Latin
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Danny Ocean’s wish is granted as the Venezuelan achieves his first No. 1 on a Billboard chart with “Amor.” The pop-dembow tune surges 10-1 on the overall Latin Airplay chart and 2-1 on the Latin Pop Airplay ranking (dated June 15).
“What makes me happiest, beyond my name being there, is that a Venezuelan is at No. 1,” Ocean tells Billboard. “This is a project that has always honored love.”
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“Amor” takes the crown with 8.7 million audience impressions, up 54%, on U.S. reporting radio stations during the May 31-June 6 tracking week, according to Luminate.
Thanks to the 54% percentage surge on airplay, “Amor” wins the Greatest Gainer honor, awarded weekly to the song with the largest gain in impressions among the chart’s 50 titles. Among the song’s biggest supporters, New York’s WXNY leads the way in the latest tracking week, Puerto Rico’s WKAQ comes second, while Los Angeles’ KXOL rounds out the top three.
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“Amor,” one of 12 tracks on Ocean’s third studio album, Reflexa, completes a five-week journey to the top on Latin Airplay, having debuted at No. 45 on the chart dated May 18. Thus, it takes second-fastest rise to the summit among the ranking’s 21 rulers in 2024, after Xavi’s “La Diabla” which reached the penthouse in its third week (chart dated Feb. 10).
Only one song achieved the feat faster: Shakira and Cardi B’s “Puntería” debuted atop the list dated April 6. Here’s the recap of those songs that needed the least weeks to land at No. 1 on Latin Airplay in 2024:
Weeks To Position, Title, Artist, Reached On1, “Puntería,” Shakira & Cardi B, April 6 (debut)3, “La Diabla,” Xavi, Feb. 105, “Amor,” Danny Ocean, June 157, “Por El Contrario,” Becky G with Leonardo Aguilar & Angela Aguilar, March 97, “(Entre Paréntesis),” Shakira & Grupo Frontera, May 18
As “Amor” hits No. 1 on Latin Airplay, it pushes Alejandro Fernández and Alfredo Olivas’ “Cobijas Ajenas” from the lead, with a 33% drop in impressions, to 5.9 million.
Over on Latin Pop Airplay, with “Amor” Ocean outdoes his prior best showing of No. 5 for “Miedito o Qué?,” with Ovy On The Drums and Karol G, in Jan. 2021.
On a hybrid level, with “Amor” Ocean secures his fourth entry on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs, which combines airplay, streaming data and digital sales. Debuts at No. 49 thanks to its radio haul.
Just days after Christian Nodal and Ángela Aguilar confirmed their romantic relationship, Cazzu is speaking out and thanking fans for checking in on her. On Wednesday (June 12), the Argentine singer and rapper (born Julieta Cazzuchelli), Nodal’s former partner and mother of their 9-month-old daughter Inti, shared just how much this situation has been for her to handle, without mentioning her ex or his new love interest.
“It is very overwhelming to be news everywhere for something like this,” she began her statement, which she posted to her Instagram Stories. “I always tried to avoid this side of the media exposure so mercilessly, and today to live it in this great dimension without having done anything to have so much attention and for my name to roll everywhere, it is an immense shame. But I take responsibility for my choices and also for what I have no control over. That is why I give you these words.”
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She continued: “I feel the need to let you know that I AM OK, going through it in the best way possible. I choose to step away from networks for a while to detox and focus on my baby, who is my priority, and on my work while everything calms down out there. Life is not totally beautiful or totally horrible, nor are people completely 100% good or bad, there are always grays and shades, but the important thing is to breathe and resist with love the necessary processes and learn. Thank you for the concern of so many. Now let’s turn the page, let’s live and let live.”
Nodal and Cazzu announced in May that they had ended their relationship after two years together. In a joint statement, both posted on Instagram: “The time has come to share that Julieta and I are going our separate ways,” Nodal wrote, which Cazzu reposted on her own account. “Our love and respect for each other remains strong, especially in our role as parents to our wonderful daughter, Inti.”
Less than a month later, Nodal and Aguilar confirmed they were a couple. On Monday (June 10), in an exclusive statement to HOLA!, Aguilar shared, “It is not a new relationship; it’s the continuation of a story that life made us pause so we could grow and miss each other. Because when we let go, we returned even closer.”
A day later, Nodal opened up in a video statement on Instagram. “First of all, Julieta is a person I love and who has my respect for life. We are public figures, we are artists, but we are not masters at life,” he said. “Love doesn’t always work. Our cycle together ended in the best possible way. It was a love that gave us the most precious gift that could have come to us in life, the most beautiful thing we could have done together, which is Inti, my daughter, who I will always love, who I will always take care of. And in that relationship there will never be a third party, there was never any infidelity.”
Rauw Alejandro, in the midst of touring and releasing new music, has assembled a new core management and business team, Billboard has learned.
Leadership includes his longtime attorney and business manager José Juan Torres and his longtime personal manager Matías Solaris.
In addition, sources confirm Alejandro has brought in Jorge “Pepo” Ferradas, founder of and CEO of FPM Entertainment, to head overall strategy of his career moving forward.
Rauw Alejandro was previously managed by Eric Duars, who signed him in 2017 and with whom he split last year.
“It’s a different vision, a different perspective,” Alejandro told Billboard last week about his new team during the Governors Ball music festival, where he was performing. “What we did together was great,” he said about working with Duars, and added: “I have a great team right now. I’m 31 years old, a grown ass man. I feel really happy at this moment of my life. I feel in control of my whole career. I know what I want to do. I have my notes. I learned. It’s just part of growing.”
Ferradas is Camilo and wife Evaluna’s longtime manager, and also co-manages Rels B along with Fede Lauria of Dale Play. Prior to launching FPM, Ferradas’ management experience includes managing Colombian star Shakira in all Spanish-speaking markets as well as overseeing her deal with Live Nation. Ferradas later helped found and develop GTS, Universal’s tour and management company, and was president of music at Univision.
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In the crowded world of reggaetón acts who came up in the mid-to-late 2010s, Rauw Alejandro (born Raul Alejandro Ocasio Ruiz) stands out as an artist who also performs dazzling choreography and experiments with genres like dance. That mix has continued to yield hits; to date, Alejandro has placed 53 songs on Billboard’s Hot Latin songs chart, including 11 top 10s, among them “Santa,” with Rvssian & Ayra Starr, which peaked at No. 8 in May. Thanks to his combined touring, streaming and sales numbers, Alejandro ended 2023 at No. 6 on Billboard’s year-end Top Latin Artists chart.
Alejandro is currently signed to Sony Music U.S. Latin.
Christian Nodal, 25, and Ángela Aguilar, 20, have confirmed their relationship in two separate statements: the former via a news outlet on Monday (June 10) and the latter via an Instagram video on Tuesday (June 11). “It is not a new relationship; it’s the continuation of a story that life made us pause so we […]
Throughout almost two decades, songwriter and producer Luciano Luna has stood out as one of the most prolific artists behind the scenes in regional Mexican music, with songs like “Te Hubieras Ido Antes” by Julión Álvarez that will remain for posterity in the genre.
“I belonged to the generation of songwriters who suffered the most, who fought to get our credit in song collaborations or announcements,” Luna tells Billboard Español.
On June 26th, the musician will receive SESAC Latina’s Legacy Award in Los Angeles, as part of the celebration of the association’s 30th anniversary.
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Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Luna has been recognized four times as SESAC Latina Songwriter of the Year for his many hits performed by a variety of acts, such as Banda El Recodo (“La Mejor de Todas”), Calibre 50 (“Tus Latidos”), Julión Álvarez (“Te Hubieras Ido Antes”), Grupo Firme (“El Reemplazo”) and Banda Los Recoditos (“Me Sobrabas Tú”).
Throughout his nearly two-decade career, he has recorded over 1,500 songs, of which about 500 have been released as singles in Mexico and the United States. With the SESAC Legacy Award, the Latin Grammy winner adds to a list of accolades that also includes La Musa Awards and the Conqueror Award from the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In an interview with Billboard Español, Luna recently talked about the road he has traveled alongside colleagues such as Horacio Palencia and Espinoza Paz, the differences between the composers of past and present and upcoming projects with stars such as Pepe Aguilar and Carín León.
You have received many awards — what does this one in particular mean to you?
All awards are motivating, for me they are also important. Maybe for someone who doesn’t know about songwriting, it doesn’t mean much. Unless it’s a Grammy or a Billboard [Music Award], it doesn’t attract so much attention for those who are not in the industry.
Had you done any recounting of your career accomplishments before?
When I found out that I was going to receive this great recognition I realized that I have been composing for 18 years, I have been constant and now I am of the generation that has already come a long way. In fact, it will be 10 years since the first time I won SESAC Songwriter of the Year; I had 17 singles placed in 2004, so it was unforgettable. Subsequently I’ve been awarded three more times, so we’ve had a good run.
Your contributions to Latin music haven’t always been smooth sailing.
I belonged to the generation of songwriters who suffered the most, we fought to get our credit in song collaborations or announcements. The new generation, if they get a song recorded, they get into orbit very fast and they make money very fast too … Maybe the only complication is that there are a lot of them now, but nothing more.
To what extent have things changed for you financially?
Every stream today is worth something, and you get paid. I had to suffer along with Horacio Palencia and Espinoza Paz, because there was a lot of piracy [back then]. It was very difficult financially to think that you could only dedicate yourself to songwriting. I had never said this, but I received 1,800 Mexican pesos a year, about $950. Imagine what nonsense!
I could tell you that the first seven or eight years were very difficult — because it was the [physical] album era, so you had to deliver something that stood out so that it could become a single, get radio plays and then from there, that’s where you got the biggest income. I’m one of the veterans who battled and I’m proud of that. We have built a great brotherhood. Besides those I mentioned, there’s also Omar Tarazón, Tony Montoya, Geovani Cabrera and Edén Muñoz.
Do you think it’s fair how music is handled today?
It is unfair if we think that there is so much music released today that a lot of it remains hidden. But if you make quality, your music will continue to survive. I go to Banda El Recodo’s concerts and listen to 14 of my songs that they recorded eight or 10 years ago, and that makes me feel satisfied with my contribution to music.
What do you think is the key to transcend over time?
I bet more on a timeless style, not on what is trending, and that has worked for me. I am currently on Pepe Aguilar’s new album, that’s a dream come true; on Carín León’s new album with three songs; four songs on Luis Ángel “El Flaco”’s album; and soon with Ángela Aguilar and Conjunto Primavera. Another dream fulfilled is to work with Tony Meléndez, one of the voices I admire the most.
I have produced four of Chiquis’ albums; also with Banda Los Sebastianes. I am still here, perhaps no longer with that anxiety of being in first place. Now I have the wisdom to enjoy what I do.
What advice would you give to the new generations of songwriters?
Now that I will be given this award, I feel confident to advise new composers not to sign documents without legal advice, try to make music that will last for many years. They should have gratitude to their peers who guide them.
We had more love for this profession; today they fight for percentages and publishers rights when they only have one or two hits.
What are your thoughts on the current state of regional Mexican music?
What is happening with regional Mexican music adds up to all of us, but we have to take advantage of it to make quality and good collaborations and to be known globally. The new generations must know where the whole movement comes from. It is not fair to think that what is currently being listened to is all that exists.
Is there an artist you would like to collaborate with?
I have been talking with Julión Álvarez about working together again. There is also Alfredo Olivas, who is going through a great moment in his career. Last year for the first time he recorded for someone other than himself and he did very well with the song by [Aarón] “La Pantera” Martínez [“Ni Con Labios Prestados”]. I think Horacio and I can contribute to his career now that he is having that opening.
How will you celebrate the night of June 26?
It is a very intimate event and I want to experience it with my family. Since I was notified that I would be honored, we have been enjoying it together. My history with SESAC through [its vice-president] Celeste Zendejas has been very nice. I’m going to enjoy celebrating with my colleagues and be grateful, because many of those who will be there that night have been part of my career.
Natalia Lafourcade has signed with UTA for worldwide representation in all areas, Billboard can exclusively announce. The signing follows the Mexican artist’s latest Grammy win for De Todas Las Flores, which won best Latin rock or alternative album. The critically-acclaimed set also collected three awards at the Latin Grammys last year, including best singer-songwriter album. […]
Spanish hitmaker Bad Gyal is giving fans an exclusive look at what a typical day on tour looks like, specifically how she spends the last few hours leading up to the show.
Born Alba Farelo Solé, the “Chulo” singer recently wrapped her 24 Karats U.S. Tour in Los Angeles, where she performed a sold-out show at The Novo. Before taking the stage, Bad gave Billboard a behind-the-scenes look at her tour stop, which includes glam and vocal training.
“This is our one typical office day,” jokes Alba Blasi, Bad Gyal’s manager of more than seven years.
“We’ve been together since the beginning,” Bad Gyal adds. The singer-songwriter also introduces Adriana Capellá, her tour manager and assistant. “We’re friends since childhood,” she says of Capellá, whom she met when they were just 8 or 9 years old.
