Latin
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On Wednesday night (March 6), Luísa Sonza captivated audiences with a sweet rendition of “Chico,” debuting its English version interlaced with some original Portuguese lyrics. This tender bossa nova was performed for the first time in English at the 2024 Billboard Women In Music Awards, held at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, Calif.
Clad in a chic black vest and matching low-rise slacks — her blond hair stylishly tied back into a ponytail and her lips painted a striking red — the Brazilian music sensation gracefully shifted from her mellifluous tune to a more vibrant performance. Backed by blazing images on screens, the energy in the room surged when Demi Lovato made a surprise appearance, joining Sonza onstage for their “Penhasco2” duet. This collaboration added an unforgettable flair to the evening, creating a mesmerizing moment with the night’s honored Global Force.
Sonza made history as the only Brazilian artist honored at the event.
“What the f— is happening here, guys? Oh my God!” Sonza said as she received her award. “First of all, thank you Demi Lovato for [joining] me. I’m a Brazilian singer, I mostly sing in Portuguese, so this is so crazy, and I’m so nervous right now.”
Then she continued to read her speech: “First of all, I wanna say thank you to the woman who inspired me in my life, my mom. I wanna say thank you to my grandma, my manager Fátima, and everyone on my team who makes being here possible. This is crazy. I’m from a small town in Brazil with 6,000 people, and I started my music journey singing in a wedding band when I was 7 years old, and I never, never thought I would be here tonight.
“Even here, this is too much for me, I can’t handle,” she added in amusement. “Thank you so much, Billboard, for seeing and recognizing women, this is amazing, this is so important. But tonight, I want to say thank you, especially to Brazilian women, this is the first time someone from Brazil is being recognized for this award. So I want to dedicate this award to Brazilian artists, songwriters and producers, thank you so much. Karol G, a songwriter, all my fans, ¡Muito obrigado, Brasil! And this is just the beginning.”
The new English version of “Chico” officially premieres Thursday (March 7) across all streaming platforms.
Watch Luísa Sonza and Demi Lovato perform onstage together at Billboard Women In Music above and her acceptance speech below.
Maluma is turning up the heat for his new Playgirl digital cover shoot. The cover story, cheekily noting that Maluma “wants to be your daddy,” plays into the innuendo given that the Colombian superstar is about to be a father. The singer and his longtime girlfriend Susana Gómez announced that they are expecting their first […]
Google is celebrating the late legendary Mexican ranchera icon Lola Beltrán with an animated Doodle on her 92nd birthday Thursday, March 7.
In the purple-hued illustration of Beltrán, she is elegantly presented with her hair in a bun adorned with a flower, and large earrings while singing into a microphone. Known for her monumental role in popularizing ranchera and huapango music globally, Beltrán stands among the most venerated Mexican singers of all time.
Born María Lucila Beltrán Ruiz in El Rosario, Sinaloa, Mexico, her journey to stardom began in the 1950s and 1960s, a period celebrated as the Golden Age of Mexican cinema.
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Before fame, “Her church choir inspired her love of singing and she became obsessed with ballads,” reads the About the Doodle section. “In 1953, Beltrán and her mother moved to Mexico City to pursue her career as a singer. After getting a job as a popular radio station’s secretary, Beltrán earned the chance to participate in an on-air singing contest. She didn’t just win — the producers were so impressed that they helped her secure a recording contract. Beltrán started to cover popular songs on air and even earned her own radio show, but she had bigger dreams.”
This victory launched her onto a path of success, culminating in approximately 100 album releases, such as Alma Cancionera de México (1960) and Joyas (1969), and starring roles in 50 films, including La Desconocida (1954) and Canción del Alma (1963).
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Beltrán’s influence extended beyond music to acting, earning her widespread acclaim and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Notably, she was the first ranchera singer to grace the stage of the prestigious El Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, and performed for numerous world leaders.
Her interpretations of “Cucurrucucú Paloma” and “Paloma Negra” have become enduring standards. Beyond her artistic talents, Beltrán’s distinctive style and stage presence made her a fashion icon and emblem of Mexican cultural pride.
Beltrán’s legacy continued to flourish until her death in 1996 due to a pulmonary embolism.
