Meet the New Artist of the Year Finalists at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards

When he was 10, Gabito Ballesteros formed part of a children’s mariachi at a local church in his native Cumpas, Sonora, Mexico. After exploring his singing capabilities and learning how to play the guitar, a then-15-year-old Ballesteros would post videos of his talents on social media, ultimately getting his first taste of virality with his cover of “Apagaré La Luz” by Los Hermanos Vega Jr., which the group reposted.

Ballesteros credits Natanael Cano — whom he met in Hermosillo — as his first big supporter, and who later invited him to collaborate on his “AMG” track with another then-newcomer, Peso Pluma. Now, after collaborating with artists such as Wisin, Prince Royce and Grupo Firme, Ballesteros is a four-time finalist at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards: artist of the year, new; Hot Latin Song of the year, vocal event; streaming song of the year; and tropical song of the year.

Born in Baja California, Mexico, Oscar Maydon emerged on the music scene in 2020 with debut single “De La Nació,” bringing his alternative corridos fused with pop melodies to the world. The following year, he made his Rancho Humilde record label debut with “En El Espacio” in collaboration with Legado 7. He also teamed up with Natanael Cano on “La Noche Empieza.”

Maydon — who has two studio albums: GXLE 3 (2022) and Distorsión (2023) — scored his first career entry on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 2023 thanks to his collaboration with Junior H on “Fin de Semana.” This year in August, the artist earned his first No. 1 on any Billboard chart for his collab with Becky G on “Mercedes,” which topped the Regional Mexican Airplay Chart.

Born and raised in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Tito Double P (real name: Roberto Laija) kicked off his career as Peso Pluma’s main songwriter, penning some of the Mexican star’s early hits, including “El Belicon,” “Siempre Pendientes,” “PRC” and “AMG.” Also Peso’s cousin, Laija went from writing multiple corridos-turned-anthems to forging his own path as a singer.

He made his debut as an artist on Peso’s Génesis album with “Gavilán II” and “La People.” Another version of the latter, “La People II” with Joel de la P, scored Tito his very first entry on the Hot 100. This year, Tito’s debut album Incómodo bowed at No. 2 on the Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums charts, and No. 20 on the all-genre Billboard 200.

Xavi’s passion for music came from a combination of watching his grandfather sing at church and his own musical influences, such as Camila, Sin Bandera and Justin Bieber. Born in Phoenix, it was a near-fatal car accident at the age of 16 that ultimately became a source of inspiration for the Música Mexicana artist. Suffering from a cracked skull and changed facial structure, the aspiring teen star went viral on social medial for playing the guitar — and putting his tumbados románticos sound on the map — during his recovery.

Today, he’s a seven-time finalist at the Billboard Latin Music Awards up for: new artist of the year; Global 200 Latin artist of the year; Hot Latin Songs artist of the year, male; and songwriter of the year. His banger “La Diabla” — which spent 14 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart — earns three entries as well: Hot Latin Song of the year, sales song of the year and streaming song of the year.

It was in 2021, following only her second single “Vendetta” in collaboration with trans artist Villano Antillano, that Young Miko realized her music could make an impact. The hard-hitting trap song spotlights the LGBTQ+ community all while spitting bars about empowerment, individuality, resilience and self-confidence. Since, the Puerto Rican artist born María Victoria Ramírez de Arellano Cardona has landed major collaborations with Bad Bunny, Arcángel, Feid, Bizarrap and Karol G—and even joined the latter on her Mañana Será Bonito tour.

Since stepping into the music industry, Young Miko has made a strong presence on the Billboard charts, including various hits on the Hot Latin Songs, Latin Airplay, Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. In addition to artist of the year, new, she is a finalist for Hot Latin Songs artist of the year, female and Top Latin Albums artist of the year, female.