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Rauw Alejandro took a day off between stops on his Cosa Nuestra tour to attend the 2025 Billboard Live Music Summit in Los Angeles to explain how a new partnership with Live Nation helped him create a theatrical spectacle that could “travel through the whole world.”
Alejandro — who came straight from a Sunday (Nov. 2) show in Monterrey, Mexico and has to fly right back for a Tuesday (Nov. 4) performance in Mexico City — took the stage for a spotlight conversation with Billboard’s Leila Cobo and Live Nation senior vp of global touring Hans Schafer at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood on Monday (Nov. 3).
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The Cosa Nuestra tour is a high-concept, 1970s New York-inspired spectacle supporting Alejandro’s 2024 album of the same name, which hit No. 6 on the Billboard 200. The tour grossed $91.7 million across spring and summer legs in North America and Europe before heading to South America and Mexico. Alejandro will conclude at the end of this month with a five-date residency at San Juan’s Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot.
During the discussion, the cover star of Billboard’s touring issue explained that after attending live theater in New York, he was inspired to create what he called “the biggest Broadway show on earth” — though it’s not so easy to bring Broadway to an arena. Enter Live Nation.
“I consider myself the best, so I want to work with the best team,” said Alejandro of joining up with the concert giant for the tour.
As Alejandro explained, Live Nation helped him bring his vision to life using maximum precision. “We could sell stadiums,” said Alejandro, but ultimately, he and his team decided to schedule his tour in arenas to “focus on the art.” The tour also eschewed outdoor venues, preferring the dark environment of an indoor arena to better evoke the feel of a Broadway theater.
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A huge priority, said Alejandro, was to create consistency across markets. As he put it, he didn’t want South American fans to watch one version of Cosa Nuestra on TikTok during the U.S. leg and then be disappointed when a different show came to their cities.
“I had to find a show that I can take everywhere, because I think my fans deserve the best of me,” said Alejandro. “For me, it was really important to put our minds together and find this perfect show that I can travel through the whole world, and I think we did it.”
Schafer, who runs Latin touring for Live Nation, said he was galvanized by Alejandro’s desire to prioritize performance quality over all else.
“The greatest is when you partner with an artist team and they are not looking to make it the biggest, they are looking to make it matter,” said Schafer.
Monday’s panel also covered the way Alejandro was inspired by salsa music for Cosa Nuestra and how he stays in shape for the demanding, dance-heavy show. He said he eats clean — “salmon, white rice, vegetables” — works out and doesn’t drink or smoke on show days.
Alejandro also hinted at what’s next for his touring career. The reggaeton star said he does intend to play stadiums — and that in the future, he aims to take his shows to even more markets than he did this time around. “We want to conquer Asia,” he said.
Trending on Billboard 2025 will be a year marked by a moment that went viral on the internet: that of a musician who swept the streets in the early mornings in Mexico City and who, with a video on TikTok, managed to connect with millions through an uplifting song, “Sueña Lindo,” and his personal story. […]
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Carlos Rivera chose the Day of the Dead celebration to launch VIDA, a six-song EP filled with nostalgia, delving into mariachi, sierreño and even tumbado music. The Mexican pop star, born in Huamantla, a small town in the state of Tlaxcala, recently presented this material there, proudly showcasing his roots.
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“I want the world to know more about my country’s traditions,” Rivera tells Billboard Español. “We Mexicans celebrate the lives of those who have passed away in a very unique way, with flavors, colors, and music.”
“Mexico is mariachi, Día de Muertos,” adds the singer of “Recuérdame,” a song that was part of the Disney-Pixar animated film Coco (2017), famous for celebrating the way Mexicans deal with the subject of death. “I always thought that if I was going to do a project like this, it had to be looking at life from a different angle. This EP is inspired by loss and grief.”