Through its Doodle, Google aligns Beltrán’s tribute with past honorees such as Tito Puente, Raoul A. Cortez and Diana Sacayán.
Karol G and Shakira’s massive breakup anthem “TQG” has surpassed one billion views, officially entering YouTube’s Billions Views Club.
The music video, which dropped on Feb. 24, 2023, as the focus track of Karol’s Mañana Será Bonito album, features the two Colombian powerhouses delivering the empowering track that’s short for “Te Quedó Grande,” which loosely translates to “I was too good for you.” In the bop, the artists go back and forth about moving on from their past relationships and being on another level.
“TQG” marks the eighth Billion Views Club entry for both acts as a lead, featured artist or collaborator.
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For Karol, it follows “China,” “Tusa,” “Secreto,” “Bichota,” “Culpables,” “Ahora Me Llama” and “El Makinon.” For Shak, it follows “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” “Chantaje,” “La Bicicleta,” “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” “La La La” and “Perro Fiel.” The former is No. 13 on YouTube’s Global Top Artists chart, and the latter is No. 21.
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On the Billboard charts, the Ovy on the Drums-produced banger debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. tallies, while also crowning six other Billboard listings and becoming Karol’s first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, the track won best collaboration at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
In other news, Karol G will be honored as the 2024 Woman of the Year at Billboard’s Women in Music awards to air Thursday at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on billboardwomeninmusic.com.
“With her immense talent, Karol G has created a movement for women across the globe due to her empowering lyrics and inspiring confidence,” said Hannah Karp, Billboard’s editorial director, when Karol G was announced as the honoree. “The release of her groundbreaking album Mañana Será Bonito has proven her a force to be reckoned with in both the English and Spanish charts. We are so excited to honor her as Woman of the Year.”
“Karol G has become a global superstar performing in Spanish,” added Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer, Latin/Español. “It shows that music and artistry are not bound by language or borders, and Billboard recognizes that. This is truly a historic moment for the brand and for Latin music.”
Watch the music video for “TQG” above.
Mexican star Christian Nodal is heading to South by Southwest to perform at Billboard Presents THE STAGE at SXSW on Friday, March 15. The Latin Grammy-winning artist has collected a robust catalogue of hits since launching his career with the mariacheño song “Adiós Amor” in 2017. Now, Nodal is the soloist with the most No. […]
In 2023, Karol G shared her ultimate dream with Billboard: “If you asked me, ‘Karol, what would be your dream?’ That your name be recognized worldwide. That would be amazing.” Fast forward to today, and it’s clear she’s not just dreaming it anymore — she’s living it.
Wednesday (March 6) marks a significant milestone for the Colombian superstar, as she is set to receive the prestigious Woman of the Year award at the 2024 Billboard Women In Music Awards. This recognition makes her the first artist who primarily records in Spanish to claim the honor since the ceremony’s inauguration in 2007 — a testament to her unparalleled impact and influence in the industry.
The Medellín native has not only shattered records, but also solidified her legacy in Latin music and beyond. With an impressive tally of 30 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including top 10 hit “TQG” alongside Shakira, her achievements speak volumes. Yet, it’s on the Hot Latin Songs chart where Karol G’s star truly dazzles. On that tally, she boasts a record-breaking 63 entries — the highest for any female artist. Furthermore, her 26 top 10 hits and eight No. 1s, including chart-toppers such as “MAMIII” with Becky G, “Tusa” featuring Nicki Minaj and “Provenza” highlight her dominance.
In fact, Karol G ranks third in the number of No. 1 hits among women on the Hot Latin Songs chart, trailing behind only Gloria Estefan with 15 and Shakira with 13 each.
“With her immense talent, Karol G has created a movement for women across the globe due to her empowering lyrics and inspiring confidence,” said Hannah Karp, Billboard’s editorial director, when Karol G was announced as the Woman of the Year honoree. “The release of her groundbreaking album Mañana Será Bonito has proven her a force to be reckoned with in both the English and Spanish charts. We are so excited to honor her as Woman of the Year.”
“Karol G has become a global superstar performing in Spanish,” added Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer, Latin/Español. “It shows that music and artistry are not bound by language or borders, and Billboard recognizes that. This is truly a historic moment for the brand and for Latin music.”
Tickets to attend the Billboard Women in Music Awards presented by Marriott Bonvoy are available to the public. Fans can watch the show on Thursday, March 7, at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on billboardwomeninmusic.com.
The list includes all her top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.
Puerto Rican hitmaker Young Miko is set to be honored with the Impact award at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music event on Wednesday, March 6. Just ahead of the ceremony, Billboard takes a deep dive into Young Miko’s chart success, which includes two entries on the Billboard Hot 100. The 25-year-old artist born María Victoria […]
Ivy Queen (real name: Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez) is celebrating her birthday on Monday (March 4), and to celebrate, Billboard is highlighting some of her biggest Hot Latin Songs hits in a fan poll.
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In 1997, Ivy made a strong statement with her song “Pongan Atención” (pay attention), on which she loudly and proudly declared: “Pay attention, country, nation, association, the queen has arrived.” The Puerto Rican artist and rapper kicked off her career as part of the all-male collective The Noise, and through her unapologetic, powerful bars, mainly about self-love and being a strong-minded woman, she ultimately earned her crown as the Queen of Reggaeton.
Ivy first arrived on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in 2005 with her timeless track “Quiero Bailar” (originally released in 2003), a song about a woman whose provocative dance moves demand nothing but respect on the dance floor and don’t mean anything more than having a good time.
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Seven other of her tracks earned a spot on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Te He Querido, Te He Llorado” (2005), “Que Lloren” (2007) and “Dime” (2008), all of which hit the top 10. Additionally, she has 20 entries on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, among other accolades.
The Boricua star was recently honored with the Women in Music Icon award at the 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards, where she opened up about her challenging road to success.
“When I fell in love with music, I found myself constantly battling to earn my spot, to earn my own lane, and to find my own identity between the guys,” she said in her acceptance speech. “The movement was underground, then turned reggaeton. I traveled around the island of Puerto Rico measuring my skills against male MCs. Bars became my self-defense mechanism. Through lyrics, I encouraged other Latinas that stand around me to stand for themself and also to not stay quiet when something hurts.”
As Ivy continues to flaunt her proud roots, trendy fashion transformations and ability to evolve from reggaeton to bachata and other genres, Billboard asks fans to vote for their favorite Ivy Queen hit on the Hot Latin Songs chart below:
Gina Banfi de Abello, a distinguished figure in vocal coaching, died on Saturday (March 2) at the age of 92. Known for her work in choir and vocal training, Banfi mentored notable artists including Shakira and Colombian singer and composer Nicolás Tovar.
Her son Jaime Abello Banfi confirmed the news on social media on the day of her passing with an image of his mother. “Gina Banfi de Abello, November 26, 1931 – March 2, 2024,” reads the announcement. “Jaime, Mauricio, Beatriz, Maribel and Hugo Abello Banfi, her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren invite you to attend the funeral, Sunday, March 3, 2024.”
In response to the flood of comments he received on his social media channels, Jamie expressed his gratitude in another Instagram post. “I sincerely appreciate hundreds of messages of solidarity and affection received at times when my family and I tried to accept the sad reality of the physical death of my mother Gina Banfi de Abello, who made her transition with lucidity, serenity and full of love and gratitude,” he wrote alongside a photo of his mother. “We are comforted by these messages, as well as the media coverage of her departure, which highlights her contribution as an artist and music educator.”
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According to a 2011 interview with Argentinian newspaper La Gaceta, Banfi coached Shakira in 1992, when the then rising star was preparing to sing at Chile’s Viña del Mar International Song Festival at 15 years old.
“She was out of the ordinary. She was something different. When she was very young, she was a belly dancer. She has a gifted talent,” Banfi told La Gaceta. “She has always had that same powerful voice. I taught her some breathing techniques and I prepared her when she went to Viña del Mar and it was a pleasure for me. Since she was a little girl, she expressed herself as she does today. It was an admirable thing for such a young girl.”
Banfi’s journey into music began in her early years, as she turned to studying piano after her endeavors in painting did not pan out. Her home environment was rich with music and art, fostering her passion for the arts from a young age. Over the years, the Barranquilla, Colombia, artist became an integral part of various musical groups, including the Coro Santa Cecilia and Coro Madrigal, showcasing her talent and dedication to choral music.
See the announcement of her passing below: