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After nearly four years together, superstar couple Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro announced their engagement on March 24 via their music video “Beso.” It was also the same day they dropped their first-ever joint project — the three-song EP RR.
After months of messaging each other on social media, the Spanish star and the Puerto Rican hitmaker officially met in person in 2019 at a Las Vegas hotel lounge during the Latin Grammys. It was love at first sight, the couple told Billboard for their cover story interview.
Since, the Rosalía and Alejandro have been each other’s biggest supporters on and off the stage. Before RR, the couple had subtly collaborated on previous projects. Rosalía sang backing vocals on “Dile a Él” from Rauw’s first album, Afrodisiaco (2020) as well as on “Corazón Despeinado” from Saturno (2022). Meanwhile, Alejandro co-wrote some lyrics for Rosalía’s “Chicken Teriyaki” from her Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning 2022 album, Motomami.
“In terms of collaborations, the big difference is you’re collaborating with the love of your life. At least, I am,” Alejandro shared with Billboard. Rosalía later added, “I’m lucky to be your partner, and I want to be there for you, sabes? And I feel you’re there for me, independent of the careers. For me, our relationship is first, and then there’s everything else. Of course my career is super important in my life, but at the same time, in my life, you’re my companion, and everything else comes second.”
Currently, Rosalía is on a 20-date festival tour, which kicked off at Lollapalooza Argentina on March 17 and includes shows at Coachella and Primavera Sound. Alejandro is on his ambitious 80-plus-date global arena tour, which kicked off March 4 in Tampa, Fla.
Read on for a complete timeline of Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro’s relationship.
November 2019: Meeting IRL
Image Credit: Kanya Iwana
After telling Billboard that they began exchanging Instagram DMs in 2019, the couple officially met in person at a Las Vegas hotel lounge during the 2019 Latin Grammys. “I was nervous, I’m not going to lie,” Rauw says. “Rosi came down and I saw her. I got even more nervous.” The couple also reveals in our interview that it was “100% love at first sight.”
2020: First Collaborative Efforts
Long before going public, the couple had subtly collaborated on each other’s previous projects; Rosalía sang backing vocals on “Dile a Él” from the Puerto Rican artist’s first album, Afrodisiaco (2020).
Later, she also did vocals on his “Corazón Despeinado” from Saturno (2022) and helped pen “Caprichoso” from Rauw’s EP Trap Cake, Vol. 2 (2022). Rauw also co-wrote some lyrics for Rosalía’s “Chicken Teriyaki” from her Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning 2022 album, Motomami.
September 2021: The First TikTok
On September 24, 2021—after a few paparazzi photos circulated the internet and much speculation that they were dating—Rauw and Rosalía posted their first TikTok video together on Rosalia’s account. In the clip, they are in a living room setting and are seen making a heart gesture with their arms to a viral sound. The clip has nearly 100 million views at time of publishing.
September 2021: Instagram Official
Image Credit: Courtesy photo
The next day, on Rosalía’s 28th birthday (Sept. 25), both artists shared never-before-seen photos on Instagram. “BlisssssSSSS, Libra, and blessed,” the Spanish singer-songwriter posted, along with photos in the arms of Rauw as he plays video games. On his Instagram, the “Todo de Ti” singer shared pics with Rosalia out in the ocean. “Even if the sun leaves, the day never ends with you. Happy birthday, bebe,” he captioned the post, referencing the heartfelt lyrics of his track “Aquel Nap ZzZz.”
November 2021: Red Carpet Debut
Image Credit: Isaac Buj/Europa Press via GI
On November 12, the new “it” couple made their official red carpet debut at Los40 Music Awards held in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Not only did they look adorable hand-in-hand, but later in the show, Rosalía presented Rauw with the best international Latin urban artist or group award and they smooched on stage. Rauw thanked his “beautiful girlfriend” for being his “muse.”
