Latin
Page: 12
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music including a collaboration between Arthur Hanlon and Ángela Aguilar, and new singles from Ana Tijoux, Christian Alicea and Morat. Arthur Hanlon and Ángela Aguilar joined forces for “Bala Perdida,” a soulful huapango that they performed at the 37th annual Premio Lo […]
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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Christian Alicea, “Hello, What’s Up” (Therapist Music/Rimas Entertainment)
Christian Alicea kicks off new career chapter with a saucy salsa track called “Hello, What’s Up,” produced by DJ Buddha and Elliot. Marking his debut single under his new signing with Rimas Entertainment, the Puerto Rican artist delivers an infectious tropical tune with percussion, trombones, trumpets, and more, while his flirty vocals sing about a guy who’s trying to impress a girl with his English-speaking skills. “The girl I’m getting to know has me in love/ But she only speaks English and that’s the bad thing/ I became friends with the translator, but he’s tired/ Because every time I talk to her, I both him,” Alicea chants in the bilingual tune that perfectly captures his playful personality. — JESSICA ROIZ
Arthur Hanlon & Ángela Aguilar, “Bala Perdida” (Sony Music Latin)
Trending on Billboard
Arthur Hanlon and Ángela Aguilar gave us a taste of the magic they create together when they joined forces at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music, where Aguilar sang her father’s “Me Vas a Extrañar” with Hanlon on piano. Now, the two team up once again for “Bala Perdida,” a heart-wrenching huapango full of soul and intensity, further powered by Aguilar’s ethereal vocals and Hanlon’s poignant piano. “From the moment I wrote this song, I could only hear it in Ángela’s voice,” Hanlon said in a statement. “No one else could bring it to life the way she does.” “Bala Perdida” — which Aguilar and Hanlon debuted on television during Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 on Feb. 20 — is the third single from the pianist’s upcoming album, a collection of original collaborations set for release in April. — GRISELDA FLORES
Ana Tijoux, “Serpiente de Madera” (Victoria Producciones SpA)
As the Chinese lunar calendar turned to the Year of the Serpent on Jan. 29, Ana Tijoux’s “Serpiente de Madera” unfolds with zodiacal symbolism intertwined with her origins — bringing to mind her breakout hit “1977,” also the year she was born under. The track — one of two from her new EP of the same name — illustrates her connection to the snake sign through the spoken word-like elegance over subtle panflute melodies and understated synths, by producers Eduardo Herrera and Tony Ramírez. Elegantly orating about universal vastness and human connection, the Chilean/French rapper’s delivery melds poetic prose with grace. She articulates, “Mirando galaxias con ojos pequeños, un telescopio en el cuerpo/ ese abrazo que eleva, ese que tiene magia,” finding potent expression in renewal. It captivates with its lyrical depth and fluidity, resulting in a piece that’s not just heard but felt. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Morat, “Cuarto de Hotel” (Universal Music Spain)
With a piano tune reminiscent of the rock ballads of the ’80s and ’90s, Morat’s “Cuarto de Hotel” is an evocative song about a love that is difficult to forget. “Who put you under my pillow? Who kept you under my skin? You always arrive out of nowhere if I’m alone in a hotel,” the band sings in part of the lyrics. Driven by synthesizers, sweeping guitars and timbales-laden drums, the tempo of the song accelerates after the first chorus to offer the characteristic pop sound of the Colombian group, before returning to the piano that we hear in the beginning in a full-circle moment. “Cuarto de Hotel” is the main single of the Spanish film El Secreto del Orfebre (The Goldsmith’s Secret), an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Elia Barceló directed by Olga Osorio that premieres Feb. 28 in Spain. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
Ángela Aguilar and pianist Arthur Hanlon closed Premio Lo Nuestro with a heart-rending performance of their huapango-inspired single, “Bala Perdida.” This collaboration brought a fresh twist to traditional Mexican music, creating a deeply emotive finale for the three-hour broadcast.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Hanlon kicked things off with elegant riffs, masterfully playing the grand piano, with his use of the sustain pedal making the piano sound larger than the arena itself. Ángela, donning an elegant one-shoulder dress, wore her hair longer than usual.
Later, Cuban star Yotuel, dressed in a Japanese-style samurai outfit, and Puerto Rican artist Darell joined the celebrations to perform their track “Repetimos,” which reached No. 9 on Billboard‘s Tropical Airplay chart.
Trending on Billboard
“It’s a beautiful thing because it’s a different genre,” Ángela Aguilar said earlier during a red carpet interview. “It’s a huapango, which is Mexican music, but done in a modern way.” Their performance highlighted the versatility and dynamic range of both artists, seamlessly blending classical elements with modern influences to captivate the audience.
“We wrote the song and got together with Ángela,” Hanlon told Billboard at the red carpet. “I’m always looking for magic. And I knew that with this song and with Angela, by placing the piano in the desert, we would create a contrast between the music and the natural environment. That’s how this song was born.”
Ángela Aguilar received eight nominations, and won mariachi/ranchera song of the year for “Por El Contrario” with Becky G and Leonardo Aguilar.
Broadcasting live on Thursday (Feb. 20) from the Kaseya Center in Miami, the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony is co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza. Becky G and Carín León lead the list of nominations with 10 nods each. This year, the gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.
Check out more highlights from Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 at Billboard.com.
Xavi and Manuel Turizo captured hearts with their bachata collaboration “En Privado” at Premio Lo Nuestro 2025. Celebrated at Miami’s Kaseya Center, the Mexican-American star first kicked off with his No. 1 Billboard hit “La Diabla” before transitioning to their duet. The performance highlighted the duo’s versatility and artistic flair as they embraced the soft, […]
La India, known as “The Princess of Salsa,” was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 37th annual Premio Lo Nuestro, which took place Thursday (Feb. 20).
Salsa singer Luis Figueroa introduced the living legend, saying she was one one of the reasons he fell in love with the sound of salsa. Then, the woman of the hour, dressed in a regal blue suit, showed her prowess singing medley of her greatest hits, including “Ese Hombre,” “Dicen Que Soy” and “Mi Mayor Venganza,” with Sergio George on the piano.
Right after her riveting performance, Victor Manuelle presented La India with the special honor. “Today, I have the honor and privilege of giving an award to one of the most representative voices of our genre, baptized by Celia Cruz as ‘La Princesa de La Salsa,’” he said.
Trending on Billboard
In tears, La India gave a heartfelt speech: “This is for my fans, thank you for being by my side. I want to thank God, the Almighty, the one who never abandons us. I want to thank the musicians, Sergio George, I want to thank the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, my godfather Pedro Knight, Tito Puente, Little Louie Vega. La India arrived, and I never looked back and I was loyal and remain loyal to my tropical salsa genre. To the Latinos, we are important in this land. They will never run us out of this land of the Americas. Never.”
Broadcasting live on Thursday (Feb. 20) from the Kaseya Center in Miami, the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony is co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza. Becky G & Carin León lead the list of nominations with 10 nods each. They are followed by Shakira and Myke Towers, with nine nods each; and Ángela Aguilar, Emilia, Grupo Frontera and Leonardo Aguilar, with eight nominations each.
La India, Alejandro Fernández and Manuel Alejandro are being honored with special awards. This year, the gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.
Dynamic Mexican duo Belinda and Tito Double P lit up the stage at the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro with their captivating corrido “La Cuadrada.”
Reinventing herself as “Beli bélica” and embodying the persona of an undercover agent, Belinda teamed up with the rapidly rising star from Culiacán, Sinaloa. Together, they masterfully crafted a complex narrative of love and deception.
She took the stage with authority, initially clad in a black furry jacket. She then dramatically revealed a stunning red lace one-piece and complemented the look with big furry black boots. Tito complemented her presence perfectly, dressed in an all-black ensemble.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Their performance vividly brought to life the drama and opulence depicted in their music video. Her crystalline vocals harmonized with powerful guitar riffs and vibrant trumpet sequences, while Tito’s growl deepened the song’s intensity.
Trending on Billboard
Earlier that night, Tito revealed to Billboard during the red carpet, “There’s an EP coming with Hassan, with Peso, in the next few months. The tour Ay Mamá starts in March throughout the United States.”
In addition to their show-stopping performance, Tito received two nominations: Mexican music new artist and Mexican music collaboration of the year for his team-up with Peso Pluma on “Dos Días.” Belinda also received two noms at this year’s awards— pop female artist of the year and best female combination for her collaboration with Kenia Os on the track “Jackpot.”
Broadcasting live on Thursday (Feb. 20) from the Kaseya Center in Miami, the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony is co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza. This year, the gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.
To check out more coverage of Premio Lo Nuestro, visit Billboard.com.
Manuel Alejandro received the Visionary Award at the Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 ceremony. At 92 years old, the Spanish musician, arranger, and producer was recognized on Thursday (Feb. 20) for his six-decade career, during which he has written more than 500 songs and worked with iconic romantic crooners including José José, Rocío Jurado, and Julio Iglesias, among many others.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The artist was recognized with an elegant and moving presentation in which Alejandro Sanz, Niña Pastori, Carín León and Laura Pausini, with Edgar Barrera on the piano and an orchestra, performed his classics “Procuro Olvidarte,” “Qué Sabe Nadie,” “Dueño de Nada” and “Mi Amante Amigo,” respectively, before joining their voiced for “Como Yo Te Amo.”
“For me this is a great celebration, because since I started in America so many years ago, this beautiful America, I realized that the strength of yours, of its people, ended when they heard a love song,” said Manuel Alejandro, hoarse but beaming with joy. “So, the only thing I did my whole life was delve deep, listen to your vibrations, your deepest feelings, and write them down verbatim. Nothing more.”
Trending on Billboard
Born in Jerez de la Frontera–Cádiz in 1932, Manuel Álvarez-Beigbeder Pérez (his real name) has music in his blood, as his father was renowned composer Germán Álvarez Beigbeder.
In the 1970s, he achieved success as the author of the most emblematic songs for Raphael: “Yo Soy Aquel,” “Cuando Tú No Estás,” and “Cierro Mis Ojos,” to name a few. He continued to write great hits that decade for voices like Libertad Lamarque, Pedro Vargas, Julio Iglesias, Rocío Jurado, “El Puma” José Luis Rodríguez, and more. In the 80s and 90s, he also wrote and produced for stars such as Emmanuel, José José, Isabel Pantoja, and Plácido Domingo.
“I share this award with magnificent songwriters such as this boy here, Edgar Barrera, who a few days ago receiving a Grammy mentioned me as a role model,” he added. “I also share it with those composers that you all know, like Roberto Cantoral or Armando Manzanero, who accompanied me along the way to get here.”
Other two artists received special awards this year: La India, who was honored with the Premio Lo Nuestro Lifetime Achievement Award, and Alejandro Fernández with the Premio Lo Nuestro Excellence Award.
Broadcasting live from the Kaseya Center in Miami, the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony is co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza. Becky G & Carin León lead the list of nominations with 10 nods each. They are followed by Shakira and Myke Towers, with nine nods each; and Ángela Aguilar, Emilia, Grupo Frontera and Leonardo Aguilar, with eight nominations each.
This year, the gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.
Alejandro Fernández was honored with the Premio Lo Nuestro a la Excelencia (Excellence Award) during the 2025 ceremony held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, a tribute that celebrated his expansive and influential career across various genres of Mexican music
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
His children Camila and Alex Fernández warmly introduced the Mexican legend, commending his ability to captivate hearts with a voice that has gracefully transcended genres — from ranchera to Latin pop, and romantic ballads to mariachi — over the course of more than three decades.
Dressed in traditional, elegant mariachi attire complete with a striking sombrero, Alejandro Fernández demonstrated the enduring appeal of Mexican musical heritage.
Trending on Billboard
The medley of rancheras performed by Fernández, a tribute to his late, legendary father Chente, began with “Un Millón de Primaveras,” transitioned smoothly into the polka-driven “La Ley del Monte,” and culminated with the mariachi-fusion hit “Estos Celos.” The performance was a display of his vocal prowess and a vivid reminder of his contribution to elevating Mexican music on the global stage. During his performance, a candid shot captured Pepe Aguilar enthusiastically bobbing his head, visibly moved by the rendition.
The prestigious award was presented by Carín León, who handed the trophy to Alejandro Fernández amid cheers. In his acceptance speech, Alejandro expressed:
“This is an accolade that I deeply appreciate as it reflects the effort and perseverance put into my career. First and foremost, I thank my father, who I’m sure is throwing a party up there and would be immensely proud of this recognition. I also thank my mother, my children who are here today, my granddaughters, and my entire family. To Carlos, my lifelong companion, to my team from management, Alex, Jason, Octavio, and to Universal Music, my president Jesús López, Univision, and most importantly, to all my fans who have always supported me and shared my love for Mexican music.”
The 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro, with the theme “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), brought together a celebration of Latin music’s past, present, and future. Hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza, the night was filled with memorable performances and accolades.
Natti Natasha commanded the stage at Premio Lo Nuestro with a captivating performance, where she gave a masterclass in bachata. Wearing a backless black dress with a high slit, the Dominican star performed “Desde Hoy,” the gorgeous song that opens her new album Natti Natasha en Amargue. The set is entirely produced and penned by […]
Paquita la del Barrio was honored in a big way at Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 on Thursday (Feb 20), just a few days after it was announced that she died at age 77. After playing a short clip of when Paquita won the Lifetime Achievement Award at Premio Lo Nuestro in 2016, Mexican music icon […]