Latin

Carín León has officially addressed the recent rumors on social media regarding his sexuality.

In a five-part video posted on his Instagram stories on Monday (Jan. 27), the Hermosillo-born singer-songwriter expressed that it was time to give an explanation to fans. “I woke up three days ago being gay, because people forced it on me,” he said. “Since people have the power to cancel, to say what each person is, if I am this, if I am that, since you decide everything that happens in my life, I woke up being gay three days ago, because people wanted it that way.”

Rumors about the artist being gay sparked on social media over the weekend after a video, created with Artificial Intelligence, depicted him and Mexican artist Espinoza Paz sharing a kiss. As a result of the fake clip, his song “De Compas,” part of his 2024 album Palabra de To’s, began making the rounds, showing people of the same sex enjoying each other’s company. The popular sound on TikTok has generated more than 40K video creations on the app.

“I haven’t developed any symptoms, I don’t think, I haven’t developed any kind of attraction to people of my own sex yet, so I still have heterosexual behaviors,” he said in Spanish, joking about the situation in a lighthearted manner. “I want people who suffer from homosexuality to tell me when the first symptoms appear, so that they don’t catch me off guard and catch me out of the blue with makeup, do you understand?”

León, who also joked about his “relationship” with Paz being ruined, sent a more heartfelt message to his LGBTQ fans. “Long live the community. You know that I love you very much,” he noted, concluding: “I think that the sexual orientation of any person is now secondary. We see so many people with very varied and very different sexual preferences who are super-mega-hyper-successful.”

León and Paz first collaborated four years ago on “Como Duele Equivocarse.” León is a first-time nominee at the 2025 Grammys taking place Sunday (Feb. 2) in the best música Mexicana album category for Boca Chueca, Vol. 1. He also leads the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro nominations, alongside Becky G, with 10 nods each.

From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.

Feid Launches Sixdo Collection

On Thursday (Jan. 23), Feid hosted the first pop-up for his brand “Sixdo” in Miami. A fan experience, the one-day event featured a room that resembles the artist’s personal closet. Fans also had the opportunity to sit down with Ferxxo for a roundtable discussion, where they could ask him questions. The pop-up showcased the initial development of his clothing brand “Sixdo,” which included a closet with green neon lights and a painting that represented his sold-out shows in Latin America, among other elements. Ferxxo has been hinting at the clothing brand during his concerts, in music videos, and even on album covers (starting with FERXXO Vol. 1 M.O.R.), leading up to the grand reveal this week. The goal is to continue developing this brand throughout 2025.

A Wholesome Moment with Shak

Shakira surprised a young fan named Zoe, who’s currently undergoing cancer treatment. Dance studio Hip Hop Kidz and Sunrise Day Camp shared the wholesome moment on Instagram, capturing the moment the Colombian artist and her sweet fan met for the first time, opened presents, and even did the “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” dance together. 

“Despite the tough battle she’s been facing, Zoe’s spirits soared when the international star took time out of her busy schedule to spend time with her,” read the post’s caption. “Shakira, known for her charitable work and deep empathy, shared some quality time with Zoe, encouraging her to stay strong and never give up.”

Billboard’s Latin Artists to Watch 2025

This week, Billboard unveiled its carefully curated Latin Artists to Watch list, highlighting 22 acts who caught our attention in 2024, and who we believe will go on to have a breakout year. The list includes artists who cracked the Billboard charts in 2024, such as Tito Double P, who earned his first No. 1 on Top Latin Albums with his debut set. Artists who’ve been showered with critical acclaim, like Latin Grammy winner Ela Taubert, and those newcomers who first built a fandom on social media before kicking off a music career – like reggaetón mexa pioneer Bellakath, who quickly went from viral sensation to bona fide hitmaker. See the complete list, here.

Celebrating una Reina

A children’s book celebrating Selena’s legacy is officially available this week. Selena: A Little Golden Book Biography, by Maria Correa and illustrated by Paula Zamudio, chronicles the Queen of Tejano’s journey to superstardom and illustrates her timeless impact on music, fashion, and beauty. “Nearly 30 years after her death, Selena’s influence endures, and her accomplishments continue to inspire legions of fans to follow their dreams. This is an inspiring read-aloud for young children and the perfect gift for fans of all ages,” read a press statement. The book can be purchased here, and a Spanish-language version will be published on February 4. 

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.

Alejandro Sanz & Grupo Frontera, “Hoy No Me Siento Bien” (Sony Music Latin)

Alejandro Sanz’s latest song — in collaboration with Grupo Frontera — thrives on a cacophony of sounds. “Hoy No Me Siento Bien” is unconventional both lyrically and musically, and that’s what makes it a really great song in general. Sanz and Frontera’s Payo sing about why it’s OK not to feel great all the time: “If you see me crying, it’s not that I’m not happy/ And it isn’t about love either, sometimes you just cry to cry,” Sanz wails at the top of the song. Sonically, the record begins with a pop melody, then goes tropical, pop again and then becomes a fusion of both. A subtle norteño accordion accompanies the song, giving it that Grupo Frontera signature sound. Produced by Edgar Barrera, “Hoy No Me Siento Bien” is the second single off Sanz’s upcoming album.  — GRISELDA FLORES

Cazzu, “DOLCE” (DALE PLAY Records/Rimas Entertainment)

On the heels of her very vulnerable ballad “La Cueva,” Cazzu powerfully kicks off the new year with “DOLCE,” her intent at the Música Mexicana genre. The surprising corrido tumbado — produced by her longtime producer Nico Cotton — is about a complex relationship characterized by betrayal, backed by pleasing requintos. The Argentine artist reflects on her emotions and the consequences of this betrayal, ultimately leading her to seek revenge in a creative and expressive manner. “You forgot that I taught you everything you know,” she fearlessly chants. “DOLCE,” named after a red dress she owned from the designer brand, is the second single off of her upcoming studio album set for April. — INGRID FAJARDO

J Balvin, “Rio” (Sueños Globales/UMG Recordings)

J Balvin kicks off 2025 with new single “Rio.” Though the title honors his son’s name, the edgy, romantic reggaetón track is in fact a sweet dedication to his partner, Argentine model Valentina Ferrer — or, how the lyrics say, to the one who returned his faith. In the over three-minute track, the Colombian artist reflects on his personal and spiritual healing process, paying tribute to one of the most important people who has supported him along the way: the mother of his son. “Why look on the street for what is abundant in my house?/ A good-natured babe, who has a hot body and face […] God made her humble but I see her as very expensive,” he chants, also clarifying that he’s left the party life behind because “the VIP is now at home with you.” The heartfelt music video captures never-before-seen videos of the couple, who’s been together since 2018. — JESSICA ROIZ

Danny Ocean, “Vitamina” (Atlantic Records)

A dose of vitamin D – as in Danny Ocean – arrives this winter in the form of a song. The Venezuelan musician continues spreading his warmth and good vibes with the new single “Vitamina,” which in the midst of freezing temperatures and even snowfalls in Florida transports us to the heat of the beach while evoking an old love. “You and me, lying on the beach watching the sun go down/ You and me, although I never told you, I am yours my love/ You and me, can you imagine?/ A love that never ends/ It’s like a vitamin, you and me,” says the infectious chorus.

“‘Vitamina’ is a love song based on the beach, that place of escape, of being with a real love and having a peaceful time,” Ocean tells Billboard Español. “It’s like escaping the routine and going to a place where you feel free, a place where you are with that person you love having a good and peaceful time, where things happen just as you want them to happen.” It is a pop song with the distinctive Caribbean flavor that has made of Danny Ocean an instantly recognizable artist. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Soge Culebra & Abraham Mateo, “Rayo de Luz” (Atlantic Records Spain)

Spanish artists Soge Culebra (real name: Gabriel Gómez) and Abraham Mateo join forces to sing about unconditional love on the collaboration “Rayos de luz.” The immersive track features impeccable production that highlights elements of electronic pop and contemporary R&B. The lyrics highlight the transformative power of love, depicting it as a force capable of being a guide through difficult times, through people who become true rays of light. The two performers’ voices complement each other perfectly, adding rich and dynamic nuances to the melody. — LUISA CALLE

Varios Artists, Vallenatos Norteños: Un Homenaje A Colombia Desde México (Warner Music México)

In today’s Latin music, fusion genres are in the spotlight. From Los Esquivel’s pulsating electro-corridos to Yahir Saldivar’s cumbias bélicas and Fuerza Regida’s Jersey corridos, the soundscape is as fresh as ever. Enter Vallenatos Norteños, emerging as a riveting but seamless blend that merges Northern Mexico’s fervor with Caribbean Colombia’s soul. This 11-track album, presented by Warner México, weaves accordion-laden melodies with joyous cumbia rhythms: an intersection that highlights the inherent complementary nature of these two music traditions. Noteworthy are the duets such as Jorge Celedón and Ana Bárbara’s “Olvídala,” and Pipe Bueno with Angelina Victoria in “Niégame Tres Veces.” Produced by Abelardo Rivera, José Luis Cornejo, Guillermo Mazorra, and Jair Alcalá, the compilation serves as a cultural bridge that celebrates and blends two rich musical heritages into an exhilarating listening experience. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Check out more Latin recommendations this week below: