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In an emotional evening, Manuel Carrasco left his mark on Spanish music history by becoming the first national artist to fill the renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. With more than 60,000 fans in attendance, the Andalusian singer closed his Corazón y Flecha tour with a flourish on Saturday (June 29).
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“Good evening, Madrid! They ask what the secret is. There is no secret or talisman. The only secret and the greatest treasure is you who have come to join me tonight,” Carrasco said as he welcomed his fans. “It’s so beautiful it doesn’t seem real, it doesn’t seem true. I’m filling the Bernabéu without Real Madrid playing. Let’s live the moment!”
Carrasco rose to fame in 2002 competing in reality show Operación Triunfo. Since then, he has built a successful career with nine studio albums and numerous milestones. In 2022, he set a record by gathering more than 74,000 people at La Cartuja in Seville, the largest audience at a concert by a solo Spanish artist. Now, he has repeated the feat by filling the Santiago Bernabéu.
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The concert on Saturday, which lasted two and a half hours, was a celebration of his career and was full of surprises and guests. The first was Niña Pastori, with whom he performed “Ayer noche” and “Amor de San Juan.” Shortly after, Luis Fonsi appeared on stage to sing “Coquito” and “Échame la culpa” with Carrasco, and Camilo also joined him, singing “Salitre” and “Vida de rico.”
Later in the evening, Malú took the stage to sing “Que nadie,” followed by an emotional performance of “Libélula,” dedicated to the memory of the Spanish influencer and activist Elena Huelva. However, the highlight of the night came with Juanes, who performed “Ya no” and “A Dios le pido,” unleashing a frenzy.
In a particularly memorable moment, Carrasco also performed a song written especially for the occasion, waving an LGBT flag and advocating for the end of the war and the suffering of Palestinian children. And during his performance of “Volviste,” five couples got engaged as Carrasco mingled with the audience. They were selected from a total of 954 marriage proposals received by the show’s producers.
The night culminated with “Hasta por la mañana,” closing a tour that began more than a year ago in Miami and took Carrasco throughout Spain, playing for over 300,000 fans.
“The last arrow”, as theshow was titled, not only celebrated the success Carrasco’s album Corazón y Flecha (Heart and Arrow) but also consolidated Carrasco as an icon of contemporary Spanish music. Carrasco ended the concert as he had begun each of the shows on this tour: launching an arrow, but this time, surrounded by his children.
“Now, it’s time to say goodbye, lower the curtain to make way for new horizons. I hope we meet again on the road or in the stars. Thank you, Madrid. I love you very much. Thank you so much for tonight,” he said, before disappearing behind the stage.
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Yandel Returns to the Roots
Yandel has returned to his beginnings by going full barber mode in the streets of Spain. Currently touring the European country with his Yandel 2024 Tour, the Puerto Rican artist surprised fans in the Gran Via (a street in central Madrid) by offering free haircuts. The sweet gesture took Yandel back to his roots, when he was first a barber in Puerto Rico before kicking off his singing career as part of the reggaetón duo Wisin y Yandel. Watch the clip here.
Master Chris Introduces La Nueva Cepa
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Last year, the Premios Heat brand unveiled its new franchise called “La Nueva Cepa,” an initiative in partnership with Warner Music Latina and hitmaker Master Chris to help promote newcomers making a name for themselves in their countries. This week, all of those talented and aspiring acts can be heard in La Nueva Cepa debut album produced by Master Chris. The 12-track set includes songs such as “Te Lo Mereces” by Dayanara, “Caducaste” by Andreina Bravo,” and “Dije Que No” by Scarlet Evang—all Premios Heat darlings.
“It’s an idea we’ve been around for a long time and basically celebrates Master Chris’ 25 years as a music producer,” Heat founder Diana Montes previously said to Billboard. “Instead of making a record with artists he has produced like Alexis y Fido, Greeicy, and J Balvin, he wanted to follow the Heat Awards philosophy and discover the talent that exists in Latin America. We are not a record label but on our platform, we have developed many talents. With this initiative, what we are going to do is record them, make videos for them, and put them on HTV.” Stream and listen to the album below:
Latinos at the MLB All-Star Game
This week, the MLB unveiled the first lineup for its 2024 All-Star Celebrity Softball Game. Confirmed for the single-day event taking place July 13 are a wave of music stars such as Eladio Carrion, Myke Towers, Grupo Frontera’s Payo Solis and Julian Peña Jr., and Kane Brown. They will be joining the confirmed actors Gina Rodriguez and Marcello Hernández, among other celebrities. Presented by Corona, this year’s All-Star Celebrity Softball Game will be held July 13 at the Globe Life Field in Texas. Tickets and more information is available at allstargame.com.
Natalia Jiménez Makes a Dream Come True
During her concert in Venezuela, Natalia Jiménez shared a sweet moment on stage with a fan named Maria Gabriela Silva, who’s also an aspiring artist known locally as “The Venezuelan Ranchera Queen.” In a video posted on social media, Jiménez is seen calling Silva on stage to sing together. The two ladies then crooned audience members with a powerful and improvised rendition of Luis Miguel’s “Si Nos Dejan.”
“I dreamt of this moment for 15 years, to sing with the artist that has inspired me for many years…my idol,” Silva expressed on her Instagram account. “The wait was worth it. It was worth the effort and dreaming with faith in my God. Natalia is just as I imagined her, in addition to being a unique artist, she is a wonderful person, with a human quality, simplicity and humility that surpasses . I love and admire you with all my heart Nath. You made me very happy. I will never forget this.” Watch their impromptu performance below:
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music from artists such as Xavi, Manuel Turizo, Maria Becerra, Buscabulla and more. Both Manuel Turizo and Xavi offered a preview of the albums they are respectively working on. The Colombian hitmaker released “Dios Te Cuide,” which will be featured on his upcoming fourth […]
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard‘s Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Manuel Turizo, “Dios Te Cuide” (La Industria Inc.)
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After making us dance bachata and merengue, Manuel Turizo — fresh from receiving the SESAC Latina Music Award for songwriter of the year, pop/Latin rhythm, with his brother Julián — continues to show his versatility with a moving ballad about heartbreak. Produced by Rafa Rodríguez, and driven primarily by a guitar and the Colombian singer’s husky, penetrating voice, “Dios Te Cuide” is a mature declaration of love and resilience after a breakup. “May God take care of you baby, may he keep you/ And may he forget, baby, where he kept you/ So that you don’t break my heart again,” Turizo sings with pathos in the chorus. Accompanied by an introspective music video that captures the feeling of loneliness that comes with a breakup, “Dios Te Cuide” will be featured on Turizo’s upcoming fourth studio album, 201, which he plans to release later this year. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Xavi, “OOTD” (Interscope Records)
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Ever since having a major breakthrough with songs-turned-anthems “La Diabla” and “La Víctima,” Xavi has kept the momentum going this year, dropping “Corazón de Piedra,” which topped the Regional Mexican Airplay Chart in May. Now, he’s blessed fans with the new single “OOTD” — which, while staying true to that tumbados románticos signature style he’s known for, also drifts a bit more uptempo. Still powered by striking requinto guitars and his raspy and commanding vocals, “OOTD” stands out for an upbeat, head-bobbing melody that almost softens Xavi’s vocals. The single is a preview of what’s to come, as Xavi is currently in the studio working on an upcoming album. — GRISELDA FLORES
Buscabulla, “11:11” (Domino Recording)
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Puerto Rican duo Buscabulla, composed of Raquel Berrios and Luis Del Valle, dropped “11:11,” marking their first single in four years. The track, a kitschy electronic pop outing, draws its name from the angel number that emphasizes the brevity of life. The song explores the theme of purpose and fulfillment, with lyrics like “Ya no puedo, baby, acabar lo que empecé/ A veces me quiero escapar/ El momento se me va/ Y no se si pa’ volver,” delivered in Berrios’ ethereal vocal style. Their return follows collaborations with Alex Anwandter on the disco-pop track “Mi Vida en Llamas” (2023), Bad Bunny on the high-profile “Andrea” (2022), and their own debut album Regresa (2020). The accompanying video, directed by Jorge “Fish” Rodriguez, features Berrios in a stage-built, stark white house, performing a compulsive cleaning, adding a layer of performative art to the release. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Maria Becerra, Trueno & Big One, “Cuando Te Vi” (Fifty One)
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Argentine hitmaker Big One has unleashed a five-track EP with five major “crossovers.” His latest creation is “Cuando Te Vi | Crossover #5,” in collaboration with Maria Becerra and Trueno. A first joint effort, the futuristic and edgy reggaetón track blends Becerra’s dulcet, melodious vocals with Trueno’s impeccable and effortless rap bars. Lyrically, the song narrates a conversation between two people: one who promised to not fall in love, and the other who doubts it. “When I saw you, I knew it was going to happen/ I promised not to fall in love/but f*ck that, I love that body/ You did it so good, I had to call back,” chants the Argentine artist, who also flaunts her English-singing skills on the track. — JESSICA ROIZ
Alvaro Soler, “Te imaginaba” (Epic Local)
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The Spanish-German singer-songwriter Alvaro Soler releases a song with a classic romanticism that celebrates an innocent love. The song is an acoustic pop jam with an island feel, perfect for this warm season of the year. “I imagined you/ Having breakfast kisses in bed/ Waking up next to you every morning/ And if we fight, let it be with the pillow/ As I imagined you” says the chorus of the tender song. The song is accompanied by a visualizer where you can see Soler singing in front of the camera while he walks through beautiful landscapes. The ideal song for someone newly in love, who may end up at an altar. — LUISA CALLE
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
Tickets for RUMBAZO 2024 — the two-day event taking place Sept. 13-14 and headlined by Nicky Jam, Luis R Conriquez, Arcángel and Codiciado – are now on sale. Announced earlier this week, the third edition of RUMBAZO, this year in partnership with Billboard, is set to take place at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, […]
It’s International LGBT Pride Day (June 28th), and to celebrate, we have created a playlist with great music from LGBTQ artists who have broken barriers and conventions, paving the way for others to present themselves to the world as they are. With songs like “FruityBoy” by Villano Antillano (from their new album Miss Misogyny, released […]
On June 20, the official first day of summer, Karol G unleashed her first-ever merengue single, “Ai Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” (which translates to “if I would’ve met you before). Co-produced by Edgar Barrera, Sky Rompiendo, and Karol, the new bop is vibrant, feel-good, and optimistic. Beyond its flirtatious lyrics — about crushing on a […]
After a five-year hiatus from the U.S. due to a visa revocation over a minor marijuana possession charge, Mexican musician Codiciado made a striking comeback. Barred from entry just as his career began to ascend, the Tijuana-born artist didn’t let this setback slow his momentum. He had already co-founded Grupo Codiciado in 2015 and rapidly gained industry recognition with eight full-length albums— from 2016’s Si Lo Digo Es Porque Puedo to 2022’s Cuadro de Honor via Rancho Humilde.
Undeterred by the challenges, Codiciado used this period to reinvent himself. He split from Grupo Codiciado to pursue a solo venture, a move catalyzed by both contemplation and encouragement from fans. “When we made the decision to split up, I really wanted to stop — I didn’t want to make music, because I was with the idea that we were a group and that people knew me for the group,” he tells Billboard Español. “But the people who were with me at the time gave me encouragement to say that it wasn’t over there, that it was just a stepping stone, a stumble. We had to keep going.”
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This new venture culminated in his 2023 solo debut, Golpes de La Vida, which delved into his personal and professional experiences. Rather than stalling, the separation from U.S. audiences fueled his resolve, setting the stage for a triumphant return.
Codiciado’s reentry into the U.S. market was marked by a successful five-date tour with sold-out venues and record attendance, particularly at Sacramento’s Hard Rock Live. The tour’s success not only reaffirmed his artistic presence, but also spurred him to schedule an extended second leg of the Ando Enfocado U.S. Tour. This new leg included 14 additional dates, starting in Brooklyn, New York on September 27 and wrapping up in Reno, Nevada on October 26.
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But before that, he will also be touring Mexico and performing at RUMBAZO 2024, a Latin music festival in its third edition in partnership with Billboard. Headlined by Nicky Jam and Luis R. Conriquez, the event will take place on September 13 and 14 in Las Vegas and will also feature Arcángel.
Meanwhile, the singer-songwriter has also been making the rounds on the Billboard charts. “Gabachas,” with Joaquin Medina and Sheeno, secured his first top 10 placement on the Latin Pop Airplay chart, reaching No. 9 in June. “It was merely a studio session,” he says of the creative process. “We got together in Los Angeles and spent about four or five hours hammering out the beat, the lyrics and the melodies.”
His musical influences and the roots of his passion for Mexican music were shaped by his surroundings and personal experiences in Tijuana. “The music I fell in love with [I heard] at home and in the streets of Tijuana, listening to corridos,” Codiciado explained. He cites Los Tucanes de Tijuana as a big influence, and mentions being 14 years old when he wrote his first song. “It was a corrido that I did for a…. I mean, I didn’t know about cartels in those days, just what I heard on the street, but it was a corrido for someone from Sinaloa,” he mentions.
On his stage name, Codiciado — which means “coveted” or “sought-after” — he adds, “[Codiciado] is something you want to have, something that costs. I told my former bandmates that we had to live up to the name, which was to stick so that we were actually sought-after — something that costs money, unlike any local band.”
When it comes to his style — as an artist who might be mistaken as a rapper, but also with a fashion sense that one might associate with Natanael Cano and the new wave of corridos — Codiciado was also ahead of the curve, donning urban wear before it was a thing in música Mexicana.
“I had several disagreements with older colleagues, because they thought I was [dressing this way] to look out of place. Many took it as an offense, saying, ‘No, man, we’re the same, and you’re wearing durags, caps and sneakers, while we’re here with cowboy hats and boots,’” he recalls. “I did it because I come from Tijuana. Although my parents are from Sinaloa, my culture is more urban. In fact, when Nata later broke out — and several other new young artists — everyone tried to have that image. It was a big change for the genre.”
Beyond his music career, Codiciado has remained committed to giving back to the community. His collaboration with La Fundación UFW, a foundation started by activist Cesar Chávez, underscores his dedication.
“We as a society have to be a little bit more noble and empathize more with people who don’t have,” says the artist born Erick de Jesús Aragón, who began earning money working in the Southern California fields. “It’s always good to do our bit. Even the people who work in the fields or on the streets have feelings and many times they share what they have. So, I always try to encourage others to do the same. If you have 100 pesos, give 10, 20, nothing happens. I try to have those approaches, not only with the fields, but also with children and families.”
Name: Erick de Jesús Aragón Alcantar
Age: 31
Recommended Song: “Vamos Aclarando Muchas Cosas”
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Biggest Accomplishment: “My children. A four year old son and a ten year old daughter.”
What’s Next: “The second part of my Ando Enfocado Tour. [First] we are planning touring Mexico. The upcoming album is called No Lo Intenten En Casa, Vol. 2, because when I was with Grupo Codiciado, we did No Lo Intenten En Casa. That album contains corridos bélicos. We want to give continuity to volume two. I already have it recorded — I’m just working on the vocals so we can have it ready for November.”
Just days ahead of what would have been her 55th birthday, Jenni Rivera was immortalized with the 2,783rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On Thursday (June 26), the Mexican icon was honored by her five children — Jacqie, Johnny, Chiquis, Jenicka and Michael — with heartfelt speeches that celebrated the late singer’s life and legacy. Pop diva Gloria Trevi, one of Rivera’s closest friends, was also in attendance and was among the first to take the stage to share a few words.
“I think just Jenni Rivera can make me speak in English,” Trevi said. “Today is a very special today. We are honoring and celebrating the life of a distinguished woman. Today, love and talent defeat death. The daughter, the sister, the woman, the mother, the friend lives through all of us who love and admire here. For me, it is an honor to witness this recognition along with her family. She triumphed in a genre dominated by men. Jenni is unforgettable and unrepeatable, this star symbolizes her light in our hearts. Today is a day to celebrate, to celebrate the life of Jenni Rivera. Thank you Jenni, we love you,” Trevi said, visibly emotional.
Getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was something her children said Rivera not only dreamt with, but manifested would happen for her. “She did that sh-t, and it’s cooler to say she did it from heaven,” Jenicka said. “I thought it was impossible to get [the star] after her death but God has a way of proving people wrong.”
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Chiquis, who has followed in her mother’s footsteps forging her own path in regional Mexican music, remembered her mother’s courage. “It is an honor to be the daughter of such an amazing woman, a woman that accomplished so much but being the daughter of a woman who has left her footprint on earth and on so many people’s hearts. I see her in my siblings and all of you guys,” she told the fans who had gathered to see the star unveiled in front of Capitol Records on Vine Street, neighboring Selena Quintanilla‘s star.
Rivera’s son, Mikey, called it a “surreal” moment and compared her mother’s star to “winning a championship.” Meanwhile, her youngest honored her mother’s generosity. “She was always looking to help someone out, it filled her heart with joy. The world would be a better place if everyone else was more like my mother,” Johnny expressed.
Jacqie was the last one to take the stage and honored her mother with a beautiful speech. “This is beauty for ashes. This gives even more purpose to the life my mother lived. A single mother chasing a dream to give a better life to her children. She lived her life so openly, she inspired men and women around the world, she was able to impact many with her life and music. This is a very bittersweet moment because I wish she could be here and witness the beautiful smile on her face and hear the witty speech she’d deliver. Momma, we are proud of you, proud to be your children and will forever be grateful for everything you did for us.”
Known as “La Diva de la Banda,” Jenni Rivera was the single most successful woman in regional Mexican and on the Billboard Latin charts when she tragically died in a plane crash in 2012 at the age of 43. She entered more than 30 songs on the Regional Mexican Airplay, 15 of those hit the top 10. On the Hot Latin Songs chart, she placed a total of 25 songs, two hit the top 10: “Ahora Que Estuviste Lejos” and “La Misma Gran Señora.”
SESAC Latina celebrated its 30th anniversary with the annual SESAC Latina Music Awards, which took place on Wednesday (June 26) at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.
The ceremony — which included heartfelt speeches and a special performance by tejano/norteño group Intocable — awarded siblings Julián and Manuel Turizo songwriter of the year, pop/Latin rhythm. Meanwhile, for the first time ever, Salvador Aponte received the songwriter of the year, regional Mexican award.
Julián and Manuel were recognized for their smash hit “El Merengue,” which won song of the year, pop/Latin rhythm. On the Billboard Latin Airplay chart, the song peaked at No. 1 last year. As for Aponte, he was honored for música mexicana songs he wrote like “La Patrona,” “Se Buscan Borrachos” and “1500 Pedas” — all of which were recognized with performance awards.
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The SESAC Latina Award for song of the year, regional Mexican went to “Frágil”, written by Yahritza Martínez and recorded by Yahritza y Su Esencia and Grupo Frontera. On the Latin Airplay chart, the song peaked at No. 2 last summer.
Mexican singer-songwriter Luciano Luna was honored with the Legacy Award. He has been previously recognized four times as SESAC Latina Songwriter of the Year for his many hits performed by a variety of acts, such as Banda El Recodo (“La Mejor de Todas”), Calibre 50 (“Tus Latidos”), Julión Álvarez (“Te Hubieras Ido Antes”), Grupo Firme (“El Reemplazo”) and Banda Los Recoditos (“Me Sobrabas Tú”).
See the main winners list below:
Songwriter of the Year – Pop/Latin Rhythm
Manuel Turizo
Julián Turizo
Publisher of the Year – Pop/Latin Rhythm
Sony Music Publishing
Song of the Year Pop/Latin Rhythm, “El Merengue“
Written by: Manuel Turizo, Julián Turizo
Published by: MTZ Publishing, Jutuza Publishing, La Industria Music Publishing, Sony Sounds
Recorded by: Marshmello & Manuel Turizo
Songwriter of the Year – Regional Mexican
Salvador Aponte
Publisher of the Year – Regional Mexican
Universal Music Publishing
Song of the Year – Regional Mexican, “Frágil“
Written by: Yahritza Martínez
Published by: Yahritza Martínez Publishing, Universal Musica Latina
Recorded by: Yahritza y Su Esencia & Grupo Frontera
Legacy Award
Luciano Luna