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Christian Nodal has officially wrapped his 2024 U.S. Pa’l Cora Tour, during which he visited fans in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta. In the midst of his 25-date arena trek, Billboard caught up with the mariacheño superstar at the Barclays Center in New York for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look of his tour.
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Nodal — a forward-thinking Música Mexican artist in his music and style — showed off his wardrobe that included shirts, jackets, vest and sunglasses. He wears the latter of the four only when he’s undergoing laser removal of his face tattoos.
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“I’d love to have a clothing brand one day, and what better than to try it on yourself?” he said of his tour outfits. “I’m checking fabrics, textures, and leathers. I love playing a bit with cowboy, mariachi and ranchero looks.”
One of Nodal’s favorite spots to perform at is in New York City because “it’s very special” for the musician. “In general, all the places are special, but New York has magic,” he noted. “It’s very nice because people come from different Latin American countries, not just Mexicans […] People come to the show from all over the world, and that makes the energy much bigger.”
Part of the trek also included a meet-and-greet with his fans, which he says are “euphoric!” “It’s always nice because sometimes they tell anecdotes,” he explained. “There’s not much time [to greet fans] because there are a lot of people.”
A production manager, a monitor engineer, 25 musicians between mariachi and an orchestra, and even a special appearance by his wife and artist, Angela Aguilar, are some of the team players that backed up Nodal’s tour. Watch the Tour Stop with Billboard above.
Paul McCartney made his Latin American music festival debut an epic moment. On Sunday (Nov. 17), the former Beatle invited St. Vincent and Jack White to join him on the main stage of Corona Capital in Mexico for a masterful performance of “The End” in front of nearly 82,000 attendees, according to concert promoter Ocesa.
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Living legend McCartney captivated generations with his performance at the Mexican music festival, marking the closing of the Latin American leg of his Got Back Tour.
“¡Hola México! ¿Quiúbole, banda? Tonight I’m going to try to speak a little Spanish. It’s awesome to be here again,” McCartney said as he greeted an ecstatic audience using Mexican slang. Parents and children gathered around the main stage, some of them dressed in colorful outfits that emulated the iconic cover of the Beatles’ 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
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The British icon performed a repertoire that spanned his extensive career, from the classics of the Liverpool quartet to his solo hits. The setlist included songs such as “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Letting Go,” “Got to Get You Into My Life,” “Come On to Me,” “Let Me Roll It,” “Let ‘Em In,” “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” “Band On The Run,” and “Let It Be.”
The first guest of the night was St. Vincent, who took the stage to accompany him on guitar on “Get Back.” The artist had had a celebrated performance the day before, and with this number, she closed a masterful pass through Mexico and the Corona Capital.
McCartney appeared happy during his performance at the marathon rock event. On several occasions, he paused briefly to explain some things to the audience. “This is the first song the Beatles ever recorded,” he said in Spanish before singing “Love Me Do.”
The excitement was at its peak when Jack White, who had performed on the Vans stage a couple of hours earlier, took the stage, showcasing his talent and guitar skills. Alongside McCartney and St. Vincent, he created an unforgettable moment and one of the most spectacular closings that Corona Capital has seen in its 14-year history.
The show ran until around 2 a.m. on Monday (Nov. 18), about 40 minutes longer than scheduled. This is something McCartney has done at other festivals when the moment calls for it, just as it happened at the 2009 Coachella festival in Indio, Calif.
With his participation in Corona Capital, McCartney concluded a busy week in Mexico with a series of concerts as part of his Got Back Tour. The tour began on Nov. 8 in the northern city of Monterrey and continued on Nov. 12 and 14 at the GNP Seguros Stadium in Mexico City.
The legendary musician began the Latin American leg of his tour on Oct. 1 in Uruguay, then visited Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and Colombia. The tour will continue in December to France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
After visiting countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the United Kingdom with his Que Bueno Volver a Verte international tour this year, J Balvin will hit the road in 2025 with the North American leg of his Back to the Rayo tour.
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In support of his latest studio album, Rayo, the Colombian artist will kick off his U.S. tour on March 20 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, and wrap at the Moda Center in Portland, Ore., on May 17. The 27-date trek will run across key cities including Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and Las Vegas, as well as dates in Montreal and Toronto in Canada.
“After that storm that fell on me, that earthquake, well here we are, stronger and more mature than before,” Balvin recently said during the Superstar Q&A at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week. “We have had so many No. 1s non-stop, for a long time. I felt like, I was laughing, ‘Why does all this happen to them, and nothing happens to me?’ And then, when it happened to me, I said: ‘Ah! OK, I wasn’t the exception, it happens to me too.’ And that learning served me a lot, it helped me to know who my friends are and who are not, to give myself more to my family, to my wife, to my closest friends, accompanying me at the time of darkness.”
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Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. local time on Nov. 20 for J Balvin’s Familia members, who can sign up at the musician’s website. General sales will go begin at 9 a.m. local time on Nov. 21 via Ticketmaster.
“Thank God that I can make music, not out of necessity, as we did before, but being able to do it from another point of view and from another situation,” Balvin continued of his new album, which is nominated for best música urbana album at the 2025 Grammys. “It allowed me to connect with that inner child and enjoy the music without caring if it sells or not, but what makes me happy.”
See the full Back to the Rayo tour dates below:
J Balvin
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The 64th annual Viña del Mar International Song Festival, scheduled for Feb. 23-28, has been announced. During a special broadcast by Mega on Sunday night (Nov. 17), the eclectic lineup for the upcoming festival was revealed, and will feature Marc Anthony, Ha*Ash, Carlos Vives, Miryam Hernández, Duki, Sebastián Yatra and Bacilos. More performers are expected to be added to the Chilean festival’s roster.
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Marc Anthony returns to Viña del Mar as part of his Historia Tour. With a career spanning more than three decades, the salsa superstar has achieved eight No. 1s on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards and numerous RIAA certifications. His discography includes hits such as “Contra La Corriente,” “El Cantante,” and “Vivir Mi Vida.” This will be his fourth appearance at Viña, having previously performed in 2009, 2012 and 2019.
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Joining the event is Myriam Hernández, one of the most admired female voices in Latin America. Known for her romantic essence, the Chilean singer has charted 13 singles on Hot Latin Songs and six times on Latin Pop Albums. In 2024, she was recognized as a Fundamental figure of Chilean music by the Sociedad Chilena de Autores e Intérpretes Musicales.
Carlos Vives returns to Quinta Vergara after performances in 1996, 1998, 2014 and 2018. This year, he has been touring Europe and Mexico with his latest tour, El Rock de Mi Pueblo Vive. The vallenato revivalist was recently honored as the 2024 Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy in Miami. In 2020, he was inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame.
Ha*Ash, composed of sisters Hannah and Ashley, will bring their country pop-rock to Quinta Vergara. Known for songs such as “Ex De Verdad” and “Perdón, Perdón,” the Mexican-American duo have gained recognition across Latin America, the U.S. and Europe. Currently, they are touring the U.S. and Mexico with their latest album, Haashville.
Led by Jorge Villamizar and André Lopes, Bacilos gained fame in the early 2000s with a series of hits including “Tabaco y Chanel,” and “Caraluna.” With a discography that includes six studio albums, two compilations and two EPs, the Miami-based band has earned a Grammy and five Latin Grammys. This year, they released their newest album, Pequeños Romances.
Sebastián Yatra will also be joining the 64th annual event. Prior to that, the Colombian singer will debut as Billy Flynn in the Broadway musical Chicago kicking off Nov. 25. A Latin Grammy winner and Grammy nominee, the Colombian singer is celebrated for his mix of romantic ballads, Latin pop and reggaeton rhythms.
Duki will make his first appearance at Quinta Vergara as a pioneer of Argentine trap. A Latin Grammy-nominated performer, he boasts over 10 billion streams across all platforms. Duki has collaborated with artists including Bad Bunny, Wiz Khalifa, Arcángel, Bizarrap, Eladio Carrión and Mike Towers. Among his top hits are “She Don’t Give a Fo,” “Rockstar,” “Givenchi” and “No Vendo Trap.”
Dubbed the world’s largest Latin music festival, the event showcases a blend of superstars, up-and-coming artists and local talent over six days vying for the Silver, Gold and Platinum “Gaviotas,” the event’s coveted awards. These awards are determined by a jury, with input from viewers at home.
Launched in 1960, Viña del Mar is held annually at Quinta Vergara, a 15,000-capacity amphitheater located in the Chilean city of Viña del Mar, in the central coast region of Valparaíso.
This year marks the inaugural collaboration between Megamedia and Bizarro Live Entertainment. Additionally, Disney+ will broadcast the event across Latin America, while Billboard will offer exclusive content and specials globally via the website.
The second day of the 2024 Corona Capital Festival on Saturday (Nov. 16) turned into a multi-generational party that pleased the younger crowd with the high energy of Shawn Mendes, and the contemporary adult audience with the post-punk and Britpop of New Order and Travis. Amidst this, American singer-songwriter St. Vincent settled an old debt […]
The Global Citizen Festival is heading to Latin America.
During Global Citizen NOW: Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (Nov. 17), the international advocacy organization launched its new Power Our Planet: Take Action Now campaign, which will culminate in Global Citizen Festival: Amazonia — the movement’s first large-scale music event in Latin America.
Set for November 2025, Global Citizen Festival: Amazonia will take place at the Estádio Olímpico do Pará in Belém, Brazil. While the exact date is yet to be confirmed, the festival will be timed to coincide with the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will take place from November 10-21, 2025.
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In a statement on Sunday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva said, “One year from now, Brazil will proudly host COP30 in the Amazon rainforest — a defining moment in our collective fight to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for all. We are proud of Global Citizen’s Power Our Planet campaign, and to host Global Citizen Festival: Amazonia in Belém next November — the first ever impact concert in the rainforest — with the ambitious goal of raising $1 billion dollars and driving forward the climate justice agenda. Together, we will mark 10 years since the Paris Agreement with a landmark event that sets the world on a transformative path toward a more sustainable and just future.”
Global Citizen co-founder and CEO Hugh Evans stressed the urgent need for action: “The issues of climate change and extreme poverty are two sides of the same coin. The climate crisis could push 100 million more people into poverty in the next five years, and 10 years on from the Paris Agreement, we are not seeing the bold ambition needed from political leaders to stop rising temperatures leading to that decline. The only solution is action now — the next 12 months will be vital for securing new funding and radical policy change, and we’ll campaign to ensure it happens.”
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As with previous editions, Global Citizen Festival: Amazonia will feature top global and Brazilian musical artists, including Indigenous performers. Fans who wish to attend can earn free tickets by taking action in support of the Power Our Planet campaign. More details will be available in the coming months.
Global Citizen Festival: Amazonia will be presented by Banco do Brasil, with organizing partner Re:wild, and policy partners Open Society Foundations and the Bezos Earth Fund.
During Sunday’s summit, Latin Grammy-nominated musician and philanthropist ALOK was announced as an official Global Citizen Advocate for Power Our Planet. The campaign calls on world leaders to take urgent action to protect the Amazon rainforest, scale up renewable energy in Africa, phase out fossil fuels, and demand justice for communities most impacted by climate change.
The first day of the 2024 Corona Capital festival on Friday (Nov. 15) celebrated the grand return of Green Day to Mexico after a seven-year absence with a performance that marked the American rock band’s last show of the year. As part of this exciting day, multiple sounds — from punk rock and progressive rock to indie, blues, funk, soul, pop and jazz — were heard in the voices of some of its most representative acts.
On its first day, the festival brought together over 74,000 attendees — according to the promoter Ocesa — who enjoyed shows by The Mars Volta, Warpaint, Cage The Elephant, The Vaccines, BadBadNotGood, Twin Shadow, David Kushner, Clairo, Zedd, French 79, Honne and others, who pleased even the most demanding music lovers gathered at the Curva 4, former headquarters of F1, in Mexico City.
One of the surprises that the festival brought this year was veteran rock band Toto, which attracted thousands of attendees from various generations to one of the main stages to sing at the top of their lungs classics such as “Africa,” “Hold The Line,” “Rossana” and “I’ll Be Over You.” Another of the highlights was the debut of the British singer Raye, whose charisma made her one of the most applauded acts.
The festival continues on Saturday (Nov. 16) with performances by Shawn Mendes, Travis, New Order, Melanie Martinez, Primal Scream, Explosions In The Sky, Black Pumas, Jessie Reyez, Del Water Gap, Michelle, and St. Vincent, who the day before released the Spanish version of her four-time Grammy-nominated album All Born Screaming — Todos Nacen Gritando — as a tribute to her Hispanic followers.
Below, five of our favorite moments from day one of the 2024 Corona Capital festival in Mexico City.
Green Day Rescues Fan in Epic Show
11/15/2024
All 16 performances shined, but there were standouts. Here, we rank them from 16 to 1.
11/15/2024
Mexico City is gearing up to host the 73rd Miss Universe pageant at Arena CDMX on Saturday (November 16), marking the event’s return to the country since 2007. In addition to crowning the next beauty queen, succeeding Nicaraguan Sheynnis Palacios, this year’s competition highlights a unique fusion of global folklore with a Mexican essence. This is thanks to Emilio Estefan, who composed the official theme song and will also serve as a judge.
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“What I like is that it blends Mexican flavors with global influences,” the acclaimed musician told Billboard Español during a Zoom interview. His meeting with Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha Cantú played a crucial role in the theme’s creation.
The 2024 jury also features a dozen distinguished figures from the entertainment, fashion and art industries, including Venezuelan singer and influencer Lele Pons and Colombian rapper Fariana. It also includes Brazilian artist Romero Britto, fashion designer Eva Cavalli, Miss Universe 1978 Margaret Gardiner, and more.
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“I think it’s important for people to realize that we are different [as Latinos]; although we are different countries, we have the same heart and a message of unity,” added Estefan.
Billboard Español spoke with the Cuban-American superproducer to discuss his creative process and expectations for the event.
As the composer of the official Miss Universe 2024 theme song, what inspired you to compose this piece and what do you hope to convey to the public?
Miss Universe has undergone an incredible transformation. President Raúl [Rocha Cantú] has made an impressive change because he is focused on creating something that can inspire a new generation and bring in new faces. When the president visited the studio, he liked a piece that I was working on at the time. He liked it so much that I ended up doing the program’s closing and the score as well. What I like is that it has a flavor of Mexico but also represents all countries around the world. As a producer, I have worked with Gloria [Estefan], Shakira, Jennifer [Lopez]… so many people throughout my career. I came from my country, Cuba, at a very young age, but I also grew up in the United States; I have a fusion of many sounds. So, I am very happy. I did it with a lot of affection and respect, and I hope people realize that Miss Universe can encompass everything.
This year, they will incorporate folk costumes styled after La Calavera Catrina in honor of the Day of the Dead. Being in Mexico, how do you think the music will enhance the appeal of the event during the live broadcast?
[It’s about] creating something new. We are going to open with a lot of rhythm and flavor. We will have many people from Mexico playing at the moment. It’s a time to [convey] a message of unity and peace to the world, which is much needed. It allows you to connect with so many people worldwide. It will be a telecast to the entire world that will showcase the culture of other countries, but most of all, Mexican folklore. Mexico has a lot of folklore and has done incredible things. I have worked with many Mexican artists, I’ve been involved in novelas.
For me, it’s a pride that the president liked [the theme]. I did it with a lot of respect and affection. I believe it’s going to be a different Miss Universe. Above all, the respect that is given to women at this time will play a very important role. The competition is not only about beauty; there have to be many other things. People like you hold important positions in the world; at this moment, women are occupying incredible positions.
I understand that you are returning as a judge after a decade. How do you foresee your past experiences enriching your perspective this year?
Having been a judge six times, from Taiwan to Panama, Ecuador, and Miami, serves me well. The good thing about this is that it’s not just about being pretty or answering a question correctly; there are many aspects to consider. When you marry someone, you marry them for their many qualities, their principles, and the commitment they have to inspire a new generation. Beauty and taking care of oneself are important, of course, but there have to be other qualities as well. I know all the women will be incredible; it’s just about choosing one. Sometimes it depends on how they answer a key question and they get nervous, not that they lack intelligence. At that moment, many people get nervous, but I believe that women now carry more weight and realize the responsibility that comes with winning the prize.
What lasting impact or feeling do you hope the musical elements of Miss Universe 2024 will leave on the global audience?
It’s a telecast that goes to many countries, from Africa, India, and the Middle East. I have [worked on the soundtracks of] 28 movies, from Top Gun, Pocahontas, The Birdcage, many others. Whenever I work on a movie, even those with American influences, I always bring the Latin flavor. Doing it in Mexico is a blessing and, above all, being able to showcase the unity of Latinos, the fusion, and Mexican culture. I think it’s very important for people to realize that we are different. Even though we are different countries, we have the same heart and we have a message of unity, and that’s very important to me.
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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Mau y Ricky, “Libélulas” (Why Club Records)
Mau and Ricky present a new mid-tempo pop single as pleasant to the ear as the waves of the sea. In the nostalgic and relaxed “Libélulas,” the Montaner brothers sing softly about a relationship that has already ended, but which they do not lose hope of resuming. “And if in a few years there is no one else, give me a son/ This is real, this is real/ It doesn’t say anything that hasn’t happened to anyone/ This can work,” goes part of the chorus.
“‘Libélulas’ is a song that we made with the intention of telling a feeling that at some point we have had in our real life,” Mau and Ricky say in a press release. “We wanted to keep the essence of Hotel Caracas, the sonority and aesthetics that has given us so much joy, and we believe that ‘Libélulas’ has all those elements.” Driven by guitar riffs, Latin percussion, and fresh, laid-back arrangements, the song — one you might listen to on repeat while driving – comes with a cheerful music video filmed with a retro style on a beach. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
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Elena Rose, Maria Becerra, “Pa’ Qué Volviste?” (Kira Records/Warner Music Latina)
In a first collaborative effort, Elena Rose and Maria Becerra drop the very empowering, very relatable “Pa’ Qué Volviste?” Backed by synth melodies and soft keyboards, Elena starts off by saying she woke up and is feeling great—especially after doing everything to forget about her ex. “And now that I’m almost happy/ You ruin my life by writing to me again,” she chants before the beat transitions into a captivating cumbia rhythm meshed with urban melodies. “Why did you come back if you already left?/ I almost erased the kisses you gave me,” Becerra chimes in during the chorus. Its notable hook promises to become a fan favorite on social media: “If they ask for me, tell them that I’m doing good and super hot,” the Venezuelan and Argentine powerhouses sing — both wearing weeding dresses in the music video, as they celebrate life, friendship and being single. — JESSICA ROIZ
Ela Taubert & Joe Jonas, “¿Cómo Pasó?” (Universal Music Latino / Arthouse)
This new bilingual version of Ela Taubert’s single released in February takes the original song — which peaked at No. 12 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart — to a new level, making it a universal anthem. The powerful voices of both artists, which alternate and unite beautifully singing in Spanish and English, inject new energy into “¿Cómo Pasó?” — a song about the complexities of love and heartbreak (whose title in English means “How did it happen?”) — adding to verse lyrics such as “Pero si era tan bueno, ¿por qué no duró?” (But if it was so good, why didn’t it last?), and others like the infectious chorus refrain “It looks so easy for you to walk away.” The duo premiered the collaboration on Thursday (November 14) in an electrifying number at the Latin Grammys, where the Colombian singer-songwriter ended up taking the coveted award for best new artist. Given her exceptional talent, no one would wonder how THAT happened. — S.R.A.
Rauw Alejandro, Cosa Nuestra (Sony Music Latin/Duars Entertainment)
Rauw Alejandro is dripping elegance, maturity and glamour on his new album Cosa Nuestra. The 18-track set — which marks a brand new era, both musically and personally for Rauw — takes fans beyond his signature perreo, R&B and trap sounds. Crafted with live instruments, the album finds Rauw flirting with salsa, merengue, bolero and kizomba music, but also honing the electro-funk fusions and keeping faithful to his urban roots.
“If you lose your essence, you lose everything,” he explained to Billboard. “I always try to look for a happy medium, not only what I like to listen to as an artist, but also what my fans like.” Cosa Nuestra, inspired by the 1970s era in New York, represents culture and community, bringing together collaborators such as Bad Bunny, Romeo Santos, Pharrell Williams and Laura Pausini, for this new era of Rauw — one that’s mature, healed and liberating. — J.R.
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
