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Latin music stars gathered on Thursday (Feb. 20) at the Kaseya Center in Miami for the 37th annual Premio Lo Nuestro Awards.The three-hour show will kick off with Will Smith and India Martínez, who will be performing the television debut of their newly released track, “First Love.” They will be joined by rapper and producer DJ Khaled, Mexican pop star Thalia and Miami Sound Machine.
Both Thalia and Will Smith arrived early to the red carpet. Other artists who showed up and showed out included Danny Ocean, Majo Aguilar, Reik, Alejandro Sanz and Leonardo Aguilar.
Natti Natasha also walked the carpet and stunned in a pristine white dress. She talked to Billboard on the red carpet about her new bachata album entirely produced by Romeo Santos. “He’s definitely watching tonight, and I hope he’s proud,” the Dominican artist said.
Tito Double P, dressed in black from head to toe, where he shared that he and his cousin, Peso Pluma, are working on an EP.
Broadcasting live via Univision, the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony is co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza. Becky G & Carin León lead the list of nominations with 10 nods each. They are followed by Shakira and Myke Towers, with nine nods each; and Ángela Aguilar, Emilia, Grupo Frontera and Leonardo Aguilar, with eight nominations each.
La India, Alejandro Fernández and Manuel Alejandro are being honored with special awards. This year, the gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.
Here are the best photos of the artists posing on the red carpet as they arrived to the gala.
Will Smith
Image Credit: Sergi Alexander/Getty Images
Will Smith attends Univision’s 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
Thalia
Image Credit: Sergi Alexander/Getty Images
Thalia attends Univision’s 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
Pedro Capó
Image Credit: Sergi Alexander/Getty Images
Pedro Capó attends Univision’s 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
Paola Guanche
Image Credit: Sergi Alexander/Getty Images
Paola Guanche attends Univision’s 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
Filiberto & Cecilia from Ganasconcanas
Image Credit: Sergi Alexander/Getty Images
Filiberto and Cecilia from Ganasconcanas attend Univision’s 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
Sol Carlos
Image Credit: Sergi Alexander/Getty Images
Sol Carlos attends Univision’s 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
IsabellaLadera & Beele
Image Credit: Sergi Alexander/Getty Images
IsabellaLadera and Beele attends Univision’s 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
Eduardo Antonio
Image Credit: Sergi Alexander/Getty Images
Eduardo Antonio attends Univision’s 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
Nadia Ferreira
Image Credit: Sergi Alexander/Getty Images
Nadia Ferreira attends Univision’s 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
The 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony has arrived, and the first winners have been announced on social media. Before noon ET on Thursday (Feb. 20), Carín León had already won two awards, as had Shakira with Cardi B, and more winners will be announced before the ceremony.
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Broadcasting live at 8 p.m. ET from the Kaseya Center in Miami and co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia and Alejandra Espinoza, this year’s gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present and future of Latin music.
Reflecting the diversity of genres including urban, pop, tropical and Mexican music, six of the 44 categories this year are new additions: best dembow song, best Latin fusion pop song, best Christian music song, best “EuroSong,” Mexican music fusion of the year and best electro corrido.
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Becky G and Carín León start the night with the most nominations: 10 mentions each. They are followed by Shakira and Myke Towers with nine nods each and Ángela Aguilar, Emilia, Grupo Frontera and Leonardo Aguilar with eight nominations each. But, who will be the biggest winners?
