J Balvin & Maluma Unveil New Collaboration & More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music

From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.

J Balvin & Maluma Join Forces (Again)

Four years after dropping their first collaborative effort, “Qué Pena,” J Balvin and Maluma are joining forces for a second track. “Gafas Negras” (Black Sunglasses), expected to come out on Jan. 25, will seemingly find both artists in their new era as Don Juan (Maluma) and Don Jose (Balvin). This week, the two Colombianos shared a preview of the upcoming track while they discussed parenthood by the beach: “Rio (Balvin’s son) is going to steal Paris (Maluma’s soon-to-be-born daughter),” Balvin jokes in the clip. “By that time I’ll wear my black sunglasses so people can’t see my reaction,” Malum replies. Check out the silly clip below:   

Karol G & Elena Rose Create Magic

Elena Rose kicked off 2024 with a new career move: Announcing that she and Karol G were creating music together. “Thank you warrior for the light that we shared and this beautiful moment. I love and admire you,” the Venezuelan songwriter expressed on Instagram with a set of photos alongside the Colombian singer. “Women who read me, let’s take care of ourselves, protect ourselves, love ourselves and encourage ourselves to continue being Bichotas forever. This year is ours!!!!” Rose has written songs for artists such as Selena Gomez, Becky G, Christian Nodal, Sebastian Yatra, Rauw Alejandro, and many more. 

Ivan Cornejo’s First Stadium Date

Mexican American artist Ivan Cornejo is set to perform his first stadium show on March 3, as part of the Houston Rodeo lineup. The 19-year-old singer-songwriter, who is featured in the Genre Now issue as the future of regional Mexican music, announced he’s part of the event on Thursday (Jan. 11) with the caption: “HOUSTON BUCKLE UP !!! the first stadium I’m performing! see you at the rodeo.” The announcement comes just months after Cornejo wrapped up his most ambitious tour yet, Terapia Tour, which he closed out with a record-breaking concert at Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., becoming what the venue says is the highest-selling single Latin music show in its history.

Kali Uchis Is Expecting

On the eve of releasing her debut Spanish-language album, Orquideas, Kali Uchis revealed that she and rapper boyfriend Don Toliver were expecting their first baby together. “Starting our family. Don’t take too long to get here little pooks, mom & dad can’t wait to share our life with you,” said the sweet announcement video on Instagram. The heartfelt clip is backed by Uchis’ album track “Tu Corazón Es Mío” (your heart is mine) and shows raw footage of the couple together as well as videos of them as little kids.    

J.Lo’s Touching Golden Globes Moment

Earlier this week, Jennifer Lopez and actress Brie Larson had a wholesome moment at the 2024 Golden Globes carpet. Larson, who was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a limited series, anthology series, or a motion picture made for television for Lessons in Chemistry, did not hold back from fangirling when meeting Lopez for the first time in mid-interview with Entertainment Tonight. “You mean so much to me. I’m such a huge fan,” she said to Lopez, who also began to shed a tear. “I saw ‘Selena’ and it made me want to be an actor. You’ve always meant so much to me. It’s been a dream of mine so thank you so much. Your work ethic is so important.” 

Also in tears, Lopez then told ET reporter Kevin Frazier that she once was in Larson’s shoes. “I remember being a little girl and watching ‘West Side Story’ and Rita Moreno changing my life,” she recalled. “So to have someone say to me, ‘I watched ‘Selena’ and it made me want to be an actress’ it’s so moving. It’s like your dreams came true and it’s such a beautiful thing.” Relive the adorable encounter below: 

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