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The Latin Recording Academy honored and celebrated this year’s Leading Latin Ladies during an intimate luncheon on Tuesday (Nov. 15) that officially kicked off Latin Grammys week.
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Hosted by Gloria “Goyo” Martínez, the emotional event offered a space for both women and men in the industry to applaud the contributions made by the honorees, which included singer-songwriter Kany García; pianist, arranger and musical director Janina Rosado; Amazon Music’s global head of Latin music Roció Guerrero; and Rosa Lagarrigue, CEO of artist management company RLM.
The nearly three-hour ceremony included moving speeches by the honorees who were presented with the award by their mentors, fellow recording artists or executives who’ve supported them along the way.
Rebeca Leon, who was part of the Leading Latin Ladies class of 2017, was the first to take the stage to present the award to Guerrero for her strides in Latin music and for pioneering the first-ever Latin playlist: Spotify’s Baila Reggaeton.
Other executives who took the stage were Afo Verde, chairman/CEO of Sony Music Latin-Iberia, who, along with Sony Music Latin Puerto Rico’s VP, Tuti Bou, presented García. “Kany is intelligent, talented, and I have the honor of working with her for a long time. She defends her flags, opens many roads, and gives voice to the voiceless,” he expressed. Meanwhile, merengue icon Milly Quezada introduced Rosado and Spanish artist Ana Torroja took the stage to present the award to her longtime manager Lagarrigue.
Launched in 2016, the Academy’s Leading Latin Ladies initiative was created to honor and recognize “professional and socially-conscious women within the arts and entertainment fields who have made significant contributions and inspired the next generation of female leaders,” according to the Academy.
Additionally, the Leading Ladies of Entertainment joined forces with She Is The Music for a second consecutive year on their collaborative “Leading Ladies Connect TogetHER” mentorship program, where a former honoree will be invited to mentor a She Is The Music mentee.
The 2022 Latin Grammy Awards ceremony is taking place Thursday (Nov. 17) live from the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The telecast will air on Univision at 8 p.m. ET, and it will also be available on HBO Max.
Below, check out five best moments from the luncheon:
Rocío Guerrero on her message to the next generation of female leaders: “This is a responsibility I don’t take lightly,” she started her speech. “To the new generations of girls and young women that will be our future: I hope you grow up understanding that anything is possible with hard work, risk taking, ambition and ethics. I mean each of those things. No matter what you look or sound like, you can do it. I hope you can see yourself in women like us. I hope we can be a reminder that there are no limits to your growth.”
Kany García on becoming her own role model: “Why am I shaking? It’s easier to sing than to do this speech,” the “Aguita e coco” singer joked. “Since I was little I’ve felt different and I’m not talking about that moment when you feel ‘special’ but when you feel like you don’t fit anywhere. They told me so many things about my voice, so many no’s accumulated that they made me a woman who was scared and filled with insecurities. I remember that little girl who never found a woman on television who represented her. A woman who didn’t have shake her hips or a woman who liked women but also liked wearing high heels, dresses and putting on makeup. Not the typical stereotype of the women in my community who is supposed to be the opposite of that. So, I had to become my own role model. I owe this to my younger self, who struggled so much to feel represented.”
Janina Rosado on not being mediocre: “I have to start by thanking God because He wanted me to be here and for me to be a musician and to be born into a family where music was our language. We only spoke about music,” Rosado, who’s produced for artists such as Juan Luis Guerra, said. “I come from a family that marked me. They gave me the confidence and my father would tell me, ‘You can do it. Don’t be mediocre. If you’re going to go to school and study, you can’t expect to pass by with mediocre grades. You have to put in all your effort to everything you do.” Which is what I have always done, and it’s gotten me here.”
Rosa Lagarrigue on being an optimist: “I’m so emotional,” said Lagarrigue, who’s managed the careers of artists like Alejandro Sanz and Miguel Bosé, to name a few. “After working in the music industry for 44 years, I feel so proud to be recognized. We’re still missing many women in relevant positions, but I’m an optimist. I want to especially point out the good relationships there are between us and a sort of complicity. We will achieve to fill in those positions. We should give opportunities to women, to diversity and young people.”
Not many acts can carry out a full-fledged international tour with no new album out. Fewer still can do it twice. But the mighty Maná can. Their 2023 Mexico Lindo y Querido Tour is a testament to their performance prowess, with 19 U.S. dates. The Mexican powerhouse troupe will kick off their trek Feb. 10 in Los Angeles with back-to-back dates at the Kia Forum, followed by stops in Miami, New York, Chicago, and Dallas, and concluding Sept. 23 in Sacramento, CA at Golden 1 Center.
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“Our shows are a big party and a celebration of life,” drummer Alex González tells Billboard Español. “We are excited to continue that celebration and share it with more people across the United States.”
Their upcoming U.S. tour follows their pre-pandemic 2019 jaunt, Rayando El Sol Tour; and more recently their unprecedented run at the L.A. Forum, where they had an exclusive residency that had them playing monthly, with a staggering 12 sold-out shows and 165,000 tickets sold.
“We don’t take this for granted, it’s amazing to feel the love from all our Latinx fans across the world,” says frontman Fher Olvera. “It’s an honor to represent our heritage.”
México Lindo y Querido kicked off in Latin America on June 10 in Tijuana, México, and continued with multiple nights in Medellín, Bogotá, Puerto Rico and, again, México. The five-city run in their native country presented the group to sold-out stadiums with over 150,000 fans, including 60,000 attendees at the Foro Sol in Mexico City.
To celebrate the announcement of their U.S. leg, Maná will host a tour launch party tonight (Nov. 15) at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Beach, featuring a special live performance from the band.
With a prolific career that spans over three decades, Maná have built themselves a reputation as one of the world’s most important Latin pop/rock bands. Just look no further than their chart-topping success — which includes ten No. 1s on Hot Latin Songs and eight No. 1s on Top Latin Albums. They’ve earned 19 total Billboard Latin Music Awards; and in 2018, the quartet became the Latin Recording Academy’s Person(s) of the Year, the first band to earn that recognition.
Recently, the “Oye Mi Amor” performers embarked on a duos initiative where Maná enlisted Christian Nodal (“Te Lloré Un Río”), Alejandro Fernández (“Mariposa Traicionera”), Sebastián Yatra (“No Ha Parado de Llover”), and Pablo Alborán (“Rayando El Sol”), among others, and they’re expected to unveil more collaborations soon.
Billboard Español spoke with Fher Olvera and Alex González of Maná about their highly anticipated 2023 tour. Full dates are below. Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 18 via Ticketmaster.
Billboard Español: Besides this big tour announcement, what other projects are Maná working on?
Fher Olvera: We are working on finishing our duets project in 2023. It began in 2019, we are revisiting some of the greatest hits, accompanied by renowned and diverse artists. We collaborated with Christian Nodal a few months ago on “Te Llore Un Rio,” which was a huge success in Latin and North America, trending in over 15 countries. [We have] new music coming in 2024. Stay tuned!
You’ve had tremendous success abroad, outside of Mexico, and are much-loved by your devoted fans and the Latin public. What is it like to connect with the Latinx/Latin diaspora outside of Mexico?
Olvera: This year, we got to go back to Colombia, Puerto Rico and Mexico with our Mexico Lindo y Querido Tour, in addition to spending a lot of time in Los Angeles for La Residencia. It was so exciting to go back to these places after so many years; it had been over five years since we played in Colombia and Puerto Rico, and we got a beautiful welcome from our fans. We don’t take this for granted, it’s amazing to feel the love from all our Latinx fans across the world. It’s an honor to represent our heritage.
Speaking about La Residencia, please share a few words about your extended residency at Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
Alex González: Being able to play in L.A. for our residency was very special. It truly is a second home to us, and we are very proud to have broken the record with twelve sold out shows. Every show was special but most of all it was special to share these moments with the people from Los Angeles who have been so kind and loyal to us since we started playing at the Hollywood Palace in 1993. To be here all those years later and breaking records… it’s very special to us.
Maná is one of the most recognizable and successful Latin rock bands in the world, and you draw audiences from all walks of life. How is it performing for such an eclectic crowd?
González: It’s so awesome to play to crowds made up of different people and cultures, that’s the power of music, it connects with people, even though we sing in Spanish and the majority of our fans are Latinos, it’s awesome to see that crossover. We always try to put on the best show possible because we know how hard it is for many of them to save their hard earned money to go see us. We are always grateful to our fans.
What do you enjoy the most about life on the road?
González: We’ve been playing together for more than 34 years, we are like a family, and we love being on stage. We are addicted to the adrenaline and that rush that you feel when you are on stage. And to feel all the love and energy back from the fans and the crowd is one of the best feelings in the world.
Any other details you can share about the 2023 tour? Special guests? New song releases?
González: The main thing is our shows are a big party and a celebration of life! We are excited to continue that celebration and share it with more people across the United States. We are adding new songs to the set list, songs that people haven’t heard live in a while. New production, video and audio…. Surely, we will have surprises along the way.
“México Lindo y Querido” 2023 U.S. Tour Dates:
Feb. 10 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia ForumFeb. 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia ForumMarch 17 – San Jose, CA – SAP CenterMarch 18 – Oakland, CA – Oakland ArenaMarch 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint CenterMarch 25 – Phoenix, AZ – Desert Diamond ArenaMarch 30 – Houston, TX – Toyota CenterApril 1 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T CenterApril 14 – Miami, FL – FTX ArenaApril 15 – Miami, FL – FTX ArenaApril 21 – Washington, DC – Capital One ArenaApril 22 – New York, NY – UBS ArenaApril 28 – Chicago, IL – United CenterApril 29 – Chicago, IL – United CenterMay 5 – Atlanta, GA – Gas South ArenaMay 6 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro ColiseumSep. 8 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines CenterSep. 17 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile ArenaSep. 23 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
It was the Kickoff Concert for the 2022 NFL season, that most American of pastimes. But the songs pulsating from the stage last September were in Spanish, not English, courtesy of J Balvin, the first Latin headliner for the league’s yearly free concert for fans preceding the first regular season game of the year.
