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Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny graces the cover of the new Vanity Fair issue, and in a wide-ranging, candid interview, gives insight into new music, how he really felt about his album of the year Grammy loss and addresses his relationship with Kendall Jenner.
The “Me Porto Bonito” singer explains that when he lost album of the year at the Grammys on Feb. 4, he had mixed feelings. Although he understood how momentous that win could’ve been, Benito felt some sort of relief. “It wasn’t because I didn’t feel I was deserving or because I thought I couldn’t win. It was because I don’t really want to hear myself,” he said in the interview published Tuesday (Sept. 12). “I know I was going to get emotional. It would have been powerful and hard, dealing with that pride.”
Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti made history as the first all Spanish-language album to score a nod in the album of the year category. (The award went to Harry Styles’ Harry’s House.) It wasn’t until after the ceremony that he began to question his loss, he explained. “I didn’t even feel like [album of the year] had been stolen from me until the media started saying [it] and I saw that everybody thought I deserved the prize and everybody thought it was a robbery. … That’s when they kind of convinced me and I said, ‘Well, yes, it was a robbery then.’”
While Bad Bunny is reluctant to get into specific details about a new album, which according to the interview is slated to release sometime in the fall, he’s a bit more vocal about not having to clear anything up with anyone about his outings with model Jenner, with whom he’s been linked to romantically.
“They don’t know how you feel, they don’t know how you live, they don’t know anything, and I really don’t want them to know,” he said. “I’m not really interested in clarifying anything because I have no commitment to clarify anything to anyone. I am clear and my friend Jomar … and my mother is clear. They are the only ones to whom I have to clarify anything.”
Bad Bunny
Szilveszter Makó/Vanity Fair
Bunny has reportedly been dating Jenner since early this year. The two were spotted in April while at Coachella together, and in May, they sat courtside at a Lakers game, wearing matching snakeskin boots. They still haven’t officially confirmed their romance.
“There are people who say that artists have to put up with it,” he added. “I don’t have to accept anything and everything because I wanted to be an artist. At the end of the day, you listen to me because you want to. I don’t force you to.”
Fans often throw gifts at their favorite favorite artists while they’re performing: bras, panties, roses, teddy bears, and now — crutches? That’s the case for Maluma, who’s currently on the North American leg of his 2023 Don Juan World Tour. In a video that’s going viral, the Colombian artist is performing his song “Mojando Asientos” […]
MTV and TelevisaUnivision announced on Monday (Sept. 11) a “first-of-its-kind partnership” for a simulcast of the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The live three-hour broadcast — to be hosted by Alejandra Espinoza — will air on UniMás at 8 p.m. ET with an encore on Univision at 11:30 p.m. ET.
“We are thrilled to partner with TelevisaUnivision for this groundbreaking partnership as we further expand the VMAs worldwide footprint and amplify our massive lineup of international icons to make this year’s show the biggest celebration of global music in MTV history,” said Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming & events, Paramount and chief content officer, music, Paramount Global.
“We are excited to be the exclusive Spanish-language destination in the U.S. for this year’s VMAs, a celebration of music that will honor Latin artists like never before,” added Ignacio Meyer, president of U.S. networks, TelevisaUnivison. “As home to the leading U.S. Hispanic networks, our commitment to delivering the best in entertainment is unwavering. We’re thrilled to partner with MTV to deliver more fan-fueled music events to our passionate viewers.”
The 2023 VMAs will air live from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. Taylor Swift leads this year’s nominations with eight nods, followed by SZA (six), Doja Cat, Kim Petras, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo and Sam Smith (five each). General fan voting is now closed; voting remains open for best new artist.
Shakira, a four-time VMAs nominee this year, will make history at the VMAs when she becomes the first South American artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award. The Colombian star is also set to perform on the VMAs for the first time in 17 years. Other Latin powerhouses confirmed to take the stage include Anitta, Karol G and Peso Pluma.
Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are executive producers of the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Barb Bialkowski is co-executive producer. Alicia Portugal and Jackie Barba serve as executives in charge of production. Wendy Plaut is executive in charge of celebrity talent. Lisa Lauricella is music talent executive.
Banda Carnaval, Eddy Lover, Farruko, Grupo Frontera, La Factoría, Marc Anthony, Nicki Nicole, Pepe Aguilar, Sky Rompiendo, Sofía Reyes, Ximena Sariñana and Yng Lvcas join the list of artists who will perform at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to take place on Thursday, Oct. 5.
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Billboard and Telemundo on Monday (Sep. 11) announced the second round of performers who will take the stage at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida. The show will be broadcast live on Telemundo and simultaneously on the Spanish entertainment cable network Universo, on Peacock and on the Telemundo app. Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, it will be available on Telemundo Internacional.
Among the previously announced performers are Calibre 50, Chiquis, El Alfa, Eladio Carrión, Justin Quiles, Los Ángeles Azules, Manuel Turizo, Marshmello, Myke Towers, Peso Pluma, Tini and Yandel.
This year, Mexican music sensation Peso Pluma leads the list of finalists with 21 nods across 15 categories, including Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Global 200 Latin Artist of the Year and Top Latin Album of the Year. His collaboration with Eslabon Armado, “Ella Baila Sola,” is up for six awards, including Hot Latin Song of the Year, Global 200 Latin Song of the Year and Sales Song of the Year. And his hit with Yng Lvcas, “La Bebe,” competes in five categories, including Hot Latin Song of the Year and Latin Rhythm Song of the Year.
Following Peso Pluma are Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera with 15 nods each, including four together for their collab “un X100to,” while Karol G has 13, and Shakira and Fuerza Regida have 12 each. See the complete list of finalists here.
Los Ángeles Azules will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Latin Billboard Music Awards 2023, while Ivy Queen will be recognized with the Icon Award.
As has been the case for more than 20 years, the Billboard Latin Music Awards coincide with Billboard’s annual Latin Music Week, the single largest and most important gathering of the Latin music industry, taking place Oct. 2-6. The event will feature panels, conversations and workshops at the Faena Forum and exclusive performances and fan experiences throughout the week in Miami. Shakira, Myke Towers, Vico C, Grupo Frontera, Peso Pluma, Nicki Nicole, RBD and many more are confirmed to participate.
Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.
From career milestones and 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.
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Marc Anthony’s Hollywood Star
This week, Marc Anthony was honored with his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. At the ceremony, the salsa artist — who has a trajectory that spans 35 years and countless hits, including eight No. 1’s on the Hot Latin Songs chart and 35 No. 1’s on the Tropical Airplay chart — was accompanied by his wife and model Nadia Ferreira, and good friend and soccer icon David Beckham. “Thank you to everyone who has accompanied me throughout the years of my career. This is thanks to you!,” the Puerto Rican star expressed on his Instagram. See the unveiling of his star on the coveted strip, below.
Goyo Makes VS History
Goyo made Victoria’s Secret history this week after taking center stage at the Victoria’s Secret World Tour premiere event on Sept. 6 in New York. There, the Colombian prowess (a former singer of hip-hop fusion collective ChocQuibTown) debuted her single “Tumbao,” part of her upcoming solo studio album. “I am the First Afro-Latina woman and urban genre artist to be part of this show!!!” she proudly wrote on her Instagram account.
Lorena Margarita Martinez Torres, Michaela Stark, Cristina Sanchez, Goyo, Doechii and Eniola Olanrewaju attend as Victoria’s Secret Celebrates The Tour ’23 at The Manhattan Center on Sept. 6, 2023 in New York City.
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret
Luis Figueroa’s Special Recognition
On Sept. 3, breakthrough salsa artist Luis Figueroa was honored with the “David Meléndez Award” at the 2023 New York International Salsa Congress (NYISC). The former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise and 2023 Billboard Latin Music Award finalist was recognized for his “outstanding contributions to Latin music and the salsa genre,” according to a press release. “How much we enjoyed in NYC at the New York International Salsa Congress!!!! We had a crazy time!,” Figueroa wrote on his Instagram, where the official NY salsa congress account replied with: “Thank you very much for sharing your art with us, and for being that light that will keep this genre alive, bringing joy and Latin flavor to our people.”
The CNCO Series
The CNCO highly-awaited series already has a release date. This week, the Latin boy band unveiled new details on 4 Ever, Disney’s upcoming original fiction miniseries where Christopher Vélez, Richard Camacho, Zabdiel De Jesús, and Erick Brian Colón make their acting debut. “Ian, Andy, Dario, and Ciro. Four voices, one same destiny,” reads the Instagram caption. The five-episode miniseries that’s produced by Tolmur and Bourke and directed by Nuno Gomes will air Oct. 11 on Disney+. 4 Ever will follow the story of four musicians who are on their way to becoming a popular band in Miami’s music scene, and will include three original songs performed by CNCO and three covers of well-known ballads.
First Wave of BLMA Performers
This week, Billboard and Telemundo unleashed the first wave of performers to take center stage at the the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards. They are: Calibre 50, Chiquis, El Alfa, Eladio Carrión, Justin Quiles, Los Ángeles Azules, Manuel Turizo, Marshmello, Myke Towers, Peso Pluma, Tini and Yandel. Led by 21-time finalist Peso Pluma, the coveted music award is set to take place Oct. 5. at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Fla.
The Billboard Latin Music Awards also coincide with Billboard‘s Latin Music Week conference, which will feature panels, conversations and workshops at the Faena Forum and exclusive performances and fan experiences throughout the week in Miami. Shakira, Myke Towers, Vico C, Grupo Frontera, Peso Pluma, Nicki Nicole, RBD and many more are confirmed to participate.
Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.
Amidst mermaids and sharks, and a sea of fans dressed like Barbies for the occasion, Karol G lit up MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — five miles west of New York City — on Thursday (Sep. 7). It was her first of two nights at the 82,500-capacity venue as part of her Mañana […]
This week, our New Music Latin roundup — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums, and videos recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — is powered by new music from Yahritza y Su Esencia, Mario Bautista, Alejo, Natalia Jiménez and Carlos Rivera, to name a few. Sibling trio Yahritza y Su Esencia has released the second part to the […]
Karol G and Peso Pluma get sexy and flirtatious in their first collaborative effort, “QLONA” (wordplay that loosely translates to “girl with a big butt”). The Ovy on the Drums-produced track is a sultry, slow-tempo reggaeton that finds both the Colombian singer and Mexican artist crooning about desiring each other and wanting to be together. […]
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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Caleb Calloway & Saiko, “Carnet” (The Wave Music Group)
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Powered by a classic reggaetón drum pattern, “Carnet” sees Caleb Calloway and Saiko revving up the engine — and the vibe — on “Carnet.” A riveting farewell-to-summer track, the Puerto Rican producer and singer join forces to deliver passionate vocals backed by a powerful tropical-laden thump over moody keyboards. The single follows a girl on a motorcycle with no license, but that doesn’t stop her from crossing international borders to hit up the clubs for a night of debauchery. “She doesn’t have a carnet, but she brought her friend,” belts out Saiko. “For me, this song is the close of summer and opens the season of breaking all the clubs with a perreo that will be a classic,” said Caleb Calloway in a press release. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Farruko, Manolo Ramos & Ghetto, “Calor” (CFMB Records)
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We feel the heat in Farruko’s “Calor,” a melodic reggae groove alongside tropical/pop newcomer Manolo Torres and longtime collaborator Ghetto. Pulling from Farruko’s many connections in Puerto Rico, the track open with actual broadcasts ruminating about the heat from the likes of radio personality Molusco, then goes into that catchy reggae beat Farruko does so well, lamenting the intense heat of the day (“Y la calor está de madre, Me he bañado cuatro vece’ y no son ni las 2”) but also celebrating. Though perhaps a tad late to be a summer anthem (if only), Torres’ strong vocals and touches like the opening guitars and the saxophone solo give this summer song lasting appeal. — LEILA COBO
Yahritza y Su Esencia, Obsessed Pt. 2 (Lumbre Music/Columbia Records)
A year after unleashing their debut EP, Obsessed, Yahritza y Su Esencia delivers part two, which includes three brand new tracks “Dos Extraños,” “Dubai” and “Rositas.” Like its predecessor, Obsessed Pt. 2 is packed with heart-wrenching, deep lyrics on love and heartbreak. An emotions first song, “Dos Extraños,” powered by a requinto and a subtle trumpet note, finds Yahritza belting lyrics about unrequited love. The opening track is followed by the corrido “Dubai,” with complex and melodic guitar notes serving as the perfect canvas for this more upbeat song. Rounding out the three new songs is “Rositas,” where Yahritza slows things down again to sing this ultimate declaration of love. The sibling trio — composed of Yahritza, Mando and Jairo — teamed up with renowned songwriter-producer Edgar Barrera for the new tracks. The EP also includes previously released songs such as “Frágil” with Grupo Frontera and “No Se Puede Decir Adiós.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Natalia Jiménez, “El Pobre” (Sony Music Latin)
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Once again, Natalia Jiménez lends her powerful voice to regional Mexican music in this joyous ranchero-tinged huapango. “El Pobre,” the second single from her upcoming album Antología 20 Años, was written by Jiménez with Mario Domm and Cheché Alara, and features Alara’s Mariachi San Telmo. The song counters material wealth to the poverty of the soul: “Because you are poor, you only have money/ Bad luck, that’s not what I want/ You have everything, everything except me,” belts the Spaniard artist. In the music video, recorded at the iconic Lienzo Zermeño in Guadalajara, the singer appears surrounded by horses, the Alteñitas de Guadalajara skirmishes, the New Jalisco Folkloric Ballet, and multiple charros and Adelitas. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Juan Gabriel, “Méxxico es Todo” (Virgin Music US Latin)
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Juan Gabriel sings to his homeland in “Méxxico es Todo,” the first single from the superstar’s second posthumous album after 2022’s Los Dúo 3, and the first with original, unpublished songs. Produced by Rodrigo Cárdenas, the song maintains the distinctive musical stamp of Juan Gabriel, with festive melodies to the rhythm of trumpets, and sounds that flirt with traditional Mexican music, this time with hints of pop. The music video, created by Juan Gabriel’s former collaborator David Tames, is a collage of images of iconic places and symbols of Mexican culture such as the Zócalo in Mexico City, the Basilica of Guadalupe, the Pyramids of Teotihuacán, the Aztec calendar and the tricolor flag with the shield of an eagle devouring a snake. — NATALIA CANO
Carlos Rivera, “Para Ti” (Sony Music México)
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Mexican singer-songwriter Carlos Rivera gives us a moving romantic ballad titled “Para Ti,” with a very special dedicatory. The emotional song expresses deep love and gratitude towards that unconditional person who accompanies us both in happy moments and in challenges and can even restore hope for life. In a live broadcast on Instagram, after the release of this single, Rivera shared with the public that the song could well be called “Para Cy”, in reference to his wife, Cynthia Rodríguez.
“You were hope, the one that saved me/ the one that restored the desire to live in me,” he intones in one of the verses. “And this is for you, all my emotions, my songs for you/ All my dreams, today I want to fulfill them with you/ I belong to you, without you I don’t want anything,” he states with devotion in the chorus. If the lyrics of the song have the power to bring a tear to more than one person, the video, which tells the love story of a couple facing the tough battle against cancer, will undoubtedly touch the hearts of many. — LUISA CALLE
Alejo & Yandel, “Trajecito XS” (Warner Music Latina/Y Entertainment/Square Houze)
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Just months after Alejo paid tribute to Wisin y Yandel at the 2023 Premios Tu Música Urbano, the rising Puerto Rican act joined forces with Yandel on “Trajecito XS.” Loosely translated to “size XS,” the catchy reggaeton fused with deep house beats references a girl who everyone likes but she only has a good time with one particular person. The track was produced by Huertas & Baezmadeit and penned by Fantasma (Joan Manuel Ubiñas). “Yandel approached me [at the Premios Tu Música Urbano] and it was an incredible moment to have a reggaeton living legend want to collaborate with me. Together, we’ve created a track that seamlessly blends our styles,” said Alejo in a press statement. The vibrant collab also marks the inception of Yandel’s creative hub Square Houze, a new division of his label Y Entertainment. — JESSICA ROIZ
Mario Bautista & Ana Mena, “Antes de Novios“ (Warner Music México)
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Mario Bautista dips his toes into the sweet sounds of bachata with “Antes de Novios,” a collaboration with Spanish singer Ana Mena. The song is a rich mixture of Bautista’s signature pop and bachata, backed by infectious percussions. Penned by Bautista, Yera and Keityn, the lyrics narrate a phase that comes after a breakup — one where you tend to reflect about the bond and positive aspects of the friendship, which was at the root of the relationship. Is there still a chance to repair it? “When you feel that life is not in your favor, please do not hesitate to look for me; I know we are nothing anymore, but I still have love for you — please do not forget that before I was your boyfriend, I was your friend and that will never change,” Bautista sings. — INGRID FAJARDO
Listen to the New Music Latin playlist below:
Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.
Just a few blocks from the Guaranteed Rate Field, the stadium home to the White Sox located in the South Side of Chicago, concertgoers were spotted clad in Rebelde uniforms — denim skirts (or pants), crisp white button-ups, red blazers and, of course, the red striped tie.
On Thursday (Sept. 7), a sea of multigenerational fans made their way to the venue, where RBD was set to perform as part of their Soy Rebelde Tour — the band’s first show in the city in over 10 years — where fans would get to see Anahí, Christian Chávez, Dulce María, Maite Perroni and Christopher von Uckermann onstage again.
The ultra-successful Mexican pop group, which disbanded in 2008 after conquering the world in the early 2000s with massive pop hits such as “Sálvame,” “Rebelde,” “Nuestro Amor and “Sólo Quédate en Silencio,” is back together for one of the most momentous reunions in Latin music history.
Earlier this year, RBD announced their highly anticipated reunion tour, the band’s return to the stage in 15 years. As an RBD fan myself, it’s safe to say that it was worth the wait. Before performing an ultra-emotional two-hour set covering their extensive pop catalog, a few of the members shared some words of gratitude. “To see you again after many years, it’s very impressive,” Dulce María told zealous fans. “We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Maite, who couldn’t help but get emotional added, “RBD never left. Thank you for being here. Thank you for all the years of love.”
Last month, RBD was Billboard Español’s digital cover story subject, where five out of the six original members (Alfonso Herrera declined to be part of the reunion) spoke about coming back together for a new tour and new music. “All five of us have very different personalities, and with the years, we’ve learned to embrace our differences. But in the end, it’s when we come back together that this grows and this magic explodes,” Perroni said about the reunion. The key is, back then, we came together as the result of an audition; this time, it’s something we chose to do.”
RBD is due back at Guaranteed Rate Field on Friday (Sept. 8) for a second show. Here are the best moments from RBD’s first show in Chicago.
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