Billboard Presents

25 Nov 2025

Romeo Santos & Prince Royce Reveal Their Best Kept Secret From Latin Music: Their Joint Album, ‘Better Late Than Never’ | Billboard Presents

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Romeo Santos and Prince Royce join forces on a joint album titled ‘Better Late Than Never,’ and Billboard has the exclusive interview where they break their silence about their secret collaboration as Batman and Robin, sharing the magic behind their new and unexpected bachata album.

Romeo Santos:

The album is titled ‘Better Late Than Never,’ which means “better late than never.” The explanation seems obvious. Many people will likely say, “Why did you take so long?” The answer is simple: better late than never. We also wanted a song that would pay tribute to the title. That’s why there’s a song that’s literally called “Better Late Than Never,” which is a little more about love, heartbreak. A man who makes the mistake of not valuing his partner and when he sees her happy with someone else, and you see that things perhaps got damaged, he recognizes that he lost his great love, but that he asks her to give him one last chance, that he’s changed now. 

Prince Royce:

He changed. 

And that it took too long for the change, but better late than never.

Prince Royce:

I think that’s a very deep, deep meaning, you know I think it’s growth, I think it’s perseverance. And to tie to everything that we were talking about. So, I think that’s a very deep concept and title in general. 

Yeah, no, I think the title couldn’t have been a better title, you know it’s like, better late than Never, you know. You have any negative thing to say about “why did we take so long?” Better late than never! You know? “Why an album?” Why not? Better late than never. 

The first song we recorded for the album, with the album in mind already, was “Mi Plan.” I think it was in St. Barts. We were there, chilling. We were actually just chilling, actually. We were like: “Let’s go record”. 

It’s like a fellas trip. 

And that’s where that idea started, already with this concept in mind that maybe a production was coming.

Keep watching for more!

05 Nov 2025

Rosalía on Recording ‘LUX’ in 13 Languages: ‘Every Word on This Album, I Fought For’ | Billboard Cover

Trending on Billboard

Rosalía sits down with Billboard’s Lyndsey Havens to discuss creating her new album ‘LUX’ and how she wrote and sang in 13 different languages. Plus, she dives into what a ‘LUX’ tour would look like and auditioning for ‘Euphoria’ season 3 and working with the cast.

Rosalía:

Every word in this album, I fought for it. It took me a year to write the lyrics for this album, and then another year to arrange the music and revisit the lyrics to refine and perfect them. It was a process that required a lot of effort, but I’m very happy with the final result and how it all came together.

Lyndsey Havens:

Let’s start with the obvious question, since we haven’t heard much about this album yet. Take me to the beginning of this journey. How and when did you get started on this? 

I don’t think it’s easy to measure when something like this happens or starts. Let’s see, the album has a lot of inspiration in the world of mysticism and spirituality. Since I was a kid, I’ve always felt I’ve always had a very personal relationship with spirituality. So I think that’s the seed. That’s the seed of all this project, and I don’t even remember when that started.

In making this album, what felt the most familiar and the most new compared to your previous album?

This album definitely has a completely different sound than any of the projects that I’ve done before. It was a challenge for me to do a more orchestral project, right, and learn how to use an orchestra, understand, you know, all the instruments, all the possibilities, and even like, learn study from amazing composers in history, and try to say, “okay, that’s what has been done. What can I do that feels personal and honest?”

Keep watching for more!

12 Jun 2025

Carín León Exclusively Talks Country Music, C. Tangana & Mexican Pride | Billboard Presents

Ahead of his performance at the palenque during the San Marcos Fair, Billboard cover star Carín León reflects on his pride in being Mexican, the significance of palenques to him, and his career trajectory — starting in a band and transitioning to a solo artist.

He also discusses collaborating with C. Tangana, how “The One” with Kane Brown came to life, the country musicians he’s working with on his new album, his acceptance within the country music community, and his collaborations with Maluma, Alejandro Fernández and more.

Leila Cobo:

Carín!

Carín León:

Hi!

Welcome to my hacienda in Aguascalientes.

Thank you, thank you for the invitation. I’m so happy to be here.

Aguascalientes is — for those who don’t know — we’re here because tonight you’re going to perform at el palenque at the fair in San Marcos.

That’s right. 

So what is the San Marcos fair?

The best Mexican music and Latin music is presented, too. So, it’s a huge party that I think, as you noticed yesterday, it’s a big party. The experience is worth living once in a lifetime.

And it’s music, music, music, and more music?

Music, shots, food. A lot of Mexico in one month. Too much Mexico that can cause havoc. 

