Music

16 Nov 2023

Bizarrap Delivers Enthralling ‘BZRP Sessions’ Medley With Shakira & Milo J at Latin Grammys 2023

On Thursday (Nov. 16), Bizarrap‘s Latin Grammys 2023 set opened up with plenty of intrigue.

“Latin America, half of the universe! You twitch in the globe like a gesture of God, and I feel you shake with the divine haste of an infinite muscle that is going to tarnish the sun!” read a quote by Peruvian poet, César Vallejo, before the buzzy Argentine superproducer appeared.

Biza, wearing his usual black baseball cap, shades and a sporty Adidas jacket, entered the scene surrounded by a bevy of vintage analog synths and took a seat to play the keys to his latest banger, “Milo J: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 57.” Milo entered wearing a cut-up black denim top, with his signature mushroom hairdo, and began to spit the verses of the chart-topping song.

Suddenly, a dozen vibrant murga dancers appeared — a native style from Argentina and Uruguay — clad in traditional colorful garb to invigorate the moment tenfold. To amplify the mood even further, the scene segued into a bygone tango era, channeling the spirit of Carlos Gardel, as a tango singer took the spotlight to impressively deliver “Quevedo: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52,” swapping its EDM thump for a powerful tango rhythm.

Then, to make matters even more powerful, Shakira re-created the iconic pose from her “Objection (Tango)” music video and seamlessly incorporated some of the signature moves from her 2001 hit during her performance. Joined by a group of male dancers, she launched into the chart-topping “Vol. 53.” The audience, fully engaged, sang along to the anthemic song, adding an extra layer of brilliance to the performance. It’s worth noting the significance, as she delivered this smash-hit rendition in Spain, the home country of her ex Gerard Piqué, to whom the song is infamously dedicated.

Moments after the sweltering performance, Biza and Shak won the coveted song of the year prize for “Vol. 53.” “I’m not used to talking,” admitted the reclusive beatmaker earlier that night during the pre-telecast ceremony, after winning another Latin Grammy for “Vol. 52” with Quevedo. “It’s impressive the recognition they give to this project that I started in my room with a computer.”

The 2023 Latin Grammys feature performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado,Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Sebastián Yatra and more.

The 24th annual awards show took place at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville, Spain. It airs on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S. and is broadcast on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.

16 Nov 2023

Laura Pausini Receives Person of the Year Award From Karol G, Performs Hits at Latin Grammys 2023

Laura Pausini took center stage at the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday (Nov. 16) to perform a medley that perfectly highlighted why she’s the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year — and only the third female artist to receive the honor following Gloria Estefan and Shakira. 

Stunning in a dazzling black gown, the Italian-born, Spanish-language singer crooned to the crowd with her timeless hits “Durar,” “La Soledad,” “Viveme” and “En Cambio No.” Her impeccable powerhouse vocals were backed by a talented choir and live orchestra.

Following her performance, Pausini was surprised onstage by Karol G, who handed her the coveted Person of the Year award.

“Laura, over the years you have demonstrated unmatched talent,” the Colombian artist said in her handwritten speech. “Your lyrics have transmitted messages of love, nostalgia, life, powerful messages that have left indelible marks in the world of music and in the hearts of many of us here. Your career has been extraordinary and your influence will last over time. And it must feel incredible as a woman to have a career as legendary and memorable as yours. We thank you for giving us your talent, for giving us life with your music.”

Celebrating a trajectory that spans more than 30 years, Pausini, who had just met Karol G backstage at the awards ceremony, received her POY trophy and first and foremost thanked her parents for giving her life. 

“I’ve had a very privileged life not only for having the great pleasure of singing in Spanish, but above all, because from that day on I felt adopted like a daughter, a sister,” she said during her speech. “I know that I don’t have the same blood, but I know very well that I have family members who have raised me from a teenager until today, giving me the opportunity to be the most Latin Italian in the entire world. People who have been adopted know very well that it’s not necessary to have the same blood. Latinos are my family. I feel Latin in my way of being, thinking and feeling. It is very moving for me to receive this award.” 

Pausini was honored at the Person of the Year gala on Wednesday night (Nov. 15), where artists such as Christian Nodal, Mon Laferte, Andrea Bocelli, Luis Fonsi, David Bisbal, Carlos Vives, Anitta, and more, paid tribute to her.

