Latin
Page: 224
Spanish flamenco-pop star David Bisbal was honored with the Pioneer Award at the 2023 Latin American Music Awards, which took place Thursday, April 20 live from Las Vegas.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Celebrating 20 years in music, Bisbal was praised by his good friend, and fellow superstar Olga Tañón, who presented him with the special award. “David, it’s incredible all you’ve achieved in 20 years,” she told him. “You brought flamenco to my home and you continue to making our lives more joyful.”
A visibly emotional Bisbal, took the stage to thank his fans, his family and the Latin AMAs for the recognition. “Madre mía de mi vida. I fell in love with Latin music 20 years ago thanks to great colleagues like Ricky Martin, Chayanne and Juan Luis Guerra. That allowed me to really fall in love with Latin music. When I had the chance to record my first album, I decided to fuse it with my roots, my flag. To date, I haven’t stopped. And you know what? I’m ready for the next 20 years. Vamos!”
Then came his performance, which kicked off with his new track “Ajedrez,” and later transitioned into musical tribute with Tañón and Ángela Aguilar leading the set. The former performing Bisbal’s “Bulería” flamenco-fused pop anthem. Aguilar then took the stage to sing “Ave María,” his hit song from 2003.
Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and even social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión.
Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com
With buoyant force and a vivacious spirit, Carlos Vives opened up his all-hit medley performance with the Rafael Escalona original “Mala Suerte” and his own timeless “La Gota Fría” at the 2023 Latin AMAs. He was backed by a riveting accordionist and a vibrant rhythm section.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Mexican sibling duo Jesse & Joy soon joined the legend to sing “La Tierra del Olvido,” then husband-and-wife couple Guaynaa and Lele Pons shared their vocals on “Volví a Nacer.” Emilia and Ryan Castro also provided spirited pipes on “Robarte Un Beso.” Emilia is one of Billboard Español’s first annual Latin Women in Music honorees. The all-star cast of Latin performers channeled the joyous and contagious happiness that Carlos Vives is known for.
Earlier that evening, Vives accepted his Legend award in honor of his 30-year legacy, since releasing the revolutionary Clásicos de la Provincia in 1993, a groundbreaking sound that immortalized Colombian vallenato beyond its borders.
“Thirty years ago music showed me two paths: to copy the genres that were successful at the time [or] to transform the music of my land, feel proud to be Colombian, and give our music the level it deserved,” he said. “That’s what I’ve been doing for the last 30 years, carrying that message.”
On Wednesday, Vives released a heartfelt ode to the late, great Rafael Escalona on Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así. Vives will premiere its accompanying documentary Regreso a Escalona on May 1 in Colombia and will arrive four days later in the U.S. at The Colombian Film Festival NY. The musician is also preparing for an upcoming international tour.
Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión.
Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com
Wisin walked the 2023 Latin American Music Awards red carpet on Thursday (April 20) and he didn’t hold back from telling Billboard all about his new single “Mi Exxx” in collaboration with Anuel AA.
“Thanks to Anuel, Los Legendarios and DJ Luian. There’s a lot of people behind this project, and it’s part of the new work I’m bringing,” he says. “The song was born organically. I sent it to Anuel, he loved it and recorded his part. The concept is that exes shouldn’t fight and they should work on things.”
“Mi Exxx,” a saucy reggaetón track that meshes both Wisin and Anuel’s signature sounds, also marks Anuel’s return to a more commercial sound.
“We’re seeing a great comeback and I’m happy for him,” Wisin says of the Latin trap star. “I believe Anuel has a lot to offer to the music scene and it’s an honor to have him on this song.”
Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión.
Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com
A trifecta of new powerhouse women reggaetón and Latin trap artists had a huge moment at the 2023 Latin American Music Awards on Thursday night (April 20).
