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The first day of the 2024 Corona Capital festival on Friday (Nov. 15) celebrated the grand return of Green Day to Mexico after a seven-year absence with a performance that marked the American rock band’s last show of the year. As part of this exciting day, multiple sounds — from punk rock and progressive rock to indie, blues, funk, soul, pop and jazz — were heard in the voices of some of its most representative acts.
On its first day, the festival brought together over 74,000 attendees — according to the promoter Ocesa — who enjoyed shows by The Mars Volta, Warpaint, Cage The Elephant, The Vaccines, BadBadNotGood, Twin Shadow, David Kushner, Clairo, Zedd, French 79, Honne and others, who pleased even the most demanding music lovers gathered at the Curva 4, former headquarters of F1, in Mexico City.
One of the surprises that the festival brought this year was veteran rock band Toto, which attracted thousands of attendees from various generations to one of the main stages to sing at the top of their lungs classics such as “Africa,” “Hold The Line,” “Rossana” and “I’ll Be Over You.” Another of the highlights was the debut of the British singer Raye, whose charisma made her one of the most applauded acts.
The festival continues on Saturday (Nov. 16) with performances by Shawn Mendes, Travis, New Order, Melanie Martinez, Primal Scream, Explosions In The Sky, Black Pumas, Jessie Reyez, Del Water Gap, Michelle, and St. Vincent, who the day before released the Spanish version of her four-time Grammy-nominated album All Born Screaming — Todos Nacen Gritando — as a tribute to her Hispanic followers.
Below, five of our favorite moments from day one of the 2024 Corona Capital festival in Mexico City.
Green Day Rescues Fan in Epic Show
11/15/2024
All 16 performances shined, but there were standouts. Here, we rank them from 16 to 1.
11/15/2024
Mexico City is gearing up to host the 73rd Miss Universe pageant at Arena CDMX on Saturday (November 16), marking the event’s return to the country since 2007. In addition to crowning the next beauty queen, succeeding Nicaraguan Sheynnis Palacios, this year’s competition highlights a unique fusion of global folklore with a Mexican essence. This is thanks to Emilio Estefan, who composed the official theme song and will also serve as a judge.
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“What I like is that it blends Mexican flavors with global influences,” the acclaimed musician told Billboard Español during a Zoom interview. His meeting with Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha Cantú played a crucial role in the theme’s creation.
The 2024 jury also features a dozen distinguished figures from the entertainment, fashion and art industries, including Venezuelan singer and influencer Lele Pons and Colombian rapper Fariana. It also includes Brazilian artist Romero Britto, fashion designer Eva Cavalli, Miss Universe 1978 Margaret Gardiner, and more.
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“I think it’s important for people to realize that we are different [as Latinos]; although we are different countries, we have the same heart and a message of unity,” added Estefan.
Billboard Español spoke with the Cuban-American superproducer to discuss his creative process and expectations for the event.
As the composer of the official Miss Universe 2024 theme song, what inspired you to compose this piece and what do you hope to convey to the public?
Miss Universe has undergone an incredible transformation. President Raúl [Rocha Cantú] has made an impressive change because he is focused on creating something that can inspire a new generation and bring in new faces. When the president visited the studio, he liked a piece that I was working on at the time. He liked it so much that I ended up doing the program’s closing and the score as well. What I like is that it has a flavor of Mexico but also represents all countries around the world. As a producer, I have worked with Gloria [Estefan], Shakira, Jennifer [Lopez]… so many people throughout my career. I came from my country, Cuba, at a very young age, but I also grew up in the United States; I have a fusion of many sounds. So, I am very happy. I did it with a lot of affection and respect, and I hope people realize that Miss Universe can encompass everything.
This year, they will incorporate folk costumes styled after La Calavera Catrina in honor of the Day of the Dead. Being in Mexico, how do you think the music will enhance the appeal of the event during the live broadcast?
[It’s about] creating something new. We are going to open with a lot of rhythm and flavor. We will have many people from Mexico playing at the moment. It’s a time to [convey] a message of unity and peace to the world, which is much needed. It allows you to connect with so many people worldwide. It will be a telecast to the entire world that will showcase the culture of other countries, but most of all, Mexican folklore. Mexico has a lot of folklore and has done incredible things. I have worked with many Mexican artists, I’ve been involved in novelas.
For me, it’s a pride that the president liked [the theme]. I did it with a lot of respect and affection. I believe it’s going to be a different Miss Universe. Above all, the respect that is given to women at this time will play a very important role. The competition is not only about beauty; there have to be many other things. People like you hold important positions in the world; at this moment, women are occupying incredible positions.
I understand that you are returning as a judge after a decade. How do you foresee your past experiences enriching your perspective this year?
Having been a judge six times, from Taiwan to Panama, Ecuador, and Miami, serves me well. The good thing about this is that it’s not just about being pretty or answering a question correctly; there are many aspects to consider. When you marry someone, you marry them for their many qualities, their principles, and the commitment they have to inspire a new generation. Beauty and taking care of oneself are important, of course, but there have to be other qualities as well. I know all the women will be incredible; it’s just about choosing one. Sometimes it depends on how they answer a key question and they get nervous, not that they lack intelligence. At that moment, many people get nervous, but I believe that women now carry more weight and realize the responsibility that comes with winning the prize.
What lasting impact or feeling do you hope the musical elements of Miss Universe 2024 will leave on the global audience?
It’s a telecast that goes to many countries, from Africa, India, and the Middle East. I have [worked on the soundtracks of] 28 movies, from Top Gun, Pocahontas, The Birdcage, many others. Whenever I work on a movie, even those with American influences, I always bring the Latin flavor. Doing it in Mexico is a blessing and, above all, being able to showcase the unity of Latinos, the fusion, and Mexican culture. I think it’s very important for people to realize that we are different. Even though we are different countries, we have the same heart and we have a message of unity, and that’s very important to me.
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Mau y Ricky, “Libélulas” (Why Club Records)
Mau and Ricky present a new mid-tempo pop single as pleasant to the ear as the waves of the sea. In the nostalgic and relaxed “Libélulas,” the Montaner brothers sing softly about a relationship that has already ended, but which they do not lose hope of resuming. “And if in a few years there is no one else, give me a son/ This is real, this is real/ It doesn’t say anything that hasn’t happened to anyone/ This can work,” goes part of the chorus.
“‘Libélulas’ is a song that we made with the intention of telling a feeling that at some point we have had in our real life,” Mau and Ricky say in a press release. “We wanted to keep the essence of Hotel Caracas, the sonority and aesthetics that has given us so much joy, and we believe that ‘Libélulas’ has all those elements.” Driven by guitar riffs, Latin percussion, and fresh, laid-back arrangements, the song — one you might listen to on repeat while driving – comes with a cheerful music video filmed with a retro style on a beach. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
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Elena Rose, Maria Becerra, “Pa’ Qué Volviste?” (Kira Records/Warner Music Latina)
In a first collaborative effort, Elena Rose and Maria Becerra drop the very empowering, very relatable “Pa’ Qué Volviste?” Backed by synth melodies and soft keyboards, Elena starts off by saying she woke up and is feeling great—especially after doing everything to forget about her ex. “And now that I’m almost happy/ You ruin my life by writing to me again,” she chants before the beat transitions into a captivating cumbia rhythm meshed with urban melodies. “Why did you come back if you already left?/ I almost erased the kisses you gave me,” Becerra chimes in during the chorus. Its notable hook promises to become a fan favorite on social media: “If they ask for me, tell them that I’m doing good and super hot,” the Venezuelan and Argentine powerhouses sing — both wearing weeding dresses in the music video, as they celebrate life, friendship and being single. — JESSICA ROIZ
Ela Taubert & Joe Jonas, “¿Cómo Pasó?” (Universal Music Latino / Arthouse)
This new bilingual version of Ela Taubert’s single released in February takes the original song — which peaked at No. 12 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart — to a new level, making it a universal anthem. The powerful voices of both artists, which alternate and unite beautifully singing in Spanish and English, inject new energy into “¿Cómo Pasó?” — a song about the complexities of love and heartbreak (whose title in English means “How did it happen?”) — adding to verse lyrics such as “Pero si era tan bueno, ¿por qué no duró?” (But if it was so good, why didn’t it last?), and others like the infectious chorus refrain “It looks so easy for you to walk away.” The duo premiered the collaboration on Thursday (November 14) in an electrifying number at the Latin Grammys, where the Colombian singer-songwriter ended up taking the coveted award for best new artist. Given her exceptional talent, no one would wonder how THAT happened. — S.R.A.
Rauw Alejandro, Cosa Nuestra (Sony Music Latin/Duars Entertainment)
Rauw Alejandro is dripping elegance, maturity and glamour on his new album Cosa Nuestra. The 18-track set — which marks a brand new era, both musically and personally for Rauw — takes fans beyond his signature perreo, R&B and trap sounds. Crafted with live instruments, the album finds Rauw flirting with salsa, merengue, bolero and kizomba music, but also honing the electro-funk fusions and keeping faithful to his urban roots.
“If you lose your essence, you lose everything,” he explained to Billboard. “I always try to look for a happy medium, not only what I like to listen to as an artist, but also what my fans like.” Cosa Nuestra, inspired by the 1970s era in New York, represents culture and community, bringing together collaborators such as Bad Bunny, Romeo Santos, Pharrell Williams and Laura Pausini, for this new era of Rauw — one that’s mature, healed and liberating. — J.R.
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
Rauw Alejandro has entered a new era — musically and personally — oozing elegance, maturity and glamour. The best indicator is his new studio album Cosa Nuestra out Friday (Nov. 15) via Sony Music Latin.
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Setting the tone for the 18-track production is the title song, a sensual bolero in which he kicks off by singing “love is so short and oblivion is so long.” Now a bachelor in his early 30s, Rauw, who composed the album, demonstrates a mature, healed and liberating facet in his lyrics.
Musically, the Puerto Rican artist takes listeners beyond his signature perreo, R&B and trap sounds. He flirts with salsa on a refreshing version of Frankie Ruiz’s timeless hit “Tú Con Él.” He fuses rapid merengue with electronic beats in “Mil Mujeres. He delivers a sultry kizomba in “Khé?,” his first collaborative effort with Romeo Santos. Meanwhile, his previously released singles “Touching the Sky” and “Pasaporte” continue to hone his smooth, electro-funk sound.
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Aesthetically, he transports fans to the 1970s in New York (a contrast from the galactic concept in his 2023 Saturno), declaring himself a fan of that era and of the Sicilian mafia “Cosa Nostra.”
“It was a perfect fit for what I was looking for,” he told Billboard during a press conference in Miami. “I live in Puerto Rico but we have to travel all the time and I have other bases in my life such as Miami, L.A. and Spain. I decided to make this new base in New York because my dad is from Brooklyn, and it’s like a second home for me.”
Cosa Nuestra includes star-studded collabs with Bad Bunny, Feid and Alexis y Fido — all of whom remain true to Rauw’s urban essence.
“If you lose your essence, you lose everything,” he explained. “It’s something I take care of in my career. I respect my fans a lot and I know what they like about Rauw, but I also know what I can offer new. I always try to look for a happy medium, not only what I like to listen to as an artist, but also what my fans like.”
Other collaborations on the set include Pharrell Williams, Laura Pausini and many more. Stream Cosa Nuestra below:
The 2024 Latin Grammys returned to Miami, Fla. for its 25th anniversary, airing live on Thursday (Nov. 14) via Univision, Galavisión, and ViX.
The evening gathered a wave of star-studded guests including Mexican hitmaker Edgar Barrera, who for a second consecutive year topped the list of nominees with nine mentions and won songwriter of the year and producer of the year.
Following Barrera are superstars Karol G and Bad Bunny with eight nominations each. The former was up for album of the year for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), the follow-up to her Latin Grammy-winning set of 2023’s Mañana Será Bonito. The latter had a nomination for record of the year with “Monaco.”
This year, artists like Alejandro Fernández, Ángela Aguilar, Becky G, Carín León, Eladio Carrión, Grupo Niche, Joe Jonas, Juan Luis Guerra, Kali Uchis, Marc Anthony, Pitbull, and Residente took center stage at the awards show.
For its 25th anniversary, the awards also incorporated a new field of electronic music, and two new categories: best Latin electronic music performance, and best contemporary Mexican music album.
“The Latin Grammys have grown in an amazing way to become a fundamental platform for music and culture,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a press release. “We are proud to share this year’s nominees, an international and diverse group of creators representing the richness and vastness of today’s Latin music.”
As memorable speeches, eclectic performances, and coveted awards took place during the live telecast, Billboard was behind the scenes gathering all the action that happened on the red carpet, inside the venue, and in the media center.
Below, check out things you didn’t see on TV at the 2024 Latin Grammys:
Trueno’s Latin Grammy Win from the Sidelines
Image Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
As we process the wins and losses from the 2024 Latin Grammys — from Shakira‘s first album in seven years being overlooked, to Juan Luis Guerra‘s “MAMBO 23” winning record of the year, beating out Karol G‘s “Mi Ex Tenía Razón” and Kali Uchis and Peso Pluma‘s “Igual Que Un Ángel” — it’s safe to […]
Salsa, the unmistakable rhythm that has thrilled generations, was celebrated in grand style at the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday (Nov. 14).
The genre’s most iconic figures, along with new talents, joined forces in a tribute that resonated as a powerful reminder of the genre’s influence on Latin music. Legendary names such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Grupo Niche, Oscar D’León, Marc Anthony, and La India shared the stage with exponents of the new wave, represented by Christian Alicea and Luis Figueroa, in an epic tribute.
The tribute began with the charismatic “Caballero de la Salsa”, Gilberto Santa Rosa, who sang a duet with Christian Alicea “De mí enamórate”, symbolizing the link between the golden age of salsa and the freshness of the new generation.
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From Colombia, Grupo Niche made their appearance with their immortal hit “Una aventura,” wrapped in elegant red suits and representing the vibrant world capital of salsa, Cali. Then, Luis Figueroa performed the Frankie Ruiz classic “Tú me volvíes loco”. Immediately afterwards, Oscar D’León, the Venezuelan “Pharaoh of Salsa”, captivated the public with his eternal “Llorarás”, an anthem that has not lost its power since its release in 1986.
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To close with a flourish, Marc Anthony—who executive produced the performance—and La India reunited on state to perform their legendary duet “Vivir lo nuestro” for the first time in 29 years.
With this masterful tribute and display of musicality, the artists reaffirmed that salsa is not only more alive than ever, but that it is an unquestionable pillar of Latin music that will live on forever. Long live salsa!
The 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammy Awards can be seen on Univision, Galavisión and ViX. The ceremony is set to feature performances from Alejandro Fernández, Becky G, Carín León, Eladio Carrión, Jon Bon Jovi, Kali Uchis and Residente, among others. For a second year in a row, songwriter and producer Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with nine nods. He is followed by superstars Karol G and Bad Bunny, who got eight mentions each. To see the updating list of winners, click here.
For more updates on performances, special awards and behind-the-scenes action from the night, check out Billboard.com.
Carin León charmed the 2024 Latin Grammys with a passionate live performance of his song “Despidase Bien” on Thursday night (Nov. 14). Wearing a wine-colored suit and black cowboy hat with matching boots, the Mexican singer-songwriter was joined by a large gospel choir and rocking band, who powerfully backed up his heartfelt lyrics. “I would […]
Miami and New Jersey came together at the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys, as global superstar Pitbull and Bon Jovi performed their newly released “Now Or Never,” a remix of the band’s classic “It’s My Life,” at the Thursday night (Nov. 14) ceremony.
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The Cuban-American rapper and singer, and the legendary American rock star, lit the stage with their riveting performance, while the audience bopped their heads singing.
Pitbull and Jon Bon Jovi struck up a friendship after meeting at the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction and awards ceremony. Since then, they notably hit the stage together last April at the Hollywood Bowl for a duet of “Thank God & Jimmy Buffett” during the Keep The Party Going: A Tribute To Jimmy Buffett. In September, Jon Bon Jovi surprised Pitbull’s fans at the Jones Beach Theater, during the New York stop of his Party After Dark Tour, where they sang “It’s My Life” together for the very first time.
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Now, they give the song a spin with their new remix. In “Now Or Never,” the track’s instantly recognizable riff and chorus ring out as powerfully as ever, with Pitbull adding fresh verses like “Me, I am a man of my word, and I live it” and “Just live your life like Frank Sinatra, your way, and have no fear.”
The 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammy Awards can be seen on Univision, Galavisión and ViX. The ceremony is set to feature performances from Alejandro Fernández, Becky G, Carín León, Eladio Carrión, Jon Bon Jovi, Kali Uchis and Residente, among others. For a second year in a row, songwriter and producer Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with nine nods. He is followed by superstars Karol G and Bad Bunny, who got eight mentions each. To see the updating list of winners, click here.
For more updates on performances, special awards and behind-the-scenes action from the night, check out Billboard.com.