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Peso Pluma is already a champ, and at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, he was victorious once again with a knockout performance of his swaggy corrido “Rubicon.” The Mexican star took the stage — or, rather, boxing ring — alongside heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson, whose robe had “the best ever” written on the back.
As the 24-year-old hitmaker — Mexican music’s biggest star today — made his way to the ring, his superfans cheered him on. He then took to the ring to perform the track that’s part of his history-making album Génesis, and was joined not only by Tyson, but also his seven-piece band.
Following his epic performance, Peso Pluma (born Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija) was honored with the top Latin song award for his and Eslabon Armado’s global smash hit “Ella Baila Sola.” Earlier this year, the track made history as the first regional Mexican song to enter the top five on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Give it up to the people’s champion, Peso Pluma!” Tyson said as he handed the singer-songwriter his award. Then, it was Peso’s turn to speak.
“Thank you everyone,” he said, speaking in English. “Thanks, Mr. Tyson, for being here. Thank you to all the fans, thank you for all the love and the support. And I’d like to thank the Billboard Awards for having me here. Thank you very much.”
Peso Pluma performs at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards on November 19 at The Mayan in Los Angele
Gilbert Flores
Peso has 22 entries on the Hot 100, and in June, he became the first artist to ever lead both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. lists simultaneously with different songs: “Ella Baila Sola” and “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 55,” respectively. His Génesis album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 (dated July 1) — the highest rank ever for a música Mexicana album on the chart.
Peso was a top winner at October’s Billboard Latin Music Awards, taking home eight awards, including artist of the year, new. He entered Sunday’s awards show as a six-time finalist.
Karol G took center stage at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards to perform a steamy medley over a large stage of water on Sunday night (Nov. 19).
Wearing white linen pants and a white bikini top, the Colombian artist kicked off her sultry showcase with the Peso Pluma-assisted track “QLONA,” for which she was joined by a buff dancer for a stellar choreo display over water. A minute in, Karol surprised fans with “Labios Mordidos,” an unreleased track that is part of Kali Uchis’ upcoming studio album Orquideas — all hinting that it’s the pair’s second collaborative effort following “Me Tengo Que Ir.”
Joined by an energetic group of dancers, Karol continued to make a splash with her euphoric dembow “Ojos Ferrari.”
The artist born Carolina Giraldo Navarro also nabbed two Billboard Music Awards on Sunday: top Latin female artist and top Latin touring artist.
“I have to say that I’m a little more nervous than usual … but it’s the first time I have accepted an award this close to you all,” she said to fans during her acceptance speech. She used the opportunity to thank her fans — or “los de siempre” (the forever ones), as she calls them — for supporting her music and going to her tour.
“These awards mean the connection is there between all of you and me. I think you’re more than fans; you’re part of the team and the family. … I want to thank all the people that were part of the tour. It was one of the most extraordinary things that happened to me this year. In addition to the album I released, that was very special, very intimate, you know the reasons why. I’m very happy, very grateful. … I give you half of all this because nothing would’ve been possible without you. I always say awards are special because they’re an extra validation to what we do, but like I said before, to have your unconditional love, with or without music, with or without a tour, that will always be the best present ever and that’s what I hope will never fail or go away. I love you and thank you for being with me today and always.”
Karol G at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards at Line 204 in Los Angeles, California. The show will air on November 19, 2023 on BBMA.watch.
Gilbert Flores
In December, Karol will embark on her Mañana Será Bonito Tour across Latin America, where she will visit Colombia, Mexico, Brazil and more countries throughout May. She also announced the European leg will come soon.
With five nominations going into the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy, Karol G stood out as the only female nominee in several categories. La Bichota joins a star-studded lineup of BBMA performers that included Mariah Carey, Bebe Rexha & David Guetta, Peso Pluma, NewJeans, Stray Kids and Morgan Wallen.
Watch Karol’s performance above and speech below.
At this point, Ivan Cornejo is no stranger to Chicago. By now, he’s performed four times in this city in a span of three months: an official Lollapalooza aftershow (Aug. 4), Lolla (Aug. 5), then again Thursday (Nov. 16) and Friday (Nov. 17) as part of his Terapia Tour. The trek marks his biggest and most ambitious outing yet in the U.S.
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“¿Cómo andamos Chicago? (How are we doing, Chicago?)” he asked at the top of his nearly two-hour set at the Aragon Ballroom on Friday, the second of his back-to-back sold-out shows. The response? A roaring crowd that welcomed the 19-year-old back to the Midwest. Wearing dark grey slacks and a silk, beige-hued shirt, Cornejo looked the part of a therapist. Even at the beginning, a voice welcomed those Cornejo’s loyal fanbase to their therapy session. “Take a deep breathe in, your session has begun.”