May 2022: First Hints of a Collab
During his panel at Billboard’s MusicCon, Alejandro talked about collaborating with Rosalía. “For sure, we have a few [things planned] in the studio already,” he confirmed. “It’s a surprise. Those songs are [under] extra security. We’re planning to do the release — I’m not going to say when, but soon. We’re doing it for the love of the fans and she’s my girl and I did those songs with more love. No. 1 for sure.”
June 2022: Engagement Rumors
Last summer, the couple took time from their busy schedules to spend quality time together in Greece — and many fans believed that Rauw popped the big question during the vacation. On their Instagram accounts, they were seen eating frozen yogurt, riding a bike around town, and enjoying a day out on the boat. Among the countless photos and Instagram Stories they shared, Rosalía posted a blurry photo of herself with a shot glass in hand and a bright diamond on her ring finger, making social media users believe they got engaged.
November 2022: Lovers at Latin Grammys
Image Credit: Christopher Polk for Variety
The couple was all cute and lovey-dovey at the 2022 Latin Grammys in Las Vegas. First, they walked the carpet together serving nothing but power couple vibes. Then, they danced reggaetón for viewers back home during Rosalía’s performance, followed by one of her many wins that night — that one for the coveted album of the year award — for her Motomami album.
“Many, many, many thanks. Motomami is the album that I’ve [most] had to fight for, that’s been hardest to do, but I kept going,” she said. “Thanks for always supporting my music, because my music is always changing,” she added, before launching into a long list of thank-yous that included her famous boyfriend, Rauw Alejandro. “Thank you to the love of my life. Baby, I love you,” she said pointing toward Rauw in the first row.
December 2022: New Year’s Eve in Japan
To close off a successful 2022 for each of their careers but also as a remarkable couple, Rauw & Rosalía spent their end-of-year holidays in Japan. On since-deleted stories posted on Instagram, we saw the couple singing songs by Daddy Yankee and Cher at a karaoke spot, and also spending New Year’s Eve with new couple Christian Nodal and Cazzu, along with other friends.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm7MMX4h1ea
March 2023: The EP, The Engagement, The Cover
Image Credit: Pili Vila Tobella
Come Spring 2023, the couple are going stronger than ever. They dropped their EP RR with tracks “Beso,” “Vampiros,” and “Promesa.” In the official music video for the former — following a joyous collage of beautiful moments the couple has spent together during their three-year relationship traveling the world — teary-eyed Rosalía flaunts her engagement ring. And on March 29, Billboard unveiled its Touring Issue, with both Rauw and Rosalía in their first joint cover, where they opened up about their relationship like never before.
On International Women’s Day (March 8), Billboard released a list of 21 powerful Latin women collaborations that included team ups between Karol G and Shakira (“TQG”), Ana Bárbara and Paquita la del Barrio (“El Consejo”) and Yuridia and Ángela Aguilar (“Qué Agonía”). Before Women’s History Month wraps up on March 31, we’re asking readers to vote for their favorite collaboration that’s featured in the roundup.
The list also includes unapologetic bangers, such as iLe and Ivy Queen’s latest track “Algo Bonito” and Ptazeta and Villano Antillano’s “Mujerón,” as well as ultimate breakup songs, such as Becky G and Karol G’s Hot Latin Songs chart-topping anthem “MAMIII.” There’s also a couple of joints that are all about reflection and finding your self-worth after a toxic relationship, such as Kany García and Mon Laferte’s “Se Portaba Mal” and India and Goyo’s “Nubes Negras.”
Representing regional Mexican are powerhouses Yuridia and Aguilar who delivered the epic “Qué Agonía,” a heartfelt ranchera where both admit their own faults in a failed relationship — but recognize that they still love their ex and are asking for forgiveness.
With this song, included in her first Mexican Music album Pa’ Luego Es Tarde, Yuridia scored her first top 10 song on the Latin Airplay Chart in 16 years. For Aguilar, the Edén Muñoz-produced track provided her third straight top 10 on the all-genre tally which launched with the No. 5 high “Dime Cómo Quieres,” with Christian Nodal, in 2021.
Below, make your vote count and choose your favorite Latin women collaboration.
Natti Natasha is set to make her hosting debut at the 2023 Latin American Music Awards. The “Sin Pijama” singer will co-host the awards ceremony — which will broadcast live on April 20 — alongside Julian Gil and Galilea Montijo.
“I’ve never shied away from living new experiences, and tackling new challenges,” Natasha tells Billboard. “Hosting an award show is something new and exciting for me. It gives me a way to connect with a live audience and those watching at home, and celebrate with them our culture and passion through what we love … música!”
The Dominican artist adds that she’s already preparing for the big day. “The work begins now! In the next weeks, I look forward to working with producers, creatives, wardrobe and production as a whole to ensure we give audiences an evening to remember.”
Natti Natasha is also up for three awards this year. She’s nominated in the categories best artist – urban, best collaboration – pop/urban and collaboration of the year for “Mayor Que Usted,” with Daddy Yankee and Wisin & Yandel.
This year, Bad Bunny leads the list of nominations with 11 nods, including artist of the year, song of the year and album of the year. The Puerto Rican star is followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations; and with eight nods each are Grupo Frontera, Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, Romeo Santos and Rosalía. Carlos Vives and Pepe Aguilar will be recognized as 2023 Latin AMAs Legacy honorees.
This year’s nominations are based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and even social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023).
Under the theme “Somos un Movimiento (We Are a Movement),” the 2023 Latin AMAs will celebrate Latin music’s “finest,” as well as play tribute to “today’s most influential and iconic” Latin artists, as voted by the fans. The eight edition of the Latin AMAs is set to broadcast live on Univision, UniMás, and Galavisión from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 20 at 7pm ET.
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.
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Los Tigres del Norte give back
Mexican supergroup Los Tigres del Norte announced that they’ve teamed up with venue SAP Center, in San Jose, Calif., to donate partial proceeds from the band’s upcoming hometown show April 1. The donations will benefit Local organizations Ayudando Latinos a Soñar and Hijas del Campo, who aid area farmworkers in the aftermath of recent floods and the Half Moon Bay shooting.
“It has also been important to us to show our gratitude by giving back to the community,” the norteño ensemble said in a statement. “Farmworkers already face many hardships in daily life and we could not stand by when so many people close to home have had to face these additional horrible events. We also encourage more people to join us once again in supporting this hardworking, but underserved community.”
Maná’s Alex González to be honored
Drum Workshop presented Alex González, Maná’s legendary drummer, with a DW Collectors Series Icon Snare, as a tribute to the musician. The snare drums, created by DW drum designer John Good, “pay tribute to some of the most iconic drummers in the history of rock,” according to a press release. Each snare is sized and configured to reflect the snare the artist plays and features an inlaid design made from “exotic wood veneers.”
“I am very happy and excited that my icon snare drum will be able to help others that are in need, that’s why my charity of choice is Nariz Roja A.C. that helps and supports low income children with Cancer in Mexico,” González said. “Thank you DW and thank you to those who have purchased my Icon Snare for your support and help! Big Hug!”
J&N Records receive special award
Executives Juan Hidalgo and Nelson Estévez received the Premio Soberano Especial from the Dominican Republic’s Asociación de Cronistas de Arte (ACROARTE). The special award honors their “productive” career as label executives and owners of J&N Records, which the brothers launched in 1981 in Queens, New York. Some of the artists they’ve worked with include Monchy & Alexandra, Tito Rojas and Johnny Ventura, among others.
“Thank you ACROARTE and to the many artists who’ve been with us for 43 years working for music,” Estévez expressed as they received the award at the Teatro Nacional in Santo Domingo.
Laura Pausini said “I do”
After 18 years with her partner Paolo Carta, Laura Pausini is a married woman. The longtime couple said “I do” on Wednesday (March 22) during a surprise wedding ceremony. The singer-songwriter and the Italian producer married in the city of Solarolo at Pausini’s parents’ house. Pausini and Carta exchanged vows with an original song “Davanti a Noi / Frente a Nosotros” penned by both. They then shared the special moment on social media.
Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro are engaged
Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía revealed that they are engaged in their “Beso” music video, from their three-track joint EP RR. The clip features a collage of moments the couple has spent together during their three-year relationship. At the 3:15 minute mark, a teary-eyed Rosalía appears flaunting her diamond ring while holding the box on the same hand. “Oh my god, and my mascara is all runny now. I love you,” she says before kissing her now fiancé.
Three songs to celebrate their three years as a couple. On Friday (March 24), Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro dropped their highly-anticipated joint project, RR, featuring three songs: “Beso,” “Vampiros” and “Promesa.”
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The EP — which marks the first that the couple recorded songs together — arrives after both artists had hinted at a potential collaboration. In November, the Spanish superstar teased that they had been in the studio together without revealing much. “We’ll see, we’ll see,” she added.
Meanwhile, Alejandro also talked about collaborating with Rosalía during his panel at Billboard’s MusicCon back in May. “For sure we have a few stuff in the studio already,” he confirmed. “It’s a surprise. Those songs are [under] extra security. We’re planning to do the release, I’m not going to say when, but soon. We’re doing it for the love of the fans and she’s my girl and I did those songs with more love. No. 1 for sure.”
Previously, the couple had subtly collaborated on each other’s previous projects; Rosalía sang backing vocals on “Dile a Él” from the Puerto Rican artist’s first album, Afrodisiaco (2020) as well as “Corazón Despeinado” from Saturno (2022). He also co-wrote some lyrics in Rosalía’s “Chicken Teriyaki” from her Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning 2022 album, Motomami. She also lent her pen on “Caprichoso” from Rauw’s EP Trap Cake, Vol. 2 (2022).
Alejandro kicked off his Saturno World Tour last month in the Dominican Republic, and will continue his trek in cities such as New Jersey, New York and Chicago. Most recently, Rosalía was recognized as Producer of the Year at the Billboard Women In Music awards. The Spanish idol, who had one of the most successful tours of 2022 with Motomami, will be performing at Coachella in April.
Stream RR below:
Peso Pluma is 10 minutes early to his Zoom interview with Billboard.
It’s not super common for an artist to appear on the screen right on time, much less earlier than expected — but the Mexican corridos performer is eager to start the interview and talk about “all the crazy” stuff that’s been happening in his short but rapidly ascending career. “Everything is happening so fast,” the 23-year-old artist says. “I’m as excited about everything as I am scared. I’m just enjoying the moment. I think I’m doing all right.”
It’s safe to say that Peso Pluma is doing just fine. In the past year alone, Peso signed with indie label Prajin Records, his first record deal, and has so far placed nine songs on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including three top 10s: corridos anthem “AMG” with Natanael Cano and Gabito Ballesteros, his slowed-down sierreño track “Por Las Noches” and “PRC” with Cano. He scored his first global chart hit, with the Luis R Conriquez-assisted “Siempre Pendientes,” it reached No. 155 on Global Excl. U.S. and No. 174 on the Global 200.
“It took me a while to assimilate what was happening,” says Peso, who has 216 million on-demand official streams in the U.S., according to Luminate. “To see my name on the charts, to see my name next to really important artists, I always dreamed with this. I know it’s all happening so fast, but that doesn’t mean that we’re going to stop working hard. On the contrary, I feel obligated to continue delivering hits.”
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Peso Pluma (who prefers not to share his real name) doesn’t come from an artistic family and learned to navigate this complex world on his own. Inspired by artists such as the late sierreño icon Ariel Camacho, Peso learned to play the guitar at age 15 by watching videos on YouTube. Then he started writing.
“Ever since I was a kid, I would write down my emotions because it was like therapy for me,” he explains. “I used to have a diary and my friends would make fun of me — because that’s considered ‘girly’ — but it worked for me. That’s where I’d write how I was feeling, then I realized some stuff would rhyme. I kept practicing and became better with time.”
Showcasing his blunt style of writing corridos about the highs and lows of life and his ability to also be vulnerable in a song, has caught the attention of Argentine rapper and singer Nicki Nicole and Colombian hitmaker Ovy on the Drums, who’ve recently teamed up with Peso for collaborations.
“Those that know me know that I love reggaetón, it’s what I listen to the most,” he says. “I was positive I’d do a reggaetón song with Ovy, but then they told me that he wanted to do regional Mexican. I was shocked, because he’s a renowned producer who wants to do Mexican music. I added my style, he added his and I love the song.”
Promising to deliver more star-studded collaborations, Peso also has his eyes set on global domination. “I feel like Mexican Music has come close to really going international, but it hasn’t fully happened yet. The United States isn’t everything. I want to go to Brazil, Spain, Argentina. I’m up for the challenge. The regional Mexican artist is emerging — we’re growing within the industry, you can’t deny that anymore.”
Below, meet this month’s Latin Artist on the Rise:
Age: 23
Recommended Song: “If you want to know all about Peso Pluma, listen to ‘AMG.’ You’ll then want to listen everything else.”
Major Accomplishment: “What a good question. I hadn’t thought about this. I think everything. To see my name on the charts. These past few days have been crazy because I keep thinking about all that’s happened. I’m really excited to show everyone what I can do but all in its time.”
What’s Next: “We have more collaborations coming. There’s one that I’m super excited about. You guys are going to love it, and I’m sure it’ll hit No. 1.”
Emilia, Big One and Callejero Fino’s “En La Intimidad” rules the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart (dated March 18) for a fourth week. It joins Bizarrap and Shakira’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” as the only other title to crown the ranking for at least four weeks in 2023.
Karol G and Shakira’s “TQG” holds steady at No. 2 for a third week, encompassing its entire run on the chart. TINI’s “Cupido” rebounds 4-3, while BM’s “M. A. (Mejores Amigos)” climbs 5-4 for a new peak after it held strong at No. 5 for a four consecutive weeks. Plus, Lil Cake and Migrantes also make progress as “Mercho,” featuring Nico Valdi, rises to its No. 5 high.
Argentinian Ecko earns his first top 10 on the 100-deep tally as “Te Escapas De Mis Brazos,” his partnership with Callejero Fino and El Perro, ascends 14-10. The rapper had reached a No. 37 high with first entry “Matatan,” with Cazzu, Brray, Alan Gómez, Kaleb Di Masi and Dj Tao, in March 2022. While Fino ups his top 10 career count to five, El Perro secures his second top 10.
The week’s Greatest Gainer honors goes to Ke Personajes’ “Pobre Corazón,” featuring Onda Sabanera, which rallies 54-16. It’s the highest ranking for the Colombian cumbia ensemble, while Argentinian Ke Personajes reached No. 1 through their featuring turn on Luka Ra’s “Ya No Vuelvas,” which also features La K’onga, in February.
Nicki Nicole’s “No Voy a Llorar :’)” takes the Hot Shot Debut of the week, at No. 36. It’s her highest start since “Ya Me Fui,” with Bizarrap and Duki, opened at No. 15 in July 2021.
Elsewhere, seven other songs debut this week, starting with Wisin, Emilia and Lyanno’s “Tu Recuerdo” at No. 63. La Planta, Bm and Alejo Isakk’s “Discoteca,” featuring Locura Mix, follows at No. 72. Plus, Puerto Rican trap artist Young Miko achieves her first entry with “Lisa” at No. 74. Meanwhile, Mambo Kingz and DJ Luian make their comeback after almost four years with “Más Rica Que Ayer,” with Anuel AA, at No. 75.
Further, Mya and Cali y El Dandee’s “Legendaria” bows at No. 78. Lolo OG, Callejero Fino, and Alejo Isakk’s “Azote (remix)” debuts at No. 84. And lastly, Milo J scores his third entry with “Morning” at No. 97.
Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors will feature a small group of new or relatively unknown artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover. In honor of Women’s History Month, our newest “On The Radar Latin” list includes up-and-coming mujeres that you should be listening to.
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See our recommendations below:
Artist: Cammie
Country: Brazil
Why they should be on your radar: Brazilian pop/soul singer Cammie may have just released her first single with L.A.-based indie record label Super Pop, “Baby I Love You,” but the 22-year-old is far from being new to music and the entertainment business. A semifinalist of The Voice Brasil 2016, the bilingual artist (Portuguese/English) from Rio de Janeiro with a powerful voice began her career at the age of nine, appearing in various musicals and as a voice actress in the Portuguese versions of movies including Toy Story. In 2012 she made her singing debut in a jingle, and last year she released the seven-song EP Doce Como Bala, with romantic mixes of samba-tinged soul, and guests like R&B singer Anchietx and samba vocalist Ferrugem. Throughout the deliciously funky “I Love You”, which Cammie co-wrote with producer Guilherme França, you can hear her undeniable influences of ‘70-‘80s-era Brazilian soul/funk. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS.
Song for Your Playlist: “Baby I Love You”
Artist: Ela Taubert
Country: Colombia
Why they should be on your radar: Thanks to a video that Feid reacted to on TikTok — where she’s singing a piano-heavy ballad version of his “Si Te La Encuentras Por Ahí“ — I discovered Taubert, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Colombia. But far beyond a couple of covers on social media, Taubert holds a sweet potent vocal range that’s both melancholic and mesmerizing that can be heard in her own original music, such as her debut single “Salto de Fe” in 2019, as well as “¿Cómo es que tú?,” and “Crecer.” A well-rounded pop artist, Taubert has been taken under the wings of Latin Grammy-winning producer Julio Reyes Copello, and has already shared stages with renowned stars Diego Torres and Alejandro Sanz. Showcasing her vulnerability and maturity, amongst other qualities, Taubert sings about love, heartbreak and dreams. She forms part of the inaugural generation of Universal Music Latin’s Abbey Road Institute & Art House Academy. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song For Your Playlist: “Yo Primero”
Artist: La Favi
Country: The United States (Los Angeles via Bay Area)
Why they should be on your radar: On her latest bilingual EP, Para Ti, West Coast singer-songwriter La Favi brings her enigmatic allure to the dance floor. Yet it starts with her spellbinding serene croon against melancholy guitar arpeggios and dingy electronic beats. It’s a gripping contrast that straddles dreamy sad-girl lyricism, occasional flamenco melismas (“Wachu Did”) and glitchy reggaetón production. The five-track EP was produced by Ulises “El Licenciado” Lozano of Kinky fame, who has also been at the helm of helping cultivate the neoperreo (Ms Nina, Tomasa del Real) scene that’s been buzzing on SoundCloud and beyond. La Favi, whose of Spanish descent, is the newest signee to Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak En Fuego label, and she is beautifully repping the freaky urbano movement with ease, confidence, and a tinge of salacity for good measure. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Para Ti” feat. YAWNS
Artist: Michi Sanz
Country: Venezuela
Why they should be on your radar: Three years ago, Michi Sanz (real name: Michelle Valentina Sanz Mateu) dropped her debut single “123,” backed by hip-op beats and accompanied by artists Splitmusic and Dakeator. Her dulcet, high vocals set the tone for her next musical projects, all of which are innovative and experimental in their own right. Based in Miami, Sanz has explored ’80s retro funk as heard in “VIBES,” reggaetón-pop as heard in “+58,” and most recently, punk rock in her new single “FKN indirectas.”
She has composed music for other artists, including popular Peruvian act Leslie Shaw, and just performed at her first SXSW in Austin, Texas. “My lyrics define real-life situations and moments that we have all gone through,” Sanz, who describes herself as “super pana” (cool in Venezuelan slang), notes on her Spotify profile. “They are stories that will lead me to sing to the world that we can dream, love, cry, and dance.” — J.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “FKN Indirectas”
Artist: Tania Domínguez
Country: Mexican-American
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Mexican Music with a twist. Tania Domínguez’s refreshing take on the legacy genre is head-turning. While most artists from her generation have taken on the sierreño or urban-infused route, Dominguez is placing all bets on an almost jazz-like alternative sound to stand out from the crowd. At least that’s the route the Rancho Humilde-signed artist — who previously served in the U.S. Army and spent her days in South Korea listening to music and discovering artists such as Ariel Camacho and Junior H — has taken for “Enamorarse Suavecito,” No Me Puedo Detener” and “No Puedo Olvidarte” with label mate Ivonne Galaz. The new tracks are a departure from the sad sierreño songs the 23-year-old singer-songwriter first released, which showcase her slick guitar skills and gristly vocals. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song For Your Playlist: “Enamorarse Suavecito”
Armed with confidence, artistic prowess and infectious beats and lyrics, Nathy Peluso has quickly become one of the most fascinating artists of our time.
After releasing her first full-length album Calambre in 2020, which scored her a few Latin Grammy nominations, Peluso was catapulted to worldwide acclaim — thanks to a creative spirit that’s allowed her to thrive in different spaces, as a true chameleon in the industry. She’s taken genres such as salsa, bachata, R&B, pop and funk and effortlessly made them her own.
“The best advice I’ve received as a woman in music was from my mom, to never compromise my authenticity for anyone or anything,” the “Estás Buenísimo” singer tells Billboard.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Billboard kicked off its “Las Poderosas” series, featuring a select number of powerful Latinas who get real about the word “empowerment,” their space in Latin music, and more. The series launched Monday (March 20) with LALI, which you can read here.
Below, our exclusive Q&A with Peluso:
What does empowerment mean to you as an artist and as a woman?
Empowerment to me as an artist and as a woman means having the freedom to express myself, create my art, and make my own decisions without being constrained by societal expectations or prejudices. It’s about embracing my identity and my strength and inspiring others to do the same.
What does empowerment NOT mean to you?
Empowerment does NOT mean putting others down or diminishing their experiences. It’s not about being better than anyone else, but rather about recognizing and celebrating our unique qualities and using them to uplift and support each other.
What is the best advice you have received as a woman in music?
The best advice I’ve received as a woman in music was from my mom, to never compromise my authenticity for anyone or anything. Staying true to myself, my values, and my art has been key to my success and personal fulfillment.
Which woman has served you as a mentor or role model? Who do you admire and why?
I have always admired J.Lo for her incredible talent, work ethic, and multifaceted career. She has broken barriers for Latinas in music, film, and business.
Have things changed for Latin women in music in the last five years and how?
In the last five years, things have changed for Latin women in music in many ways. There is now more visibility, representation, and support for female artists in the industry. We have seen a rise in successful Latina singers and songwriters across various genres, breaking down stereotypes and challenging the status quo. While progress has been made, there’s still much work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and recognition for Latin women in music.
What is your favorite “girl power” song?
My favorite “girl power” song is “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. It’s a classic anthem that has inspired generations of women to stand up for themselves and demand the respect they deserve.
Just minutes before going stage for her Lollapalooza Argentina set on March 17, Rosalía gave her dancers the ultimate pep talk.
The Spanish star’s microphone inadvertently turned on just minutes before going on stage and her sweet words were heard by attendees. “This is the first show we’re doing and I hope you guys feel very proud of this [and] that you enjoy the show,” she said in English before going on stage to sing her hits “Saoko,” “Bizcochito” and “La Fama.”
“You know that I cannot do this without you. And I feel very happy, very blessed that you’re here. And I really, really, really hope that you enjoy this set tonight on stage. I learn a lot from all each one of you during this process. I want you to know that I admire you and I love you. I’m grateful for your presence. We’re gonna kill this s–t! Okay? Let’s go!”
Lollapalooza Argentina took place Friday-Sunday at the Hipódromo de San Isidro, with Drake and Rosalía headlining the first night; the “Despechá” singer also performed at Lollapalooza Chile over the weekend.
Most recently, Rosalía’s Motomami logo became the first to be featured on both FC Barcelona’s men’s and women’s teams home kits as part of the team’s partnership with Spotify. The limited-edition shirt will also be available for fans to purchase.
On Friday (March 24), Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro will drop a three-song project titled RR. The EP is comprised of three tracks: “Beso,” “Vampiros” and “Promesa.” It marks the first time that the couple has recorded songs together.