Released by Sony Music Mexico on Oct. 30, VIDA opens with “Larga Vida,” a song about enjoying every moment with our loved ones. It includes a collaboration with Ana Bárbara accompanied by traditional mariachi, “Cuento de Nunca Acabar,” about trying to forget someone without success. And songs like “Calavera,” a huapango about denying death, and “Alguien,” which talks about being used to replace someone.
The singer says that after his father passed away three years ago, he began composing and searching for songs as a form of catharsis to ease the pain a little and help others who have been through the same situation.
“There are a couple of songs I wrote for my dad when he died,” he says. “One of them is ‘No Es Para Menos,’ in which I talk about the pain coming all at once so that whatever needs to hurt hurts and the suffering ends. In ‘Almas,’ the guitars practically cry from the beginning; the lyrics are about the absence of a person when they leave and places like an armchair are left empty.”
With “Larga Vida,” the focus track, “rather than honoring those who died, I wanted to talk about the importance of enjoying those who are alive and whom we never want to see leave,” Rivera explains. “Originally it was with guitar, which was very beautiful, but I thought we could put more energy into the requinto. So it sounded very sierreño and even tumbado, but using mariachi instruments.”
Regarding the only collaboration on the EP — “Cuento de Nunca Acabar,” with regional Mexican star Ana Bárbara — he says: “From the very beginning, I thought of her to sing it together. Her style of practically crying the songs fit perfectly.”
After participating in the soundtrack for Coco, Rivera had sporadically experimented with regional Mexican music. He did so with mariachi on that occasion and in “100 años” with Maluma. Later, in 2023, he invited Carín León and Edén Muñoz to accompany him on “Alguien Me Espera en Madrid,” and in early 2025, he released “Tu Amor Es Mío” with Fato and Alfredo Olivas.
“I love the genre. It’s my roots, and I want to take it everywhere,” says Rivera. “Fortunately, my music is heard in many places in Latin America and Europe, so I want to take the whole concept of VIDA on my next tour.”
He revealed that he is putting together a band of musicians that will include mariachi, and that he will also perform in palenques. The two-year tour will begin in 2026, during which the artist with two decades of experience will bring his fans hits such as “Que Lo Nuestro Se Quede Nuestro,” “Te Esperaba,” and “Me Muero.” The dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
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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.
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Kali Uchis to Receive Special Honor
Kali Uchis has been named a 2025 ASCAP Women Behind the Music, alongside honorees Kehlani and KPop Demon Hunters’ lead vocalist EJAE. “Every year, ASCAP looks forward to spotlighting some of music’s most extraordinary women by honoring them for their achievements at our Women Behind the Music event,” said Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP Executive Vice President & Head of Creative Membership, in a statement. “This year we are thrilled to recognize three women who are pushing boundaries and capturing the world’s attention across different genres. Their creative success has propelled them to the top of the charts and is set to inspire the next generation of women in music.”
The Colombian artist will receive her award at the 17th annual ASCAP Women Behind the Music event, taking place Wednesday, Nov. 12 in Los Angeles, just weeks after her Superstar Q&A at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami earlier this month.
Lele Pons & Guaynaa in the Halloween Spirit
Lele Pons and Guaynaa are celebrating their first Halloween together as parents. Just days before the spooky holiday on Oct. 31, the Venezuelan social media star and Puerto Rican artist shared a photo of their adorable costume alongside their baby girl. In the cute carousel, the family of three is seen dressed up as Peter Pan (Guaynaa), Wendy Darling (Lele) and Tinkerbell (their daughter) — in costumes designed by Karina Garcia, according to the Instagram post.
Juan Luis Guerra is Celebrated Back Home
This week, Juan Luis Guerra was named “Patrimonio Musical y Poético de República Dominicana” (Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic) by Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (MIREX, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in his native Dominican Republic.
“His career transcends the awards and distinctions he has accumulated,” said Minister Roberto Álvarez during the ceremony, according to a press release. “What is truly significant is his ability to narrate — with poetic verses that seduce and captivate the imagination and the heart — the everyday experiences of our people: their dreams of social justice, their deep faith, their joy, and their unwavering sense of humor.”
During the event, which coincides with the National Day of Merengue and National Day of Bachata, Guerra — behind timeless hits such as “Bachata Rosa,” “La Bilirrubina,” and “Mi Bendicion” — expressed the following: “I would like to conclude by giving glory and honor to the Lord Jesus. If there is one thing I am sure of, it is that my melodies, metaphors, and all my songs come from him.”
Latin Music Educator Award
The Latin Recording Academy, in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, has announced its inaugural recipient of the Latin Music Educator Award. Honoring an “exceptional educator from the global music community who is making a significant impact by incorporating Latin music into their curriculum,” according to a statement, the first annual award was handed to Luciana Ortega of the Instituto Santa María de San Carlos, in Chile.
As part of the award, the school’s music program will receive a $10,000 instrument donation. Ortega — who has been teaching music for more than 10 years — will be honored during the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas. “We are proud to honor Luciana Ortega with the first Latin Music Educator Award,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Her daily commitment to music students brings to life our mission to honor, celebrate, nurture and elevate Latin music and those that ensure its enduring legacy.”
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This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music, including fresh picks by DannyLux, a collaboration between Codiciado and Xavi and Rosalía’s highly awaited featuring with Björk and Yves Tumor, to name a few.
GALE unleashed her sophomore studio album Lo Que Puede Pasar, which explores heartbreak, new beginnings, and the nostalgia of first times in 13 tracks. On the set, the Puerto Rican artist is joined by collaborators Danny Ocean, LAGOS, and Abraham Mateo, to name a few, where she navigates with ease rhythms such as EDM, pop, and rock. “Beautifully produced from beginning to end, Lo Que Puede Pasar showcases an evolution in the sound of GALE, one of the most sought-after songwriters in Latin music, whose credits include hits for superstars like Shakira, Christina Aguilera, and Juanes,” Billboard Español’s Sigal Ratner-Arias said.
Speaking of new projects, Maria Becerra dropped “JOJO,” her first single from her forthcoming set called QUIMERA. Sonically, the track — co-produced and co-written by Becerra and XCROSS — is a hard-hitting dancehall fused with R&B elements, and lyrically, it’s about a girl named Jojo, who has a magnetic force and has no competition.
Other new releases this week include music from Maria Becerra, Banda El Recodo, and Majo Aguilar. In the latest New Music Latin poll, Esaú Ortiz’s Discontrol album won with more than 60% of the vote. Which release this week do you think is best? Give these new releases a spin and vote for your favorite new Latin music release below:
Editor’s Note: The results of the weekly New Music Latin poll will be posted if the poll generates more than 1,000 votes. This poll closes at 7:30 a.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 3.
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Spanish superstar Rosalía returned this week to Mexico City, where she attended a listening session for her new album LUX on Wednesday night (Oct. 29) with a lucky group of fans. Her visit turned into an entire culinary experience featuring popular Mexican dishes and a night of partying alongside her friends, the members of Mexican band Latin Mafia.
Rosalía shared the trip with her millions of followers on TikTok Live, showing her and her friends riding in a limousine through the streets of Mexico’s capital before arriving at a branch of a famous pozole restaurant chain. There, she tasted the popular dish for the first time — a broth made with corn kernels, chicken or pork, chili and topped with lettuce. She also enjoyed some enfrijoladas, tortillas dipped in bean sauce and filled with shredded chicken.
“First time eating pozole, guys,” Rosalía says in a video that has gone viral in Mexico since Thursday. “It’s tricky — it’s spicy,” she adds, pulling the classic faces one makes when eating spicy food. Videos of diners who were surprised to see the singer at one of the restaurant chain’s locations have also gone viral.
The “Motomami” singer’s night out in Mexico also included a stop at a Mexican cantina, where she and Latin Mafia enjoyed some drinks and watched drag performances with numbers dedicated to Juan Gabriel and Jenni Rivera.