The emotions were palpable throughout the night. Those in attendance — from kids who were accompanied by their parents to groups of teenagers — didn’t hold back and sang every single song on Cornejo’s set at the top of their lungs.
The 31-city tour finds the 19-year-old Mexican American artist — wise beyond his years — connecting with his equally young fanbase who felt deeply his lyrics about heartbreak. Some were brought to tears. It’s the effect Cornejo’s evocative delivery has on his fanbase. Singing with such pathos, Cornejo tugs at your heartstrings with nostalgic and melancholic songs about love and loss, powered by prickly acoustic and electronic guitars. As a collective, Cornejo and his fans heal each other.
While often boxed into the regional Mexican genre, Cornejo goes beyond that style. More precisely described as alt-música mexicana, the California-born artist serenaded fans singing his sad sierreño anthems “Me Hiciste Un Loco,” “Está Dañada,” “Estás En Mi Pasado” and “Perro Abandonado,” which he said he wrote when he was going through a heartbreak.
“I was really hurt when I wrote this song. I felt really lost but more than anything, I felt like a perro abandonado (abandoned dog).”
He also sang a medley of covers, including the Plain White T’s track “Hey There Delilah,” Jesse & Joy’s “¡Corre!” and Dareyes De La Sierra’s “Hasta El Día de Hoy.” He closed with “Donde Estás,” the song that everyone was waiting for, literally fans would chant the title of the song throughout the show.
“Arriba la terapia,” he declared at the end, loosely translating to “long live therapy.”
Cornejo closes his Terapia Tour on Nov. 22 in Ontario, Calif.
In 2021, Cornejo topped Billboard‘s Latin Songwriters chart thanks to his hit “Está Dañada,” which then became only the second regional Mexican song to enter the Hot 100 tally. He won new artist of the year the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards and, he’s now up for top Latin album at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards for Dañado.
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
NBA teams up with Nicky Jam
The NBA and Mitchell & Ness launched a limited-edition apparel collection in collaboration with Nicky Jam featuring the Miami Heat. According to a press release, the singer-songwriter “provided design input” on the merchandise — including a Heat hoodie, Hardwood Classics jersey, t-shirt, shorts and a hat.
“I’m thrilled to collaborate with the NBA and Mitchell & Ness on this new collection, bringing Miami flavor to life with the Heat’s vibrant colors complemented by locally relevant design elements,” the “El Perdón” singer expressed in a statement. “These pieces are a testament to the NBA’s cultural impact extending beyond the court into music and style. As my fans know, I’m always representing the Latin community, and it’s exciting to build on the league’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.”
See the collection here.
RBD Barbie dolls
Mexican supergroup RBD is getting their own Barbie dolls. The collector’s dolls — available in a set of five or sold individually as Rebelde characters Mia (Anahí), Roberta (Dulce Maria) and Lupita (Maite Perroni), Diego (Christopher von Uckermann) and Giovanni (Christian Chávez) — commemorate the group’s reunion tour after a 15-year hiatus. The dolls are decked out in emblematic concert outfits or their signature Elite Way school uniform.
“¡Y soy Rebelde! Pop stardom meets pop culture icons with the special edition RBD x Barbie dolls,” read the caption of the post shared on the Barbie instagram page unveiling the RBD Barbie dolls.
Women rule 2023 Latin Grammys
For the first time in history, women win the top four categories at the Latin Grammys. It happened on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the 24th annual Latin Grammy Awards where Karol G won album of the year (Mañana Será Bonito), Natalia Lafourcade won record of the year (“De Todas Las Flores”), Shakira, along with Bizarrap, took home song of the year (“Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”) and Joaquina won best new artist.
Lafourcade’s acceptance speech for best singer-songwriter album for De Todas Las Flores was fitting for the historical night: “I dedicate it to all women friends, let’s not stop composing, let’s not stop believing in our art, in our music.”
Belanova’s comeback
Mexican pop trio Belanova — known for 2000s hits such as “Rosa Pastel” and “Por Ti” — will make its comeback to the Vive Latino stage after a six-year hiatus, the festival announced earlier this week. Vocalist Denisse Guerrero, keyboardist Édgar Huerta and bassist Ricardo Arreola will perform at the event taking place March 16 and 17, and held for the first time at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.
Other artists set to perform at Vive are Maná, Hombres G, Silvana Estrada, Fito Páez, among others. See the lineup here.