Check out our updating list below.
Premio Lo Nuestro Artist of the Year
Carín LeónFeidFuerza RegidaGrupo FronteraKarol GMalumaMyke TowersPeso PlumaShakiraXavi
Song of the Year
Feid & Rema, “Bubalu”Prince Royce feat. Gabito Ballesteros, “Cosas De La PedaÓscar Maydon & Fuerza Regida, “Tú Boda”Xavi, “La Diabla”Myke Towers, “La Falda” Los Ángeles Azules & Emilia, “Perdonarte ¿Para Qué?”Becky G, Ángela Aguilar & Leonardo Aguilar, “Por El Contrario”Carín León, “Primera Cita”Shakira & Cardi B, “Puntería”Karol G, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”
Album of the Year
Carín León, Boca Chueca, Vol.1 Ángela Aguilar, BoleroBecky H, EsquinasGrupo Frontera, Jugando A Que No Pasa NadaShakira, Las Mujeres Ya No LloranPrince Royce, Llamada PerdidaMyke Towers, Lveu: Vive La Tuya…no La MíaMarc Anthony, MuevenseBad Bunny, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar MañanaFuerza Regida, Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada
Best Female Combination
Kim Loaiza, Fariana, Ptazeta, Bellakath & Yami Safdie, “5 Babys”Ha*Ash & Elena Rose, “A Las 12 Te Olvidé”Bad Gyal, Tokischa & Young Miko, “Chulo Pt. 2”Becky G & Chiquis, “Cuidadito”Belinda & Kenia Os, “Jackpot”Emilia & Tini, “La_original.Mp3”Kali Uchis & Karol G, “Labios Mordidos”María José & Ana Bárbara, “Mi Rey, Mi Santo”Kany García & Carla Morrison, “Que Vuelva”Thalia & Ángela Aguilar, “Troca”
Crossover Collaboration of the Year
Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Afrojack Feat. DJ Buddha, “The Moon”Grupo Firme & Demi Lovato, “Chula”Myke Towers feat. Benny Blanco, “Degenere”Carin León & Leon Bridges, “It Was Always You (Siempre Fuiste Tú)”WINNERS: Shakira & Cardi B, “Puntería”Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Regard, Natti Natasha, Sash!, “To the Beat”Black Eyed Peas & El Alfa feat. Becky G, “Tonight (Bad Boys: Ride Or Die)”Ozuna & David Guetta, “Vocation”
The Perfect Mix of the Year
Shakira & Grupo Frontera, “(Entre Paréntesis)”Maluma, Octavio Cuadras & Grupo Marca Registrada, “Bling Bling”Prince Royce feat. Gabito Ballesteros, “Cosas De La Peda”Fariana & Oro Solido, “El Caballito”Ricky Martin & Christian Nodal, “Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día”Alejandro Fernández & Anitta, “La Tóxica”Sergio George & Wisin, “La Vida Es Una Fiesta”Los Ángeles Azules & Emilia, “Perdonarte ¿Para Qué?”Becky G, Ángela Aguilar & Leonardo Aguilar, “Por El Contrario”Camilo & Carín León, “Una Vida Pasada”
Tour of the Year
Aventura, Cerrando Ciclos TourFeid, Ferxxocalipsis Tour 2024Luis Miguel, Luis Miguel Tour 2023-24Karol G, Mañana Será Bonito TourBad Bunny, Most Wanted Tour
Urban Male Artist of the Year
Bad BunnyChencho CorleoneDon OmarEladio CarriónFeidMyke TowersOzunaRauw AlejandroWisinYandel
Urban Female Artist of the Year
AnittaBad GyalBellakathFarianaGreeicyKarol GMaria BecerraNatti NatashaNicki NicoleYoung Miko
Urban Song of the Year
Ozuna, “Baccarat”Peso Pluma & Anitta, “Bellakeo”Farruko & Sharo Towers, “Carbon Vrmor”Bad Gyal, Tokischa & Young Miko, “Chulo Pt. 2”Floyymenor & Cris MJ, “Gata Only”Myke Towers, “La Falda”Lyanno & Rauw Alejandro, “La Nena”Kapo, “Ohnana”Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel, “Sandunga”Bad Bunny, “Un Preview”
Best Trap/Hip-Hop Song
Ryan Castro, “Gata G”Bad Bunny, “Monaco”The Academy: Segunda Misión, Justin Quiles, Sech, Lenny Tavárez, Dalex, Dímelo Flow feat. Eladio Carrión, Bryant Myers & Dei V, “Si Si Si Si”Anuel AA, “Tacos Gucci”Trueno, “Tranky Funky”Young Miko, “Wiggy”
Urban Collaboration of the Year
Kim Loaiza, Fariana, Ptazeta, Bellakath & Yami Safdie, “5 Babys”Tiago Pzk, Anitta & Emilia, “Alegría”Wisin & Mora, “Bien Loco”Yandel & Myke Towers, “Borracho y Loco”Blessd & Ovy on the Drums, “Mírame”Luar La L & Ozuna, “Otra Vibra”Zion & Lennox & Anuel AA, “Para Siempre”Bad Bunny & Feid, “Perro Negro”J Balvin & Chencho Corleone, “Polvo De Tu Vida”Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel, “Sandunga”
Best Dembow Song
Chimbala, “Che Che”Rochy Rd & Donaty, “Déjenme Rulay”Fariana & El Alfa, “Dora”El Alfa & Nfasis, “Este”Lomiiel, “Hay Lupita”
Urban Album of the Year
