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This week, our First Stream Latin roundup — which is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums, and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors each week — is powered by new music from Jay Wheeler, Legado 7, Maluma and Marc Anthony — to name a few.
The list includes Jay Wheeler’s “S.O.S.,” a retro track that takes inspiration the 80s. About his song, Wheeler said: “This song is part of that, we don’t stop for even a second. ‘S.O.S.‘ is a track that people will enjoy because it’s part of my essence and what my fans expect. It’s romantic, but danceable. I’m maintaining my style, but also combining a retro sound with modern elements, and I love the video. I hope people enjoy it and sing along with it.”
You can also find “En La Intimidad” by Emilia alongside Argentinean rapper Callejero Fino and Argentine producer Big One. Written by all three artists and produced by Big One, the track showcases the refreshing and innovative artistry deriving from the South American country. With its notable keytar beats, “En La Intimidad” is the perfect balance between reggaeton and cumbia villera.
Additionally, corrido alterado “Las Caravanas” by Legado 7, it’s their first single of 2023 leading to an upcoming album. And, twin sister duo Vale (formed by Valentina and Valeria Pérez) deliver an enchanting pop ballad with subtle urban tones accompanied by their ever-beautiful harmonizing vocals in “Algo Me Pasa.”
Which release is your favorite? Cast your vote — or enter in your favorite selection — in the poll below.
It’s officially February, and as we turn the page on a new month, we’ve got a whole batch of new music to soundtrack the lead-up to Valentine’s Day. And Billboard wants to know: Which release are you loving the most?
More than half a decade after 2017’s Now, Shania Twain reasserts her claim to the country-pop throne with her new album Queen of Me. Preceded by singles “Waking Up Dreaming” and “Giddy Up!,” the new studio set also lifts the icon’s title track to her 2022 compilation Not Just a Girl (The Highlights) and incorporates the anthemic single into its 12-song track list.
Meanwhile, GloRilla feeds the haters and calls out the fakery in all our social media feeds on her delicious new single “Internet Trolls.” “Watch out for them internet trolls/ They be tryna satisfy them internet goals/ You just got locked up ’cause the internet told/ Fake it ’til you make it, that’s the internet code,” she spits on the Hitkidd-produced track.
There’s also RAYE, who caps off a long and arduous music industry journey of the past few years by finally releasing her debut album 21st Century Blues. “Please get nice and comfortable and lock your phones, because the story is about to begin,” she declares at the top of the independent studio set, which arrives on the heels of her U.K. No. 1 hit “Escapism” featuring 070 Shake and also contains highlights like “Oscar Winning Tears,” “The Thrill Is Gone” and the Mahalia-assisted “Five Star Hotels.”
Plus, Morgan Wallen previews the massive 36-song track list of his upcoming album One Thing at a Time with a trio of new tunes; Karol G and Romeo Santos team up for the Spanish-language “X Si Volvemos”; and more.
Vote for your favorite new release of the week in Billboard‘s poll below.
This year, Sergio Lizárraga’s Banda MS marks two decades in the music business, and it’s kicking off its celebrations with “Un Chingo de Tequila,” a song featuring Mario Domm — from Mexican pop group Camila — who was eager to test the waters of the Regional Mexican genre. Written by Domm, the track debuts Friday (February 3) at 5:00 pm ET.
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“About a year ago I wrote a song and I thought it was something very different from all I had done in my life and I asked myself who was the most important banda artist, and immediately I thought of Banda MS. It’s something new for me; I’m singing something different, new, but I feel comfortable doing it. I am happy to collaborate with Alan, with Walo, in short, with the whole team that has been incredible with me”, Domm says to Billboard Español.
In recent years, the band from Sinaloa, Mexico has recorded with pop artists like Yuridia and Carlos Rivera. According to Banda MS’s singer Oswaldo “Walo” Silvas, when it comes to collaborating, the main thing for him is to admire the other artist’s career, so that there is a connection.
“Mario Domm is definitely one of my favorite artists. I’m a fan of him and Camila — so when the opportunity to do this collaboration came about, we were very excited, being aware of the quality of what was going to be done,” says Silas. “When I heard the song, I was sure it would be a hit. I think people who are experiencing a heartbreak will relate perfectly, and I assure you it will be the song they’ll listen to on many a night of leisure and enjoyment. We’re grateful to Mario and to all who made this possible.”
“Un Chingo de Tequila” is a song about heartache that combines the bravío and very Mexican style of Banda MS with Domm’s and Camila’s romantic pop. Much tequila is added to these ingredients, and though liquor is no way to heal a broken heart, according to the song, at least it helps you not think about it. “A shot of tequila to forget/ Distance, time and someone else taking your place/ So that you never forget when you lied to me/ So that you regret what you have lost,” the lyrics go, in Spanish.
But this track is just the beginning of a year of celebrations, which will include new collabs with artists as varied as Ice Cube (check out the announcement on Instagram), as well as Christian Nodal and again, Yuridia. It also includes a 35-date tour, kicking off February 5 in León, Mexico and ending on December 2 in Fort Myers, Florida. On September 2, they will return to Madison Square Garden in New York, where they’ve previously sold out two shows — the only band from Sinaloa to achieve that. (Tickets are already on sale in Mexico and the U.S.)
Over the years, Banda MS has sold more than 30 million records. It currently has 14 million monthly listeners on Spotify and its YouTube videos have amassed more than 2 billion views. On the Billboard charts, it’s had dozens of entries, including 10 top 10s on Hot Latin Songs, 23 top 10s on Latin Airplay and 18 No. 1s on Regional Mexican Airplay. Its album Que Bendición made it to the Billboard 200 albums chart, debuting and peaking at No. 71 in February 2016. It also reached No. 1 on Top Latin Albums, where it led for three weeks.
Banda MS’ story is a shining example of how an empire can be built from scratch. Thus, after more than a decade of being a part of an international record label, the group chose to create its own. Established in 2016, Lizos Music is an award-winning company that has become a benchmark for the Regional Mexican genre and among independent labels.
Below, the CEO and leader of Banda MS, Sergio Lizárraga, talks to Billboard Español about their career and the plans for this year’s celebrations.
How do you summarize what has happened with Banda MS these last two decades?
The truth is I feel proud that most of us, who started in 2003, continue to be together and continue together well. Saying what needs to be said, respecting ourselves, improving ourselves, wanting to continue innovating and moving forward. Twenty years is a life; so many things have happened that we have to celebrate it in a big way, and nothing better than celebrating it with this tour we’re now about to start. But above all, being at the Mazatlán carnival this February 18 is the icing on the cake for us. In addition, we will return to Madison Square Garden in New York in September, and on September 15 we will also celebrate the national holidays in Las Vegas with our fellow Mexicans.
How did the approach to Mario Domm for “Un Chingo de Tequila” happen?
The way I like it — organically. We met one day and talked about doing a song together; time went by and we met again in Los Angeles, and that’s when we had a deal. He went to Mazatlán and there we finished putting together the song that we’re sure both audiences will like.
Lizos Music has shown that success in the Regional Mexican genre can be achieved by being independent.
We can say that it was our job to team up and move ahead, but in this world no one is totally independent; there are many people around who have been a part of what has happened. We have worked very well as a label and as artists. This includes order and discipline, but above all, overcoming problems that arise.
How have you adapted to the new trends in music?
You have to always be aware of what’s going on, what is new — but above all you must be open to everything. That’s what we have done and it has worked. The proof is in collabs like [our song with] Snoop Dogg. Another duet with Ice Cube will happen very soon, one that will pleasantly surprise the public — and we can announce exclusively that we still have another duet with Yuridia, and a second one with Christian Nodal pending.
Banda MS ‘Un Chingo de Tequila’
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Morat officially met and shared the stage with Grupo Frontera — nine months after the Regional Mexican group covered and released their own version of “No Se Va.”
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The encounter happened during Morat’s “Si Ayer Fuera Hoy” tour stop in San Antonio, Texas, on Thursday night (Feb. 2) after the Colombian folk-pop group invited Frontera to perform the song live together. Lacing their individual signature sounds, both groups gave “No Se Va” a pop-meets-norteño twist.
“Thank you for being part of this craziness,” Morat shared on Instagram, while Frontera members Adelaido “Payo” Solis III and Juan Javier Cantú expressed how they “couldn’t believe” this opportunity finally happened.
In the spring of 2022, Frontera — a six-member ensemble from McAllen, Texas — dropped its catchy norteño rendition of “No Se Va,” which was originally released by Morat in 2019. Fueled by its massive success on TikTok, the new version debuted on Billboard‘sHot Latin Songs chart in September 2022 and became only the fifth regional Mexican song in Billboard Hot 100 history. The original track has yet to appear on any Billboard charts (though Morat did reach the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart in June with “Paris,” a collaboration with Argentine rapper Duki).
“Honestly, I think it was the seasoning that we put with the congas,” Cantú previously told Billboard of the song’s runaway success. “It doesn’t sound like your typical norteño song; in fact, it sounds like something fresh with that reggaetón vibe.”
Cantú also credits his girlfriend for suggesting they cover the track in the first place, insisting Morat deserves all the credit. “We wanted to pay tribute to a group that many of us admire,” he noted.
Watch the exciting concert moment below:
First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Maluma & Marc Anthony, “La Fórmula” (Sony Music Latin)
It opens up with a subtle pop-reggaetón rhythm against a glimmering melody, as Maluma yearnfully croons about love lost. Then suddenly, “La Fórmula” transforms into an ebullient salsa banger, complete with blaring horns, anchored by the passionate wail of Marc Anthony. Produced by the two singers, as well as Edgar Barrera, Rude Boyz and Sergio George, the duet chronicles how no such formula exists for securing love and devotion with a certain someone — but there’s always that hope. The music video captures the two superstars recording their single at The Hit Factory in Miami. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
JP Saxe & Camilo, “Moderación” (Arista Records)
If there’s one thing JP Saxe and Camilo have in common is that they’re not fans of people who love in moderation: If you’re going to love, you have to love all the way. That’s the message they get across in their new collaboration “Moderación,” a sweet and spiritual bilingual ballad. “Baby, please, don’t love me in moderation/ I don’t know but I feel that you haven’t given your 100%,” they sing. About the collaboration, JP Saxe says, “I am so happy I get to sing this song with Camilo for the rest of my life.” The Colombian artist adds, “I’m so grateful that we actually had the chance to sit down and write this song together, it’s something I’m really proud.” The music video, which depicts the juxtaposition of moderation and excess, was directed by Evaluna and Ricky Montaner. Check out a behind-the-scenes clip of the making of the video here. — GRISELDA FLORES
RaiNao & paopao, “dale Play” (Sonar LLC.)
Two of Puerto Rico’s most promising female voices — RaiNao and paopao — have joined forces for the first time on “dale Play” (press play). If their individual projects are any indication, this isn’t just another reggaetón song… on the contrary, it’s a soulful-meets-futuristic perreo explosion filled with cheeky lyricism such as “rewind to get you undressed, fast forward to forget you,” with their vocals effortlessly intertwining. Penned by the two Boricuas alongside toywapo, and produced by Wiso Rivera, GIOVA, and U.P. Wilson, “dale Play” depicts a conversation between two people who want to be together again despite not being compatible. Both RaiNao and paopao were spotlighted on Billboard’s On the Radar Latin in 2022. — JESSICA ROIZ
Yeison Jimínez & Jessi Uribe, “Me Tiré al Alcohol“ (Mano de Obra)
Yeison Jiménez and Jessi Uribe join forces for the first time to release their new single “Me Tiré al Alcohol.” The Colombian artists unite in this collaboration full of sentimental melodies, acoustic guitar strings and accordion notes that are true to their signature genre música popular. This track finds Uribe and Jiménez in a story of heartbreak, where they seek to drown their sorrows in alcohol, searching for other loves to seek answers and forget. “But I threw myself into alcohol/ And to give kisses to other mouths/ I’ve slept with strangers/ And it doesn’t work for me either,” sings Jiménez in one of the verses. “Me Tiré al Alcohol” drops ahead of the artists’ Titanes Tour 2023, which will run through 12 cities and towns in Colombia. — INGRID FAJARDO
Ptazeta & Lola Índigo, “Tiki Tiki” (Interscope Records)
Ptazeta and Lola Índigo team up for a Dominican dembow-fueled frenzy, where the pair contort their tongue-twisting verbiage in riveting ways, making it sound as simple as tiki, tiki. With gripping vocal prowess to complement the amped-up rhythm, the song is an irresistible hip thruster. The visual also entices, with the Las Palmas and Madrid twosome leading a night of debauchery, filled with saucy hot dogs, poppin’ and lockin’, and mischief on the roller rink. — I.R.
Jay Wheeler, “SOS” (Linked Music/EMPIRE)
Jay Wheeler is kicking off 2023 strong with a newly announced world tour, set to kick off on Valentine’s Day, and his new track “SOS.” The high-energy and hypnotizing track finds the reggaetonero experimenting with retro sounds reminiscent of the ’80s. As for the lyrics, Wheeler sings about heartbreak, as he’s unable to forget his significant other now that their relationship has ended. “I was dying to release new music and show people all the new things that are coming,” the Puerto Rican artist shares in a statement. “‘SOS’ is a track that people will enjoy because it’s part of my essence and what my fans expect. It’s romantic, but danceable.” — G.F.
Emilia, Callejero Fino & Big One, “En La Intimidad” (Fifty One)
Emilia is not only flaunting a new era with her rosewood locks, but she’s also tapping into new genres, as heard in the latest track “En La Intimidad,” alongside Argentinean rapper Callejero Fino and Argentine producer Big One. Written by all three artists and produced by Big One, the track showcases the refreshing and innovative artistry deriving from the South American country. With its notable keytar beats, “En La Intimidad” is the perfect balance between reggaetón and cumbia villera. Its lyrics are flirtatious and daring, telling the story of two people who are having a love affair. “It is a fugitive love/ We like what is forbidden/ Without witness and punishment/ For me it is a pleasure/ In private, he says that I am his weakness/ But he becomes someone else when he has to hide,” chants Emilia with her sugary vocals. — J.R.
Legado 7, “Las Caravanas” (Columbia Records/Sony)
On “Las Caravanas,” the corridos alterados storytellers Legado 7 belt out their signature lit norteñas for the plebada. Leading with whirling accordion riffs against percussive bombast, the O.C. conjunto highlight the grim realities of the outlaw lifestyle with equal parts grit and candor. It’s their first single of 2023, leading to an upcoming album. The song was written by frontman Alex Guerra along with fellow composer/artist Noel Torres. — I.R.
Steve Aoki feat. CNCO, “Diferente” (DJ Kid Millionaire Ltd)
Before they disband (as they announced in May), CNCO continues to gift fans new anthems. This time, the boy band teams up with Steve Aoki for the upbeat and melodic “Diferente,” a dance track where the group — Christopher Velez, Erick Brian Colon, Richard Camacho and Zabdiel de Jesus — sings about a relationship changing from one day to another. “What we were before, is no longer there. Just stay and tell me everything will be different,” they croon. The song masterfully merges euphoric synthesizers and pop beats with the group’s velvety voices. — G.F.
Vale, “Algo Me Pasa” (Rebeleon Entertainment/UMG Recordings)
On their new single “Algo Me Pasa” (something happens to me), twin sister duo Vale (formed by Valentina and Valeria Pérez) delivers an enchanting pop ballad with subtle urban tones, accompanied by the pair’s ever-beautiful harmonizing vocals. Produced by Daniel “Vago” Galindo and co-written by the Colombia-based sisters, the track focuses on that “butterfly in my stomach” feeling when you begin to like someone. “You decide if you stay/ You decide if you go/ I don’t want to waste this opportunity/ You have earned my love/ In such a short time/ You got me praying/ Let time stop,” manifests Vale, who was nominated for best new artist at the 2022 Latin Grammys. — J.R.
Karol G and Romeo Santos have come up with a clever way of saying goodbye to an ex lover. “It didn’t work out, we gave it our all, so we’re leaving but before we leave, let’s do it one last time,” they sing in the newly-released “X Si Volvemos.”
Following the announcement of her her highly anticipated fourth studio album Mañana Será Bonito, the Colombian hitmaker dropped the track on Thursday with surprise collaborator Romeo Santos. The Ovy on the Drums-produced song marks the first time the two artists work together.
The sultry reggaeton bop finds the artists lamenting a failed relationship but leaving the door open because, “our relationship didn’t work, but we understand each other in bed.”
How the collaboration came about? According to a statement, Karol had already recorded the song on her own and uploaded a teaser on TikTok. Then she thought Santos would be a good collaborator for this song and called to invite him.
Check out the lyrics translated into English “X Si Volvemos” with Romeo Santos below:
We didn’t work out (We didn’t work out)
We gave it all, but it didn’t work out for us (No)
That’s why we’re leaving (We’re leaving)
But before we go
Let’s do it for the last time, baby (Baby)
Because not in love, but in bed we understand each other (Oh)
It’s porn, I love how we do it
I won’t delete your contact and I’ll be aware in case we make up
But if not (Hey)
The little shore takes care of itself (Ey)
But call when you want me to give you in bed attended
The sex games are not forgotten (Are not forgotten)
No one trustworthy is denied a farewell sex, ey
I’m down to repeat (Repeat)
You put the bed, I put the krippy (Krippy)
Now we hit it at beach in DR, Punta Cana (Ah)
In the window looking at the city
I know that in love we are a disaster (-aster)
I’m a bandit, and you’re a gangster
I don’t know how long you wasted trying something serious
I know I’m not what you thought (Eh-eh)
But since you kissed me
You became addicted with my malice
This is not healthy but
Let’s do it one last time, baby
Because not in love, but in bed we understand each other
It’s porn, I love how we do it
I won’t delete your contact and I’ll be aware in case we make up
But not like this
Our love is f—-d
But what a feeling when the messes end in bed
Could it be that sex with you is my addiction?
Toxic loves only work for —less
We are so explicit, but it came to an end (So nasty)
Say goodbye naked, with my phone I’m recording you
I tell you goodbye inside you
I save this video for when you need it
And you’re wet thinking of me
Let’s do it for the last time, baby (Baby)
Because not in love, but in bed we understand each other (We understand)
It’s porn, I love how we do it (How we f–k, how we f–k)
I won’t delete your contact and I’ll be aware in case we make up
But not like this
Baby, give me one night
That never ends
Today is a night of sex
Are you coming?
Haha, you knew
My Romeo, The King
With La Bichota
O-O-Ovy On The Drums
Karol G has teamed up with Romeo Santos for her track “X Si Volvemos,” which dropped Thursday (Feb. 2). The sultry reggaeton bop finds the artists lamenting a failed relationship but leaving the door open because, “It didn’t work out, we gave it our all so we’re leaving but before we leave, let’s do it one last time. Our relationship didn’t work but we understand each other in bed,” they sing.
Karol had already recorded the song, produced by Ovy on the Drums, on her own and uploaded a teaser on TikTok. Then she thought Santos would be a good collaborator for this song and called to invite him, according to a statement. He then told her that he had heard the song on TikTok and had made a video with the audio to upload to his social media, which he shared earlier this week.
“X Si Volvemos” drops just a week after the Colombian star announced the title of her upcoming fourth studio album: Mañana Será Bonito. The set will drop “soon” according to the sweet announcement made Jan. 25.
“Finally, finally,” she wrote on social media. “Today I announce a project that I’ve dedicated so much love and time to. I just know that for me and for everyone else, Mañana Será Bonito (Tomorrow Will Be Pretty).”
In the sweet, short clip, Karol G appears sitting in a car in Medellín when a little note drops on the windshield that reads: “If you’re sad, call me.” When she dials, a kid answers and suggests she write a letter to Santa Claus, perform at a show, or even record her own version of the hit song “La Jeepeta.”
Mañana Será Bonito is the name of her highly anticipated fourth studio album. It will follow her 2021 Grammy-nominated KG0516, which scored Karol her first No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums. The set earned the biggest week for a Latin album by a woman since Shakira‘s 2017 El Dorado.
Most recently, the “Provenza” singer nabbed the No. 1 spot on Billboard‘s 2022 year-end Top Latin Artists – Female chart for a fourth consecutive year. She was also No. 2 on the overall Top Latin Artists chart – the only female act in the top 10.