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — are powered by new music from Ozuna, Daddy Yankee, a first collaborative effort between Nicki Nicole and Bad Gyal, and more.
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After releasing a seven-track EP called Afro at the beginning of the year, Ozuna unleashed his sixth studio album Cosmo, home to 15 tracks. As ever, the Puerto Rican artist delivers a new dimension of sounds, where Latin urban music meets innovative rhythms, and croons fans with his feel-good and romantic lyrics backed by his sugary vocals. On his new album, Ozuna experiments with world music such as in the opening track “Made in Qatar” that’s fused with traditional Arabian music. He also teamed up with French DJ David Guetta for the EDM-heavy focus track “Vocation,” which they premiered during the 2023 Latin Grammys on Thursday (Nov. 16).
But an Ozuna album is not an Ozuna album without its hard-hitting perreos as heard in “El Plan,” “Brabus,” and “100 Squats,” and without having his friends onboard—Cosmo includes collaborations with De La Ghetto, Chencho Corleone, Anuel AA, Jhayco, Maldy and more. According to a press statement, the album “is the cosmic experience, where the vibrant essence of reggaeton prevails.”
Moreover, two female collaborations stood out this week. The first is Nicki Nicole and Bad Gyal’s “Enamórate,” an electro-dancehall that perfectly meshes their sultry vibes. The second is BIBI and Becky G’s “Amigos,” a groovy reggaetón lacing lyrics in Spanish, English, and Korean.
Additionally, Daddy Yankee, Arcangel, Yng Lvcas, and many more acts dropped new music. In last week’s New Music Latin fan-related poll, Banda MS and Gloria Trevi’s “Y Que Soporten” won with over 91 percent of the votes. What’s your favorite new Latin music release of the week? Vote below!
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.
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Ozuna, Cosmo (Aura Music Corp/Sony Music Latin)
Ozuna has unleashed his sixth studio album, Cosmo — and after previous projects such as Odisea, Aura and Nibiru, this one’s another galactic musical journey. On the 15-track production, the Puerto Rican artist delivers a new dimension of sounds, where Latin urban music meets innovative rhythms such as traditional Arabian music as heard in “Made in Qatar” and infectious electronica in the David Guetta-assisted “Vocation.” Ozu and the renowned French DJ premiered the latter at the 2023 Latin Grammys on Thursday night (Nov. 16). While Cosmo is also home to hard-hitting reggaeton tracks (“El Plan,” “Brabus,” “100 Squats”), it showcases Ozuna’s romantic side and admiration for women on songs such as “Mar de Lagrimas,” “La Chulita” and “Clase Azul.” The set, which follows his 2023 EP Afro, “is the cosmic experience, where the vibrant essence of reggaeton prevails,” according to a press statement. Collaborations on Cosmo include De La Ghetto, Chencho Corleone, Anuel AA, Jhayco, Maldy and more. — JESSICA ROIZ
BIBI & Becky G, “Amigos” (Feel Ghood Music/88rising Records)
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Becky G and BIBI combine their Mexican-American swag and South Korean steelo to ignite the scene in their new scintillating single, “Amigos.” This reggaetón groove, pulsating with a suspenseful edge, lures listeners into a sonic escapade, complete with minimal sliding bass that hints at a drill essence near the end. Sung in Spanish, English and Korean, the sultry lyrics empower, as the duo look for new amigos while they charm their way through a party before executing a seductive heist, leaving a trail of mystery and stolen treasures in the music video. “I know we’re having a good time and you always want more/ But if myjevo calls, we are just friends,” Becky G croons with a touch of playful defiance. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Daddy Yankee, “Bonita” (El Cartel Records/Imperial/UMG Recordings)
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Reggaeton legend Daddy Yankee returns from retirement with a positive message about enjoying life on “Bonita.” With a mix of tropical rhythms, the summer song intended to warm up the fall has been well-received on his social media. “There are good people and there are bad things / Everything is going to be okay / Live today not tomorrow,” he asserts in the lyrics. The Puerto Rican star shared the song with a lyric video and an uplifting message on his networks: “If you are reading this it means that God gave you one more day of LIFE! We can fall into the deepest black hole and get up to see the LIGHT on the path and sing: ‘BEAUTIFUL LIFE IS’. Your life is worth a lot, don’t forget it.” “Bonita” provides a message to lift our spirits with a contagious rhythm perfect to start the weekend. — LUISA CALLE
Chicocurlyhead, “En La Mañana” (Exile Records)
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Chicocurlyhead’s feel-good music is often instantly contagious, and his new track “En La Mañana” is no exception. Known for his ability to effortlessly zigzag through R&B, trap and rock to showcase his versatility, this time around the Panamanian-born, Atlanta-raised singer-songwriter places all bets on an Afrobeat sound. Even just listening to the first 15 seconds, his vocalization, which is almost soothing, instantly hooks. Produced by Kastelo, the bilingual song is about a girl to whom Chicocurlyhead has decided to give all his attention to. “En La Mañana” follows his recently released single “Ahora o Nunca” with Mexican artist Renee. — GRISELDA FLORES
Listen to more new Latin music recommendations in the playlist below:
The 2023 Latin Grammys are a wrap. This year, there was no one big winner. Karol G, Shakira and Natalia Lafourcade tied with three major awards each. Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina won best new artist. So you could say that women were the big winners of the night. Karol won album of the year and best urban […]
The 2023 Latin Grammys took place for the first time internationally in Seville, Spain, on Thursday (Nov. 16) — and to celebrate, Latin music’s hottest artists of yesterday and today were present.
Among the star-studded guests was Feid, who in the midst of his European tour traveled to Spain to put colleagues and viewers alike on their feet with the Latin Grammys closing performance.
Moving away from his signature green outfits, the Colombian artist was decked out in an all-white ensemble, including his famed “Ferxxo” sunglasses.
He began his performance with an acoustic version of his song “Prohibidox,” backed by a romantic piano melody. Shortly after, he invited DJ Premier onstage to perform their hit “Le Pido a Dios.” Not only did Feid shine with his strong, live vocals, but he also had the entire room dancing — including his Medallo squad, Karol G, Ovy on the Drums and Keityn.
Feid was a five-time nominee at the 2023 Latin Grammys, including best rap/hip hop song, best urban/fusion performance, best urban music album and two songs in best reggaeton performance.
The 2023 Latin Grammys, led by top nominee Edgar Barrera, featured performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Kany García, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Sebastián Yatra, and Shakira.
For the first time airing internationally, the 24th annual awards show took place on Thursday (Nov. 16) at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville, Spain. It aired on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión. It was broadcasted on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.
On Thursday (Nov. 16), the 24th annual Latin Grammys witnessed a soul-stirring collaboration as Kany García and Christian Nodal took the stage in Seville, Spain, to perform their heartfelt ranchera ballad, “La Siguiente.”
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Kany, adorned in a beautiful off-white lace ensemble and matching pointy boots, her long hair flowing, transitioned impressively from her usual playful pop persona to belt out a poignant norteña song with plenty of gusto. Backed by numerous acoustic and electric guitars, the performance painted a beautiful backdrop for the lovelorn narrative of a toxic relationship.
In a black silk shirt, with a tattooed chest adorned with gold chains, the mariacheño pioneer Christian Nodal entered the picture to match hearts with the Puerto Rican singer. Straying from elaborate choreography or flashy effects, the duo relied solely on their robust vocals to captivate the audience.
“Gracias por hacerme bohemio, México” (“Thank you for making me bohemian, Mexico”), Christian Nodal said earlier during the telecast when the sleek vaquero won a Latin Grammy for best ranchero/mariachi album for Forajido EP2.
The 2023 Latin Grammys featured performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Sebastián Yatra and Shakira.
Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.
Rauw Alejandro arrived at the 2023 Latin Grammys on Thursday (Nov. 16) with his beloved mom as his date—and soon after strutting the red carpet with his suave appeal, he took center stage at the awards ceremony.
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The Puerto Rican artist, who was nominated for best urban music album with Saturno, performed an energetic dance medley that kicked off with his own melancholic rendition of Laura Pausini’s (the 2023 Person of the Year) “Se Fue.” Wearing an all-white suit, Rauw’s watery eyes glistened as he remembered a past love.
Shortly after, he picked up the mood by going backstage and teaming up with a group of dancers for a killer choreography as he sang his ‘80s retro-inspired “DIME QUIÉN ????” Now changed to an edgy, leather fit in red, Rauw went back on stage to perform the electro-pop “Baby Hello.”
To everyone’s surprise, he was joined by Juanes, who in true Colombian rockstar fashion, performed an incredible guitar solo.
The 2023 Latin Grammys, led by top nominee Edgar Barrera, featured performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Kany García, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Sebastián Yatra, and Shakira.
For the first time airing internationally, the 24th annual award show took place on Thursday (Nov. 16) at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville, Spain. It aired on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión. It was broadcasted on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.