Latin
Page: 282
For the past three years, Billboard‘s Latin editors have put together a list of dream Latin collaborations they’d like to see happen in the new year. Not all of them come true, some have, but the plausible pairings are based on the artists’ similarities, their sonic evolution and/or past collaborations.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
This year, our diverse (and ambitious) list of collabs we’d like to see happen in 2023 include a team up between power couple Christian Nodal and Cazzu. For this dreamy collab, we imagine them steering away from rancheras and urban, and instead dropping a romantic rock song.
On our wish list is also Shakira and Feid because it’d be ideal for Shak to join forces with one of Colombia’s “it” guys. Not only would their vocals be an interesting blend, but we can picture this track as a bonafide reggaetón jam about finding empowerment and strength after a heartbreak.
A long overdue collaboration that fans have been patiently waiting for is a song between Dominican artists and bachateros Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. Neither have hinted at a collab together but it’s not improbable. Both have been supportive of each other’s careers — and even Royce joined Santos at his Yankee Stadium concert in 2014 where they stunned the crowd with a rare performance of Santos’ “Odio,” where Royce performed Drake’s part of the track.
The possibilities are endless but for now, we’ll stick with our nine dream Latin collaborations for 2023. Below, vote for whichever dream Latin collab you’d like to see happen this year. Or, add your own answer if you come up with another potential pairing.
The results are in: Lasso’s “Ojos Marrones” has won best latin song of 2022 after fans voted in Billboard‘s poll to pick their favorite song from our year-end Best Latin Songs of 2022 list.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
With 37% of the overall votes, “Ojos Marrones” takes home the crown. The track became the Venezuelan singer-songwriter’s first Billboard hit. Lasso entered the Billboard charts for the first time when the track peaked at No. 66 on the Billboard Global 200 chart and at No. 39 on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart, both dated Sept. 17. The song also earned him his first and only entry on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart (dated Sept. 10).
Coming in second place with 32% of the votes, are Yuridia and Ángela Aguilar with their collaboration “Qué Agonía.” The track, which marked the first time the two teamed up for a song, peaked at No. 28 on the Hot Latin Songs chart. “Qué Agonía,” a romantic Mexican ballad about being in love long after a breakup, the Eden Muñoz-produced track earned Yuridia her first Global entry when the song debuted at No. 189 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart.
Taking third place with 12% of the votes are Sebastián Yatra and John Legend with “Tacones Rojos (Remix).” The bilingual remix with Legend dropped just months after the original, which was included in Yatra’s third studio album Dharma. “Tacones Rojos” won the 2022 Latin Grammy for best pop song.
See where other Latin songs in the poll landed below.
Bad Bunny never confirmed he’s retiring from music, but his latest moves on social media seem to indicate he’s stepping back.
At 44.9 million followers and with 17 posts, the Puerto Rican artist decided to make his Instagram profile private. Meanwhile, on Twitter — where he boasts nearly five million followers — he shared a cryptic message in his bio: “me van a extrañar…,” which translates to “you will miss me.” Both his Facebook page (with 14 million followers) and TikTok (more than 30 million followers) remain public.
The changes on his social media pages come just one week after the artist made headlines for throwing a fan’s phone in the Dominican Republic. In a video that went viral during the holidays, the “Tití Me Preguntó” singer is seen walking with his group of friends and team when an excited fan approached him with her phone and began recording in selfie mode. Just seconds later, an annoyed Bunny grabbed the phone and threw it into the bushes.
In a since-deleted tweet, he expressed that “the person who comes up to me to say hello, to tell me something, or just to meet me, will always receive my attention and respect. Those who come to put a freaking phone in my face I will consider it for what it is, a disrespect, and I will treat it as is.”
Bunny wrapped 2022 as Billboard’s year-end Top Artists chart for the first time, while his Un Verano Sin Ti made history as the first all-Spanish album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 year-end albums chart. He also closed out the year with a record-breaking $435 million in tour grosses that combine more than 80 concerts from two separate tours (El Último Tour del Mundo and The World’s Hottest Tour).
Although it’s uncertain whether Bad Bunny will release music or not this year, he recently confirmed to Billboard that “I’m taking a break. 2023 is for me, for my physical health, my emotional health to breathe, enjoy my achievements,” he said. “We’re going to celebrate. Let’s go here, let’s go there, let’s go on the boat. I have a couple of sporadic commitments, and I’ll go to the studio, but there’s no pressure. Remember yourself, cabrón. You’ve worked your a– off.”
Madrid is hosting the first UMusic Hotel, a venture that aims to become an entertainment hub in the heart of the capital of Spain. Co-created by Universal Music Group and Dakia Entertainment Hospitality Group, the hotel is located inside the historic Albéniz Theater building, just a few steps from downtown tourist sites such as Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.
