammys host back in 2006, tells Billboard. “But I’m honored to be part of this event that, despite a pandemic, carried on to produce the ceremony.”

Having three hosts already speaks to the uniqueness of an extraordinary 21st annual Latin Grammys featuring star-studded performances from different pockets of the world. So, what exactly can viewers expect to see that night? Without spoiling any surprises, Manuelle shares, “this ceremony will be very special. Production wise it will be very different, for example, for the first time ever, we’ll see artists performing around the world including my island [Puerto Rico] featuring Bad Bunny.”

Manuelle is also set to take the stage with Ivy Queen, Rauw Alejandro, Ricardo Montaner and Reik‘s Jesus Navarro for the night’s opening musical number that will pay tribute to salsa icon Héctor Lavoe.

“Can you imagine? It’s a great honor for me,” he says. “The opening will allow us to relive Héctor Lavoe’s music, the music that is in our blood, that makes us so proud and is part of our musical history and culture.”

The Latin Grammys — which will also showcase diverse stories of hope, community, sense of purpose, and celebration throughout the night as part of their “music makes us human” theme — will air at 8:00 pm ET via Univision.

The event will be preceded by the The Latin Grammy Premiere, which starts at 3:00 pm ET via Facebook Live and is where the majority of the categories will be awarded.

Anitta to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Posted on November 9, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta is heading to the Latin Grammys…

The 27-year-old Brazilian singer has been added to the list of performers set to take the stage at this year’s Latin Grammys, according to the Latin Recording Academy.

Anitta appears on the final star-studded list of performers that includes Rauw Alejandro, J Balvin, Camilo, Lupita Infante, Juanes, Mariachi Sol De México De José Hernández, Ricky Martin, Natalia, Jimenez, José Luis Perales, Prince Royce, and Carla Morrison.

Those artists join previously-announced performers Anuel AA, Marc Anthony, Bad Bunny, Calibre 50, Pedro Capó, Julio Reyes Copello, Alex Cuba, Alejandro Fernández, Karol G, Kany García, Guaynaa, Los Tigres del Norte, Víctor Manuelle, Ricardo Montaner, Christian Nodal, Debi Nova, Fito Páez, Nathy Peluso, Raquel Sofía and Sebastián Yatra.

The 21st annual ceremony, led by 13-time nominee J Balvin, will also celebrate several Latin music icons, with special tributes including Julio Iglesias, Pedro Infante, Juan Luis Guerra, Roberto Carlos, and Héctor Lavoe.

Returning with a “music makes us human” theme that highlights musical excellence and the power of music in times of despair, the event will also showcase diverse stories of hope, community, sense of purpose, and celebration.

Hosted by Carlos Rivera, the 2020 Latin Grammys will air at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Thursday, November 19, via Univision.

The star-studded event will be preceded by the one-hour pre-show Noche de Estrellas, held virtually in Miami, where the majority of the categories will be awarded.

Prince Royce Replaces Himself at No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Prince Royce is his own replacement…

The 31-year-old Dominican American bachata singer has replaced himself at No. 1 on the Tropical Airplay chart.

On the October 24-dated survey, his latest single “Lotería” climbs 2-1, bumping his own “Carita de Inocente” down 1-2.

“Carita de Inocente” had earlier set the record for the most weeks at No. 1, and its total weeks atop the list now stand at 29.

“It feels great to have the top two Tropical Airplay songs in the country and I’m so thankful to everyone at radio and the fans who keep embracing my music and bachata,” Royce tells Billboard.

The last time an artist ranked first and second in the same chart week was Marc Anthony with “Lo Que Te Di” at No. 1 and “Parecen Viernes” at No. 2 (January 25-dated lists).

The last act, however, to replace himself at No. 1 was Nicky Jam in January 2018. Romeo Santos’ “Bella y Sensual,” which features Jam and Daddy Yankee, ceded its five-week reign to “Cásate Conmigo,” his collaboration with Silvestre Dangond (Jan. 27, 2018-dated list).

“Lotería” leads the list dated October 24, advancing from the runner-up position, thanks to a 34% gain in audience impressions, to 4 million, earned in the week ending October 18, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

The tune helps the bachata singer-songwriter up his career No. 1 count to 19, extending his third-most record in the chart’s 26-year history. Royce stands just behind Marc Anthony with 32 No. 1s and Victor Manuelle with 28.)

“Lotería” is from Royce’s Alter Ego album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart (dated February 22). The tune was produced by Royce alongside D’lesly “Dice” Lora and written by Royce, Lora, Yonathan “Mickey” Then and Ronald “Dae” López.

Over on Latin Airplay, “Lotería” enters the top 25, hiking 34-24.

Anitta to Perform at This Year’s Premio Lo Nuestro Awards Show

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Anittais readying for a high-profile performance…

The 25-year-old Brazilian singer, a four-time nominee in 2019, is set to perform at this year’s Premio Lo Nuestro awards show.

The “Veneno” singer and New Artist of the Yearcontender joins a roster of new additions that includes JBalvin, Yandel, Juanes, Maná, Pepe Aguilar, Joss Favela, Nacho, and Zion y Lennox.

Anitta previously took the stage alongside J Balvin at least year’s how, giving a sizzling performance of their hit collaboration “Downtown.”

Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee, Natti Natasha, Anuel AA and Ozuna, Thalia, Lele Pons, Fuego, Prince Royce, Farruko, Piso 21, Intocable, De La Ghetto, Pedro Capó, Reik, Christian Nodal, Lali and Silvestre Dangondare also confirmed to perform at the annual ceremony.

The awards will be hosted by Maite Perroni, Alejandra Espinoza and salsa singer, Victor Manuelle.

The 31st edition of Premio Lo Nuestro will air on Univisionon Thursday, February 21, live from American Airlines Arenain Miami starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Victor Manuelle Recognized with Five Guinness World Records Titles

Posted on December 11, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Victor Manuelle is breakin’ records…

After becoming the artist with most hits on any Billboard Latin airplay chart this past August, the 50-year-old Puerto Rican singer has received official recognition for this feat, and others, from Guinness World Records.

Guinness presented the salsa star with five titles: most charted titles on the Billboard Latin Airplay charts; most Top 10 hits on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart; most Top 10 hits on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart (male); most No. 1 singles on the Billboard Tropical Airplay Chart; and most charted titles on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart.

Manuelle received his honors during the live telecast of daily morning show Un Nuevo Día, on Telemundo.

One of the most successful and respected salsa stars of this generation, Manuelle won two Latin Grammys in November for his album 25/7, an eclectic set where he collaborated with both traditional salsa singers as well as new reggeaton and trap stars. This musical open-mindedness has contributed to Manuelle remaining a relevant chart topper, 25 years after he launched his recording career.

“I never thought that a phrase that I use jokingly –‘ Let’s get a Guinness World Records title’– came true,” said Manuelle in a statement. “Today, I receive the great news that I officially belong to the prestigious Guinness World Records family in several categories in 2018. I thank God and my extended family, my audience that never fails me. Let’s go for more,” he said.

In August, Manuelle notched his 71st entry on the Tropical Songs airplay chart. Only Daddy Yankee,with 68 entries on the Latin Rhythm airplay chart, comes close to his numbers.

“We are proud that incredible music stars such as Victor are part of the Guinness World Records family. His illustrious musical career is now Officially Amazing™,” said Manuelle, Guinness World Records adjudicator.

Manuelle joins an impressive list of Latin music artists who have set Guinness World Records, including “Despacito” singers Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi in 2018.

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