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Eugenio Derbez is walking back his harsh comments about Selena Gomez‘s performance in the Netflix musical movie Emilia Pérez.
During a recent appearance on the Hablando de Cine podcast, the Mexican actor and comedian criticized Gomez’s attempt at speaking Spanish in the film, calling her performance “indefensible.”
Gomez, who plays Jessi del Monte in the Jacques Audiard-directed film, speaks Spanish in the movie but is not fluent in the language.
“Selena is indefensible,” Derbez said in a clip from the podcast, which was shared on TikTok. “I was there [watching the movie] with people, and every time a scene came [with her in it], we looked at each other and said, ‘Wow, what is this?’”
Derbez agreed with Hablando de Cine host Gaby Meza, who suggested that Gomez struggled to add nuance to her performance because Spanish isn’t her first language and she didn’t fully understand what she was saying.
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Gomez responded to the criticism in the comments section of the TikTok post. “I understand where you are coming from. I’m sorry I did the best I could with the time I was given,” the Only Murders in the Building actress wrote. “Doesn’t take away from how much work and heart I put into this movie.”
The Grammy-nominated singer and actress also addressed Derbez’s comments directly: “Also, do not ever say my fans are the problem standing up, as you say, for me.”
The CODA star later posted an apology to Gomez in a letter posted to TikTok. “I truly apologize for my careless comments — they are indefensible and go against everything I stand for,” Derbez wrote. “As Latinos, we should always support one another. There’s no excuse. I was wrong, and I deeply admire your career and your kind heart.”
Emilia Pérez tells the story of cartel boss Manitas del Monte (played by Sofía Gascón), who retires from the business to undergo gender reassignment surgery and become the titular character. The film’s plot is further defined by musical numbers that blend rock, pop and rap, all sung in Spanish, capturing the transformation of its central characters. The film also stars Zoe Saldaña.
In his first-ever stadium headlining show in his hometown, the Colombian superstar delivers a show filled with star-studded cameos, deep cuts and relentless energy.
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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Camila Cabello Becomes Substitute Teacher
From pop star to substitute teacher, Camila Cabello can do it all. In the Dec. 4-episode of Celebrity Substitute, the singer-songwriter visits a New York City public school to teach elementary students about the art of performance. Cabello’s lesson plan includes: Getting the students comfortable, inspiring confidence and, lastly, filming a music video for her song “I Luv It.”
Watch the adorable episode below:
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Eladio Carrión Holds Annual SauceGiving Event
Over Thanksgiving weekend, Eladio Carrión held his 4th annual SauceGiving event in Puerto Rico, which had over 4,000 attendees. The day kicked off with “baseball clinics,” where around 300 children learned directly from Major League players who shared techniques and inspired the next generation of baseball talent.
This year, the Celebrity Softball Game, where music stars and Major League talent team up for a showdown at Estadio Néstor Morales, included on its lineup artists like Eladio Carrión, Arcángel, Daddy Yankee, Latin Mafia, Yandel and Young Miko, to name a few.
Celebrity Softball Game at Eladio Carrión’s SauceGiving event in Puerto Rico.
Rafael R. Molina
Meanwhile, the SauceMarket showcased a variety of vendors, fair games, a pet adoption area and a merch booth for fans. In total, five dogs and two cats were adopted.
Ricky Martin Performs at World AIDS Day Event
Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin sang some of his biggest hits — in English and Spanish — during his headlining set on Monday at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s annual World AIDS Day concert, which was held at the Watsco Center in Miami. World AIDS Day is commemorated each year on Dec. 1 as “an opportunity for communities to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those we’ve lost,” according to a press release.
Watch a short recap of the event here.
Shakira Shares Special Moment With Milan & Sasha
“These little kisses always make me sing better,” Shakira captioned a video that captures a sweet moment with her two sons, Milan and Sasha, during rehearsals for her upcoming world tour. In the video, the Colombian superstar shows off her ethereal vocals singing “Última,” from her latest album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, while her kids accompany her and offer her kisses. Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is set to kick off next year in Latin America.
Watch the video with her kids here.
In our Latin Remix of the Week series, we spotlight remixes that the Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors deem exceptional and distinct. We might not publish a review every week. This is our selection today.
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Originally a poignant pop ballad, Tiago PZK‘s “Mi Corazón” undergoes a buoyant transformation in its latest remix. Joining forces with Tex-Mex sensations Grupo Frontera, this version not only continues to pay homage to La Mosca Tsé-Tsé’s iconic “Para No Verte Más,” but it also reinvents the wheel by splicing in lively cumbia rhythms, proving yet again that true artistry lies in innovation.
Together, they’ve infused some lyrical tweaks while preserving the original chorus, all while masterfully transforming the track into a cumbia that commands you to dance. Backed by the hallmark sound of güiros, accordion, requinto, and rhythm guitar, the song now pulses with an undeniable vitality.
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Accompanying the remix is a music video that places Tiago PZK and Grupo Frontera in a stark tableau of black cowboy rocker get-ups, boarding a train bound for the unknown. The video captivates with a vintage flair reminiscent of 1940s film noir dipped in warm sepia tones.
Selecting this week’s top remix was tough with contenders like “Mis Amigas (Remix)” by a star-studded roster Brray, Zion, Wisin, Jowell & Randy, Ñengo Flow, Maldy, Jory Boy, Gotay, Ñejo, and Luigi 21 Plus, with classic reggaetón samplings from Tego Calderón, Daddy Yankee, and Chaka Demus & Pliers. Also in the mix was ROA, De La Rose, and Luar La L’s “ETA (RMX)” featuring Yan Block & Omar Courtz, a simmering, seductive take on subtle trap. Elswhere, Dani Flow paired with Veracruz legends Grupo Climax for a fun rendition of “Mesa Que Más Aplauda (Remix).”
Yet, “Mi Corazón” stood out — not just for its deft blending of genres but for its ability to breathe new life into the soul of a song.
Watch the official video for Tiago PZK & Grupo Frontera’s “Mi Corazón” remix below:
Christmas season is here, with a whole new offering of holiday songs in Spanish or Spanglish, including original songs or covers, and more than one album. While must-have classics like José Feliciano‘s “Feliz Navidad,” which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, remain in the top 10 of Billboard‘s Holiday 100 chart, artists like Maria Becerra and Thalia have new releases to add to your playlist this month.
The former released a bilingual version of the American classic “Jingle Bell Rocks,” adding verses in Spanish to the voice of Bobby Helms on the iconic original 1957 recording for a refreshing duet. The latter released the six-song EP Navidad Melancólica, fusing rhythms such as bachata and cumbia, and uniting pop with Christian music in a collaboration with Marcos Witt.
“This album was born from my need to preserve my childhood memories, transforming them into memories full of joy, hope and strength to fill my life with faith on these special dates,” Thalia wrote in an Instagram post.
The Latin music offering this Christmas is wide and varied, with songs to dance to, reflect on or simply enjoy with family or friends. Among those who released full albums is David Bisbal, with the 10-song set Todo Es Posible en Navidad, which includes an original song of the same title as well as Spanish versions of American classics. There is also Luis Angel “El Flaco” — with a Deluxe edition of his 2021 LP Feliz Navidad, to which he adds three new songs — and the Venezuelan musician Beet Acosta, with the luminous Christmas Express EP.
For those far from their loved ones, Joaquina captures the feeling of nostalgia in the song “Airport.” And, in a beautiful reflection, Ricardo Montaner addresses the story of Jesus’ birth from his mother’s point of view in “María”, to the rhythm of bachata.
The helpless romantic will enjoy a beautiful version of “Santa” performed by Zhamira Zambrano and Jay Wheeler, while another beloved couple of Latin music, Camilo and Evaluna, recorded “Navidad en cada corner (“It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas).”
DJ Deorro with “Querido Santa Claus,” and Ryan Castro, Juanes and SOG with “Chucu Chucu,” bring laughter and fun just in time for the holidays, while Lupita Infante spreads her joy with “¡Navidad! ¡Navidad! Remix.”
