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Becky G, Grupo Firme, Junior H, Young Miko, Ivy Queen, Arcángel, and many more took the stage at Sueños Music Festival 2023, which took place in Chicago over Memorial Day Weekend (May 27-28).  On Saturday (May 27), Sueños got off to a strong start with performances by Feid, Wisin & Yandel, El Alfa, Ivy Queen, Gera MX and paopao, to name a few.  
From the founders of Mexico’s Baja Beach Fest, Sueños made its debut in 2022 with headlining acts J Balvin, Ozuna, and Farruko. Returning acts include Puerto Rican rapper Myke Towers, Dominican dembow star El Alfa, as well as reggaeton pioneers Wisin & Yandel. 
For a second year in a row, Wisin & Yandel — or best known as “El Dúo de la Historia” — helped close out the fest. The Puerto Rican hitmakers took fans down memory lane performing all the reggaeton hits such as “Abusadora,” “El Teléfono” and “Pam Pam,” to name a few. 
“We’re thrilled to be coming back to Chicago for our second annual Sueños festival,” Aaron Ampudia and Chris Den Uijl, co-founders of Sueños, previously told Billboard Español. “Last year was such a moment, you could feel the energy and excitement from fans no matter where you were at in the festival. It just felt like we were meant to be there, celebrating Latin music and culture with Chicago’s thriving Latino community — and this year we’re bringing even more.” 
On Sunday (May 28), artists such as Becky G took the stage and got emotional when she heard fans chanting “Becky, Becky, Becky!” To which she responded, “I just knew today would hit different.” 
Firme was in charge of closing day two and Sueños’ second edition, and, in their signature style, they partied hard in Chicago singing anthems such as “En Tu Perra Vida,” “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo” and “Ya Supérame.”  
Below, check out candid photos of all the performances at Sueños 2023.  

Nicky Jam

Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_

Nicky Jam at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Ryan Castro

Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_

Ryan Castro at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Ivy Queen

Image Credit: @el_matzu

Ivy Queen at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Wisin y Yandel

Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_

Wisin y Yandel at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Young Miko

Image Credit: @DIEGOGUILLEN

Young Miko at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Feid

Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_

Feid at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Eladio Carrión

Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_

Eladio Carrion at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Nicky Jam

Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_

Nicky Jam at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Grupo Firme

Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_

Grupo Firme at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

PaoPao

Image Credit: Annie Robillard

PaoPao at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Becky G

Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_

Becky G at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Arcángel

Image Credit: @frankievergara

Arcángel at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

El Alfa

Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA

El Alfa at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Wisin y Yandel

Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_

Wisin y Yandel at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

PaoPao

Image Credit: Annie Robillard

PaoPao at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Junior H

Image Credit: @EL_MATZU

Junior H at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Chencho Corleone

Image Credit: @frankievergara

Chencho Corleone at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Gera MX

Image Credit: @frankievergara

Gera MX at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Gera MX

Image Credit: @frankievergara

Gera MX at Sueños 2023 in Chicago. 

Sueños 2023 is a wrap. The second day of the music festival delivered its own set of show-stopping performances in a stacked lineup that included Grupo Firme, Becky G, Nicky Jam, Myke Towers and Eladio Carrión, to name a few. Sunday (May 28) was more varied in terms of genres. While the first day was […]

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

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Christian Nodal, “Cazzualidades” (Sony Music Latin)

Christian Nodal has penned a love song to his girlfriend, rapper Cazzu, titled “Cazzualidades”—a word play of the Spanish-language word casualidades (casualties) and the Argentine singer’s name. A romantic tune that cleverly fuses mariachi, tango and flamenco, “Cazzualidades” details the honest sentiments he feels for the soon-to-be-mother of his first child. “I may not be Romeo but I love my Julieta,” he says in the track, referring to Cazzu’s real name, Julieta Cazzucheli. In the midst of the single, Nodal spits a fiery rap verse, where he assures that “those who love for real never lose” and “are you what I was looking for? Nah, you’re better than what was meant for me.”