Listen to “X Si Volvemos” with Romeo Santos below:
Alejandra Guzmán and Fey are two of the biggest Latin pop icons of the ’90s. For decades, they have maintained a strong presence in Latin pop/rock with their timeless hits. So when the two Mexican powerhouse artists officially announced Thursday (Feb. 2) via an Instagram Live with Billboard that they would be joining forces on tour, fans lost their minds.
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“We are excited, happy to celebrate one more day of life and career,” Alejandra Guzman tells Billboard Latin’s social media manager Ingrid Fajardo. “The truth is that I am very thrilled about this day, to be able to invite everyone into our madness.”
“We are exploding in love, in emotion, in energy, and in music,” adds Fey.
The two idols, who were thrilled to reveal the news live, also mentioned exclusively that they will be releasing a single together very soon, ahead of the tour that kicks off on May 4. “Since we were given the chance to be onstage together, we both know and are clear on who we are,” says Guzmán. “We started to write and flow, we already have two songs together!”
“Hits are eternal. The music becomes eternal when it becomes the public’s,” continues Guzmán, alluding to the name of the upcoming tour.
The “Eternamente Bella” and “Media Naranja” singers will kick off their stint in their native hometown at Arena CDMX; on June 23th they will follow up with a performance at Arena Monterrey in Northern Mexico. After these two homecoming shows, the divas of Mexican pop will announce more dates throughout Latin America. They will also embark on a US tour which will take place in September.
Both women are forces to be reckoned with in Spanish-language pop. Establishing herself as a kitschy electro-pop artist with a buoyant dance flair, Fey rose to stardom with her earwormy eponymous debut in 1995 via Sony Music Mexico. With her breakout LP, she scored a handful of soon-to-be-timeless hits, such as “Gatos en el Balcón,” “La Noche Se Mueve,” and the everlasting “Media Naranja.” Her success kept building into the following decade, where she explored other Latin rhythms, like the pop-reggaetón kiss-off of “No Te Necesito.” To date, she has released a total of eight studio albums. On Sept. 25, 2020, the entertainer celebrated the 25th anniversary of her career with the English-language cut “The Perfect Song,” featuring Paul Oakenfold.
Like the yang to Fey’s yin, in a way, the Mexican Queen of Hearts whipped up a storm with her electrifying pop/rock that was filled with revelry and rebellion with a tinge of seduction. Guzmán broke into the scene with her third album, Eternamente Bella (1990), and she continued to drop gems like Flor de Papel (1991) and Libre (1993) and well into the next decade. With over 30 million albums sold, the Latin Grammy winner is considered one of the most successful Mexican singers.
Tickets for the Eternas Tour go on sale Feb. 8.
Who will win in the Latin categories at the 2023 Grammy Awards? Each year, Billboard offers its analysis of who will win, or who should win, in those categories, which include best Latin pop album, best música urbana album, best Latin rock or alternative album, best regional Mexican music album (including tejano) and best tropical Latin album.
Leading up to Sunday’s 65th annual Grammy Awards, we’ve gathered our Latin editorial team and embarked on a lively discussion, with educated guesses based on the marketplace and past voting behavior (not endorsements). Our participants are Leila Cobo, Billboard’s Chief Content Officer, Latin/Español; Jessica Roiz, Billboard‘s Latin assistant editor; Griselda Flores, Billboard‘s senior Latin writer; Ingrid Fajardo, social media manager & Latin’s staff writer; Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard Español’s deputy editor; and Isabela Raygoza, Billboard Español’s associate editor.
Hosted by Trevor Noah, the 2023 Grammy Awards will be held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday (Feb. 5) and will air live at 8p.m. ET. on CBS. Here are our predictions for the Latin music categories:
Best Latin Pop AlbumAGUILERA, Christina AguileraPasieros, Rubén Blades & Boca LivreDe Adentro Pa Afuera, CamiloVIAJANTE, FonsecaDharma+, Sebastián Yatra
GRISELDA FLORES: The front-runners for me are Camilo, Christina Aguilera and Sebastián Yatra, because all three albums received both critical acclaim and had commercial success. Last year, Camilo was nominated for Mis Manos and it was a big upset that he didn’t win, so this time he might take the award. Having said that, Christina Aguilera’s AGUILERA was a big deal, as it marked her return to Spanish-language music. It’s a really solid album.