Young Miko, Att.Farruko, CVRBON VRMOR [C_DE: G_D.ON]Feid, Ferxxocalipsis Bad Gyal, La JoiaMyke Towers, Lveu: Vive La Tuya…no La MíaKarol G, Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season)Wisin, Mr. W (Deluxe)Bad Bunny, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar MañanaEladio Carrión, Porque PuedoJ Balvin, Rayo
Pop Male Artist of the Year
WINNER: Carlos RiveraDanny OceanLuis FonsiMalumaManuel MedranoPedro Capó
Pop Female Artist of the Year
BelindaElena RoseEmiliaKali UchisKany GarcíaLaura PausiniShakiraThalia
Pop/Rock Group or Duo of the Year
CamilaDarumasHa*AshRawayanaReikThe Warning
Pop-Rock/Urban Male New Artist of the Year
Ca7riel & Paco AmorosoClarentDND | Do Not DisturbFloyymenorIzaakKapoLuar La LMaisakTimøVenesti
Pop-Rock/Urban Female New Artist of the Year
BellakathDarumasDaymé ArocenaEla TaubertIrepelusaJudelineLetón PéMariPaola GuancheYami Safdie
Pop Song of the Year
Ela Taubert, “¿Cómo Pasó?”Reik, “Abril”Enrique Iglesias & Yotuel, “Fría”Emilia & Tini, “La_original.Mp3”Sebastián Yatra, “Los Domingos”Diego Torres, “Mejor Que Ayer”Luis Fonsi & Carlos Vives, “Santa Marta” Manuel Medrano, “Verano En NY”
Pop/Ballad Song of the Year
Camila & Eden Muñoz, “Corazón En Coma”Ricky Martin & Christian Nodal, “Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día”Jesse & Joy, “Lo Que Nos Faltó Decir”Olga Tañón & Lenier, “No Sé Quien Soy”Carlos Rivera, “Para Ti”Kany García & Carla Morrison, “Que Vuelva”Luis Fonsi & Laura Pausini, “Roma”Ángela Aguilar Ft. Trío Los Panchos, “Somos Novios”
Best Pop Latin Fusion Song
Judeline , “Brujería!”Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, “La Que Puede, Puede”The Marías, “Lejos De Ti”Latin Mafia, “Siento Que Merezco Más”Rawayana & Akapellah, “Veneka”
Christian Song of the Year
Daddy Yankee, “Bonita”Gocho, Redimi2 & Wisin, “Conéctate Conmigo”Farruko & Kairo Worship, “Hermoso Momento (Remix)”Alex Campos & Tauren Wells, “Libre”Juan Luis Guerra 4.40, “Mambo 23”Matthew Hotton & Marcos Witt, “Primero Nos Amó”
Pop-Urban Album of the Year
Emilia, .MP3 Luis Fonsi, El ViajeAnitta, Funk GenerationKany García, GarcíaMau y Ricky, Hotel CaracasShakira, Las Mujeres Ya No LloranNatti Natasha, Nasty SinglesReik, PanoramaDanny Ocean, ReflexaPitbull, Trackhouse
Pop-Urban Collaboration of the Year
Feid & Rema, “Bubalu”Nicky Jam & Beéle, “Calor”Zhamira Zambrano & Jay Wheeler, “Extrañándote”Piso 21 & Wisin, “La Misión”Anuel AA, Quevedo, Maluma Ft. Mambo Kingz & Dj Luian, “Oa”WINNERS: Shakira & Cardi B, “Puntería”
Pop-Urban Song of the Year
Danny Ocean, “Amor”Lenny Tavárez, “El Yate”Venesti, “Fanática del Reggaetón”Anitta, “Funk Rave”Daddy Yankee, “Loveo”Manuel Turizo, “Ojos. Labios. Cara”Mau Y Ricky, “Pasado Mañana”Peso Pluma & Kenia Os, “Tommy & Pamela”Rauw Alejandro, “Touching The Sky”Natti Natasha, “Ya No Te Extraño”
Pop-Urban/Dance Song of the Year
Play-N-Skillz, Natti Natasha & Deorro, “Como La Flor”Pitbull & Nile Rodgers, “Freak 54 (Freak Out)”Thalia & Deorro, “Te Va A Doler – Deorro Remix”Rauw Alejandro, “Touching The Sky”Ozuna & David Guetta, “Vocation”
“Eurosong” of the Year
Aitana, “4to 23” Bad Gyal, Tokischa & Young Miko, “Chulo Pt.2”Quevedo, “Columbia”Lola Indigo, “La Reina”Ana Mena, “Madrid City”
Tropical Artist of the Year
Carlos VivesGente De ZonaJerry RiveraJuan Luis Guerra 4.40La IndiaLuis FigueroaMarc AnthonyOlga TañónPrince RoyceSilvestre Dangond
Tropical Song of the Year
Marc Anthony, “Ale Ale”Luis Figueroa, “Bandido”Myke Towers, “La Capi”Juan Luis Guerra 4.40, “Mambo 23”Jerry Rivera, “No Le Cuentes”Víctor Manuelle Ft. Frankie Ruiz, “Otra Noche Más”Natti Natasha, “Quiéreme Menos”Karol G, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”Kany García, “Una Vida Buena”Camilo & Carín León, “Una Vida Pasada”
Tropical Collaboration of the Year
Gente De Zona & Celia Cruz, “Celia”Prince Royce Ft. Gabito Ballesteros, “Cosas De La Peda” Fariana & Oro Solido, “El Caballito”La India & Jacob Forever, “Fuera Fuera”Sergio George & Wisin, “La Vida Es Una Fiesta”Venesti, Nacho & Maffio, “No Es Normal”WINNERS: Camilo & Evaluna Montaner, “Plis”Motiff, Jonathan Moly, Luis Figueroa Ft. Jimmy Rodriguez, Ronald Borjas & Nesty, “Salsa De Ahora”Silvestre Dangond & Carlos Vives, “Tú o Yo”Olga Tañón & Christian Alicea, “Vamos A Ser Feliz”
Tropical Album of the Year
Olga Tañón, Así Yo SoyLuis Figueroa, CoexistenciaCamilo, CuatroGente De Zona, DemasiadoPrince Royce, Llamada PerdidaMarc Anthony, MuevenseJuan Luis Guerra 4.40, Radio GüiraVíctor Manuelle, RetrománticoSilvestre Dangond, Ta MaloChristian Alicea, Yo Deluxe
Mexican Music Male Artist of the Year
Alejandro FernándezWINNER: Carín LeónChristian NodalGabito BallesterosJunior HLeonardo AguilarPepe AguilarPeso PlumaXaviÓscar Maydon
Mexican Music Female Artist of the Year
Aida CuevasAna BárbaraÁngela AguilarCamila FernándezChiquisKarina SofiaLila DownsLupita InfanteMajo AguilarYuridia
Mexican Music Group or Duo of the Year
Banda Los RecoditosFuerza RegidaGrupo FirmeGrupo FronteraIntocableLos Ángeles Azules
Mexican Music New Artist
Calle 24Chino PacasCodiciadoEl Padrinito ToysGabito BallesterosNetón VegaÓscar MaydonTito Double PVictor MendivilXavi
Mexican Music Song of the Year
Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda, “Buscándole a La Suerte”Grupo Frontera & Manuel Turizo, “De Lunes a Lunes”Óscar Maydon & Fuerza Regida, “La Boda”Xavi, “La Diabla”Christian Nodal & Peso Pluma, “La Intención”Intocable, “Obsesión”Los Ángeles Azules & Emilia, “Perdonarte ¿Para Qué?”Becky G, Ángela Aguilar & Leonardo Aguilar, “Por El Contrario”WINNER: Carín León, “Primera Cita”Banda Los Recoditos, “Vas a Querer Volver”
Mexican Music Collaboration of the Year
Shakira & Grupo Frontera, “(Entre Paréntesis)”Eugenio Esquivel, Grupo Marca Registrada & Sebastian Esquivel, “Alucin”Leonardo Aguilar & Pepe Aguilar, “Bandido De Amores”Maluma, Octavio Cuadras & Grupo Marca Registrada, “Bling Bling”Tito Double P & Peso Pluma, “Dos Días”Banda Los Sebastianes de Saúl Plata & Edgardo Nuñez, “El Humo de mi Gallo”Los Ángeles Azules & Alejandro Fernández, “La Cumbia Triste”Becky G Ft. Óscar Maydon, “Mercedes”Bizarrap & Natanael Cano, “Natanael Cano: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 59”Luis R Conriquez & Netón Vega, “Si No Quieres No”
Banda Song of the Year
La Adictiva, Grupo Marca Registrada & Montana, “Bandida”Leonardo Aguilar & Pepe Aguilar, “Bandido de Amores”Banda Los Sebastianes de Saúl Plata & Edgardo Nuñez, “El Humo de mi Gallo”Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga, “Tu Perfume”Banda Los Recoditos, “Vas a Querer Volver”
Mariachi/Ranchera Song of the Year
Majo Aguilar & Alex Fernández, “Cuéntame”Alejandro Fernández & Anitta, “La Tóxica”Pepe Aguilar & Carín León, “Lamentablemente”Yuridia & Eden Muñoz, “Mi Eterno Amor Secreto”Chayanne, “Necesito Un Segundo”Becky G, Ángela Aguilar & Leonardo Aguilar, “Por El Contrario”
Norteño Song of the Year
Adriel Favela & Duelo, “¿Quién Te Crees Para Olvidarme?”Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda, “Buscándole a La Suerte”Intocable, “Mi Castigo”La Fiera de Ojinaga, “Neta Que No” La Maquinaria Norteña, “Perro Amor”
Mexican Music Fusion of the Year
Oscar Ortiz & Edgardo Nuñez, “First Love”Xavi, “La Diabla”Victor Mendivil & Óscar Maydon, “Mejores Jordans”Becky G feat. Óscar Maydon, “Mercedes”Grupo Frontera & Christian Nodal, “Ya Pedo Quién Sabe”
Best Electro Corrido
Sebastian Esquivel, Blessd & Eugenio Esquivel, “Exceso”Lalo Cruz, “Fresa Con Crema”Codiciado, Joaquin Medina & Sheeno, “Gabachas”Fuerza Regida & Marshmello, “Harley Quinn”Peso Pluma & DJ Snake, “Teka”
Mexican Music Album of the Year
La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho, Aquí Hay Para LlevarCarín León, Boca Chueca, Vol.1Becky G, EsquinasGrupo Frontera, Jugando A Que No Pasa NadaIntocable, Modus OperandiFuerza Regida, Pa Las Baby’s y BelikeadaJulión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda, PresenteLila Downs, Niña Pastori & Soledad, Raíz Nunca Me FuiLeonardo Aguilar, Soy Como Quiero SerAlejandro Fernández, Te Llevo En La Sangre
Miguel Bosé admits that on the first day of rehearsals for his upcoming Importante Tour 2025-2026, he felt terrified. “Oh my God! How was this done? How did one walk on stage?” he thought. But when the music started, his body began to move and glide naturally across the wooden platform to the rhythm of his famous song, “Nena.”
Everything was set for the great return of the pop icon, after an eight-year hiatus. It was time for the world to witness his personal and artistic rebirth.
“I was ready to come back, and suddenly going on tour became the most important thing in my life,” says an visibly excited Bosé to Billboard Español in Mexico City, where he has lived for the past seven years.
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“I feel very motivated, with a lot of desire. Oh!” he adds. “You see, I wanted to wait eight years to let all the past drama settle down and be able to rebuild myself physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally. All that had to be rebuilt.”
Bosé’s last tour was Estaré in 2017, which started in Mexico that February and followed the concept of his last album to date, Bosé: MTV Unplugged (2016), concluding the following year. His last recording was a cumbia version of his classic “Morir de Amor” with Los Ángeles Azules, included in that band’s 2018 album Esto Sí Es Cumbia.
Today, Bosé looks triumphant for having overcome a crisis that shook him on various levels: He partially lost his voice between 2019 and 2023; ended a 26-year relationship with Nacho Palau; suffered the death of his mother, the Italian actress and model Lucía Bosé; and was the victim of an armed robbery at his luxurious home in Mexican City in August 2023.
“When everything that happened happened, and all the problems began to accumulate from all sides, I blamed Bosé. I said, ‘He is to blame’ — ‘You are to blame, bastard, for being who you are. You have destroyed my life.’ So I deconstructed myself like a Lego, and left all the pieces there for eight years,” he said at a press conference following the interview.
The singer of “Aire” and “Si Tú No Vuelves” points out that he had to exercise humility, and decide that the self-punishment had been enough. Therefore, he says that his 2025-2026 Importante Tour will be a “luminous” and “powerful” concert.
“People are going to hear the super hits,” he says, explaining that he had to leave many songs out of the setlist. “I can’t do a six-hour show. It’s not viable.” He details that this tour will consist of several segments like “a collection of paintings” that will depict various characters, stories and landscapes.
Importante Tour will begin its journey on Feb. 27 at the Congress Center in Querétaro, in that state neighboring the capital of Mexico, and will arrive at the National Auditorium in Mexico City on March 14 and 15, before visiting other Mexican cities.
He will continue in June in his native Spain. And, on Oct. 2, he’ll begin the U.S. trek of the tour at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. In the coming weeks and months, the artist hopes to announce dates for Latin America.
“I look forward for everyone to come and see luminous, a fun show — a journey through time, through the soundtracks of millions of people — to see this beautiful and bold proposal,” he adds.
With more than 30 million albums sold throughout a five-decade career, Bosé is one of the most recognized Latin pop artists globally. On the Billboard charts, he has placed hits like “Nena,” “Morena Mía,” and “Como un Lobo” on Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay, and multiple albums in the top 10 of the Top Latin Albums ranking, including Papito, Cardio, and Papitwo.
And his influence extends beyond music. Awarded with accolades such as the Latin Recording Academy 2013 Person of the Year, the Global Gift Humanitarian Award and Telemundo’s El Poder en Ti, as a philanthropist, Bosé is deeply involved in such causes as Patrimonio Indígena Mex, Fundación Lucha Contra el Sida and National Geographic’s Pristine Seas.
Although the 68-year-old artist — who’s also a writer and an actor — says he has many songs he has written over the last few years, he has no plans to share new material anytime soon, because he considers that releasing albums is “not viable” at a time when music has been digitalized.
“I have already built my career,” he says. “I don’t feel like recording anything right now. How do you sell that music? Are there stores, are there supports? How much do you pay? What does it contribute? How much does it give you financially? Nothing, I have no desire for others to take advantage of the new creations, that neither I nor my fans have something tangible — a CD, a cassette.
“[Instead] I’ll sing to the people the first 30 songs they are expecting to hear [on the tour] — because if I don’t, they will slit my throat,” he concludes with a laugh.
Paquita la del Barrio will be honored at Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 with an emotional performance by Pepe Aguilar and his children Leonardo y Ángela Aguilar, Billboard can exclusively announce Wednesday (Feb. 19).
The iconic Mexican ranchera singer, known for denouncing macho culture and attitudes in songs like “Tres Veces Te Engañé,” “Rata de Dos Patas” and “Las Rodilleras,” died this week at her home in Veracruz, Mexico, at age 77.
“Honoring the legacy of Paquita la del Barrio for me is a great responsibility and a true privilege. Her voice was an echo in the soul of our people, and her courage in telling stories paved the way for many generations,” Pepe Aguilar said in a statement, adding that he hopes “that this tribute is as significant with the depth of her spirit.”
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“Paquita la del Barrio taught us that a woman’s voice should never be silenced — she always sang what she felt, without fear and without excuses,” added Ángela Aguilar. “I had the incredible honor of opening her concerts when I was younger, witnessing firsthand the magic she created on stage. Having her as part of [my family’s show] Jaripeo Sin Fronteras was just as special — a true testament to the impact she has had on generations of artists.”
Meanwhile, Leonardo Aguilar expressed: “All my life I have been surrounded by powerful women — whose strength, resilience and passion have shaped who I am. Paquita la del Barrio personified that strength, breaking barriers and giving a voice to those who needed it most.”
With a career spanning over five decades, Paquita la del Barrio was an idol in popular music. In 2011, she received the Billboard Regional Mexican Music Award “La Voz,” and 10 years later, in 2021, she was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards for her exceptional career.
Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Francisca Viveros Barradas (her real name) discovered her powerful voice as a child while singing at school festivals. In the 1970s, she formed the duo Las Golondrinas with her sister Viola, and in 1984, she released her debut album, El Barrio de los Faroles, as Paquita la del Barrio. Since then, she recorded over 30 albums, which sold more than 30 million copies, with hits that also include “Las Mujeres Mandan,” “La Última Parada,” “Me Saludas a la Tuya,” “Soltero Maduro, Chiquito” and “Hombres Malvados,” among others.
In its 37th edition, the Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony will be broadcast live on Thursday (Feb. 20) starting at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on Univision, UNIMÁS and ViX. Co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandro Espinoza, it will feature performances by Becky G and Carín León, who lead this year’s list of nominees, as well as Shakira, Grupo Frontera, Marc Anthony, Will Smith and many more.
Grupo Frontera released its second single of 2025, “Ya No,” on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) — a bouncy accordion-led cumbia brought to life during Billboard Latin Music Week 2024.
Penned in 40 minutes during the Making the Hit, Live! panel moderated by Billboard‘s Jessica Roiz, the emotional song describes a narrative of love lost to a once passionate relationship. “Yo te quería y ya no ya/ Por ti moría y ya no ya/ Y ahora este loco te odia Igual que un día te amó,” sings the group’s leader, Adelaido “Payo” Solis III, in the coro. (Translated, the lyrics go, “I loved you but no longer, I died for you but no longer, and now this madman hates you just as he once loved you.”)
Written by Edgar Barrera, Andrés Restrepo, Andrés Jael Correa Rios and Manuel Lorente, “Ya No” continues to showcase the group’s ability to modernize Tex-Mex music while also demonstrating its commitment to honoring the band’s roots.
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“Before we met Edgar Barrera, I would write songs for the group,” Payo said during the panel, which took place in October. “We released, like, two songs that were penned by me, and I wrote four other ones, but those didn’t come out because that’s when we met Edgar and were like, ‘OK, we’re good.’”
“We didn’t have money to rent a studio to record, well we didn’t have money, period. So when we did record, we’d have to do everything in one take — even if we made a mistake, we’d leave that in there,” added bajo quinto player Beto Acosta. “We recorded ‘No Se Ve’ at a friend’s apartment building and every resident there was fine with us using the space — except for this one lady who complained.”
This is the third time an act has released a song created at Latin Music Week’s Making the Hit, Live! panel. Ovy on the Drums and Blessd released “Billboard” in 2023, while Pedro Capó and Carín León dropped “Existo” in 2024.
Check out Grupo Frontera’s “Ya No” below.
Quevedo is back, and in a big way. On Monday (Feb. 17), the Canary Island artist kicked off his highly anticipated Buenas Noches Tour with a sold-out show at the Movistar Arena in Madrid, the first of three consecutive dates in the Spanish capital. After nearly a year away from the stage, the performer of “Playa del Inglés” returns with a show that demonstrates his artistic evolution and his mastery of the live performance, combining the best of his repertoire with a visual and sound display that meets expectations.
From the first moment, the audience sang along with total devotion, while Quevedo — all dressed in black and with his emblematic diamond chain inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” — commanded the central stage. In front of about 17,000 fans, the artist sang hits from his most recent album, Buenas Noches, and others that have made him one of the most influential voices in the current Latin urban scene.
But the night wasn’t just his own. The show was full of surprises, with appearances from artists like Aitana, Lola Índigo, De La Ghetto, De La Rose, Sech and La Pantera. With a minimalist but effective stage setup, Quevedo confirmed that he is ready to take his music beyond Spain, with a tour that will soon take him across Latin America.
The Movistar Arena in Madrid perfectly adapted to Quevedo’s style, with a stage located in the center of the venue. This configuration, surrounded by screens and visual effects, allowed attendees to enjoy the show from any angle. The pyrotechnics and synchronized lights show added a spectacular touch, elevating the atmosphere of each performance and complementing the powerful presence of the artist.
After his performances in Madrid, Quevedo will take his show to several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. For a full list of dates, click here. He will also visit other cities in Spain, such as Gran Canaria, Barcelona, Malaga and Bilbao.
Below, the eight best moments from Quevedo’s Buenas Noches Tour kick off in Madrid.
The start with “Kassandra” and a passionate Movistar Arena
Rising música mexicana star Xavi has signed a management deal with WK Entertainment, Billboard Español can exclusively announce Tuesday (Feb. 18).
The Latin music management firm — home to superstars Carlos Vives, Maluma, Emilia, and more — and helmed by CEO/founder Walter Kolm, is expanding its superstar roster with the inclusion of Xavi, 2024’s breakout star.
“Xavi is a once-in-a-generation talent whose artistry is reshaping música mexicana,” said Kolm in a statement. “His success so far is just the beginning, and we are honored to welcome him to the WK family. With our team’s expertise and global reach, alongside Nir and his team at Interscope, we look forward to taking his career to even greater heights.”
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“I’m excited for this new stage with the new addition to my team,” added Xavi.
Known for his signature tumbados románticos and an unmatched voice, the Mexican-American singer-songwriter has captivated a new generation of listeners. His hit “La Diabla” not only topped the Hot Latin Songs chart but also tied for the second-longest reigning title of the year, dominating for 14 weeks. Additionally, “La Víctima,” Xavi’s first chart entry, reached an impressive No. 2 peak. Additionally, the star reached No. 1 on the Year-End Top Latin Artist – New chart. Xavi signed with Interscope Records in 2021.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Walter and his incredible team to Xavi’s universe,” added Nir Seroussi, EVP of Interscope. “As Xavi continues to push boundaries and reach new audiences, together we will help solidify his status as one of the most influential artists in Música Mexicana today and beyond.”
WK Entertainment is also teaming up with with Fabio Gutierrez, Xavi’s father and manager, and Latin Lifestyle Entertainment, the company that has been pivotal in developing Xavi’s career from the start. “I’m very excited about this great opportunity to work hand in hand with WK and help take Xavi to the next level in his career! I’m very grateful for everything that is happening at the moment,” Gutierrez added.
Moreover, Xavi’s booking agency, WME, will maintain its role in managing his touring, brand partnerships, and film projects in conjunction with WK and Latin Lifestyle.
“Rata inmunda, animal rastrero, escoria de la vida, adefesio mal hecho.”
Loosely translating to “filthy rat, creeping animal, scum of life, shoddy monstrosity” in English, these are the opening lyrics to one of Paquita la del Barrio’s most popular songs, “Rata de dos Patas.”
Whether the lyrics to her songs — most penned by other composers, including Manuel Eduardo Toscano — were poetic is subjective, but they were very much the essence of Paquita. She was refreshingly honest, which made her one of the most unique artists of her generation.
It was announced on Monday (Feb. 17) that the great and oh-so-blunt Paquita la del Barrio had died at age 77, leaving behind a hefty catalog of female anthems that have soundtracked Spanish-language households in Mexico and beyond for decades.
“With deep pain and sadness, we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved ‘Paquita la del Barrio’ at her home in Veracruz [Mexico], being a unique and irreplaceable artist, who will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of all who knew her and enjoyed her music,” reads a statement posted on her official Instagram account. “In this moment of great pain, we respectfully ask all media and the public to give us space and understanding so that her family can experience their mourning in privacy and peace.”
Paquita la del Barrio was a force to be reckoned with in regional Mexican music, a genre historically and still dominated by men. Her perspective and take on rancheras — often calling out the macho culture — was not only unique, but extremely important. No one was else was singing what Paquita la del Barrio was singing about, and for that, she will go down in history as one of the most iconic singers in Latin music.
Injecting pathos into her delivery, Paquita made women feel seen. Our point of view mattered, too, she proclaimed, singing about the peaks and valleys of womanhood and, more often than not, singing directly to the men who disrespected her. “I should shut up like a lady would,” she sings in “Taco Placero.” “But now they will know that you are a dud in bed.”
While most of Paquita la del Barrio’s songs became anthems, here are five emblematic ones (in no particular order).
“Rata de dos Patas”
Back in September of 2021, during the Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami, Paquita la del Barrio — all 4 feet, 11 inches of her — struggled to reach the too-high microphone set up for her to accept her Lifetime Achievement Award.
It was one of those totally impromptu TV moments, and for a few seconds, the stage and the audience froze, uncertain of what to do. Then, Bad Bunny bounded up from his front row seat, climbed onto the stage, lowered the microphone and held it up for Paquita as she delivered a teary thank you.
There was a one-foot height gap between Paquita at 4′ 11″ and Bunny at 5′ 11″, and a 47-year age gap between Bunny, 27 at the time, and Paquita, 74. But standing side by side — Bunny, in an elegant cream suit, and Paquita, resplendent in a pink evening gown adorned with sequins — they were both unicorns in their respective worlds.
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By now, of course, the whole world beyond our Latin corners knows all about Bad Bunny, superstar. But they were just starting to wake up to the exploits of Paquita la del Barrio, the diminutive ranchera singer who died today (Feb. 17) at 77 years old.
Although she released more than 30 albums throughout her career, and performed thousands of shows, the life of the woman born Francisca Viveros Barradas in Veracruz, Mexico, was little-known outside the Latin realm until last year, when Netflix released a series memorializing a hard-scrabble, colorful life.
Born poor, and married young to a man 18 years her senior — who, as it turned out, had another family — and pummeled by life and hardship, Paquita rose against all odds, thanks to a powerful voice and an impervious stage presence.
That alone would have garnered fame. But Paquita became legendary because she loudly and publicly excoriated men with extraordinarily harsh songs whose titles, like “Rata de dos Patas” (Two-Legged Rat) and “Piérdeme el Respeto” (Lose My Respect), often said it all. Paquita knew what she sang. She’d given her heart to a two-timing scoundrel, after all, and in every song that voiced her anger and the deceit (“Horrible rat, crawling animal, scum of life, misshapen monster”), she voiced the anger and deceit experienced by legions of fans.
But she could also sing of love and lust: “Lose my respect,” she begged in “Piéerdeme el Respeto.” “Stop being coy and ask of me, I beg you, the most indecent proposals.” She was also sweet and emotional, often breaking down in tears during interviews.
In the realm of Latin music, where women so often have to fit into a glamorous, beautiful mold, Paquita defied convention. Her nickname was literally Paquita from the barrio, of the people. She was a portly, elegant matron who notched her biggest hits — including “Taco Placero” and “Rata de Dos patas” — when she was well in her 50s.
Many of those hits were written expressly for her by songwriter Manuel Toscano, who once told Billboard: “I write specifically for each artist. Particularly what I write for Paquita la del Barrio. Through her songs, women love me, but men hate me!”
Except, they didn’t. Paquita triumphed in the world of regional Mexican music, which continues to be a notoriously tough nut to crack for women. But Paquita didn’t care about tradition or niceties. She just let it all out, and men loved her for it. In the vastly male-dominated live concert circuit of Mexican music, she was often the headliner, and men flocked to her shows.
On the charts, however, Paquita struggled as an unconventional woman. She placed eight releases on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums charts, but none of them made the top 10. She never had a top 10 on the radio charts, either.
Paquita eventually found her love. Her second marriage lasted 30 years, until her husband’s death. And her power and influence was such that in 2021, Billboard honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
That night, Bad Bunny couldn’t figure out how to lower the microphone stand for Paquita. “You’re useless,” she deadpanned, referencing the famous line in “Rata de dos patas,” in which she shouts, “Are you listening to me, useless one?”
Bunny shrugged, and valiantly held that mike. Coming from Paquita, he knew this was the ultimate compliment.
Mexican singer and songwriter Paquita la del Barrio, known for denouncing macho culture and attitudes in rancheras and boleros like “Tres Veces Te Engañé,” “Rata De Dos Patas” and “Las Rodilleras,” has died, it was announced on her Instagram account. She was 77.
“With deep pain and sadness, we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved ‘Paquita la del Barrio’ at her home in Veracruz, [Mexico] being a unique and irreplaceable artist, who will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of all who knew her and enjoyed her music,” says a statement posted on Monday (Feb. 17). “In this moment of great pain, we respectfully ask all media and the public to give us space and understanding so that her family can experience their mourning in privacy and peace.”
A representative of the artist in Mexico informed Billboard Español that she died of a heart attack while she was sleeping.
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With a career spanning over five decades, Paquita la del Barrio was an idol in popular music. In 2011, she received the Billboard Regional Mexican Music Award “La Voz,” and 10 years later, in 2021, she was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards for her exceptional career.
Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Francisca Viveros Barradas (her real name) discovered her powerful voice as a child while singing at school festivals. In the 1970s, she formed the duo Las Golondrinas with her sister Viola, and in 1984, she released her debut album, El Barrio de los Faroles, as Paquita la del Barrio.
Since then, she recorded over 30 albums, which sold more than 30 million copies, with hits that also include “Las Mujeres Mandan,” “La Última Parada,” “Me Saludas a la Tuya,” “Soltero Maduro, Chiquito” and “Hombres Malvados,” among others.
On the Billboard charts, she had eight entried on Top Latin Albums, two songs on Regional Mexican Airplay (“Piérdeme el Respeto” and “Si Yo Fuera Varón”) and one (“Pobre Pistolita”) on Tropical Airplay.
She was married twice, to Miguel Gerardo and Alfonso Martínez, and had three children.