Below, enjoy our list of Latin Christmas songs and albums released in 2024.
Beet Acosta, Navidad Express
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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Sech, Tranki, Todo Pasa (Rimas Entertainment)
After a three-year hiatus and following his 2021 set 42, Sech officially makes his comeback with fifth studio album Tranki, Todo Pasa. Musically, the Panamanian artist delivers edgy reggaetón fusions with electronic music and his signature sultry reggae plena melodies. Lyrically, he’s a changed man: The opening track, “Toy Perdio,” explains why he went missing in action, and all signs lead to a heartbreak. “Tarde” further cements that analysis: “That crazy woman did so much harm to me […] the weight you left behind I can’t even carry in the gym,” he sings.
In “Chiste JAJA,” where he samples Rosalía and Tokischa’s “Linda”; in “Picasso,” where he samples La Oreja de Van Gogh’s “Rosas”; and in “Me Quedé Off,” he continues to vent about the former sour relationship. But beyond an album that’s about heartbreak, it’s a true reminder that “relax, everything passes.” The new Sech is — physically and emotionally — transformed, evolved, healed, and doing just fine, as he powerfully sings on the 14-track set, home to collaborations with Elena Rose, De La Rose, Beele and more. — JESSICA ROIZ
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Tini, “El Cielo” (Hollywood Records/5020)
Tini is precise with her lyrics in “El Cielo,” as she sings about closing a chapter of a love story that ultimately became just a short story. Mixing dance and pop with Afrobeat influences, Tini narrates the spiritual growth that comes from living life with no regrets and loving unconditionally, even if all roads lead to uncertainty. The new release follows her critically acclaimed un mechón de pelo, released in April. While the song alone is captivating, the music video is equally invigorating. Directed by Malu Boruchowicz and filmed in Buenos Aires, Tini is as free as ever dancing under the rain surrounded by her friends, expressing a joy that is almost infectious — perfectly capturing that transition from heartbreak to self-liberation. — GRISELDA FLORES
Xavi & Fuerza Regida, “STR” (Interscope Records)
Swagger and bravado pulse through “STR,” a sierreño that fires up with bold tololoche strings and commanding trumpets. As the rhythm thrums, Xavi and JOP lay out lyrical dominance and tales of empire, narrating a journey fuelled by non-believers turned to staunch supporters. The lyrics, flavored with streetwise grit and an unapologetic spirit, cruise through experiences of luxury and betrayal. “Y por eso ahorita me voy, me vale verga, ahorita yo soy el rey,” the duo asserts in the chorus, encapsulating the essence of self-made royalty. The song is a declaration of independence and unchecked power, perfect for blasting on a drive in an SRT. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Carín León, Palabra de To’s (Socios Music LLC)
As if one song weren’t enough to channel heartbreak, Carín León presents Palabra de To’s, a 16-track album where heartbreak is the common thread in a wide range of emotions. From the heartbreaking drama of the lead single “El Amor de Mi Herida” to firm declarations like “De Su Vida Me Iré,” León creates a perfect project that demands us to sit down and listen to, sing to your heartbreak, or hang out with friends. The carefully crafted lyrics, in collaboration with 28 composers and curated by Edgar Barrera, highlight León’s style of weaving stories that sound like an intimate conversation without falling into repetitive verses.
Musically, strings predominate, played with simplicity and sensitivity, serving as a perfect canvas to highlight his voice. With just one collaboration, “Ocupo Una Limpia” with Luis Mexia, León reaffirms his ability to hold the weight of an entire solo album. On the other hand, the album cover, inspired by Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, underlines León’s intention to present this project as a banquet of emotions to share. All in all, an album so well-crafted that it is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish. — LUISA CALLE
Ryan Castro, Juanes & SOG “El Chucu Chucu” (AWOO Corp./Sony Music Latin)
Ryan Castro and his longtime producer SOG have a talent for creating the most “Parranda-style” anthems each year, making it a cherished tradition in true Ryan Castro fashion. This year is no exception and, on this occasion, he teams up with Colombian powerhouse Juanes to celebrate their shared heritage from Antioquia in Medellín. The song “El Chucu Chucu” serves as a vibrant tribute to the holiday traditions of Antioquia, seamlessly blending nostalgia with contemporary urban rhythms in a perfect mix of cumbia, plus the guitar riffs that embody Juanes’ distinctive sound. In this release, Castro adopts his alter ego ‘Richy,’ a character inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of his native Medellín, this year accompanied by his cousin Toño, portrayed by Juanes, to create a festive anthem that honors family, music, and their heritage. — INGRID FAJARDO
Los Rakas, La Raka Zaza (Raka Music)
After a five-year pause, Los Rakas burst back onto the scene with La Raka Zaza, a colorful mosaic of Afro-Latin and Afrobeat rhythms intertwined with soul-thrilling dancehall. This latest offering cousins Raka Dun and Raka Rich showcases their signature pulsating grooves and a penchant for reimagined classics, fueling an irresistible urge to thrust.
Kicking off with the sultry “Dinero Que Llueva,” their Auto-Tune-laced vocals weave hypnotic spells that set the tone for an album ripe with innovation and nostalgic nods. “Cámara Lenta,” in collaboration with Texas’ DJ/producer El Dusty, revitalizes Juvenile and Soulja Slim’s “Slow Motion” by intertwining robust dancehall elements. “Amigos Con Derecho,” featuring DJ Zaa and Mike Zuleta, flaunts melodic nylon strings alongside steamy vocals, crafting an atmosphere that’s both intimate and liberating.
The heat intensifies with “Candela,” where Nigerian artist Big Klef brings his Afrobeats genius, culminating in carefree lyricism aimed at simply having a good time. Meanwhile, “Tóxica” delivers reggae en español with a classically reverberating vocal stylings, and “Completa” alongside 2-EZ, merges dancehall with dembow. Each of the 13 tracks in La Raka Zaza contributes to a potent blend of styles and stories, marking a triumphant return for the dynamic Oakland-by-way-of-Panama duo. Los Rakas remain unapologetically themselves while crafting tracks that beckon the world to listen — and sway to the riddim. — I.R.
Yeison Jiménez & DFZM “El Tierno” (Yeison Jiménez)
Música popular Yeison Jiménez is taking a bold step into the realm of urban music alongside emerging young rapper DFZM. Their new collaboration, “El Tierno,” blends the traditional elements of Jiménez’s signature sound with contemporary, energetic beats that characterize rap. In “El Tierno,” Jiménez demonstrates that his music is capable of transcending genres, presenting a captivating sound that is both dynamic and infectious. — I.F.
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
Angela Alvarez, the Cuban singer-songwriter who made history in 2022 by winning the Latin Grammy for best new artist as a nonagenarian, died Thursday night (Dec. 5), her grandson, composer and producer Carlos José Alvarez, informed Billboard Español. She was 97.
She passed away peacefully in Baton Rouge, La., surrounded by her family and loved ones, added the musician, who produced her 15-track self-titled debut album, released independently (via Nana Album LLC) in June 2021. A cause of death was not provided.
“I feel so lucky to have shared our grandmother with the world. She was a gift to me,” Carlos José said. “What we accomplished together was extraordinary. She is an example of courage, love and the importance of keeping dreams alive. She taught us how art can heal in times of adversity.”
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He added: “Being able to work with her changed my life. The gift I thought I was giving her, was actually a gift she gave to me and in turn the world. She always said, ‘I want to leave this world knowing my music would live on,’ and it will. Her life was full and her legacy shines on.”
Born on June 13, 1927, in Camagüey, Cuba, Angela Alvarez learned to sing and play the piano early on, and later took on the guitar and started writing her own songs. “I loved music very much,” she told Billboard Español in November 2022 from Baton Rouge, where the work of her husband, a mechanical engineer in the sugar industry, took her decades ago. “When I was a child, I had two aunts that played the piano and taught me how to sing. Whenever there was a family gathering, I was the artist; they made dresses for me and I always liked to perform.”
She came to consider music as a profession after finishing high school, but neither her father — nor her husband, years later — found that kind of life suitable for her. So she moved on with her life. Music, nevertheless, was always there for her, as it helped her cope with the ups and downs of life: from love and motherhood to a near-two-year separation from her children after the Cuban Revolution triumph, when she was supposed to travel to the U.S. with them but was not allowed to board the plane; to her relentless efforts to reunite her family and the eventual loss of her beloved husband and, years later, of her only daughter — both to cancer.
“I think that music is the language of the soul,” Alvarez said in the same interview with Billboard, estimating at the time that she had written around 50 songs, including “Romper el Yugo” (“Break the Chains”), “Añoranzas” (“Yearnings”), “Mi Gran Amor” (“My Great Love”) and “Camino Sin Rumbo” (“I Wonder Aimlessly”), all included in that first and only album that led to her improbable nomination for best new artist and her eventual victory — in a tie with Silvana Estrada, who was 70 years younger.
Angela not only impressed the Latin Recording Academy and its voting members. During the album’s recording process, her grandson invited Andy García to listen to her songs, and the Cuban-American actor and musician not only ended up executive producing and narrating a documentary about her titled Miss Angela, but also invited her to appear in his remake of Father of the Bride as Tía Pili and sing “Quiéreme Mucho” as part of the soundtrack.
Angela Alvarez is survived by three children (her only daughter died years ago), nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Fifteen days after Shakira announced that she would give away her 2022 purple Lamborghini Urus, the winner was announced on Friday (Dec. 6) on Univision’s morning show Despierta América.
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The lucky one was Michael Mejia, who won for his creative video in which his drawing of Shakira comes to life to the beat of “Soltera.” “We did it! We did it! We did it!” Mejia chants in a new Instagram post celebrating his victory. On his account bio, he describes himself as an artist who also designed Fariana’s latest album cover, according to a post on his Instagram account.
Shakira also shared the news on her Instagram Stories.
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The contest — in partnership with Univision and in support of her latest single “Soltera” — was launched on Shakira’s Instagram Nov. 20. “A promise is a promise! I confirm! I’m going to give my car to someone who really wants to have it and enjoy new unforgettable moments with the people I love the most,” the Colombian singer captioned a set of photos in which she’s posing with her customized purple vehicle.
To participate, fans had to upload their dance to “Soltera” on Instagram and TikTok with the hashtag #ElCarroDeShakira by Nov. 29. Shakira then selected five finalists who were voted on by the public on Dec. 5. The contest applied only for U.S. residents who are 18 years or older.
“This car was a gift to myself as I began my single life, but I realized that what truly matters is human connection,” Shakira said in a press statement when the contest was announced. “The car, the clothes, the material things — they don’t transform us. It’s the people we love and the connections we build that truly make a difference.”
“Soltera,” a tropical-pop fusion with notes of Kizomba and Calypso rhythms, encapsulates the pleasures of being single. The song earned the Colombian superstar her 25th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay in October, also putting her in a tie with Enrique Iglesias for the most rulers among all acts, a record the latter has held since 2000.
Shakira is getting ready for her 2025 Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, a stadiums and arenas trek produced by Live Nation. The North America dates kick off May 13 in Charlotte, N.C., at Bank of America Stadium, followed by a show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., along with stops Boston, Miami, Las Vegas and more major cities before wrapping up June 30 in San Francisco at Oracle Park.
See Michael Mejia’s winning entry below:
Rauw Alejandro is going on tour next year in support of his latest album, Cosa Nuestra. The Puerto Rican superstar unveiled the dates to his world tour on Friday (Dec. 6). The Live Nation-produced stint is set to kick off April 5 in Seattle, and will then visit major cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, […]
As 2024 winds down, Bad Bunny aims to leave his mark on the year’s final stretch with his latest single “EL CLúB,” released Thursday (Dec. 5). The track artfully merges pulse-quickening house beats with a nostalgic undercurrent, with the help of his longtime producers MAG and La Paciencia, as well as Saox. Then, ethereal-like guitar […]