LEILA COBO: I think this is a really tough category. I agree that those are the front-runners, but out of those I’m leaning more toward Camilo and Yatra, who has gotten notoriety with Encanto and “Dos Oruguitas,” and now this song with Rita Wilson, “Til You’re Home.” Although it’s not a nominated song, it still has put him in the eye of the mainstream, which gives him a slight edge. But Camilo has been touring all over the states, he has a song with Camila Cabello, and he can be a favorite among the Latin voters of the Academy.
SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS.: Christina Aguilera’s album is a beauty. Sebastián Yatra just won his first Latin Grammy, so I’d love to see him win this one as well.
ISABELA RAYGOZA: I did like Christina Aguilera’s album. I thought that the way she utilized her bravado with rancheras translated beautifully in this album. She’s reclaiming her Latin roots, so for her to embrace that facet of herself, I definitely appreciate it. However, I want Sebastián to win, because I think he positions himself as Latin pop’s next heartthrob, following in the steps of Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias. And his album is great, it has symphonic arrangements and reggaeton, it was very poppy. I would like to see him continue to rise in 2023.
INGRID FAJARDO: To be honest, I didn’t love Camilo’s album from the get-go, but I got a different perspective when I saw him perform those songs live. It’s another level! I realized how profound those songs are, something I didn’t notice when I first listened to the album.
Likely winner: Camilo or Sebastián Yatra
Best Música Urbana AlbumTRAP CAKE, VOL. 2, Rauw AlejandroUn Verano Sin Ti, Bad BunnyLEGENDADDY, Daddy Yankee167, FarrukoThe Loe & Sex Tape, Maluma
JESSICA ROIZ: Isabela wants Rauw Alejandro to win. She’s going to make a case right now.
I.R.: I do! I think with TRAP CAKE, we can appreciate his foundation. He’s mentioned that it has his earlier Soundcloud vibes, like when he first started making music. My favorite song on there is “Gracias Por Nada,” because it starts off as a rock song with some guitars and suddenly it expertly transitions into this Latin drill song, and it’s so hooky. The whole album is great. I know it’s not going to win, but that was one of my favorite albums of the year.
J.R.: It was a good album. And he even said he was going to stick to trap because this was for his OG fans and ended up being edgy and innovative, fusing many different styles. But Bad Bunny is going to win.
S.R.A.: Bad Bunny has to win.
G.F.: The reality is that no other album had the same impact Bad Bunny’s did. It wasn’t just the Latin album of the year, it was the album of the year in general. It’s a no-brainer for me.
L.C.: If he wins album of the year and not this category, it will seem odd and signal a big disconnect. These are all good albums, and LEGENDADDY is a significant album because it’s Daddy Yankee’s “last album,” and Farruko’s La 167 has “Pepas.” But when you have an album that has broken all records like Bad Bunny has, and he’s in the running for album of the year, it’s hard to beat.
Likely winner: Bad Bunny
Best Latin Rock or Alternative AlbumEl Alimento, CimafunkTinta y Tiempo, Jorge Drexler1940 Carmen, Mon LaferteAlegoría, Gaby MorenoLos Años Salvajes, Fito PáezMOTOMAMI, Rosalía
L.C.: Rosalía has already won this award with El Mal Querer, and this was such an acclaimed album and she has such international recognition among voters of the academy that I cannot imagine anyone else would win it.
S.R.A.: 100%. There’s no other way.
G.F.: A contender for me is Jorge Drexler, since he won song and record of the year at the Latin Grammys, but how can Rosalía not win? I think people were already upset she didn’t score an album of the year nod, so she has to win this one. She totally deserves to win.
I.R.: Cimafunk and Jorge Drexler did release pretty great albums, but Rosalía blew it out of the water. She continued to showcase her musicianship in so many ways with that album. For her to do some reggaeton and experiment with jazz — each song has its own world, and her winning this category would be the right choice.
Likely winner: Rosalía
Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)Abeja Reina, ChiquisUn Canto por México – El Musical, Natalia LafourcadeLa Reunión (Deluxe), Los Tigres del NorteEP #1 Forajido, Christian Nodal Qué Ganas de Verte (Deluxe), Marco Antonio Solis
G.F.: It’s a long shot, but Chiquis could win this category and take home her first Grammy. She’s been on a winning streak these past two years at the Latin Grammys, winning best banda album in 2020 and 2022. I think she has a shot, especially with an album like Abeja Reina with lyrics that are so raw and modern, but she sticks to traditional styles such as banda and cumbia. I think voters will really appreciate that.
S.R.A.: Natalia Lafourcade is a Grammy darling, but I’d like to see Chiquis take this one home.
L.C.: Nodal is a great artist. He’s young and makes music that is exceptional. What he does and how he takes the genre but modernizes, it is so clever. The results are really interesting. I don’t see another artist like him at that age. This should be Christian Nodal’s year.
I.R.: Christian Nodal has modernized the genre, but still stayed true to his essence. We’ve seen the emergence of so much regional, but fusing it with external elements. He stays true to the essence of what the genre is, and that’s what I appreciate about him.
I.F.: Nodal is like the Vicente Fernández of our generation. The power of his voice is unmatched. He truly represents this genre, and he should win.
Likely winner: Christian Nodal
Best Tropical Latin AlbumPa’llá Voy, Marc Anthony Quiero Verte Feliz, La Santa Cecilia Lado A Lado B, Víctor Manuelle Legendario, Tito Nieves lmágenes Latinas, Spanish Harlem Orchestra Cumbiana II, Carlos Vives
L.C.: I have a soft spot for Cumbiana, even though Carlos Vives has done it before. I liked Victor Manuelle’s album, I thought it was cool, but I’m rooting for Vives here.
G.F.: I’d like to see Victor Manuelle win, because it was an interesting to see him live in that duality of salsa and urban. It was a fun listen. I appreciate his experimental nature but what I respected most is that he didn’t lose touch with who he is and what he represents in that album.
S.R.A.: I love Carlos Vives and I love how he’s been able to spotlight Colombian music. I think it’s spectacular. If he wins, I’ll be happy. But Victor Manuelle is also deserving. He has a good album.
I.R.: I think it’s Victor Manuelle’s year. He’s celebrating 30 years in music, and being honored at Premio Lo Nuestro. And his album is pretty cool! He’s always maintained his essence even while collaborating with other contemporary artists such as Miky Woodz, and he sounds great. He doesn’t sacrifice his signature style for the sake of jumping on the bandwagon.
J.R.: I feel Carlos Vives is going to win. He really did the leg work, so much research for this album, there’s a film component to this. But I agree that Victor Manuelle should win because he’s never done a concept album like this one and he sounds amazing.
Likely winner: Victor Manuelle
A year ago, Billboard predicted the trends we would see over the course of 2022 and 2023 in Latin music — including more urban, pop, and bachata fusions. With a growing number of Latin artists outside of the Bachata realm tapping into the Dominican-rooted genre, that’s turned out to be precisely the case.
Though we’ve seen these types of collaborations in the past, including Romeo Santos and Usher’s “Promise” in 2011 and Prince Royce’s “Deja Vu” with Shakira in 2017, many urban artists, as of lately, have experimented with Bachata and released their innovative tracks. Most of them have even achieved viral success and entered the Billboard charts.
In August 2021, for example, Bad Bunny hoped on Aventura’s “Volví” for a saucy collaboration that earned the renowned bachata group its first Hot Latin Songs No. 1 in over a decade. Three months later, Rosalía teamed up with The Weeknd for the all-Spanish “La Fama,” which debuted and peaked at No. 2 on Hot Latin Songs. The track recently topped both the Latin Airplay and Tropical Airplay lists on the May 14-dated ranking.
In 2022, Colombian urban-pop sensation Manuel Turizo also tested his luck with “La Bachata,” which snagged him his second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart — and first as a lead artist — on the Aug. 6, 2022-dated ranking.
Like Bad Bunny, Rosalía, and Turizo, who are predominantly urban and pop artists, acts such as El Alfa, Myke Towers, Natti Natasha, and Maria Becerra have also not shied away from tapping into the sultry, romantic genre.
Below, see 22 artists — spread across 18 songs — who have dropped their very own bachata jam in the past five years: