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As the debate over narcocorridos heats up, the original masters of the genre, Los Tigres del Norte, are back with a new EP that’s slyly more provocative than anything currently under scrutiny.
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La Lotería, dropping May 22, features five songs that tackle topics like the effects of divorce on kids, and the title track, “La Lotería,” a corrido with biting social commentary where the devil card in the video bears the face of President Trump.
For Los Tigres—brothers Jorge Hernández, Hernán Hernández, Luis Hernández, Eduardo Hernández, and their cousin Oscar Lara—this is about staying true to their roots. “We’ve always tried to raise awareness with our music, and our goal has been to make songs that stand the test of time. That’s why “La Reina del Sur” is still relevant. That’s why “Jefe de Jefes” is still relevant,” says Luis Hernández, referencing two of their most iconic corridos from their over 40-year career. “One thing Arturo Pérez Reverte [author of the novel La Reina del Sur] said: ‘If you want to understand Mexico’s history, you need to take a look at Los Tigres del Norte’s discography.’”
The songs on La Lotería (Fonovisa) come with cinematic music videos directed by filmmaker Sergio Arau, who brings a visual storytelling flair to Los Tigres’ stories. The release coincides with Los Tigres’ concert at Madison Square Garden in New York on May 24, as well as the naming of a street in the city in their honor. Ahead of the EP’s launch, Billboard sat down with Los Tigres in Miami for an exclusive interview where they opened up about pretty much everything.
Here are three key takeaways. Watch the full interview above.
On the ban of narcocorridos in Mexico
“We’ve always told stories through our corridos. We don’t focus on the characters,” says Jorge Hernández. “We talk about the events that happen, the realities. With the younger generations, they have a completely different language and imagination when it comes to corridos. For us, corridos are about expressing yourself naturally—like delivering the news. Their language is more about imagination, but it means something to their generation. That’s why the government intervenes and all this controversy exists. We’re not for or against what any musical group does. But the most important thing is that, banned or not, you have to stay within the bounds of the law.”
On Trump and his immigration policies
“When [songwriter Luciano Luna] wrote ‘La Lotería,’ what’s happening now hadn’t even started,” says Hernán Hernández of the spicy single. “For people who don’t have the means to live in another country, they want to come to the U.S. That’s the reality. And every president—not just this one, though he’s the most infamous—has tried to crack down on immigration. But laws aside, you’ve got to have a heart. Trump uses laws from as far back as the 1800s to justify his policies. But being a leader isn’t just about laws—it’s about compassion. If the world’s powers don’t lead with love, the world’s going to fall apart.”
Their message to immigrants
“The message is simple,” says Luis Hernández. “Most people who come to this country are just trying to find a better life. For years, Latinos have been the backbone of this country’s growth because the work we do here, no one else does. And as generations have progressed, we’ve gotten educated and moved forward. We need to keep improving, especially now that the minority has become the majority. We need to focus on education, teach those coming after us to vote, and remind them of their roots. This generation, as they say, isn’t from here or there. But once you understand your roots, it’s much easier to understand the message.”
Watch the full video here.
The season finale of The Last of Us is approaching, and in honor of the popular post-apocalyptic drama series, Billboard is highlighting its season two star, Isabela Merced, who in addition to acting, leads a music career of her own.
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Isabela was cast as the last major addition to the show, joining series stars Pedro Pascal (Joel Miller) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie). In season two, Isabela portrays Dina, a freewheeling and loyal spirit who serves as Ellie’s romantic interest and Jesse’s ex.
“Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable,” said Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, The Last of Us‘ co-creators, writers, executive producers and directors, according to Deadline. “You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away. We couldn’t be prouder to have her join our family.”
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In addition to the lovable character on the hit HBO series, Isabela has also portrayed roles in films including Transformers: The Last Knight; Sicario: Day of the Soldado; and Dora and the Lost City of Gold, where she portrayed Dora.
But beyond her remarkable screen work, Isabela is also a promising music star. Below, check out some fun facts about the actress and singer.
Her Artist Name
The actress was born in Ohio to a Peruvian mother and a father from Louisiana. Her real name is Isabela Yolanda Moner, and was formerly known as Isabela Moner when she kicked off her acting career. However, when she launched her career as a solo musician in 2018, she changed her artist name to Isabela Merced as a tribute to her grandmother, Yolanda Merced, and her Peruvian heritage.
Her Music Career
In 2019, Isabela officially launched her music career, and has already collaborated with artists including Sebastian Yatra, Matt Hunter, and Danna (formerly known as Danna Paola), to name a few. Her 2020 EP The Better Half of Me features five tracks —in English and Spanish — navigating from reggaetón to R&B rhythms, and best putting on the map her fresh bilingual pop sound. Isabela has also recorded songs for the Instant Family and Spirit Untamed movie soundtracks, and has two Christmas songs: “Caliente Navidad” and “Cuffing Season.” Billboard can confirm that she’s currently working on new music.
Her Latin Roots
Isabela is a proud Peruvian-American, and the official music video for her single “Papi” is proof of that. The clip included a modern twist to the traditional Peruvian dance called Marinera and the devil masks worn by her dancers, which represent the Diablada. “Different elements of my Peruvian culture, from the coast to the Amazons, are incorporated into every aspect of my music, wardrobe, dancing, and storytelling of my videos,” she previously said to Billboard. She’s also a UNICEF ambassador in Peru and has visited communities in the Amazon.
The season two finale of The Last of Us will air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 25 on HBO and stream on Max.
Soccer, music and community came together on Monday (May 19) at the Tenple field in Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain, where Myke Towers’ Young Kingz Foundation and David Villa’s DV7 Academy officially kicked off their global partnership. The event marked the start of a series of joint initiatives aimed at creating real opportunities for young people in vulnerable situations.
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Towers, one of the most influential voices in Latin urban music, and Villa, the all-time top scorer for Spain’s national soccer team and a 2010 World Cup champion, share the same vision: transforming lives through talent, discipline and social commitment.
“I’m not doing this expecting it to blow up like a song,” Towers tells Billboard Español. “It’s more about leaving a legacy. Creating a habit. Inspiring those who can help to do so, in their own way.”
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“I feel good because this brings together two things I’m passionate about: music and sports,” he adds. “And if I can do something for others through that, even better.”
For Towers, giving back is essential. “When you’re blessed, it’s only natural to want to bless others,” he shares.
Although Villa couldn’t attend the event in person as he was in the Dominican Republic visiting one of his academies, he connected with Towers via video call, where both reaffirmed their commitment to joining forces to provide real resources to young people. Towers took the opportunity to thank Villa for his earlier visit to the Quintana Club in Puerto Rico, a gesture that marked the beginning of the bond between their two foundations.
Villa, on the other hand, celebrated the collaboration with the Young Kingz Foundation. “Soccer is a powerful tool for building community and well-being,” he tells Billboard Español, and reveals that his favorite song by Towers is “Lala.”
The partnership is already underway, with projects in Puerto Rico, New York, Colombia and Spain that include free sports clinics, exchange programs, urban space revitalization and educational support for vulnerable youth. For Villa, the most rewarding part is seeing the immediate impact on the daily lives of young people. “When I visit the academies and see them happy, sharing, and enjoying themselves, that’s the most beautiful thing,” he says. “You can win or lose, but the important thing is that they have a meaningful experience.”
The Young Kingz Foundation was established in July 2024, but Myke Towers’ community commitment had been developing long before that. “Michael had already been consistently supporting his community. The foundation allowed him to organize that effort and amplify its impact,” Derick Luna, president of the board of directors and the artist’s business manager, tells Billboard Español.
One of the standout stories from the event was that of Mateo Bermúdez, a 13-year-old Puerto Rican soccer player who traveled from Galicia to attend; he was sponsored by the DV7 Academy to continue his training in Spain. Mateo was born in the same community as Towers, Quintana, and represents the kind of talent this project aims to highlight and support.