“Cazzualidades” is included in Nodal’s new Forajido2 EP, home to previously-released bangers “Un Cumbion Dolido” and the Tini-assisted “Por El Resto De Tu Vida.” Cazzu & Nodal made their relationship officially public at the 2022 Latin Grammys last November. In April, the Argentinean artist revealed she was expecting a baby during one of her concerts. — JESSICA ROIZ

Yng Lvcas, Six Jewels 23 (Warner Music México)

Emerging Mexican artist Yng Lvcas is one of the very few, if not the only artist to come out of Mexico that has had success in reggaeton. The 23-year-old has been on a winning streak thanks to a remix to his reggaeton anthem “La Bebe” with Peso Pluma. It was the only reggaetón song he included in his 2021 debut EP, Wup? Mixtape1, that was all corridos. Currently, the track is No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, Yng Lvcas has honed his reggaetón sound and has unleashed Six Jewels 23, his second reggaeton set (following LPM).

Inspired by artists such as Bad Bunny, Arcángel and Anuel AA, the young act is on his way to make a name for himself in a genre where not many Mexican artists have achieved success. Six Jewels 23, a seven-track EP that includes “La Bebe – Remix,” showcases Lvcas’ ability to produce hooky beats and earwormy lyrics. The EP’s focus track is “Wazap,” in collaboration with urbano heavy-hitter Justin Quiles. The track is a bouncy reggaetón jam that finds the pair trading verses about a girl who’s hitting them up on WhatsApp. Yng Lvcas also collaborates with Sleezy O (“Erótica”) and Bounce Bosses (“Bandolero”) — who produced “La Bebe – Remix.” Stream the set above. –– GRISELDA FLORES

Chayanne, “Bailando Bachata” (Sony Music Latin)

Chayanne returns to tropical music with “Bailando Bachata,” the third single from his upcoming new album, which will also include his previously-released songs “Tú y Yo” and “Te Amo y Punto.” It’s his first foray into the Dominican genre in almost a decade, since the bachata-pop “Bailando Dos Corazones,” but the new song, he explains to Billboard Español, “is something more faithful, more complete, which makes me very excited.” “How lucky I am that I can see you when I wake up every day/ And when I travel, I miss you/ I carry your photograph in my wallet,” starts the romantic Spanish-language track, co-written by Chayanne, Yasmil Marrufo, Andy Clay Cruz Felipe and Mario Alberto Cáceres Pacheco. Just as romantic is the music video, directed by Katherine Díaz and produced by Guacamaya Films. Set in the 1970s, the clip stars Venezuelan actress and model Veronica Schneider, who lies down to watch her favorite series — starring Chayanne, of course — when she notices that the artist can see her from the screen. The pop icon’s voice blends perfectly with the Caribbean genre on this 3:15 minute song, a soothing balm to the soul that’s sure to get you dancing. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Peso Pluma, “Bye” (Doble P Records)

Powered by an emotional trumpet melody and a guitarrón that slaps, Peso Pluma drops a gut-wrenching kiss-off titled “Bye.” It’s the first solo song since the gripping corridos number “Por Las Noches,” and it already hits with each cutting verse dripping in sad-boy reminiscence. With lyrics like, “Bye/ Better be on your way/ While I smoke and drink wine/ Being with you no longer suits me/ Bye/ And I could care less/ I get distracted by princesses / And your kisses don’t interest me anymore,” it harkens back to Bad Bunny’s classic trap song “Soy Peor” in the way that Peso’s menacing confession is about his heart being tainted from romantic betrayal. The Guadalajara sensation currently is atop the Billboard Global 200 chart with “Ella Baila Sola” alongside Eslabon Armado. He currently has eight other tracks on the coveted all-genres chart, including “La Bebe” remix with Yng Lvcas, “Por Las Noches” remix featuring Nicki Nicole, “PRC” alongside Natanael Cano and more. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Arthur Hanlon & Peter Nieto, “Darte un Beso“ (Sony Music Latin)

Virtuoso pianist Arthur Hanlon delights us with a reinterpretation of Prince Royce’s popular bachata “Darte un Beso” in the company of Cuban singer Peter Nieto. The cover is the opening track of Hanlon’s upcoming album, Legados: Bachata, slated for release on June 23 via Sony Music Latin and the first of forthcoming series of albums that will celebrate some of the greatest hits in Latin music. “I have dedicated my career and music to Latin music for over 20 years. It is an honor for me to make instrumental versions, for piano, of the best songs in Latin music,” the pianist says in a statement.

Hanlon gracefully delivers his instrumentals with a blend of R&B and soul arrangements, while honoring the original bachata, offering a refreshing and classy way to revive those beautiful songs that inspire positive feelings. Accompanying the release is an uplifting and inspiring video that celebrates love in all its expressions, incorporating retro clips of endearing moments of loving couples and families. — LUISA CALLE

Grupo Frontera, “Le Va Doler” (Grupo Frontera)

Grupo Frontera delivered the new upbeat norteño tune “Le Va Doler,” a nod to those who’ve healed after a painful heartbreak. This follows their latest hit “Un x100to” with Bad Bunny, which currently sits at No. 5 on the Hot 100. The band’s new song — written by Keytin, Ciey and Edgar Barrera — tell the story of a person navigating life after a rough breakup. Staying true to its core sound, Grupo Frontera subtly blends the norteño accordion with cumbia beats — giving life to melodic notes for each verse. “It will hurt when she sees that I’m over it. When she looks for me, and I don’t feel anything for her anymore, don’t feel anything,” lead singer Adelaido “Payo” Solís sings. — INGRID FAJARDO

Stream Billboard‘s New Music Latin weekly playlist below:

Forty years since launching his career, Luis Miguel is one of Latin America’s biggest pop stars today. Shortly after announcing his highly-anticipated tour on April 19, the crooner — and one of the top vocalists of his generation — sold out multiple dates on the 40-plus dates stint that is set to kick off Aug. […]

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Nicki Nicole, ALMA (Sony Music Latin)

What happens when your heart, soul and brain strike a balance? You get Nicki Nicole’s ALMA, a set that thrives on emotions (“DISPARA”), spirituality (“Tienes Mi Alma”) and reason (“NO Voy a Llorar”). A departure from Parte De Mí, which dropped two years ago, this new album is sonically less experimental but its lyrics are more raw, mature and intimate. In ALMA, Nicki takes fans on self-reflective journey. She starts off with “Ya No,” a soulful yet dramatic piano-led ballad that puts her striking vocals at the forefront as she sings “I’m not looking for anything from you. I’m no longer there. I don’t know who will take care of you. I don’t know who will heal you.”

It’s a theme that is carried throughout the album. It’s an awakening to self-love. The opening track is followed by the attitude-heavy hip-hop song “DISPARA,” a swaggy collab (“Like me, there’s only a few so you’re going to regret it”) with Milo J. Other collabs include “8AM” with Young Miko, the Rels B-assisted “qué le pasa conmigo?” and “CAEN LAS ESTRELLAS” with YSY A. “So many people I admire formed a part in it, producers as well as others in the industry,” Nicki says in a statement. “I truly feel that it’s a great album, it took a while, but it was worth it.” — GRISELDA FLORES

The Guapos, “Nunca Te Quise” (One Little Blue Records)

Fly dappers with a sardonic edge, the supergroup troupe — composed of Adán Jodorowsky, El David Aguilar, Jay de La Cueva and Leiva of the famed Mexican music scene — team up here to present The Guapos. On “Nunca Te Quise” (or “I never loved you”), the self-proclaimed handsome foursome croon sweet harmonies in rockabilly fashion, recalling classics like Ritchie Valens’ “Donna” or Los Teen Tops’ “Pensaba En Ti” — but with a more sinister spin. “I never loved you my love, you have to accept it/ I was just a manipulator/ And don’t be sad my love if I hurt you/ What more do you want to run away from me?,” they sing tenderly in Spanish.