The hotel opened on Nov. 14, 2022 at a 60% capacity and is now fully operating, with Antonio Banderas‘ take on the musical Company showing at the theater until Feb. 14. Next, Spanish singer-songwriter David Bisbal will take the stage for 20 days between March and April as part of the celebrations of his 20th music career anniversary.
The Albéniz Theater was inaugurated in 1945 and was in operation for more than 60 years until it closed its doors in 2009, when its owners wanted to demolish it and build a luxury residential building in its place. A group of citizens came together to create the Albéniz Theater Aid Platform and asked for it to be declared an Asset of Cultural Interest to prevent its demolition, which was finally granted in 2016. This allowed the 898-seat venue to be rehabilitated, and negotiations began for what is now the UMusic Hotel Madrid.
UMusic Hotels is a new international brand that offers first-class accommodations and entertainment. The goal is to create a unique experience for both guests and artists staying at their hotels, and to offer a wide range of music-related services and activities.
Music is in every corner of UMusic Hotel Madrid. Details such as the “Pasillo de la Música” (Hall of Music) — which connects the two buildings that make up the venue, and where you can see works of musicians such as Freddie Mercury, Lady Gaga, Alejandro Sanz and Katy Perry created by the Mexican artist and athlete Hubertus de Hohenlohe — is magical. Upon entering the access foyer located on Carretas Street, visitors are greeted by a neon sign that says, “Vente Pa’ Madrid” (Come to Madrid,) like the famous Ketama song, a cheerful welcoming. On one wall is a verse from Bob Dylan’s classic “Mr. Tambourine Man.”
The hotel has 130 rooms divided into four categories: classic, deluxe, premium and ultimate, all equipped with Nespresso coffee machines and Marshall speakers. There’s also the Artist’s Suite, an exclusive two-floor room with a private solarium terrace, living room and guest bathroom.
Guests can enjoy a vinyl library, gym, bar, amphitheater, outdoor pool, three meeting rooms, a two-level solarium, events spaces, a gastronomic experience at El Albéniz restaurant, 24-hour room service, and the Nota Alta (High Note) bar, located on the rooftop with a lovely city view.
Universal Music Spain has said it will keep working with the hotel to continue attracting top international stars to Madrid. UMusic Hotel confirmed that it is already working on the development of a second hotel, this time in South America, in Barranquilla, Colombia.
The Latin Alternative Music Conference, or LAMC, has set dates for both its 2023 virtual and in-person events, Billboard can exclusively announce.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The LAMC, which spotlights Spanish-language alternative music — as well as artists in rock, hip-hop, and electronic music — will return in virtual form April 26-28. Its in-person conference, which will be a five-day event, is set to take place from July 11 to 15 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square in New York City.
Both the virtual and in-person events will feature panels, workshops, showcases, and networking opportunities for attendees. According to figures provided to Billboard, more than 100,000 registrants tuned in online, and more than 5,000 people from 150-plus cities in 17 countries attended the conference and events in New York last year.
The LAMC has also confirmed the return of the Wonder Women of Latin Music recognitions, presented by Amazon Music LAT!N, celebrating women “making a difference” in the industry, according to a press release. Launched in 2020, past honorees include Jennifer D’Cunha (Apple Music), Yvonne Drazan (peermusic), Celeste Zendejas (CESAC), Fabiana Kulick (Live Nation), Martha Ledezma (Fonovisa/Universal) and Amy Roland (Sony Music Publishing), among others.
Registration for the in-person July conference begins at $99. Registration for the virtual event is free via www.latinalternative.com, where the latest updates, option to contact the LAMC team with questions, and reserve a hotel for the in-person event are available.
The full schedule for the virtual and in-person conference will be revealed in the coming weeks, along with the Wonder Women of Latin Music Class of 2023 and additional details.
Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera kick off the year with the greatest gainer on the Hot Latin Songs chart, jumping 19-5 this week. The viral track, released Dec. 16, also debuted No. 91 in the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Regida’s first-ever entry on the all-genre chart and Frontera’s third title on the tally.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Produced by Fuerza Regida’s frontman Jesus Ortiz Paz and co-written by Paz alongside Latin Grammy-winning produced Edgar Barrera, “Bebe Dame” is a romantic cumbia-grupera song about an unforgettably special person.
Below, read the complete lyrics translated to English:
I’ve been thinking about the two of usIf we can fix the situationOur thing is a war in loveDefending what my heart desires
I want to eat you every dayI fell in love with what you saidBeing with you again is my fantasyBaby, what I ask of you, come, give meWhat I want of youI don’t want another day to go byAnd I don’t see you at dawnBaby, what I ask of you, come, give meWhat I want of youI don’t want another day to go byAnd I don’t see you at dawn
I have a thousand plansProposals to loveYou and me in solitude
I wrote you a poemTo make you fall in loveI only want to love youI’m waiting for you here, just come, come, comeI do it differently I’ll wait for you here, just come, come, comeI can’t get you out of my mind
I’m waiting for you here, just come, come, comeI know how to love youTell me yes, tell me yesI’m going to have you
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 Abraham Mateo, Mike Bahía and Alejandro Fernández, to name a few.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The list includes Abraham Mateo’s “La Idea,” an upbeat punk rock song with heart-rending lyrics about a guy who can’t fathom the fact that he’s no longer dating the girl of his dreams. “Because the idea was not never separate/ The idea was that you’d be the mother of my kids/ Because the idea was for you and me to be a team/ And now this love is done, and even though that was not the idea/ I know it’s better this way,” he passionately belts.
You can also find Bahía’s new track “De Qué Manera,” where he steps into a new musical genre: salsa. Written and produced by the Colombian artist alongside Keityn and La Créme team, the track pays tribute to the tropical style that Bahía grew up listening to in his hometown, Cali, Colombia. “Many people think that I’m from some other city in Colombia, but I come from Cali — the salsa capital of the world, where salsa is lived and breathed everywhere you go,” he expresses in a statement.
Additionally, Fernández dropped “Inexperto En Olvidarte,” the first single off his forthcoming album due this year. The song is a signature Alejandro Fernández heartbreak ballad powered by a mariachi and an accordion. Also in the poll are new releases by Yahritza y Su Esencia and Ovy on the Drums and Ozuna‘s new collaboration”CHAO BEBE,” a reggaeton track fused with electronica.
What’s your favorite new Latin music release this week? Vote 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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Alejandro Fernández, “Inexperto En Olvidarte” (Universal Music Latino)
For his first song of the year, Alejandro Fernández goes the traditional route, releasing the heart-wrenching ranchera “Inexperto En Olvidarte.” It’s a quintessential song for Fernández, who’s long mastered the mariachi ballad — and this one is no exception. Penned by Amanda Coronel and Fernanda Díaz, the track thrives thanks to its delicate mariachi arrangement, accompanied by an accordion for the ultimate norteño touch. “Inexperto” is the Mexican artist’s first single from his upcoming album, due later this year. — GRISELDA FLORES
Yahritza y Su Esencia, “Cambiaste” (Lumbre Music/Columbia Records)
Weeping requintos and a soulful, yearning voice bring to life Yahritza y Su Esencia’s first single of the year, “Cambiaste.” Penned by the 16-year-old vocalist, the heartfelt sierreño narrates the story of a person who’s juggling their emotions in a relationship and has the other person confused. “Out of nowhere, you changed/ One day you say you love me and the next, you throw me to the trash as if I were no one/ What happened to those days that you told me/ ‘I love you, I’ll always be by your side’?” she chants. The music video finds the three siblings navigating Lake Xochimilco in Mexico. — JESSICA ROIZ
Abraham Mateo, “La Idea” (Sony Music España)
Abraham Mateo kicks off the year with “La Idea,” setting the tone for what his loyal “Abrahamers” can expect this 2023 — a more experimental Abraham. Co-produced by the Spanish pop star and David Cuello, “La Idea” is an upbeat punk rock song with heart-rending lyrics about a guy who can’t fathom the fact that he’s no longer dating the girl of his dreams. “Because the idea was not never separate/ The idea was that you’d be the mother of my kids/ Because the idea was for you and me to be a team/ And now this love is done, and even though that was not the idea/ I know it’s better this way,” he passionately belts. — J.R.
Ozuna & Ovy on the Drums, “CHAO BEBE” (Warner Music Latina/King Ovy)
For their first track together, Ovy on the Drums and Ozuna place all bets on an infectious reggaetón beat fused with electronic elements. Showcasing both their strengths, Ozuna on vocals and Ovy in the producer seat, this new track marks the new phase of Ovy on the Drums as Dr. Drums, “a genius who has mastered the science of producing and has his own formula for creating the biggest urban hits in his lab,” according to a press statement. “‘CHAO BEBE’ has all the makings of a global hit,” Ovy says about the song. “When I was in the studio working on the track, I immediately had the idea of calling Ozuna to jump on this song.” — G.F.
Mike Bahía, “De Qué Manera” (Warner Music México)
Bahía is a hopeless romantic on his new track “De Qué Manera” — but beyond its honest and devoted lyricism, he’s stepping into a new musical genre: salsa. Written and produced by the Colombian artist alongside Keityn and La Créme team, the track pays tribute to the tropical style that Bahía grew up listening to in his hometown, Cali, Colombia. “Many people think that I’m from some other city in Colombia, but I come from Cali — the salsa capital of the world, where salsa is lived and breathed everywhere you go,” he expresses in a statement. Fusing his sugary vocals with a touch of rap and the participation of renowned pianist OILO, “De Qué Manera” also samples the 2000s classic “Ya no es igual” by the Colombian group Two Flow. — J.R.
Twelve days after Christmas comes Dia de los Reyes — or Three Kings Day (also known as Epiphany) — during which many Latino communities around the world gather with family to celebrate the arrival of the three kings, or magi (Wise Men).
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Los Tres Reyes is believed to have brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Bethlehem to honor the baby Jesus. Some families in Mexico and South America eat Rosca — candied bread fit for a king. Other families in Puerto Rico and other Caribbean nations build on the parranda, an Afro-Indigenous tradition that calls for the house-to-house “caroling” of friends and families.
In honor of Three Kings Day 2023, Billboard has compiled a playlist of some traditional classics you and yours can use to set the festive mood.
The playlist includes the timeless holiday track “Cantares de Navidad” by the Puerto Rican group Trio Vegabajeño, which was originally composed in the early 1950s and forms part of Bad Bunny’s album El Último Tour del Mundo. There’s also the heartfelt bolero “Regalo de Reyes” by the late Mexican singer and actor Javier Solís; Luis Miguel’s rendition of “Noche de Paz,” part of his Navidades Luis Miguel album; “Caspar, Melchor, y Baltasar” by Mexican trio Pandora; and Thalía’s gitty “Los Reyes Magos,” part of her children’s album Viva Kids – Volumen 2, to name a few.
Many Villancicos (similar to a Christmas carol) are also on the playlist, such as “Vamos, Vamos Pastorcito” and the all-time favorite “Mi Burrito Sabanero.” The latter has both a merengue version by Elvis Crespo and a catchy banda tune by Banda El Recodo.
Listen to the full playlist below, and enjoy!
Gloria Trevi is denying allegations in a newly filed sexual lawsuit that claim she and her former producer Sergio Andrade “groomed” and “exploited” two underage girls in the 1990s.
“My words are directed to everyone who may have seen recent allegations about me but do not know the background and my story,” the Mexican pop star began in a statement published on her social media accounts Jan. 6. “Being a victim of physical and sexual abuse is one of the worst things that can happen to a human being. I say it, and I know it, because I am a survivor. And, my thoughts go out to anyone who, like me, has ever been the victim of any kind of abuse.
“But I will not remain silent while I am unfairly accused of crimes I did not commit. These false accusations, which were first made against me 25 years ago, have been tried in various courts and, in all instances, I have been completely and totally acquitted,” she continued. “For these old, disproven claims to resurface now is tremendously painful for me and for all my family. The accusations were false when they were made and remain false today.”
The new civil complaint was filed Dec. 30 in Los Angeles County. In the suit, which was obtained by Billboard, two Jane Does allege that the Mexican pop star along with Andrade “groomed” and “exploited” them when they were 13 and 15 years old. The 30-page lawsuit — which does not specifically name Trevi or Andrade, though the timeline and album details mentioned make clear they are the defendants — also includes allegations of childhood sexual abuse and harassment and/or assault.
In the ’90s, Trevi was one of the biggest Latin pop stars in the world, but her successful career came to a halt in 1999 when criminal complaints were filed against her and Andrade. The complaints accused them of corrupting minors, kidnapping and rape. Trevi fled to Brazil, where she was captured and arrested, and the singer was held behind bars for nearly five years. In 2004, a Mexican court acquitted the pop star and found her not guilty on the charges of rape, kidnapping and corruption of minors.
She has maintained her innocence since, which she addressed in her Jan. 6 statement. “A trial court carefully examined all the evidence during a judicial process which lasted almost 5 years, and they ruled in my favor,” Trevi wrote. “The verdict was upheld on appeal. That is why I filed a lawsuit in the United States to expose and hold all those who are trying to defame me accountable.”
The singer concluded: “I will continue to move forward and work to get justice in this case — and I will do so knowing that the truth is on my side.”
Trevi previously discussed the impact the 1999 allegations had on her livelihood in a September 2022 interview with Billboard. “I felt that I lost my career,”she said at the time. “But I kept a positive attitude and believed in myself. You can lose a battle but not the war, and that mindset was very constant in me.”
The same year she released from prison, Trevi put out Cómo Nace el Universo, which was written while she was incarcerated, and addressed her time behind bars. The album peaked No. 2 on the Latin Pop Albums chart and No. 4 on Top Latin Albums.
Read Trevi’s full statement — which she shared in both Spanish and English — below.