Bad Gyal appeared nonchalant onscreen, rocking a shimmery yellow dress and sleek blond hair as she belted out the reggaeton banger “Chulo.” Amid an energetic pack of backup dancers, the Spanish provocateur dominated the stage with her cooly effortless swag.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The scene then transitioned to Chesca and Dalex, who donned sexy black leather to perform “Easy,” first appearing with their backs against each other. Their sensual and explosive love song chronicles how “easy” it is for the couple to be an item because of chemistry.
Then, Young Miko entered the scene with her exhilarating song “Lisa,” which instantly amped up the vibe. Donning black leather pants and a racing-inspired shirt with hints of fuchsia, the young lyricist brought her languorous and powerful flow. The song is an unapologetic confession of weakness for the irresistible women around her, revealing her refusal to limit herself to a particular style or personality type. Meanwhile a display of rosy anime characters adorned the backdrop.
Young Miko is one of the most dynamic new voices of Puerto Rico’s ever-growing reggaeton and Latin trap wave. She’s also one of the first openly queer musicians in her music space. The rapidly rising star traded her tattoo needle for a mic, and ever since, she’s been bringing her potent vocal flow to the forefront of Puerto Rico’s booming música urbana scene. She recently signed with Capitol Records.
Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión.Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com
Puerto Rican stars Wisin and Anuel AA literally brought the heat to the 2023 Latin American Music Awards on Thursday night (April 20).
Surrounded by cage-like structures that were lit on fire, the reggaetoneros joined forces for their new collaboration “Mi Exxx” — a breakup song, produced by Los Legendarios, which finds both men singing about a possible reunion with an ex, even if it is for one last time.
“Collaborating with Anuel is always an honor for me, he is one of the most respected artists in the genre and being able to create good music with him is always nice because I know that people will receive it and support it as they always do with our songs,” Wisin said about the collaboration in a statement. “This song is designed for people to listen to it, dedicate it, sing it and even dance to it. By creating it we kept our essence and I know that is one that people will enjoy.”
During the awards show, Wisin also performed “Tu Recuerdo” alongside Emilia Mernes and Lyanno.
Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión.
Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com
Before kicking off the live broadcast of the eighth edition of the Latin American Music Awards on Thursday night (April 20), stars such as Becky G, Anuel AA, David Bisbal, Chiquis and Pepe Aguilar walked the red carpet.
Outside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Becky G — who will perform “Chanel” alongside Peso Pluma at Thursday’s Latin AMAs — strutted the carpet in a bedazzled little black dress that she styled with a long and dramatic black cape. Meanwhile, Chiquis was pretty in pink and looking very glamorous with a short pink dress with puffy sleeves.
Up-and-comers Peso Pluma and Yahritza y Su Esencia opted for a more casual and youthful look, wearing cargo pants or slacks paired with blazers or a simple button-down shirt. Mexican music titan Pepe Aguilar, who is being honored with one of the Legacy Awards, walked down the red carpet with his beloved Gordo, El Pug.
Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS and Galavisión.
Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com
Peso Pluma
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Peso Pluma arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 20, 2023.
Lele Pons & Guaynaa
Image Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Lele Pons and Guaynaa attend the 2023 Latin American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 20, 2023 in Las Vegas.
Anuel AA
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Anuel AA arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
Steve Aoki
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Steve Aoki arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
Ivan Cornejo
Image Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Ivan Cornejo attends the 2023 Latin American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 20, 2023 in Las Vegas.
Chiquis
Image Credit: Ethan Miller/GI
Chiquis Rivera attends the 2023 Latin American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 20, 2023 in Las Vegas.
Justin Quiles
Image Credit: Ethan Miller/GI
Justin Quiles attends the 2023 Latin American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 20, 2023 in Las Vegas.
Grupo Frontera
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Grupo Frontera arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
Jesse & Joy
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Jesse & Joy arrive for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
Prince Royce
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Prince Royce arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
Yahritza y Su Esencia
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Yahritza y Su Esencia arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
Bad Gyal
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Bad Gyal arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
Eslabon Armado
Image Credit: Ethan Miller/GI
Damian Pacheco, Brian Tovar, Pedro Tovar and Ulises Gonzalez of Eslabon Armado attend the 2023 Latin American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 20, 2023 in Las Vegas.
Pepe Aguilar
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Pepe Aguilar arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
Myke Towers
Image Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Myke Towers attends the 2023 Latin American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 20, 2023 in Las Vegas.
Becky G
Image Credit: Ethan Miller/GI
Becky G attends the 2023 Latin American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 20, 2023 in Las Vegas.
Carlos Vives
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Carlos Vives arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
David Bisbal
Image Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
David Bisbal attends the 2023 Latin American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 20, 2023 in Las Vegas.
Angela Aguilar
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Angela Aguilar arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
JLuna
Image Credit: Ethan Miller/GI
JLuna attends the 2023 Latin American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 20, 2023 in Las Vegas.
Banda Renovación
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Banda Renovación arrive for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
Banda El Recodo
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via GI
Banda El Recodo arrives for the 8th annual Latin American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 20, 2023.
Mar Solís
Image Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Mar Solís attends the 2023 Latin American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 20, 2023 in Las Vegas.
It’s the day of show for the 2023 Latin American Music Awards, which is being broadcast live on Univision Network for the first time.
This year, Bad Bunny leads the list of nominees with 11 nods, including artist of the year, song of the year and album of the year. The Puerto Rican star is followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations; and with eight nods each are Grupo Frontera, Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, Romeo Santos and Rosalía.
The show will feature over 30 performances and will honor Carlos Vives, David Bisbal, Pepe Aguilar and Prince Royce with special awards throughout the night.
The winners of the Latin AMAs are voted for by fans. This year’s nominations are based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023).
Below, the winners of the night (so far):
Song of the Year
“Bebe dame” – Fueza Regida & Grupo Frontera“Despechá” – Rosalía“Dos oruguitas” – Sebastián Yatra“Está dañada” – Ivan Cornejo“La bachata” – Manuel Turizo“MAMIII” – Becky G & Karol G — WINNER“Me porto bonito” – Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone“Quevedo: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52” – Bizarrap & Quevedo“Sus huellas” – Romeo Santos“Te felicito” – Shakira & Rauw Alejandro
Collaboration of the Year
“Bebe dame” – Fueza Regida & Grupo Frontera“El incomprendido” – Farruko, Víctor Cárdenas & DJ Adoni“MAMIII” – Becky G & Karol G — WINNER“Mayor que usted” – Natti Natasha, Daddy Yankee & Wisin y Yandel“Me porto bonito” – Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone“Medallo” – Blessd, Justin Quiles & Lenny Tavárez“Que vuelvas” – Carin León & Grupo Frontera“Quevedo: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52” – Bizarrap & Quevedo“Te espero” – Prince Royce & Maria Becerra“Te felicito” – Shakira & Rauw Alejandro
Best Duo or Group – Pop
Jesse & Joy — WINNERLos Enanitos VerdesManáMau y RickyReik
Best Duo or Group – Regional Mexican
Banda Los RecoditosBanda MS de Sergio LizárragaCalibre 50Eslabón ArmadoFuerza RegidaGrupo Firme — WINNERGrupo FronteraIntocableLos Ángeles AzulesYahritza y Su Esencia
New Artist of the Year
Bizarrap — WINNERBlessdEdén MuñozGrupo FronteraLos LaraLuis FigueroaLuis R ConriquezQuevedoSanta Fe KlanYahritza y Su Esencia
Best Collaboration – Regional Mexican
“Billete grande (En vivo)” – Fuerza Regida & Edgardo Nuñez“Brindo” – Mario Bautista & Banda El Recodo“Calidad” – Grupo Firme & Luis Mexia“Con un botecito a pecho” – Adriel Favela & Carin León“Hay que hacer dinero” – Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga & Edén Muñoz“Jugaste y sufrí” – Eslabón Armado & DannyLux“Que vuelvas” – Carin León & Grupo Frontera“Se acabó (En vivo)” – Lenin Ramírez, Fuerza Regida & Banda Renovación“Si ya hiciste el mal” – Luis R Conriquez & Jessi Uribe“Ya acabó” – Marca MP & Becky G — WINNER
Best Collaboration – Tropical
“Baloncito viejo” – Carolos Vives & Camilo“El pañuelo” – Romeo Santos & Rosalía“Monotonía” – Shakira & Ozuna — WINNER“Soy yo” – Don Omar, Wisin & Gente de Zona“Te espero” – Prince Royce & Maria Becerra
Best Crossover Artist
DJ KhaledDJ SnakeEd SheeranFatman ScoopGimsJustin TimberlakeLil JonMegan Thee StallionMr. VegasThe Weeknd — WINNER
Best Artist – Pop
AnittaBecky GCamiloEnrique IglesiasKali UchisLuis FonsiRicky MartinRosalíaSebastián YatraShakira – WINNER
Best Artist – Tropical
Carlos VivesMarc AnthonyPrince RoyceRomeo Santos — WINNERVíctor Manuelle
Artist of the Year
Bad BunnyBecky GDaddy YankeeEslabón ArmadoFarrukoIvan CornejoKarol GRauw AlejandroRomeo SantosRosalía
Album of the Year
Ahora Me Da Pena EP – Buena Vista Social ClubDañado – Ivan CornejoEsquemas – Becky GFórmula, Vol. 3 – Romeo SantosJose – J BalvinLa 167 – FarrukoLegendaddy – Daddy YankeeMotomami – RosalíaNostalgia – Eslabón ArmadoUn Verano Sin Ti – Bad Bunny — WINNER
Collaboration Crossover of the Year
“Arhbo (Music from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Soundtrack)” – Ozuna, Gims,Redone & FIFA Sound“Borracho” – Sech & DJ Khaled“La fama” – Rosalía & The Weeknd — WINNER“Sigue” – J Balvin & Ed Sheeran“Sin fin” – Romeo Santos & Justin Timberlake
Streaming Artist of the Year
Bad BunnyChencho CorleoneGrupo FronteraIvan CornejoKarol G
Tour of the Year
Enfiestados y Amanecidos Tour – Grupo FirmeLa Última Vuelta World Tour – Daddy YankeePapi Juancho World Tour – Maluma$trip Love Tour – Karol GWorld’s Hottest Tour – Bad Bunny
Best Album – Pop
@dannocean – Danny OceanDe Adentro Pa Afuera – CamiloDharma – Sebastián YatraEsquemas – Becky GMotomami – Rosalía — WINNER
Best Song – Pop
“Bailé con mi ex” – Becky G“Junio” – Maluma“Provenza” – Karol G“Tacones rojos” – Sebastián Yatra“Te amo y punto” – Chayanne
Best Artist – Urban
Anuel AABad BunnyDaddy YankeeFarrukoJ BalvinJhaycoKarol GNatti NatashaOzunaRauw Alejandro
Best Album – Urban
Jose – J BalvinLa 167 – FarrukoLegendaddy – Daddy YankeeSaturno – Rauw AlejandroUn Verano Sin Ti – Bad Bunny — WINNER
Best Song – Urban
“Desesperados” – Rauw Alejandro & Chencho Corleone“Envolver” – Anitta“Remix” – Daddy Yankee“Sensual bebé” – Jhayco“Tití me preguntó” – Bad Bunny
Best Collaboration – Pop/Urban
“Buenos días” – Wisin, Camilo & Los Legendarios“El incomprendido” – Farruko, Víctor Cárdenas & DJ Adoni“Hot” – Daddy Yankee & Pitbull“MAMIII” – Becky G & Karol G“Mayor que usted” – Natti Natasha, Daddy Yankee & Wisin y Yandel“Me porto bonito” – Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone“Medallo” – Blessd, Justin Quiles & Lenny Tavárez“Punto 40” – Rauw Alejandro & Baby Rasta“Quevedo: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52” – Bizarrap & Quevedo“Te felicito” – Shakira & Rauw Alejandro
Best Artist – Regional Mexican
Ángela AguilarCarin LeónChiquisChristian NodalEdén MuñozGerardo OrtizIvan CornejoJunior H — WINNERLuis R ConriquezPepe Aguilar
Best Album – Regional Mexican
Dañado – Ivan CornejoDel Barrio Hasta Aquí, Vol. 2 – Fuerza RegidaMi Vida En Un Cigarro 2 – Junior H — WINNERNostalgia – Eslabón ArmadoObsessed Deluxe – Yahritza y Su Esencia
Best Song – Regional Mexican
“Chale” – Edén Muñoz“La boda del huitlacoche (Live)” – Carin León“No se va (En vivo)” – Grupo Frontera“Que te vaya bien” – Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda“Si me duele que duela” – Intocable
Best Album – Tropical
Ahora Me Da Pena EP – Buena Vista Social ClubCumbiana II – Carlos VivesFórmula, Vol. 3 – Romeo SantosPa’lla Voy – Marc AnthonyThe Ultimate Bachata Collection – Héctor Acosta “El Torito”
Best Song – Tropical
“Despechá” – Rosalía“Después de la playa” – Bad Bunny“La bachata” – Manuel Turizo“Pegao” – Camilo“Sus huellas” – Romeo Santos
What many fans had been speculating is true: Luis Miguel is going on tour this year.
On Tuesday (April 19), the Mexican crooner announced the dates for his 43-date stint in North and South America that will kick off Aug. 3 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The trek will visit major cities in the U.S. such as Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami and Los Angeles before wrapping up Dec. 17 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The tour is produced by CMN.
It’s Luis Miguel’s first tour in years. His last tour — México Por Siempre, which ran from 2018 to 2019 — grossed $101.4 million and sold 965,000 tickets across 116 shows, according to Billboard Boxscore. It was the highest grossing Latin tour in Boxscore history until last year when Bad Bunny‘s El Último Tour del Mundo and World’s Hottest Tour surpassed it.
The anticipation for this trek began when El Sol de México — or “The Mexican Sun,” as he is known — simply posted on Instagram “Luis Miguel Tour 2023” in February without offering more details. Whether he’ll drop new music to coincide with the tour is still up in the air. The elusive artist dropped ¡MÉXICO Por Siempre! in 2017, which won album of the year at the Latin Grammy Awards.
Luis Miguel is one of Latin music’s biggest star and one of the top vocalists of his generation. The chart-topping artist has notched 16 No. 1 songs on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, and nine leaders on the Top Latin Albums tally.
See Luis Miguel’s world tour dates below:
The Latin AMAs are set to take place live on Thursday, April 20, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, airing on the Univision Network for the first time since its debut in 2015, on Telemundo.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Nominations for this year’s awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and even social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations.
On Wednesday (April 19), Billboard caught up with some of the confirmed acts during the rehearsals. Below, check out some highlights.
A David Bisbal Takeover
During rehearsals, Billboard exclusively spent the day with David Bisbal as he prepared for his big night. The Spanish crooner will receive the inaugural Pioneer Award, celebrating his 20-year trajectory. Joining the celebration are Puerto Rican merengue artist Olga Tañon and Regional Mexican songstress Angela Aguilar, who will sing a medley of Bisbal’s biggest hits. Watch a snippet of their performance below:
Yahritza y Su Esencia Manifest Collaborations
After notching collaborations with Ivan Cornejo (“Inseparables”) and Grupo Frontera (“Fragil”), Yahritza y Su Esencia expressed the hope to one day collaborate with Peso Pluma and Natanael Cano (on the Música Mexicana side), as well as with Karol G and Becky G (on the urban-pop side). “We love to listen to corrido music and we’re always jamming to Karol G in the car,” lead vocalist Yahritza Martinez tells Billboard during rehearsals. The sierreño act is nominated for three awards at the 2023 Latin AMAs including the coveted best new artist category.
Pepe Aguilar Makes Latin AMAs Debut
Pepe Aguilar, who will be recognized as a 2023 Latin AMAs Legacy honoree alongside Carlos Vives, is also making his Latin American Music Awards debut. “This is the first time I’m invited to these awards and it’s an honor to receive this [special] award,” the Mexican artist notes. Backstage, Aguilar was joined by his adorable pug “El Gordo Aguilar” and told the press that he actually found his doggy on a red carpet. Additionally, he revealed his excitement that his grand hit “Por Mujeres Como Tú” will turn 25 years old this year.
Tips By Noel Schajris
Noel Schajris is making his debut at the Latin AMAs as a presenter. To share his excitement, the Argentine-Mexican pop artist revealed some of his best tips for first-time presenters at an awards show. “First thing’s first, you have to get on stage with a big smile and a great attitude,” he notes, admitting that perhaps he’s not the best person to offer tips. Watch the silly clip below:
The Talk of the Town: Peso Pluma and Grupo Frontera
At rehearsals, many artists could not hold back about two of the “it” artists in Regional Mexican: Peso Pluma and Grupo Frontera. The former will be performing the Becky G-assisted “Chanel” and the latter is an eight-time nominee. Artists such as Pepe Aguilar expressed how he respects what the new generation is doing for the genre and Mexican actress Galilea Montijo said she was looking forward to seeing them shine at the 2023 Latin AMAs.
Choosing a “local path” made Carlos Vives “very international,” reflects the superstar via Zoom from his native Colombia as he prepares to release Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, a tribute album to the great Rafael Escalona.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The 12-track set, released on Wednesday (April 19) under WK Records / Gaira Musica Local, includes versions of “La Historia,” “Mala Suerte” and “La Golondrina,” as well as “La Nostalgia de Poncho”, “El Destino de Simón” and “El Testamento,” among others.
The album arrives the same year that Vives celebrates three decades of his worldwide hit Clásicos de la Provincia, where he took the rural musical stylings from Colombia’s Caribbean coast known as vallenato, and injected a modern pop-rock sensibility. It is a revolutionary sound that immortalized the Colombian genre beyond its borders. His main inspiration? Rafael Escalona, a swaggering, prolific troubadour, romantic and a playboy, from the country’s Valledupar region.
Vives, who started off playing rock before dedicating the rest of his life to rescuing and revitalizing the sounds of his homeland, starred in a successful 1991 biographical telenovela called Escalona, in which he played none other than the Colombian composer himself. It became a transformative experience — in which the spirit of the legendary troubadour remained with him, in a way — but also one where Vives continued building off those musical teachings afterwards.
“After we did the series, the style that I discovered Colombian kind of pop [rooted in] traditional music from the different rural regions — a different way than how vallenato was recorded before,” says Vives. “The fact being proud of everything we had here, of everything we are as Colombians, I think really made us popular, and it led us to tour around the world. That was really the reason that motivated us to do what we do.”
To support the release of Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, he will premiere the documentary Regreso a Escalona on May 1 in Colombia on Canal Caracol and arrives four days later in the U.S. at The Colombian Film Festival NY. The musician, who this week will be honored with the Leyenda Award at the Latin American Music Awards, is also preparing for an upcoming international tour.
Below, Vives breaks down five essential songs from his new album that explore Escalona’s compositions as never before recorded, in his own words.
“La Historia”
The first single we released was ‘La Historia’, a very romantic song about a heartbreak by Rafael Escalona. But we recorded it in a pop style, without losing the feeling of traditional music. ‘La Historia’ is a very sad and simple song, but with an incredible strength and soulful intensity, and with a sound that you will enjoy very much.
“Mala Suerte”
This is a song that does not produce bad luck (or mala suerte). It is a song of joy and strength, like El Rock De Mi Pueblo. I wanted to record “Mala Suerte” also at that time [2004], with that instrumental strength, with those electric guitars and without losing the accordion of my compadre Egidio [Cuadrado].
[For this album] we did a new version, inspired fundamentally by a scene we did more than 30 years ago with my compadre Egidio. When we recorded the series and that song, I sang the song live, riding in a pickup truck, moving along a road in the province of Padilla. So, when I wanted to shoot the video 30 years later, I wanted to do it again in a van. The video is a reference of what we did 30 years ago for this celebration. The only thing it gives you is wonderful luck and happiness in the soul.
“El Carro Ford”
In the film we are releasing, Regreso a Escalona, Escalona’s son, Pachín Francisco Escalona, lent me a truck that belonged to his father. In that truck we traveled around the region again with my compadre Egidio, and it’s a Ford truck. The song goes (sings):Voy a comprar un carro Ford/ Voy a comprar un carro FordQue vuela en la carretera/ Y lo pongo en direcciónY lo pongo en dirección del valle pa’ Villanueva.Como yo no tomo ron, como yo no tomo ron/ Quiero mi trago en monedaPa’ comprarme un carro Ford, pa’ comprarme un carro Ford…
That van would possibly have inspired the composition of this song — in addition to Escalona’s numerous loves, of course. We shot the film riding in the van that my compadre Egidio knew because he had been Escalona’s accordionist, and [also] had been Escalona’s brother-in-law. Egidio’s sister Dina was one of the great muses that inspired Escalona for his songs. Dina appears in many of his songs — and, of course, I managed to have Dina as one of the protagonists of this TV special. Rafa [Escalona] was a lover man.
“Carmen Gómez”
In general, most songs talk about taking women out on a stroll — for the ladies. Escalona talks about proper names — such as ‘La mona del Cañaguate’ or ‘La Maye’ — and he made a song to Carmen Gómez. There is always a woman who inspires his songwriting and she has her own name, her own authentic place — where they were born, where the story happened, where he took her for a walk, what he bought her. “Carmen Gomez” is a song inspired by beauty pageants, and it goes (sings):
De un concurso que se forme buscando la mujer perfectaYo voy a que ganar Fonseca o representando a Carmen Gómez Y tiene porte de un gran dama y una elegancia muy distinguidaDe esa raza noble y grande, esa que ella representaSacó los ojos de España y la nobleza latina
In a time when music becomes uniform throughout the world, and everything seems to sound the same, we do not recognize places or people, rivers, mountains, or animals. [As a culture] we don’t dedicate time to preserve what is ours. Escalona’s music, the way we recorded it, I think is something very refreshing.
“Contestación a la Brasilera”
The bonus track on the album is a song that composer Armando Zabaleta, a friend of my father’s, did. When I told my dad, “I am going to record Clásicos de la Provincia. I want you to help me select the repertoire to show people that in addition to Escalona, there are a number of composers that people don’t really know about.” Because the Escalona series already famous, he told me, “Record ‘Contestación a la brasilera’.” Armando Zabaleta was a friend of Escalona. And Rafa had made a song for a Brazilian that goes like this (sings):
Yo la conocí una mañana/ Yo la conocí una mañana Que llegó en avión a mi tierra y cuando me la presentaron Me dijo que era brasilera
It’s Escalona’s love story with a Brazilian woman, and she ends up leaving, leaving him lovesick. It was one of Escalona’s most famous songs. I recorded it on my Clásicos de la Provincia album, [but] I recorded it incomplete. When I got to the mixing of the album [Clásicos…], the song was missing. The only thing I could think of so as not to lose face with my dad and Armando was to close the song with a little verse. But of course, when the record came out, my dad says, “You didn’t record the whole song. What happened?” In the end I told him, “Give me a chance, sooner or later I’m going to record it. I had promised my dad that I was going to complete it, but [time] passed and I forgot.”
Making this Escalona album, it occurred to me to pay tribute to my dad and the composer. Today they are no longer with us. I recorded the complete composition that speaks of Rafael Escalona, although it is not his song.