“The song’s lyrics are a parody of a lover who, whether out of insecurity (or not), acts arrogant in the face of a potential breakup and is even willing to own his flaws. It has cynicism,” the band says in a press release. “The irony is that despite the song’s acidic lyrics, the music is actually very sweet, and that contrast is perhaps what we’ve always liked about the song.” Directed by Charlotte Kemp Muhl, the music video sees the mischievous men channeling a Clockwork Orange kind of vibe, but unlike the song’s lyrics, the visual gives these heartbreakers a just conclusion. Produced by Jodorowsky, “Nunca Te Quise” is the group’s second single from an upcoming album due out later this year. They are slated to tour Spain in June and July. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Christian Alicea, Yo (Therapist Music)

In 2019, Christian Alicea entered the mainstream realm by performing urban music — but along his journey, he discovered his sound and color, which today are reflected in his all-salsa, debut studio album Yo (Me). Home to 16 tracks, including collaborations with Nacho, Maffio, Rafa Pabon, and more, Yo is a musical testament to not only his Puerto Rican culture but also who he is as an artist — a singer, a songwriter, and an instrumentalist. Alicea pens lyrics about love, sentiment, and personal stories, all backed by his sugary vocals and captivating Tropical fusions, as heard in the focus single “Aroma.” Other standout tracks in Yo are “Bendicion Mame y Pape,” a bolero-infused bop dedicated to his faithful supporters; “Se Le Nota,” a quick-paced salsa with DJ Nelson and Alejandro Armes; the DJ Buddha-assisted “Que Rica,” a merengue ripiao recorded with a live band; and his bachata effort in “Se Acabó.” Stream and listen to Yo above. — JESSICA ROIZ

Juanes, Vida Cotidiana (Universal Music Latino)

Juanes reflects on his relationship with his wife and children, and the problems that affect his native country, in his new album Vida Cotidiana. They’re not particularly new subjects for the Colombian rocker known for his deep and honest lyrics about love and social commitment. But at 50, his introspective journey is more mature and fascinating. From the dark indie rock of “Gris” to the Juan Luis Guerra-assisted “Cecilia,” an upbeat love song dedicated to his wife, Juanes gets deeply personal as he navigates through feelings of frustration and sadness during the COVID pandemic — when the globetrotter was living for the first time with his family 24/7, in what was ultimately a very important and humbling learning experience, he recently told Billboard Español.

A return to his rock roots with electric guitar — this time tinged with funk, son and cumbia, among other rhythms — the 11-song set was produced by Juanes and Sebastian Krys, and includes the previously released “Amores Prohibidos,” “Ojalá” and “Veneno,” an empowering and funky tune about toxic relationships. In addition to Guerra, Juanes invited other artists to help him write. He gets assists from Puerto Rican singer-songwriter GALE on the pop-rock standout “Ojalá,” from Tommy Torres on the reggae-infused “El Abrazo” and from Cuban poet Alexis Díaz Pimienta on “Mayo,” a song inspired by the marches of recent years that led to violent situations in Colombia during the month of May (when Labor Day is celebrated there.) Another compelling track, “Canción Desaparecida”, about the disappeared in Colombia, was recorded with Mabiland. Vida Cotidiana — which translates to “Everyday Life” — is a capsule of Juanes’ life and spirit, which will make you reflect on our own. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Jesús Adrian Romero, El Cielo Aún Espera (Vástago Producciones)

Mexican singer-songwriter Jesús Adrian Romero launches his most recent album El Cielo Aún Espera this week. The famous representative of the Christian genre collaborates with his compatriot Adriel Favela for this eponymous single from the album, delivering an appealing pop ballad with elements of regional Mexican. The unexpected duet talks about enjoying everyday life, not with the artists’ eyes set on the future, but treasuring what they have received in the present — accompanied by the nostalgic sob of an accordion. In Romero’s words about its launch, “Many times when we talk about spiritual life we build a wall between the every day and what we consider divine. Spirituality and earthly life seem to be two conflicting ideas as if one had to be given up to achieve the other… What I would like to convey with this album is that we are human beings who enjoy life, love, have fun, laugh, and cry, but in the midst of everything, our center, our gravity is God”.

The album, produced by the renowned Kiko Cibrián, runs seven tracks — including “Te Esperare,” a pop ballad which Romero writes as a riddle about hope, two versions of “Amo Todo de ti” (modern folk and pop) both dedicated to his wife, and a few cuts released ahead of the album, including “A Vivir” (with Jesús Molina), “Fue tu Amor” (with Coalo Zamorano) and “No ha Sido en Vano”. The latter is a piano ballad that invites you not to become resigned from doing good — even if it seems like it has not led to good results, these good deeds have not been in vain. Jesús Adrián Romero, one of the few Christian artists who dares to decentralize his music and collaborate with other artists outside the genre, shows once again that he is a poet of composition, with lyrics that manage to zoom in on the emotional complexity of being human in many existential-but-everyday issues — and through his music, invite his listeners to introspection. — LUISA CALLE

From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Karol G & Alicia Keys’ Special Moment Onstage

Karol G surprised fans in Bogotá, Colombia when she showed up onstage to perform alongside Alicia Keys, who gave a show at the Movistar Arena on May 11. Following Goyo’s opening set, Keys took the stage and was later joined by the “Mañana Será Bonito” singer to duet “No One.” Fans were in for a treat when these two artists joined forces. Watch the special performance below:

A Poem by Shakira

Shakira released a new single, “Acróstico” (acrostic), and it’s a powerful open letter to her children, Milan and Sasha. The song is a poetic composition constructed so that the initial letter of each line of lyrics, taken consecutively, form words.

Released just in time for Mother’s Day, Shakira uses her iconic sultry voice to showcase her raw, vulnerable emotion in this stripped-down piano ballad, where she expresses a mother’s deep and pure love for her children. Acróstico” talks about how a mother can turn her pain into strength through the love of her kids, and how a caress from a son can uplift the soul. More info on the song here.

GALE’s New Career Milestone

This week, GALE sang the U.S. National Anthem to a crowd of nearly 300,000 people at the Formula One Miami Grand Prix that took place in Miami, Fla.—a first in her career. “I feel like I can do anything after this,” she expressed on her Instagram account. “I sang the National Anthem at the @f1 race. What a dream and an honor! Thank you for the love. I’ll never forget this moment. De Puerto Rico pa’l mundo enterooo.” The powerful performance by the Puerto Rican newcomer was aired live on TV in over 140 counties. GALE documented the exciting career highlight on social media. Watch it below:

Gibson Gives Back to Cuba

Gibson Gives has donated 52 guitars, in addition to strings, picks, and other musical equipment, to benefit students at the National School of the Arts in Cuba, where access to musical supplies is limited. “At Gibson Gives, we’ve extended our global growth over the past year, even reaching corners of the world we never thought possible,” said Dendy Jarrett, CEO of Gibson Gives in a press statement. “After two years of negotiations, we are excited to bring much-needed music and equipment for the first time to young people in music and art schools who have limited supplies. Cuban music and songwriting have a rich musical history and global impact; We are delighted to do our bit to ensure that this tradition continues to thrive with the next generation.” Gibson partnered with Derek Walker (Gibson Gives Goodwill Ambassador), who personally delivered the instruments and equipment. Gibson is also expected to donate 100 more Epiphone guitars to the school in the coming months.

First-Ever Latin Women in Music

The inaugural edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music is a wrap. Shakira, Thalia, Ana Gabriel, Evaluna Montaner, Goyo, Emilia and Maria Becerra were honored as the first class of the Billboard Latin Women in Music on Saturday (May 6) in Miami. From epic performances to emotional and poignant speeches, read all the highlights from the special night here.

With Latin Women in Music, Billboard and Telemundo aim to further elevate Latin music globally and celebrate the women who have made a concrete impact on Latin music through their artistic achievements, or through tangible, noteworthy actions that have brought measurable recognition and opportunity to women, affecting positive change to the industry as a whole.