Thus kicked off not just the start of this year’s professional football games, but also a new stage of the league’s Latin programming strategy, which seeks to use music to pull in and appeal to a growing Latin fanbase. Building off 2019’s all-Latin Super Bowl Halftime Show with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez — the most-watched Halftime Show ever on YouTube — new initiatives will infuse Latin music into NFL advertising and the entire NFL season. That includes a new Por La Cultura mixtape featuring Yandel, Snow Tha Product, will.i.am, Anthony Ramos, El Alfa and Trueno, among others, with music that will be used in other NFL programming, as well as recruiting superstar band Grupo Firme to perform at the halftime show for its annual Mexico City game on Nov. 21 featuring the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL’s play to grow its Latin audience — much like other brands’ — is based on demographics data. Latin music’s influence is booming, with music in Spanish making up 6.25% of the total U.S. market from January to July (up from 5.32% at this point last year), according to Luminate’s midyear report. Meanwhile, U.S. Latinos or Hispanics comprised 18.9% of the U.S. population per the 2020 Census, making it the second largest racial group as well as the youngest and fastest growing — up 23% since 2010, compared to 4.3% growth for the rest of the population.
“When I was hired by the NFL, the edict was very clear: We needed to ensure this league is relevant to our fans today, five years from today and 10 years from today,” says Marissa Solís, senior vp of global brand and consumer marketing for the NFL, who came to the league last year after nearly two decades in PepsiCo and Frito Lay. “As I think about the future and making sure this league is relevant today and tomorrow, the first thing I think about is Latinos.”
The NFL has 31 million Latin fans, tying Major League Baseball for the most Latino fans of any sport, Solís says. They’re also young: 53% are under 35 years old, and their numbers are growing twice as fast as those of any other demographic. “Which is interesting because everyone says soccer, soccer, soccer, but no,” says Solís. “And by the way, they tend to be the most avid fans: They’re very loyal, they get behind the teams, they purchase merchandise.”
Have doubts? Check out a Los Angeles Chargers game, says cornerback Michael Davis. “It’s always kind of been the norm to see a large Latino presence at our games,” he says. “Plus the Chargers, in particular, are known for having one of the loudest, most die-hard Latino fanbases in the NFL. If you look up in the stands, you’ll find fans in Charger-ized ponchos, sombreros and lucha libre masks having a blast. Makes me smile every time.”
The NFL’s 31 million Latin fans make up between 17% and 18% of the NFL’s fanbase, a good number that’s comparable to the overall U.S. Census demographics. But league executives think there’s room for growth — and that music can be a driver.
Javier Farfán, cultural strategist for the NLF, was brought into the league in 2019, charged with expanding the Latino fanbase. “The first thing we did in 2019 and 2020,” he says, “was do research and we dived deep into the consumer and realized there were a few passion points that engaged the fan base and music was at the top of it.” says Farfán.
Music in and of itself is obviously not new as a strategy for the NFL — witness the Halftime show — and overall, the focus on music has increased across all genres in recent years, says Seth Dudowsky, head of music for the NFL. But, he adds, “Over the last year or two, Latin music undeniably became a force across pop music.”
The first major indicator, of course, was the 2019 Super Bowl all-Latin show, which to date, remains the most-consumed Super Bowl halftime show on YouTube, according to Dudowsky. The Shakira-JLo co-headliner almost doubles the next closest show with over 250 million views to date, fueled by global viewers beyond the U.S. in Central and South America, too.
Beyond the international appeal, music allows the NFL to reach a core Latin fandom.
Balvin’s performance at the Kickoff game in September, for example, marked the first time a Latin act headlined that series. “Bringing him really helped us target and market Hispanic fans in Southern California,” says Dudowsky, “but [we also knew] his style of music resonates with the overall fan base.”
The NFL has other programs that focus on lesser-known names, as well. A series of commercial spots launched this year featured emerging acts DJ Adoni and Chimbala and “have been extremely well received,” says Farfán, who was previously in Pepsi, Verizon and marketing firm J Wolf Advisors.
The notion of featuring both emerging and A-list artists dovetails into the idea of having “the sounds of Latin music throughout the season,” says Farfán, part of a recently launched campaign called Por La Cultura (For The Culture), that cuts across all programs. Games around the country have included DJ Livia in California, Piso 21 in Miami and Carmen de León in Texas. And the Por La Cultura mixtape, out later this month on Neon 16, features 10 tracks that largely will be featured NFL content, such as Yandel, will.i.am and El Alfa’s “Rómpele” that’s currently being used in an NFL spot that features Anthony Ramos and is running on Spanish and mainstream media. A second TV and digital spot for the Por La Cultura campaign launched Sunday featuring Anthony Ramos’ “Latino Activo.”
“The idea around the mixtape specifically is to incorporate music across everything we do, in ads and in stadium,” says Farfán.
Por La Cultura Mixtake Vol 1.
Courtesy of NFL
Solís says this is just the start for NFL’s love affair with Latin music — with more plans already in the works for 2023. “We doubled down in 2022, and Latin music is going to be a core part of our 2023 plan,” she says. “You should expect a volume two of that album. You should expect a continued partnership with Latino artists in main events.”
“And at this point, Latin music and Latin culture are undeniably part of the fabric of America and have a right to be on that stage as well as any other genre,” adds Dudowsky. “It’s not just marketing to one fanbase, but representing American culture and what’s relevant for all our fans.”
Mexican group Mercurio has been voted the best Latin boy band ever in a recent fan poll published by Billboard.
The pop band, currently composed of Hector Ugarte, Rodrigo Sieres, Dany Merlo, Elias Chiprut and Alex Sirvent, won the poll with over 41 percent of the votes. They were followed by the Venezuelan ’90s boy band UFF! with nearly 25 percent of the votes. (See the top five winners below)
Formed in 1994 in Puebla, Mexico, Mercurio’s first major hit arrived in 1996 with their single “Cómo Decirle Que la Quiero.” After gaining popularity, they had the opportunity to open for Ricky Martin at Guadalajara’s Plaza de Toros, meet Pope John Paul II during their visit to the Vatican, and win Eres’ best pop band award for two consecutive years, as well as best live act. Mercurio is still an active musical group today, most recently touring with their greatest hits alongside the ’90s boy band Magneto.
The poll, which was solely fan-based and not tied to any awards, highlighted 18 Latin boy bands including the Dominican bachata group Aventura, Puerto Rican Latin boy band pioneers Menudo, New York-based R&B group Barrio Boyzz, and Colombian urban-pop group Piso 21, to name a few — as well as a string of young salsa orchestras such as Salserín and Los Adolescentes, who had the boy band essence: matching outfits, cute boys, and killer dance moves.
Over 30,000 fans from all over the world, including Mexico, the United States, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and other countries, participated in the poll.
See the top five best boy bands ever, according to fans, below:
Who will have a big night at the 2022 Latin Grammys? Each year, Billboard offers its analysis of who will win and who should win in the main categories (song of the year, record of the year, album of the year and best new artist).
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This year, leading up to Latin Grammys on Thursday (Nov. 17), 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.
The 2022 Latin Grammy Awards ceremony is taking place live from the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The telecast will air on Univision at 8 p.m. ET, and it will also be available on HBO MAX. See the complete list of nominations here.
Here are our predictions:
Record of the year“Pa Mis Muchachas” – Christina Aguilera, Becky G, Nicki Nicole feat. Nathy Peluso“Castillos De Arena” – Pablo Alborán“Envolver” – Anitta“Pa’lla Voy” – Marc Anthony“Ojitos Lindos” – Bad Bunny & Bomba Estéreo“Pegao” – Camilo“Tocarte” – Jorge Drexler & C. Tangana“Provenza” – Karol G“Vale La Pena” – Juan Luis Guerra“La Fama” – Rosalía feat. The Weeknd“Te Felicito” – Shakira & Rauw Alejandro“Baloncito Viejo” – Carlos Vives & Camilo
Leila Cobo: “La Fama,” in part because Rosalía is a darling of the production community and what she does at a producer level is very highly regarded. She has The Weeknd involved, and she also has these very personal and thoughtful lyrics about the meaning of fame. And it was a clever way of fusing bachata with what she does and The Weeknd singing in Spanish in that genre – all of that is hard to accomplish sonically, and they were able to do it.
Griselda Flores: I don’t think there’s a clear winner here. Many of the songs nominated could easily win — “Provenza,” “La Fama,” “Ojitos Lindos” as examples. But I think “Pa’ Mis Muchachas” will win this category. It’s Christina Aguilera’s comeback in Spanish, and it’s a well-produced track with Rafa Arcaute, who is a Latin Recording Academy darling. Plus, you’ve got these other incredible artists such as Becky G, Nathy Peluso and Nicki Nicole on the guaracha record, and that has made a huge statement.
Jessica Roiz: I would love to see Karol G take this one. “Provenza” is a genre we hadn’t heard Karol G in, and I feel it’s such a universal song. Anyone around the world, whether you like reggaeton or not, will connect. The song is easy to sing, and I feel like it was very refreshing. But there are many Latin Grammy darlings in here, like Juan Luis Guerra and Jorge Drexler, so for all we know they could end up winning.
Sigal Ratner-Arias: Given that “Provenza” is also up for song of the year, I would say “La Fama” or “Tocarte,” because of their production value. I love “Provenza” and I want to see Karol G win, but I think she’ll take song of the year.
Isabela Raygoza: If it were up to me, I’d say “La Fama” because obviously we see Rosalía being exploratory with other genres and enlisting The Weeknd, and it’s a phenomenal song. The way she’s introspective about fame with her lyricism is on point. If I were to not go with my personal favorite and think more objectively, I’d have to agree with “Pa’ Mis Muchachas.” This is Christina Aguilera’s comeback within the Latin space and the people that she enlists, it’s a masterclass in female empowerment. It’s a celebration of Latina resilience.
Ingrid Fajardo: I’m between two: “Provenza” because it’s simple but it can become fascinating. It’s so subtle to the ear that it captivates you easily. I also think that the way they produced “La Fama” and the way they created this bachata in a very modern way, and her being a Spaniard, is also fascinating. I think either of those two songs could win.
Album of the yearAguilera – Christina AguileraPa’lla Voy – Marc AnthonyUn Verano Sin Ti – Bad BunnyDeja – Bomba EstéreoTinta Y Tiempo – Jorge DrexlerYa No Somos Los Mismos – Elsa y ElmarViajante – FonsecaMotomami (Digital Album) – RosalíaSanz – Alejandro SanzDharma – Sebastián Yatra
Cobo: I think we all think Bad Bunny will win, but that doesn’t mean he will. This is, after all, the Academy, and while there are many worthy albums here in many different genres which will have widely varying degrees of appreciation, I think not giving it to Bad Bunny will be an oversight given the moment in music we’re living, and the role he plays in it.
Ratner-Arias: The Latin Grammys have never been a popularity contest, and we’ve seen it over the years when the most popular song or album isn’t the winner. Having said that, I think this is Bad Bunny’s year, and I think he deserves it.
Flores: I think it could really come down to Bad Bunny and Rosalía. Un Verano Sin Ti and Motomami both made huge statements in their own ways. Bad Bunny is the most obvious winner, but I think Rosalía’s album is also deserving. Hearing Rosalía navigate all these different worlds and sounds is truly noteworthy.
Roiz: I’m happy to see artists like Elsa Y Elmar in there. I’d love for her to win, but there are so many artists here that could take it. Bad Bunny… how can he not win? The Internet would break if he didn’t win!
Raygoza: I’d like to see Motomami take this one, because production-wise it’s so avant-garde, she did push the limits of what production looks like especially in Latin music. She never confines herself to one specific sound. What she captures in her songs puts you in a headspace where you’re transported to a fascinating world. It’s an exciting listen and I love the moods she journeys through. Of course, there’s also Bad Bunny, and this is his year. I think his collaborations really stood out on this album: he brought underground artists to the forefront, and it was a brilliant production. It’s an instant earworm at first listen.
Fajardo: Bad Bunny’s album represents a summer that no one will ever forget. This summer will forever be the summer Bad Bunny dropped Un Verano Sin Ti. To also see the impact it had on people’s lives is crazy. It represents so much, and it connects with people in a way I hadn’t seen people connect with songs in a long time.
Song of the year“A Veces Bien Y A Veces Mal” — Ricky Martin ft. Reik“Agua” — Daddy Yankee, Rauw Alejandro & Nile Rodgers“Algo Es Mejor” — Mon Laferte“Baloncito Viejo” — Carlos Vives & Camilo“Besos En La Frente” — Fonseca“Encontrarme” — Carla Morrison “Hentai” — Rosalía“Índigo” — Camilo & Evaluna Montaner“Pa’ Mis Muchachas” — Christina Aguilera, Nicki Nicole, Becky G ft. Nathy Peluso“Provenza” — Karol G“Tacones Rojos” — Sebastián Yatra“Tocarte” — Jorge Drexler & C. Tangana
Leila: I’m a big believer in “Provenza.” It broke the paradigms of what a hit can sound like in the voice of someone who is an urban artist; it’s also a new form of songwriting that is very eloquent. I also very much like “Tacones Rojos,” a perfect pop song. It’s danceable, clever, so many things. Out of this roster of songs, the ones I think are most commendable as pure songs are these two. They are the songs I have on repeat on my playlist and that’s the hallmark of a good song.
Griselda: This one is tough, but there’s just something about “Provenza” that makes it the most enjoyable song ever. Everything, from its liberating lyrics to its infectious beat, works and connects and makes you feel, and it captured the zeitgeist, so I think this song should and will win.
Sigal: “Provenza” and “Tacones Rojos” are the catchiest songs on the list. They get me in a good mood, treats that I don’t get tired of listening to. “Índigo” and “Pa’ Mis Muchachas” could win, but I see it going more for either “Provenza” or “Tacones Rojos.”
Isabela: Personally, I loved the lyrics of “Tocarte” especially because we’re getting out of a moment in the pandemic where we couldn’t be close to each other and took physical contact for granted. Jorge Drexler is a Latin Grammy darling and C. Tangana is fascinating to me so I’m rooting for that one.
Jessica: I think “Provenza” will probably win record of the year because of the musical arrangements, but what I also love about the lyrics is that Karol feels so empowered and sings messages that, in the past, women weren’t really singing, about calling ex-boyfriends. Before, I feel that female artists were expected to be more submissive, and Karol G is the opposite. But “Índigo” and “Tacones Rojos” could win too, because they are clever songs. Then there’s Carla Morrison’s “Encontrarme” — I mean, that song could save lives.
Ingrid: One of the songs here that I can’t stop listening to is “Índigo,” because that song has so much light and is made with so much love. It’s one of those songs that that you don’t get tired of.
Best new artistAngela ÁlvarezSofía CamposCande y PauloClarissaSilvana EstradaPol GranchNabálezTiareValeYahritza y Su EsenciaNicole Zignago
Sigal: I want Ángela Alvarez to win. She’s waited long enough. She’s been writing songs for 70 years, and she can finally present them to an audience at age 95. People have received her with open arms and her attitude is beautiful. The message she gives as a human being makes her so deserving. She really made an impact on me.
Leila: My vote is for Silvana Estrada. She’s poignant, she knows her music, she takes it seriously, she’s studied it. She’s a complete artist in every sense of the word.
Isabela: I like that Silvana rescues that folk song. She’s very poetic and deep. She’s from Veracruz, she plays the cuatro, she’s involved in everything and has so much control over her music. I love that she can do that.
Griselda: Since I heard Silvana for the first time, I fell in love with her voice and her lyrics. She has a very strong presence, she’s a beautiful artist who takes her craft very seriously and protects it. I respect that. I’d love to see her win.
Ingrid: I have two favorites. Silvana is one of my favorites because to me she represents music. To grow up watching your parents make instruments… I mean, for her it’s just natural. She was born to do this. And there’s also Pol Granch. Both are completely different, but I like Pol a lot. He has a new sound and it’s very European, and it sounds very modern.
Jessica: Silvana Estrada should win this. But I also think that if Yahritza Y Su Esencia wins, it will make a huge statement. These kids don’t come from a musical family – their parents are farmworkers, and they didn’t study music, yet what they create is beautiful. If Yahritza wins, it could motivate many people who are in their shoes.
It’s officially World Cup month, and Billboard has compiled the ultimate playlist for soccer aficionados around the world.
The playlist is over two hours long and includes 45 jams to celebrate fútbol, including Ricky Martin’s “Cup of Life,” the official song of the 1998 event held in France and Shakira‘s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” for the 2010 World Cup in Africa. The former peaked at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1998, and the latter peaked at No. 38 on the Hot 100 dated July 3, 2010.
Also on the playlist are soccer-related bops by Carlos Vives and Camilo (“Baloncito Viejo”); Jason Derulo and Maluma (“Colors”); Will Smith, Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi (“Live It Up”); and Akon (“Oh Africa”), to name a few. As well a handful of officials songs for the 2022 World Cup released by FIFA such as “Hayya Hayya (Better Together),” featuring Trinidad Cardona, Davido, and Aisha, which fuses R&B and reggae influences, and “Arhbo,” a feel-good collaboration between Ozuna and French-Congolese rapper Gims named after the local slang word for “welcome” in Qatar and embodies the welcoming spirit of the Arabian country.
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The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Nov. 20 with host nation Qatar’s tournament opener against Ecuador. A total of 32 teams, representing different countries, will participate. In the end, one is crowned the World Cup champion on Dec. 18. Below, listen to the playlist. (You can find Billboard‘s updating list of 2022 World Cup songs here.)
The 2022 Latin Grammy Awards ceremony is taking place Thursday (Nov. 17) live from the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The telecast will air on Univision at 8 p.m. ET, and it will also be available on HBO MAX.
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Colombian powerhouse performer Karol G and king of bachata Romeo Santos have been added to the roster of performers of the 23rd annual ceremony. Additional artists performing for the first time are Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation scholarship recipients Xavier Cintrón, Valentina García, Nicolle Horbath and Sergio de Miguel Jorgequera, who will join Latin Grammy winner Nicky Jam on stage.
The three-time Latin Grammy-nominated Karol G is up for record of the year and song of the year for “Provenza,” as well as for best urban song with “MAMIII.” Romeo Santos is nominated for best long-form music video for his documentary Romeo Santos: King of Bachata; as the frontman of Aventura, he garnered a nod for best urban fusion/performance.
On Sept. 20, the Latin Recording Academy announced this year’s nominees, with Bad Bunny leading the way with 10 nods. Mexican songwriter and producer Edgar Barrera followed closely with nine nominations. Other top nominees include Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro with eight; and Christina Aguilera, Jorge Drexler and Tainy with seven. Last year’s big winner, Camilo, garnered six nominations this year.
Performers
The following artists are among those who are confirmed to take center stage at the 2022 Latin Grammy Award Show:
Ángela Aguilar
Aymée Nuviola
Banda Los Recoditos
Camilo
Carin León
Carlos Vives
Chiquis
Christian Nodal
Christina Aguilera
Elvis Costello
Gente de Zona
Goyo
Jesse & Joy
John Legend
Jorge Drexler
Julio Reyes Copello
Karol G
Los Bukis
Marc Anthony
Marco Antonio Solís
Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández
Nicky Jam
Nicole Zignago
Nicolle Horbath
Rauw Alejandro
Romeo Santos
Rosalía
Sebastian Yatra
Sergio de Miguel Jorgequera
Silvana Estrada
Sin Bandera
Valentina García
Xavier Cintrón
Presenters
Adrián Uribe
Alison Solís
Becky G
Cami
Eden Muñoz
Farina
Fito Páez
Fonseca
Georgina Rodríguez
Kany García
KURT
Ludmilla
Luis Figueroa
Luisa Sonza
Macarena Achaga
María Becerra
Marla Solís
Miguel Ángel Muñoz
Tainy
Victor Manuelle
Yalitza Aparicio
Hosts
Anitta
Luis Fonsi
Laura Pausini
Thalía
Person of the Year
Marco Antonio Solís
Prior to the Latin Grammys, the Latin Recording Academy will honor Mexican icon Marco Antonio Solís as Person of the Year. The gala in his honor will take place the day before, on Wednesday, Nov. 16. “Marco Antonio Solís is a living legend and one of the most emblematic figures in Latin music,” Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, said in a statement.
How to Watch
The telecast will air on Univision Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at 8 p.m. ET. It will also air on cable channel TNT and on Televisa Channel 5. The ceremony will also be available on HBO MAX in Spanish only.
Karol G is blessing fans with new music. On Sunday (Nov. 13), the singer-songwriter dropped her new track “Cairo,” an infectious track produced by her go-to producer Ovy On the Drums.
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Penned by the team behind “Provenza” — Karol, Ovy and Keityn — “Cairo” is a head-bobbing earworm that thrives on a fusion of dance beats and Afrobeat. In the song, Karol sings about allowing herself to love again, even after swearing she wouldn’t.
“I’m not in love yet, but soon I will be,” she confesses.
“Cairo” follows Karol G’s “Gatubela,” which dropped in August. With the track, in collaboration with Maldy, the Colombian artist banked her 16th top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs with a No. 4 debut on the Sept. 10-dated ranking.
Billboard recently reported that Karol G‘s $Trip Love tour had grossed $69.9 million and sold 410,000 tickets across 33 shows in North America (through the end of October), according to numbers reported to Billboard Boxscore. With those figures, the Colombian star has now earned the highest U.S.-grossing tour by a female Latin act.
With $Trip Love, the “Provenza” singer surpasses Jennifer Lopez‘s $50 million grossing It’s My Party World Tour in 2019. Meanwhile, Shakira grossed $28.2 million in 2018 with her El Dorado World Tour. This year, Rosalía’s Motomami world tour has grossed $28.1 million through the end of October.
The 31-year-old artist is currently working on her forthcoming album, which will follow her chart-topping, Grammy-nominated 2021 set, KG0516. She’s also slated to headline the 16th annual Calibash, taking place Jan. 21-22 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. She joins a previously billed group of headliners that includes Ozuna, Myke Towers and Farruko.
The song dropped alongside a music video, shot in Cairo, directed by WEOWNTHECITY. Watch it below.
From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Jenni Rivera’s Fashion Store
The Jenni Rivera Fashion store is re-opening in California, offering t-shirts, merch, memorabilia jackets, and more, running from size small to 2XL and ranging from $19.99 to $99.99. Located in Brea Mall in Orange County, the Rivera family hopes to expand to an online store for fans.
“She’s come a long way from the first store that was opened in 2013 and it is a very proud moment for us to be able to achieve this milestone to honor our mother’s legacy”, Jacqie Rivera & Siblings said in a press statement. “I bet she is smiling down remembering the days she used to sell CDs at the swap meets and now she has a whole store in a prime location honoring her music career and legacy. We welcome all her fans to come and celebrate and remember her here with us.”
Courtesy Photo
Chiquis’ Holiday Song
In other Rivera news, Chiquis unleashed her first-ever holiday song this week. Giving the Christmas classic “Jingle Bells” a cumbia and Spanglish twist, the Mexican-American artist released “Jingle Bells (Vamos All The Way)” along with a holiday-themed video. Presented by the Latin dating app Chispa and Cocina, minority-owned production and media company, Chiquis flirtatiously associates Jingle Bells with dating, friendship, family, and even perreo. “This track marks both the first Villancico for our Abeja Reina, to remind us that Navidad is all about felicidad y amor. La magia is in the air so vamos, all the way!” the artist expressed on her YouTube account.
Lupita Nyong’o Embraces her Roots
This week, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o paid tribute to her Mexican roots by singing a song by the late Juan Gabriel. “Mexico, I’m here! Here’s a song for you,” she shared on TikTok ahead of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever movie premiere. The Kenyan-Mexican actress is seen wearing her bathrobe and singing “Me Gusta Estar Contigo.”
In other Juanga news, his heirs and team released the last project the prolific Mexican singer-songwriter was working on: the third album of duets of hits, including the singles “Déjame Vivir” with Anahí, “Ya” with Banda El Recodo and La India, and “Mía un Año” with Eslabón Armado, as well as the focus track “De Mí Enamórate” with Danna Paola. Los Duos 3 comes six years after his death.
“Despacito” Makes History
More than five years after its release, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee‘s “Despacito” extends its reign as the most-viewed music video on YouTube surpassing eight billion views this week. “Who would have thought that a melody over my guitar that morning in my house would be listened to in so many places, by so many people,” Fonsi wrote on social media celebrating the song’s new milestone. “It’s been almost six years and I still can’t believe it. The words THANK YOU don’t cover it. 8 billion views, sounds so nice.”
The Puerto Rican artist continued thanking those who made it all possible, including Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber who jumped on the remix, his co-writer Erika Ender, producers Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo and video director Carlos Pérez, to name a few, and his island of Puerto Rico, where they filmed the video, featuring former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera
Bad Bunny’s Ruling Streak
Apple Music has named Bad Bunny its 2022 artist of the year, marking the first time since the Apple Music Awards launched in 2019 that a Latin artist has been recognized as AOTY, and the first time only one artist is named for the award.
“When I started, I didn’t have a global fan base,” he told Apple Music in an exclusive film. “I’m grateful for everything I’ve accomplished and everything I’ve experienced. The Latin music movement has grown so much. I would never take full credit or say, ‘It’s because of me.’ No, it’s every one of us. A whole generation. Our energy and presence are always felt.”
The Puerto Rican artist — whose Un Verano Sin Ti Album is also Apple Music’s most streamed album this year and the biggest Latin album of all time — is acknowledged for his excellence and influence on global culture in 2022.
Bad Bunny
Courtesy of Apple Music
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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Juanes, “Amores Prohibidos” (Universal Music Latino)
Colombian rocker Juanes imagines secret lovers separated during the pandemic in this seductive song that fuses cumbia, electro rock/funk rhythms and classic guitar riffs and solos. “There will be some god that blesses forbidden loves, and between ‘I love you’ and ‘I love you’, don’t see a threat,” the rockstar sings in the chorus, en Español. “There will be some god that blesses fleeting loves, I want what you want, you want what I want,” he goes on.
“The song idea began from an article I read during the pandemic on the difficulty of maintaining private relationships, those that could not be known to the world,” Juanes says in a press release. The accompanying music video, directed by José Emilio Sagaró, is an intimate, sensual abstract piece that presents different couples and groups of people in bed, while Juanes strums his guitar and sings. “Amores Prohibidos” is the first single of the rock star’s upcoming album, to be released in 2023. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Sofia Reyes, “Luna” (Warner Music Latina)
Sofia Reyes turns into a goddess in her latest single “Luna.” The pop track thrives on a soothing calypso beat and finds the Mexican singer-songwriter as free and honest as ever not shying away from saying exactly what she wants from her next lover. For an even more magical and divine experience, “why don’t we go to the moon?” she proposes. “Luna” is Reyes’ first single from her forthcoming album, due next year. The new set will follow Mal de Amores, released earlier this year. — GRISELDA FLORES
Pablo Alborán & María Becerra, “Amigos” (Warner Music Spain)
In their first collaborative effort, Alborán and Becerra join forces for a musical love letter. The Spanish crooner and Argentine powerhouse beautifully lace their vocals together to bring to life a story about two friends who have feelings for each other but don’t dare to take the next step. “I can see life in color, the whole neighborhood looks at us/ Drinking the hours as if they were liquor/ I take your hand and we run, in a while, we’ll be back/ Nobody call us, we won’t answer,” they chant in the chorus. Singing about curing each other’s solitude and being each other’s blood in their veins, the metaphorical “Amigos” is a romantic ballad fused with flamenco. — JESSICA ROIZ
Danny Ocean, @dannocean (Part 2) (Atlantic Recording)
Venezuelan artist and producer Danny Ocean releases the highly anticipated second part to his @Dannocean album this week. A quintessential Danny Ocean album, the set thrives on his signature raspy vocals, soft melodies, and bubbly and mellow beats — while, simultaneously, exploring new sounds, such as a romantic salsa. The romantic crooner also experiments with pop, urban and Caribbean rhythms by fusing different genres like bachata, Salsa, reggaetón, and traditional ballads. The album includes collaborations with Mora, for “No es Amor,” and a beautiful collaboration with Elena Rose on “Las Estrellas // si tu me love me,” which is a spiritual and magical song. It’s a reminder to the person you’re with that they’re beautiful and have all that you need! “Si tu me love me” asks: If you love me and I love you, why aren’t we together? — INGRID FAJARDO
Chancha Vía Circuito, La Estrella (Wonderwheel Recording)
Enter La Estrella, a cosmic tropical chasm where warm water drips over undulating beats amid swirling dandelion petals. With his luscious electronic reworkings set somewhere either in outer space, the jungle or the abyss, the Argentine alchemist instantly sets the vibe where you know you’re in for an immersive, sonic experience, à la the 1994 sci-fi film Stargate. On the tribal-laden single “Cometa,” Chancha Vía Circuito enlists fusión-folk act Fémina, where Toti and Wewi deliver powerful chants with gusto; in the middle of “Amor en silencio,” Canada-by-way-of-Colombia artist Lido Pimienta unleashes a euphoric wail that’s like a siren call. Although his seven guests offer plenty of exciting moments throughout the album, Pedro Canale (real name) shines bright on his own in four of them, where his spellbinding alchemy is pushed to the forefront. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Grupo Firme & Joss Favela, “La Bailadora” (Music VIP Entertainment/TuStreams)
Grupo Firme and Joss Favela both step out of their comfort zones on their first-ever collaboration “La Bailadora.” Instead of dropping a Norteño or Ranchera track, Firme and Favela unleashed a captivating cumbia sonidero-style, where they sing about a woman who loves to dance and is the center of attention at every party. “I have a girlfriend who loves to dance and I like that she’s a dancer/ The only bad thing is that I get tired fast and she doesn’t like to dance alone,” belts Eduin Caz in the track. The single is accompanied by a playful, vibrant music video featuring both acts, as well as Mexican actor and comedian Adrián Garcia Uribe. — J.R.
El Fantasma & Pepe Aguilar, “Enseñanza de los Viejos” (Afinarte Music)
It’s not the first time that El Fantasma and Pepe Aguilar have joined their powerful vocals for a banda anthem. Following “Tus Desprecios,” which they released last year, the pair is now back with “Enseñanza de los Viejos” — an ode to parents, grandparents and those who’ve taught or passed on valuable lessons. “From my mother I learned to be a good person, my father taught me not to be ordinary/ With pride, I come from the schooling of my tata and because of my nana today I’m a decent person,” both sing. — G.F.