After introducing her team — which also includes hairstylist Jesus Camacho and her makeup artist Venus — and getting all glammed up, she dedicates a few hours to creating social media content. “I’m the one who’s deciding which pictures I’m posting, like, I run all my social media. After that, I go back to my dressing room, I chill for a bit. I take my hot tea for my voice and then I do the vocal training,” Bad Gyal explains.
Bad Gyal’s 24 Karats Tour was in support of her debut album, La Joia, which translates to “the jewel.”
“I felt it was [the right] time when I had more experience in songwriting, in the studio, in choosing the producers, in the material that has been made, what’s better, what’s less important,” Bad Gyal previously told Billboard about the process of creating her album. “Over the years, you gain experience and you know yourself better.”
Above, watch Bad Gyal’s behind-the-scenes video of her tour stop in Los Angeles.
Christian Nodal opened up to his fans about his current relationship with singer-songwriter Ángela Aguilar, following the confirmation of their romance. Speaking candidly in a video post to Instagram in the early morning hours of Tuesday (June 11), Nodal expressed his respect and ongoing love for his former partner, Argentine star Cazzu, and emphasized the amicable nature of their breakup.
“I know that today, many people found out that officially Angela and I have a relationship. Since I don’t like gossip, making up stories, out of respect for my ex-partner, out of respect for my daughter, out of respect for my current partner, I wanted to come out and give you a little context,” he said in the video.
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Nodal refuted rumors of infidelity, insisting that there were no third parties involved in the end of his previous relationship.
“First of all, Julieta is a person I love and who has my respect for life. We are public figures, we are artists, but we are not masters at life,” added Nodal, using Cazzu’s real name — Julieta Cazzucheli. “Love doesn’t always work. Our cycle together ended in the best possible way. It was a love that gave us the most precious gift that could have come to us in life, the most beautiful thing we could have done together, which is Inti, my daughter, who I will always love, who I will always take care of. And in that relationship there will never be a third party, there was never any infidelity.”
“Now I find myself living a precious experience with a woman I love, with a love that took so many years for what is happening to happen and we are enjoying it, we are living the experience,” he said about his new romance with Aguilar.
The video addressing his new romance comes just one day after Nodal confirmed the relationship.
Billboard Español has reached out to Nodal’s representatives for comment. The mariacheño superstar is currently touring the United States with his Pa’l Cora Tour.
Watch Christian Nodal’s full statement below:
Christian Nodal and Ángela Aguilar revealed Monday (June 10) that they’re dating. HOLA! Americas released the couple’s first photos together, confirming their romance began after Nodal’s separation from Cazzu.
“It is not a new relationship; it’s the continuation of a story that life made us pause so we could grow and miss each other. Because when we let go, we returned even closer,” Aguilar told HOLA!
According to sources, they reunited after Nodal ended his relationship with the Argentine trap star, with whom he recently had a baby. The Mexican superstar and Cazzu artist publicly announced their breakup on social media on May 23, stating they still have a respectful and amicable relationship.
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“The time has come to share that Julieta [Cazzu’s real name] and I are going our separate ways,” Nodal wrote, which Cazzu reposted on her own account. “Our love and respect for each other remains strong, especially in our role as parents to our wonderful daughter, Inti. I am deeply grateful for the moments we shared and will always carry those memories fondly. I appreciate your support and understanding during this time of change.”
After reposting Nodal’s message, Cazzu shared in her own words: “We artists are a screen of what happens in real life. You go through love, heartbreak, successes and mistakes with us. Today, as it was many times and as there are still many, you accompany us, some with hate and others with much love. Thank you, everything heals.”
Following the end of their respective relationships, 20-year-old Aguilar and Nodal, who is 25, began their romance, having previously established a friendship through their musical collaborations in 2020’s ranchera song “Dime Cómo Quieres.” “I couldn’t stop laughing while recording my part. When you record a duet well you have that human interaction and a lot of your facial expressions are a reaction to what the other person is doing. But here, I was singing to a green screen and a guy from our production team who pretended to be Nodal,” Aguilar told Billboard in 2020 about their collaboration.
Ángela Aguilar was honored with the Musical Dynasty award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony, which aired Sunday night (June 9), where she was also the youngest of the eight honorees.
Rosalía’s “Despechá” surpassed one billion streams on Spotify Sunday (June 9), making her the first Spanish artist to achieve this milestone with a solo song. “I just found out that ‘Despechá’ already has 1 BILLION plays and the culprits are all of you,” the singer wrote on her Instagram account. “Thank you for having listened […]