The Spanish superstar also received a special gift: a necklace with a pendant of the iconic Virgin of Guadalupe, the Patron Saint of Mexico and Latin America, which was given to her by one of the members of the pop trio. The night was sealed with a tattoo that Rosalía herself gave to Milton de la Rosa, one of the singers of Latin Mafia, featuring the title of her new album, LUX.
The artist was in Mexico as part of the worldwide listening parties for LUX, her highly anticipated fourth studio album, to be released on Nov. 7. According to her, the LP is “inspired by holy women from around the world.” The first single, “Berghain,” a cutting-edge track featuring Björk and Yves Tumor, was released on Oct. 27. Watch it below:
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New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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ROSALÍA feat. Björk & Yves Tumor, “Berghain” (Columbia Records)
Music for musicians and food for thinkers — that’s the best way to describe “Berghain”, the first single from Spanish superstar ROSALÍA’s upcoming album, LUX, featuring Björk and Yves Tumor. Laden with symbolism both in its lyrics and accompanying video, the piece — structured in operatic movements —surprises with Rosalía’s lyrical performance, gliding seamlessly between English, German, and her native Spanish. “Berghain,” possibly a nod to the exclusive Berlin nightclub, is steeped in a gothic mystique that frames its central theme: a woman tormented by a toxic relationship, portrayed most vividly in the video, where Rosalía embodies a Snow White straight out of the Brothers Grimm.
Surrounding her, the London Symphony Orchestra, appearing as she performs domestic chores like ironing, seem to personify the thoughts that haunt her, in a mise-en-scène rich with religious symbolism. In the end, Rosalía breaks free, transforming into a dove that takes flight. As a preview, the single leaves a lasting impression and builds anticipation for the full album, set to be released on November 7. Just watch it above. — LUISA CALLE
Maria Becerra & XROSS, “JOJO” (Warner Music Latina)
Through her latest release “JOJO,” co-produced and co-written with XROSS (real name: Xavier Rosero), Maria Becerra introduces her new alter ego. Sensuality, dominance, and fiery power embody Becerra’s new chapter that sonically, is a hard-hitting dancehall fused with R&B elements, and lyrically, it’s about a girl named Jojo, who has a magnetic force and has no competition. “She knows she’s a badass/ And that no one can match her/ She’s always like this/ Jojo wants dembow,” Becerra chants with confidence. “JOJO” marks the first single off of Becerra’s forthcoming studio album, QUIMERA, set for Nov. 20. — JESSICA ROIZ
GALE, Lo Que Puede Pasar (Sony Music Latin)
On her second studio album, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter GALE delivers a sharp, shimmering pop across 13 tracks that explore heartbreak, new beginnings, and the nostalgia of first times. The LP, which includes the previously released singles “Ciao!“, “Ysilandia” featuring ROBI, “Skittles,” and “Por Si Las Dudas” with LAGOS, also features collaborations with Danny Ocean on “Pa’ Qué Te Quedas” and Abraham Mateo on “No Quería Quererte” — both similar in rhythm (mid-tempo pop songs that explode into a powerful EDM beat) but with distinct vibes and messages.
The set opens with “Perspectiva,” a catchy track about beginning to fall for someone, and closes with “Domingo,” a moving reflection on the passage of time with a soothing vocal and guitar arrangements. The title track stands out for its infectious rhythm and lyrics about the excitement of “anything that can happen” on that first date with that special someone. Beautifully produced from beginning to end, Lo Que Puede Pasar showcases an evolution in the sound of GALE, one of the most sought-after songwriters in Latin music, whose credits include hits for superstars like Shakira, Christina Aguilera, and Juanes. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Banda El Recodo, “Solo Tú” (FONO/El Recodo Enterprises)
One of Camilo Sesto’s greatest classics is given new life in the Sinaloan banda style with this new cover by Banda El Recodo. The trumpets lend a romantic, even sensual touch to this anthem of desperate love, complemented by the vocals of Ricardo Yocupicio and Geovanni Mondragón and the rest of the instrumentation, which includes the essential tuba, clarinets, and horns. Originally released in 1976, “Solo Tú” speaks of a love for which one gives and sacrifices everything. The song is the first single from the upcoming album by “the mother of all bands,” and its video features the band members in black and white tuxedos, giving this work the elegance it deserves. — TERE AGUILERA
Majo Aguilar, “Chilo” (Universal Music México)
In her latest single, the young star of the Aguilar dynasty shows how to transform the pain of a breakup into a feeling of freedom and peace. She does so with great style, to the rhythm of a classic ranchera, but adding sierreño guitars for a contemporary touch. This empowering anthem, which emboldens and motivates her to move forward with dignity after a heartbreak, borrows a popular colloquial expression from the northern Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa, where people often use the word “chilo” to refer to something “nice,” “amazing,” or “great.”
“Chilo, I’m doing great/ Don’t worry, I won’t seek your affection anymore/ Chilo, I’m here at 100%/ I wish you the good and the bad you did to me,” goes the chorus, which highlights Aguilar’s melodic and powerful voice. The track is accompanied by a music video directed by QUIÉN, which features Majo on a recording set, with a vibrant orange desert and skies filled with lightning, creating a dramatic and powerful tone. — NATALIA CANO
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
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Billboard Latin Music Week 2025 included a series of emerging artists showcases, featuring everyone from Lupita Infante and Christian Alicea to Alejo, Zizzy and Chaparro Chuacheneguer.
Held in the Stardust Lounge at the Fillmore Miami Beach, the intimate concerts began on Monday, October 20th, with a set presented by Platoon featuring Colombian musician and producer Golden, known for his musical versatility (R&B, Afrobeats, hip-hop, pop) and collaborations with artists such as Beelé, Hamilton, and Maria Becerra. Golden made his debut as a singer in June with the album Saoko Vol. 1, in which he shares his African roots, fusing them with salsa and lyrics that largely pay tribute to women. He was joined by two special guests: Cartagena-born Zaider, recognized for his fusion of Afrobeats and reggaetón; and producer Slow Mike.
On Tuesday, Oct. 21st, Peermusic presented an energetic showcase featuring four of its stars. Mexican artist Zizzy kicked things off with his unique fusion of rap, reggaetón, and R&B, adding a touch of romance. Famous for his collaborations with stars like Yng Iván and Álvaro Díaz, the Monterrey native demonstrated his talent as one of the most promising artists in the Latin urban genre. Next up was Alejo, the young Puerto Rican star who’s latest achievements include appearing at Lollapalooza Chile, performing at the Lunario in Mexico City, and participating in summer festivals in Spain. With his urban style and catchy rhythms, he had not only his fans singing and dancing, but also those he won over at the event.
Lupita Infante’s feminine presence added a special touch to the evening. Accompanied by a mariachi band, the great Pedro Infante’s granddaughter showcased her spectacular voice, singing the ranchera songs that have earned her two Latin Grammy nominations with her bold style and soulful vocals. Christian Alcea closed the show, captivating the audience with his energetic performance and getting everyone dancing. His spectacular way of fusing traditional salsa with modern rhythms, combined with his charisma, gives the genre a unique flavor.
To close out the week, Mexican music and dance took over the final showcase at Billboard Latin Music Week on Wednesday, Oct. 22, beginning with Silvia Zepeda’s rancheras, an artist signed to Luz Record who has been carving out a place for herself in the regional Mexican music scene throughout 2025. The audience sang along to songs like “Un Puño de Tierra,” in which she was accompanied by Lorenzo Méndez, one of the most respected voices in the genre and former lead singer of La Original Banda El Limón.
Meanwhile, Gerardo Fernández showcased his powerful voice, performing rancheras as well. With 13 albums in his discography, Pedro Fernández’s brother remains true to his roots, and he demonstrated this on stage.
The energy and fun came courtesy of two artists who are causing sensation on social media and within the Latino community of California. First, Juanito El Millonzuki, also known as “the king of urban ranch,” got the crowd dancing with his upbeat set. Shortly after, he was joined by another charismatic performer, Chaparro Chuacheneger — short in stature but with a big heart when it comes to spreading his positive energy through his songs, bringing the party to a close.
With over 30 years of history, Latin Music Week is the largest and most important gathering of Latin artists and industry executives worldwide. This year’s event featured a star-studded lineup that included Aitana, Anuel AA, Bebeshito, Carlos Vives, Carín León, Danny Ocean, DJ Khaled, Daddy Yankee, Emilia Mernes, Ivy Queen, Gloria Estefan, Grupo 5, Kapo, Laura Pausini, Luck Ra, Netón Vega, Olga Tañón, Óscar Maydon, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Rawayana, Suzette Quintanilla, Tokischa, Xavi, Yailin La Más Viral, and more.
Billboard Latin Music Week also coincided with the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which aired on Thursday, Oct. 23, on Telemundo, where Bad Bunny was honored as Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century.
Alejo
Image Credit: Chris Medina
Alejo during the Billboard Latin Music Week 2025 Day 2 Showcase & Happy Hour (Presented by peermusic) at Stardust Lounge on October 21, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Silvia Zepeda
Image Credit: Chris Medina
Silvia Zepeda at Emerging Artist Showcase (Presented by UNO Production) at Stardust Lounge on October 21, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Golden
Image Credit: Nick Vega
Golden during the Billboard Latin Music Week 2025 Day 1 – Emerging Artist Showcase (Presented by Platoon) on October 20, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Chaparro Chuacheneguer
Image Credit: Chris Medina
Chaparro Chuacheneguer at Emerging Artist Showcase (Presented by UNO Production) at Stardust Lounge on October 21, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Lupita Infante
Image Credit: Chris Medina
Lupita Infante during the Billboard Latin Music Week 2025 Day 2 Showcase & Happy Hour (Presented by peermusic) at Stardust Lounge on October 21, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Zizzy
Image Credit: Chris Medina
Zizzy during the Billboard Latin Music Week 2025 Day 2 Showcase & Happy Hour (Presented by peermusic) at Stardust Lounge on October 21, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Juanito El Millonzuki and Gerardo Fernández
Image Credit: Chris Medina
Juanito El Millonzuki and Gerardo Fernández at Emerging Artist Showcase (Presented by UNO Production) at Stardust Lounge on October 21, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida.
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When Juan Gabriel released his debut album El Alma Joven (1971) — which included the hit “No Tengo Dinero” — and received his first paycheck, the iconic Mexican singer-songwriter bought a house for his mother and gifted himself a Super 8 camera to meticulously document his life on and off stage. Years later, that vast video archive became the foundation for a documentary narrated in his own voice.
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In Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will (Juan Gabriel: Debo, Puedo y Quiero), a four-episode docuseries available on Netflix starting Thursday (Oct. 30), the artists also known as the “Divo de Juárez” is showcased like his audience has never seen before: through his own lens and from his intimate perspective. This was made possible thanks to access granted to documentary filmmaker María José Cuevas to hundreds of tapes recorded by the artist himself from the 1970s until shortly before his death in August 2016.
“What makes this project unique is being immersed in the two personas: the private and the public figure,” Cuevas tells Billboard Español in an interview in Mexico City. “Juan Gabriel was music. Alberto Aguilera Valadez (his real name) was his pause.”
Cuevas explains that she relied on hundreds of home videos, concert recordings, family scenes, and intimate moments that had been stored in a warehouse for over 40 years. But the sheer volume of material — “all filmed by him and for him,” she emphasizes — became the project’s main challenge for the filmmaker, producers Laura Woldenberg and Ivonne Gutiérrez, and their team.
“Any cassette could hold a gem. There were tapes in 8 mm format, VHS, everything,” Gutiérrez recounts. “We had thousands of photos, many audio and video files, but the story was crafted by Juan Gabriel with the recordings he left behind.”
The series title comes from a newspaper headline after his first concert at the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes in 1990, a performance that sparked great controversy due to criticism of his desire to perform at Mexico’s most prestigious cultural venue as a popular artist. This chapter in the great singer-songwriter’s life is one of the most symbolic moments in the documentary. The phrase is also included in his song “Debo Hacerlo.”
Juan Gabriel in Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will
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That very first concert in 1990 — one of three Juan Gabriel performed at the Palacio de Bellas Artes throughout his career — will be screened at the Zócalo in Mexico City, the country’s main public square, on Nov. 8 as part of the promotion for Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will. Thousands of attendees are expected, much like in Sept. 2024, when a projection of his 2013 show drew 70,000 people.
For Cuevas, who also directed the 2016 documentary Bellas de Noche, about legendary Mexican vedettes, the incredible aspect of Juanga’s docuseries is the timeline of his story in video, which allows the viewer to witness the journey from beginning to end. “To understand the public persona, the idol, you first have to know Alberto,” the filmmaker explains. “That story is in his songs. Alberto is the songwriter, but Juan Gabriel is the performer.”
Juan Gabriel, known internationally for classics like “Querida” and “Amor Eterno,” died on August 28, 2016, at his home in Santa Monica, California, of natural causes, in the middle of a concert tour. He was 66.
Inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame in 1996, he built a legacy as a multifaceted artist over more than four decades, recording songs in genres as diverse as ranchera, ballad, pop, and bolero, and producing for other artists. Among his many achievements, he sold over 150 million records, wrote more than 1,800 songs, released 34 studio albums, was nominated for six Grammy Awards, won three posthumous Latin Grammys, and saw more than 20 of his hits reach the top 10 on the Billboard charts, including seven No. 1s on Hot Latin Songs. His hit “Yo No Sé Qué Me Pasó” inaugurated the first edition of that chart in 1986, at No. 1.
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Karol G made her debut on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Thursday (Oct. 30), where she talked about her latest career milestones including performing with Andrea Bocelli at the Vatican, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and soon becoming the first Latina to headline Coachella.
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“When [Bocelli] invited me, I said no, because I was super nervous,” Karol admitted to Hudson. “It’s the Vatican, we’re going to sing in La Plaza San Pedro, I’m going to perform for a lot of people and with Andrea Bocelli. I don’t know if I’m ready, and I was doing a lot of stuff at the same time, so maybe it wasn’t the moment to do this? So, I said no. My mom got crazy, [and said], ‘How is this possible? Karol, this is an opportunity that you have every 25 years, because the jubilee is every 25 years.’ So I was like, ‘OMG that’s true, so maybe the opportunity came to me because I’m ready. I’m actually ready.’”
Karol ultimately joined the iconic Italian tenor for a performance of “Vivo Por Ella” at the Grace for the World concert that took place in Vatican City in September.
Weeks later, the Colombian superstar was strutting the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in October.
“I grew up watching the show and living the fantasy,” she said. “ I never thought I would be able to be there, with my shape, my curves, the music that I do in Spanish, but actually, I was there. The first thing I thought about when creating the show was the wings and then the performance. I was like, ‘Can I have the wings?’ because if I’m going to be, like, a Victoria Secret Angel, I need my wings. It was amazing … the moment of the show was the runway. I loved the runway. I was having so much fun.”
Next Spring, the “Provenza” singer will headline the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif. She told Hudson: “I have a mantra in my life: You don’t lose the opportunity because you’re not ready. You get ready and you take that opportunity.”
Watch the interview clips below:
Billboard’s Live Music Summit will be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 3. For tickets and more information, visit the event’s website.