“He has something special. He adapts, smiles when the group smiles and knows how to push through tough moments. That’s not something you can teach,” Ossie Antonetti, president of JDB Internacional (Young Puerto Rican Athletes) and a partner of the Young Kingz Foundation, tells Billboard Español.
“Mateo is a kid I’ve known since he was little, and I have a lot of love for him. I know he’s going to go far because he has humility, and that will take him very high,” adds Towers.
In a conversation with Billboard, Villa emphasizes the importance of supporting soccer development in communities that often go unnoticed. “We know where we can help, and this partnership allows us to do so with real impact,” he says.
During the event in Madrid, Towers also spent time with students from Villa’s soccer academy and took photos with fans who came to the field.
The event coincided with the kickoff of Myke Towers’ Europe Tour 2025, which will begin with two sold-out concerts at the Movistar Arena in Spain’s capital. In the coming weeks, the artist will perform in Cádiz, Barcelona, Paris, Zurich, London and other cities as part of his tour.
Since launching her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour in Brazil earlier this year, Shakira has surprised attendees by inviting a number of fellow hitmakers to join her onstage. From Grupo Frontera, Carlos Vives and Maluma — all three joined her in Latin America — to Wyclef Jean, Alejandro Sanz, Ozuna and Rauw Alejando […]
Elegance. Showmanship. Unmatched flair. Rauw Alejandro made his triumphant return to New York City on Monday night (May 19), kicking off a three-night takeover at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center as part of his Cosa Nuestra tour.
For the Puerto Rican singer, these performances carry deep significance, blending his personal story with the cultural legacy of the city’s Nuyorican community.
“Rauw Alejandro performing Cosa Nuestra live, where it all began, here in the city of New York,” said the man of the night while commanding the stage with superstar swagger. “New York is very special to me, it’s my second home. It’s where my father was born. My grandfather — they came here to work hard, to earn money for their family. Cosa Nuestra was created right here in New York. Tonight is special. This concert is a little bit different from the others.” And he was absolutely right about that.
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The energy in the arena was electric, with fans dressed to the nines per Rauw’s “dress code” for the night — a glam celebration that felt more Broadway than your typical Latin music show. And Rauw’s performance delivered high-octane drama in four acts, crafted like a theatrical masterpiece, at times invoking West Side Story, in others Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” video, to his own arsenal of hits from his new album — “Revolú,” “Déjame Entrar,” “Mil Mujeres” — and even some Rauw classics such as “Tattoo,” “Todo De Ti,” “Desesperados” and more.
The show was filled with imagery that depicted New York’s iconic landmarks and its Latin roots, with the Brooklyn Bridge and the city skyline as a backdrop. With his impeccably tight choreography, tailored and glitzy wardrobe and the vintage muscle car in one notable scene, his homage to the Boricua diaspora was heartfelt and unapologetically vivid — a tribute to resilience, culture and identity.
“New York is a special place, especially for this show, for Puerto Rican culture — for me being Puerto Rican from New York,” said an attendee who looked dapper in vintage-looking slacks and a flat cap. “There’s a lot of history here, a lot of culture, and it’s good to see all the people come together for a special event like this that celebrates us.”
The city is also the cradle of Puerto Rican salsa, the birthplace of the late ‘60s and ‘70s Latin music revolution defined by legends such as the Fania All Stars. That golden era of big-band artistry sparked the vision for Rauw’s Cosa Nuestra album and the theatrical brilliance of the night’s performance — a seamless fusion of tradition and modernity that felt like a love letter to New York’s Puerto Rican roots.
Rauw’s Cosa Nuestra topped Billboard‘s Best Latin Albums of 2024 (Staff Picks), and reached No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart, where it remained at the top for six weeks.
His next stops include Atlanta, Orlando and several dates in Miami before wrapping up his U.S. tour with a four-night series of shows at the iconic Coliseo de Puerto Rico. This summer, he’ll take his Cosa Nuestra tour to Europe.
Alejandro Fernández couldn’t be prouder to carry on the family legacy through his children, including Camila Fernández, who is currently joining him on his De Rey a Rey tour across the United States.
The 27-year-old artist showcased great confidence and poise on Sunday (May 18) at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., where she performed songs from her repertoire like “Todo Todo,” “Pudimos Ser,” and “Se Cancela la Llorada,” earning a roaring ovation from the audience.
“Thank you for your applause,” said Vicente Fernandez’s granddaughter, elegantly dressed in a charro outfit. “Now I leave you with the new king of ranchera music who honors another king who was my grandfather, my father Alejandro Fernandez””
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Also dressed as a charro, El Potrillo opened his set with his father’s classic “No Me Sé Rajar,” included in his tribute album De Rey a Rey (meaning From King to King).
“I want to tell you that I was born with two blessings: the first, being born in Mexico; the second, being born a Fernández,” expressed the superstar. “Let’s celebrate together the legacy of the great Charro de México the way he would have liked — singing his songs at the top of our lungs.”
The setlist included classics like “Lástima Que Seas Ajena,” “Estos Celos,” “El Rey,” “Volver, Volver,” “De Qué Manera Te Olvido,” “Por Tu Maldito Amor,” and more.
In a heartfelt moment, the father and daughter duo performed “Fue Un Placer Conocerte” and “Siempre Estoy Pensando en Ti,” paying tribute to Juan Gabriel and Rocío Dúrcal, who used to sing those songs together. The tender glances and undeniable connection between Alejandro and Camila, along with their beautiful vocal harmonies, deeply moved the fans, who applauded nonstop.
“I want you to know that in this family, there are at least three of us who will fight tooth and nail to keep Mexican music alive, and we carry it deeply in our hearts,” said Alejandro Fernández, also referring to his son Alex.
And while the show serves as a tribute to his father, some Alejandro’s biggest hits couldn’t be left out, including “Me Dediqué a Perderte,” “Si Tú Supieras,” “Caballero” and “Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti,” which was originally recorded with Christina Aguilera but performed during the concert with his daughter Camila.
The De Rey a Rey tour, which continues on May 23 in Salt Lake City, Utah, includes stops in Denver, Chicago, Miami, New York, El Paso, and Las Vegas (for Mexican Independence Day celebrations), before wrapping up on September 21 in San Diego, Calif.
Check out a clip Alejandro and Camila Fernández singing together below:
Mora (real name: Gabriel Armando Mora Quintero) surprised fans with the release of his fifth studio album, Lo Mismo de Siempre, on Sunday (May 18) via Rimas Entertainment.
The 17-track set, which was first produced in Miami and then finished in Puerto Rico, was created during an ultra-personal moment in Mora’s life: fatherhood. Though the songs don’t necessarily delve into his personal life per se, it was important for him to move back home with his family to spark his muse and seek the ideal inspiration.
Lo Mismo de Siempre — named in honor of those who say that the Puerto Rican artist-producer is “always doing the same thing” in his music — is truly an ode to the day-one fans.
“None of this was due to luck/ I’ve had a thousand falls, and although they hurt, they made me stronger/ The people made me, and that’s why I’m here with the same people as always,” he chants in the opening title track, over a dark, dramatic synth melody.
The set then navigates through futuristic reggaetón and perreo sounds (yes, true to Mora’s essence), but also some innovative trap, ballads, tropical and house fusions. He also reeled in potent collaborators, including C.Tangana, Young Miko, Sech, Ryan Castro, and Omar Courtz. Lyrically, he sings about love, heartbreak, the loses, the wins, and other relatable topics.
Lo Mismo De Siempre follows the sets Primer Día de Clases, Microdosis, Paraíso, and Estrella — all of which debuted top 10 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart.
Below, Mora breaks down five essential tracks from his new album, in his own words:
“Bandida”
Billboard Latin Music Week, the most prestigious and longest-running week dedicated to the celebration of Latin music, will return to Miami from Monday, Oct. 20 to Friday, Oct. 24, with the Billboard Latin Music Awards set for Thursday, Oct. 23.
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Set once again at the historic Fillmore Miami Beach, Latin Music Week 2025 will bring together top and emerging Latin music artists and executives from around the world for a week of showcases, networking, exclusive conversations, panels, workshops, activations and concerts.
The event — which last year featured conversations and performances by an impressive lineup including Alejandro Sanz, Peso Pluma, J Balvin, JOP, Bad Gyal, Belinda, Chiquis, Danny Ocean, Eden Muñoz, Eslabon Armado, Fat Joe, Feid, Keityn, Maria Becerra, Thalia, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Yeri Mua and many more — is known as the top gathering place for the most influential and impactful artists today, both established and emerging, as well as the ultimate meeting ground for top music executives.
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Marquee panels in 2024 included the now-iconic Women’s Panel and “Making the Hit Live,” which last year featured Grupo Frontera, who wrote a song live, “Ya No,” and later released it on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day.
More than 10,000 people attended Latin Music Week last year, including the live shows by Fuerza Regida with Majo Aguilar; a reggaeton night with Omar Courtz, Dei V, and Saiko; and LMW’s 35th anniversary party with Young Miko, Tito Double P, Belinda, Elvis Crespo and more, among other events. (See the full 2024 schedule here.)
Ticket and lineup information for Billboard Latin Music Week 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks. Pre-register now for the latest information at billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
Duki’s Ameri World Tour, presented by Live Nation, arrived to Miami on Saturday (May 17) — packed with energy, Argentinean pride, and rock star attitude.
The crowd — mostly made up of children and teens with their parents or young adults in their early 20s — filled the Kaseya Center and chanted “Duko Duko Duko” just minutes before 9 p.m. Shortly after, a three-member band (drums, keyboardist and guitarist) hopped on the red-lit stage and Duki followed singing “Leitmotiv.”
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He continued to perform almost all of the tracks from his latest studio album, Ameri, in order: “Nueva Era,” “Brindis,” “Buscarte Lejos,” “Imperio,” “Hardaway” and “Cine,” to name a few.
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“Thank you for sharing this night with me, Miami. I am Duki!” the Argentine trap star (real name: Mauro Ezequiel Lombardo Quiroga) told his euphoric fans.
Wearing a black muscle tee, baggy jeans, black beanie hat and white Adidas sneakers, Duki — who’s known as one of the pioneers of the Argentine trap movement — did not hold back from channeling his inner rock star.
“Vida de Rock,” “Rockstar,” and “Hablamos Mañana,” his collaboration with Bad Bunny, were some of the songs that fused rock with rap, and had the intense crowd jumping and chanting. He also performed the hits including “Si Te Sentis Sola,” “Goteo,” and his “BZRP Music Sessions #50.”
A notable moment of the night was when he took fans down memory lane and performed his 2017 breakthrough hit “Loca.” The song’s remix with Bunny and Cazzu earned Duki his first entry on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs that same year.
But the evening’s big highlight was when Puerto Rican urban artist Jhayco surprised fans by performing his collaboration with Duki, “Rockstar 2.0.”
“Thank you, my beautiful people! Thank you for bringing me far away from home to an emblematic venue,” Duki thanked his fans. “All of this tour is thanks to you and for you. I thank you with all my soul. Without you, this wouldn’t make sense.”
At 10:30 p.m., Duki closed his set with the ultimate fan-favorite track “Givenchy.”
Last December, he became the first urban artist ever to sell out Argentina’s biggest stadium — the fabled River Stadium in Buenos Aires — not once, but twice, selling 140,000 tickets across both nights. Earlier this year, he became the first urban artist to ever play and sell out Spain’s Bernabéu stadium in Madrid.
The Ameri World Tour wraps Sunday (May 18) in Puerto Rico, following his visits across Latin America and Europe that kicked off in March.
Pitbull surprised Shakira‘s fans on Friday (May 16) by opening the Colombian superstar’s concert at MetLife Stadium with a rocker set of his own that included songs such as “Hotel Room Service,” Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” and guitar riffs of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.” The Cuban-American star was announced as a special guest, but […]