So this is an experience that is natively Mexican?

It’s the most Mexican, I think, that you can see in music, a palenque. I always tell people, “You have to see your artist at a palenque to understand what the experience is to take it all the way.” And the artists, too, appreciate the format of the palenque, we love it. The majority of my colleagues love it because you have all the people super close.

Like on top of each other.

Yes.

So, you’re there on stage, and I’m at this distance here.

Yes, easily. You can just be there with the people and drink some shots, it’s beautiful, it’s a communion of public that’s really interesting compared to shows at tours.

Completely. I’m going to show you my gardens.

It’s really beautiful, honestly. 

Right?

Keep watching for more!

22 May 2025

Alejandro Sanz Talks About His New Album, Working With Shakira & More | Billboard Presents

Billboard cover star Alejandro Sanz is gearing up to release his first album in four years, ‘¿Y Ahora Qué?’. The Spanish singer is teaming up with Shakira once again for a new duet, “Bésame.” He shares the inspiration behind “Palmeras en el Jardín,” what it’s like to work with Shakira, his collaborations with Grupo Frontera and Manuel Turizo for his upcoming album. He also opens up about his mental health, what fans can expect from his tour, and more!

Are you excited for Alejandro Sanz’s new album? Let us know in the comments!

Leila Cobo:

Alejandro, welcome. 

Alejandro Sanz:

Thank you, like always.

Like always. Now tell me, what now?

Well look, “what now” is the first phrase that appears on the album.

Oh really?

On “Palmeras en el Jardín.” “And what now? Now what do you say.” You know how the song starts. But also, I think it’s a phrase that’s common all throughout the world because whenever you start something new, something always happens and you always have to go head on with change, you always ask yourself, “what now?” And when you go to write a new song, it’s a little bit like that. And when you are going through sentimental and emotional changes in your life, and things that really move you, you ask yourself, “what now,” right?  Fortunately or unfortunately, the world presents us with so many changes, different things that we don’t know what’s going to come after and how we are going to face those kinds of things. It seems really graphic and I like to gather phrases or words that are in common imaginations and give them a poetic feel inside of an album.    

And you do that all the time? Better said, do you do it consciously and thinking of that?

Well, I try to. 

Ok so, “Palmeras en el Jardín,” you wrote it before the rest of the album, right?

Yes, almost before the whole album.

I ask because “Palmeras en el Jardín” is a really sad song, honestly. 

Keep watching for more!

20 May 2025

j-hope Teases What’s Next for Solo Career: A ‘Mature, Sexier’ Vibe | Billboard Cover

Billboard cover star j-hope sits down to share his experience with ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE,’ the kind of music he hopes to create after completing his military service, his collaborations with J. Cole and Miguel, the artists he hopes to work with in the future, and more!

j-hope:

‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ is exactly what it sounds like. It’s about showing the artist ‘j-hope’ exactly as he is, fully, on stage. When I start the encore performance, there’s always a moment of connection with the audience. It’s something that I experience at every show. It felt like the stage brought everyone together and created a moment where we became one. I think those are the moments that mean something. My goal is to be an artist that’s consistent. My honest goal is to keep making music that I want to make and is true to who I am. And also become an artist who can express that through a wide variety of performances. I’ve given a lot of thought to many things. “What kind of music should I make after I complete my military service?” That question kept playing on a loop. The main reason I came to L.A. was to explore the kind of music I could make with the local producers. And I feel that the music turned out exactly as I envisioned. I think I’ve made a song that really captures that sweet longing of wanting to love and be loved. And it’s also very easy on the ears. When it comes to collabs, I’m all about vibing with the artists that I genuinely love. Working with J. Cole was just that. He’s been my idol, and he understood that I came from an honest place. Same with Miguel, I’m grateful to him for everything.

Keep watching for more!

14 May 2025

Tems Looks Back at History-Making Career & Teases New Music | Billboard Cover

Billboard cover star Tems is diving into the trajectory of her career, balancing her personal life and breaking records. Plus, she teases new music, lists her favorite songs she’s put out, talks her involvement with San Diego FC, how representation has evolved in the music industry, the challenges of fame, her future goals and more.

What’s your favorite Tems song? Let us know in the comments!

Heran Mamo:

Well, I’m so excited to be here with you.

Tems:

Me too. 

I mean, this is the fourth time we chatted. But you know, much bigger occasion. Super happy. In person, in London, where you live.

In London, yeah. 

So how long have you lived in London?

I’ve lived in London for about three years now.

And your family moved here when you were a baby, correct? 

Yes. My dad still lives here. Actually, I was raised in Lagos. Still. I didn’t stay here too long when I was a baby.

Obviously Lagos is still considered home. 

Oh yeah, for sure. 

I remember, I think I was watching your Vogue France video when you’re getting ready for the Jacquemus show, and you’re talking about, like, your Pilates class and how, like, you have to keep changing them, because of people recognizing you and you’re like, not even booking under your real name. How do you maintain a sort of normal-ish routine?

The way I am naturally is, I wouldn’t say it’s routine-based, but I find joy in, you know, quiet and having my own time, and I just keep my life private, like my private life private and my public life public.

How has your relationship with your fame evolved over the years and making sure you’re still maintaining that peace?

At least when I first started, there’s a lot of things I wasn’t comfortable with. I’m hypersensitive to a lot of things, so everything was uncomfortable. I just love music. You know, I was always focused on my art and just putting on music.

Keep watching for more! 

20 Mar 2025

The Grateful Dead’s Legacy: Birth of the Original Fandom Movement

The Grateful Dead left behind a legacy that continues to thrive through its devoted fanbase, the Deadheads. In this documentary, we explore the band’s career trajectory, its influence in reshaping modern concerts and fandoms and the enduring impact of its legacy.

Keep watching for an in-depth analysis as to how the Grateful Dead impacted the music industry. 

Are you a Deadhead? Let us know in the comments below!

Diplo:
The fandoms of today are very temporary. 

Hanson:
The Grateful Dead invented the modern concert as we know it. 

Eric Renner Brown:
There are going to be some differences between Grateful Dead and Swifties. I think that there is a fundamental similarity in terms of how they helped have a roadmap for what does a hyper-engaged fandom look like. 

Romeo Okwara:
They’re the most loyal fan base in all of music. 

Diplo:
They kind of invented the idea of a fandom.

Narrator:
Formed in Palo Alto, 1965, the Grateful Dead are one of the most popular and influential bands in American history, known for their improvisational approach to music and fusing rock, folk, soul, blues and jazz. They were the original jam band and paved the way for others in music.

Katie Bain:
The Grateful Dead are the fathers of psychedelic culture. They are a touchstone for many generations of music fans. They’ve influenced countless artists. They have created really a culture unto their own, and they’ve made a ton of good music, while doing it. 

Narrator:
With songs like “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey” and “Friend of the Devil,” the Grateful Dead captured audiences with their lyrics and visuals to match. 

Eric Renner Brown:
First and foremost, the thing about this band is the songbook. The majority of their repertoire was Jerry Garcia wrote the songs with the lyricist Robert Hunter, who’s like a visionary in his own right. Their songs stand toe to toe with any of the great songwriters of the 20th century. 

Keep watching for more!

11 Dec 2024

Tyler, the Creator: The Most Honest Version Of Himself Creates ‘Chromakopia’ | Billboard Cover

Never one to follow the status quo, Billboard cover star Tyler, the Creator sits down and shares the most honest version of himself that went into his Billboard chart-topping album, ‘Chromakopia.’ The hit-making artist looks back on his 13-year career and how Camp Flog Gnaw has grown with him throughout the years. He also shares his new ventures, what he’s looking forward to in the future and more!

Producer:

Can you do it once more leaning back, though, for that mic. Thank you. Thank you. I just don’t want you to be in front of it. Yeah, I got you. 

Tyler, the Creator:

No, no, lift that **** we gettin’ the mic. Hey guys, it’s me, Tyler, and you’re here with Billboard Magazine, and I can’t wait ’til you see all the cool things that we have coming for you guys, guys, including exclusives and exclusives. F*ck yeah. I’m so fortunate like 13 years in, and my latest sh*t is my biggest? Bro that’s rare. There’s n***a’s is out here that they first album is the only one that they get to perform when they go places like they have to use that as a marketing thing, because that’s the one people connected to the most. And kind of sometimes it might feel like the other sh*t’s disregarded. So I’m like, bro, this album ate 13 years later, and this, doing this, that don’t happen much, so I’m over here sitting like, oh, I don’t know anything. I thought I had a grasp on this sh*t. I thought I knew song structure. And like, oh, all the kids are on TikTok. No one cares about lyrics anymore. I’m a boomer, and I’m like no, this sh*t is turnt. I don’t know sh*t, n***a I’m so confused in like the most positive way, and I really love it. Like, first week No. 1 was like all right, cool, sick. Kind of figured it’s been a while. 

Keep watching for more!