16 Nov 2023

Eslabon Armado & Peso Pluma Perform ‘Ella Baila Sola’ for the First Time on TV at 2023 Latin Grammys

Mexico in the house! Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma took the stage to perform their global smash hit “Ella Baila Sola” for the first time together on television on Thursday (Nov. 16) at the 2023 Latin Grammys.

Re-creating their iconic music video, the música Mexicana stars were joined onstage by dancers who were masquerade-ball-ready. “Ella Baila Sola,” up for song of the year, made history when it was released earlier this year, becoming the first regional Mexican song to enter the top five on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart.

And while it’s a total party song that gets everyone on their feet, both Peso Pluma and Eslabon’s frontman, Pedro Tovar, were rather static onstage — perhaps soaking in the momentous night, but both making sure they expressed their Mexican pride. “¡Arriba México!” they shouted.

The 2023 Latin Grammys feature performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Kany García, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Sebastián Yatra, and Shakira.

The 24th annual awards show is taking place at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville, Spain. It airs on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S. and is broadcast on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.

16 Nov 2023

Jason Momoa Is Caught Without His Pants in ‘Saturday Night Live’ Teaser: Watch

Jason Momoa can’t contain his excitement about hosting Saturday Night Live for a second time — so much so that he forgot his pants in the Thursday (Nov. 16) teaser for this week’s episode.

The cheeky teaser kicks off with a montage of skits from his last time hosting, before he walks through the doors of the soundstage and sheds his jacket and top hat in excitement, and proceeds to rigorously thrust his hips toward the stage. As it turns out, the Aquaman star is not alone.

After finishing his dance, Momoa turns around and sees cast member Ego Nwodim behind him with a puzzled look on her face. “Ego, I’m so happy to be back!” he exclaims, to which she replies, “Yeah, hey, we love you — you just can’t be wearing your underwear.”

The camera then pans out to the actor’s bare legs and pixelated bottom half, as she correctly notes, “This is a workplace.”

“I’m sorry. When I get excited, I forget my pants,” Momoa explains. But when Nwodim suggested they find someone to help Momoa get a pair of pants, he defies her and runs up to Marcello Hernandez — who holds a script in his hands — for a dramatic twirling hug onstage.

Momoa first hosted SNL back in December 2018 for the show’s 44th season. Mumford & Sons performed and Robert De Niro made a surprise guest appearance.

This week’s SNL will feature Billboard‘s current cover star Tate McRae as the musical guest, and on Sunday (Nov. 19), she will also perform at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards.

Watch the new SNL teaser in the video above.

16 Nov 2023

Shakira Is Golden With Moving Performance of ‘Acróstico’ at 2023 Latin Grammys

Dressed in a gorgeous golden dress by Dolce & Gabbana and singing with a gold-covered microphone, Shakira took center stage to perform “Acróstico” at the 2023 Latin Grammys. An emotional, open letter to her two children, Milan and Sasha, the heartfelt ballad is up for song of the year at Thursday’s (Nov. 16) awards show in Seville, Spain.

The Colombian superstar started her performance in an enclosed stage surrounded by mirrors and heavenly lighting. She then walked toward the stage where a piano accompanied her and then, a video played of her two sons singing lyrics from the song. Both Milan and Sasha were in attendance and proudly cheered on their mom from their seats.

The stripped-down performance of “Acróstico” followed Shakira’s first win of the night for best pop song, thanks to her Bizarrap collab “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53.”

“I want to share this Grammy with my colleagues with whom I have had the pleasure of working and learning,” Shakira said in her acceptance speech. “With my Latin audience in Spain, in Colombia, in the United States, in Latin America. The Latin public that has taken me to the highest heights, those places I dreamed of since I was a child and to whom I owe everything. I also want to share this with my Spanish public who has been with me through thick and thin … who have never stopped giving me love and support for a single day. I will never forget that. This is for you.”

The 2023 Latin Grammys feature performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Kany García, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía and Sebastián Yatra.

The 24th annual awards show is taking place Thursday at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville. It airs on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S. and is broadcast on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.

16 Nov 2023

Kid Rock Says He & Donald Trump Confronted Anheuser-Busch CEO at UFC Fight

“Only God Knows Why” Kid Rock is still talking about his feud with Bud Light, but the inflammatory rap-rocker added more fuel to the fire on Wednesday night.

In an interview with Sean Hannity on his Fox News show, Rock claimed that during his appearance alongside Donald Trump at UFC 295 on Saturday night (Nov. 11), he and the former president confronted Anheuser-Busch’s CEO Brendan Ball Whitworth regarding the company’s flagship brand Bud Light sending a commemorative beer can to trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

“So [Trump and I] go over, and we actually had a great conversation [with Whitworth],” Rock said, before relaying a series of anti-trans talking points. “I told him, ‘You signaled to a lot of people like myself … by sending that can to the trans kid, you kind of signaled to us that you support that lifestyle, and more importantly, men being in women’s sports or in my granddaughter’s locker room. Most of us draw a hard line right there.’”

Back in April, Rock made headlines when he posted a video of himself shooting a case of Bud Light after seeing a promotional video posted by Mulvaney showing off a commemorative can of Bud Light bearing her image. “F— Bud Light and f— Anheuser-Busch,” he said in the video.

During his interview with Hannity, Rock said he never called on fans to “boycott or cancel” the brand in the wake of their work with Mulvaney. “I said eff you. What are you doing, injecting yourself into this conversation, these polarizing social issues?” he asked. “You could be doing so much more positive stuff just making us laugh and drink beer.”

The “Devil Without a Cause” singer also claimed that he could “co-exist in public spaces” with transgender and gay people, before sharing a message directly to both communities. “Be yourself. If you’re cool with me, I’m cool with you — that’s how most people are,” he said. “But as soon as you bring our kids into this, that’s where you’re gonna bring hatred into it. Leave our freaking kids out of it. That’s the bottom line.”

The rap-rocker’s comments come amid a nationwide surge of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, largely targeting transgender youth’s access to best-practice gender-affirming care, their ability to participate in school sports aligning with their gender identity, and the open discussion of sexuality and gender in public schools. In tandem with the rise of these bills is a sharp increase in anti-LGBTQ hate crimes, according to the FBI’s recently released annual crime report.

Despite Rock’s claim that the LGBTQ+ community is “bringing our kids into this,” research from The Trevor Project shows that this wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation contributes to higher rates of suicidality among LGBTQ+ youth.

Watch Kid Rock’s interview with Sean Hannity below:

16 Nov 2023

2023 Latin Grammy Awards Red Carpet: See the Photos

There was a whole lot of glamour on the red carpet at the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday (Nov. 16). In their first staging outside the United States, the 24th annual Latin Grammys went to Seville, and the Spanish city’s vibrant atmosphere was reflected in the bright colors worn by the artists present.

Karol G was stunning in a sparkling pink mini with matching pink-hued hair, while Nathy Peluso, Elena Rose and Nicki Nicole went for Sevilla red. As for the men: Who knew the traditional black tux and black suit could have this many variations? From Rauw Alejandro’s almost-bare chest to Ozuna’s shiny jacket, the evening’s styles showed that traditional elegance can coexist with edginess.

Other stars who walked the red carpet included Camilo and wife Evaluna, Juanes and wife Karen Martínez, Peso Pluma, Carlos Vives and Maria Becerra.

The Latin Grammys are taking place in FIBES Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, and will be broadcast Stateside on the Univision network, UniMás and Galavision and throughout Latin America at 8:30 p.m. ET. Early winners include songwriter and producer Edgar Barrera, who won three awards at the pre-telecast ceremony.

Barrera is the leading nominee in this year’s awards. Other big contenders of the evening include Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations. Argentine producer and DJ Bizarrap has six. Pablo Alborán, Bad Bunny, Maria Becerra, Feid, Dave Cutch and Natalia Lafourcade, have five nominations each; and Santiago Alvarado, Paula Arenas, Juanes and Ovy on the Drums have four each.

Click here to see the updating list of winners.

16 Nov 2023

Rosalía Opens 2023 Latin Grammys With Gorgeous, Spanish Rendition of ‘Se Nos Rompió El Amor’

The 2023 Latin Grammys opened on a high note, and a culturally resonant choice, with the beautiful Rosalía.

With the awards show held in Seville, Spain, at Fibes on Thursday (Nov. 16), the Latin Grammy-winning singer performed the somber 1985 ballad “Se Nos Rompió El Amor,” originally sung by Rocío Jurado, written by La Magdalena and Manuel Alejandro — a great tribute to her native Spain.

“Se nos rompió el amor/ de tan grandioso/ jamas pudo existir/ tanta belleza” (or “Our love broke/ so great/ it could never have existed/ so much beauty”), she crooned with an enchanting vibrato, filled with gut-wrenching emotion. She wore a slinky-yet-elegant black gown, with her long hair down and golden earrings. Meanwhile, 21 flamenco guitarists backed her up. Her performance was received with a standing ovation.

November 16 is also the International Day of Flamenco, a centuries old genre that was born in Andalucía, making the the night even more special.

Notably, this marked the first instance of the Latin Grammys being hosted internationally, outside the confines of the U.S., adding an extra layer of significance to Rosalía’s performance in her homeland.

Last year, her third full-length Motomami earned her album of the year and best alternative music album at the awards show. This victory marked Rosalía as the first female artist to clinch the album of the year award twice as a lead artist.

The 2023 Latin Grammys feature performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Kany García, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Sebastián Yatra and Shakira.

Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.

16 Nov 2023

‘La_Original.Mp3’ Takes Emilia & TINI to No. 1 on Billboard Argentina Hot 100

Emilia and TINI unite atop the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart as their team-up, “La_Original.Mp3,” bursts in at No. 1 on the Nov. 18-dated ranking. It’s the second song to launch at the summit in 2023, after another Emilia collaborative track, “Los Del Espacio,” with the all-star team comprising LIT killah, Maria Becerra, FMK, Rusherking, Duki, Tiago PZK and Big One (seven weeks in charge).

“La_Original.Mp3” sends Luck Ra’s “La Morocha,” featuring BM, to No. 2 after the latter’s seven-week domination.

“La Original,” which also scores the Hot Shot Debut of the week, belongs to Emilia’s sophomore album, .Mp3.

Further, three other .Mp3 tracks debut this week. With those new recruits, Emilia boasts 10 concurrent tracks on the tally this week — seven from her new set, including a re-entry. Here’s a look at her song collection on this week’s Billboard Argentina Hot 100.

No. 1, “La_Original.Mp3”, along with TINI (debut)
No. 5, “GTA.Mp3”
No. 13, “Los del Espacio”, along with LIT Killah, Tiago PZK, Maria Becerra, Duki, Rusherking, Big One
No. 22, “No_Se_Ve.Mp3”, along with Ludmilla and Zecca
No. 35, “Salgo a Bailar”, along with FMK
No. 36, “Exclusive.Mp3” (debut)
No. 41, “En la Intimidad,” with Big One and Callekero Fino
No. 58, “Jagger.Mp3”
No. 67, “Iconic.Mp3” (debut)
No. 71, “Facts.Mp3” (debut)

The Greatest Gainer honors goes to Tan Bionica’s “La Melodía De Dios,” which climbs 25 places from No. 88 to No. 63.

Finally, one other song debuts: Jung Kook’s “Standing Next to You” at No. 97.

16 Nov 2023

Dua Lipa Says Buying Back Publishing Rights to Her Music Is ‘Something I’ve Always Wanted’

Dua Lipa is back in the driver’s seat when it comes to control of her music, and that’s just how she likes it. The pop star discussed for the first time buying back the publishing rights to her music catalog in a new interview with Audacy Check In Thursday (Nov. 16).

“I think it’s just something I’ve always wanted — to be in control of my own music,” the three-time Grammy winner told host Bru. “And I think all young artists should really understand the business behind music, especially in the beginning — I think it’s incredibly important. And so, to be able to have all the rights back to my songs feels really good. It’s my life’s work, so it’s good to be the person to say what happens with it.”

As for whether Taylor Swift served as an example for Lipa regaining control of her music, the “Houdini” singer said it wasn’t necessarily so. “I think what had happened to Taylor obviously was something that completely started getting people to understand that they should have a lawyer, and understand the business of music, for sure!” she explained. “I think owning your publishing was just something that I really wanted to have.”

“I think a lot of artists go, like, independent, or do their own thing,” she added. “I just wanted to have my whole catalog under my own company, which is something I started this year, which is like, publishing, and a production company. I just wanted to have everything under one umbrella. It just felt like a new chapter!”

TaP Music Publishing announced on Nov. 2 that it had sold Dua Lipa back her publishing rights. The artist signed with TaP management in 2013, and parted ways in 2022. She is now managed by her dad, Dukagjin Lipa.

Dua Lipa is nominated for two 2024 Grammy awards, both for “Dance the Night,” her song for the Barbie soundtrack. She’s competing for song of the year, as well as best song written for visual media. The Grammys will be presented Feb. 4.

Watch her interview below: