News

20 Apr 2023

Carlos Vives Testifies to His Legacy With Riveting Medley Alongside All-Star Cast at 2023 Latin AMAs

With buoyant force and a vivacious spirit, Carlos Vives opened up his all-hit medley performance with the Rafael Escalona original “Mala Suerte” and his own timeless “La Gota Fría” at the 2023 Latin AMAs. He was backed by a riveting accordionist and a vibrant rhythm section. 

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Mexican sibling duo Jesse & Joy soon joined the legend to sing “La Tierra del Olvido,” then husband-and-wife couple Guaynaa and Lele Pons shared their vocals on “Volví a Nacer.” Emilia and Ryan Castro also provided spirited pipes on “Robarte Un Beso.” Emilia is one of Billboard Español’s first annual Latin Women in Music honorees. The all-star cast of Latin performers channeled the joyous and contagious happiness that Carlos Vives is known for.

Earlier that evening, Vives accepted his Legend award in honor of his 30-year legacy, since releasing the revolutionary Clásicos de la Provincia in 1993, a groundbreaking sound that immortalized Colombian vallenato beyond its borders.

“Thirty years ago music showed me two paths: to copy the genres that were successful at the time [or] to transform the music of my land, feel proud to be Colombian, and give our music the level it deserved,” he said. “That’s what I’ve been doing for the last 30 years, carrying that message.”

On Wednesday, Vives released a heartfelt ode to the late, great Rafael Escalona on Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así. Vives will premiere its accompanying documentary Regreso a Escalona on May 1 in Colombia and will arrive four days later in the U.S. at The Colombian Film Festival NY. The musician is also preparing for an upcoming international tour.

Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión.

Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com

20 Apr 2023

Wisin Talks New Anuel AA Collaboration ‘Mi Exxx’: ‘Exes Shouldn’t Fight’

Wisin walked the 2023 Latin American Music Awards red carpet on Thursday (April 20) and he didn’t hold back from telling Billboard all about his new single “Mi Exxx” in collaboration with Anuel AA.

“Thanks to Anuel, Los Legendarios and DJ Luian. There’s a lot of people behind this project, and it’s part of the new work I’m bringing,” he says. “The song was born organically. I sent it to Anuel, he loved it and recorded his part. The concept is that exes shouldn’t fight and they should work on things.” 

“Mi Exxx,” a saucy reggaetón track that meshes both Wisin and Anuel’s signature sounds, also marks Anuel’s return to a more commercial sound.

“We’re seeing a great comeback and I’m happy for him,” Wisin says of the Latin trap star. “I believe Anuel has a lot to offer to the music scene and it’s an honor to have him on this song.”

Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión.

Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com

20 Apr 2023

K-Pop Girl Group Billlie Cancel & Postpone Activities Following Moon Bin’s Death

Billlie has announced a pause on all their scheduled activities following the death of K-pop star Moon Bin, who was found dead in his Seoul apartment on April 19. The seven-member K-pop girl group includes Moon Sua, the younger sister of Moon Bin. She’s the eldest member of the septet which includes band mates Suhyeon, Tsuki, Haram, Siyoon and Haruna.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

An announcement from Billlie’s record label and management agency, Mystic Story, was posted on the group’s official fan cafe. Mystic Story shared the canceling or postponement of all of Billlie’s scheduled activities for the rest of the week, which included rescheduling a fan-singing event to a later date, as well as notice that the group would likely be sharing future announcements pulling out of TV and broadcast appearances. Mystic Story closed the statement by asking fans for their “generous understanding.”

With a five-year gap between Moon Bin and Sua’s K-pop debuts, despite being less than 20 months apart, the Moon siblings became known by K-pop fans and TV viewers.

The two sang and shared the stage (performing a cover of the classic K-pop song, “Candy in My Ears” as the duo called Brother and Sister on the popular music-chart show Music Bank) and made joint TV appearances together (an episode of sibling-focused show DNA Mate had them take part in a “brother and sister bungee jump”).

Moon Sua has expressed her admiration for her brother. During a 2022 appearance on the popular variety show Knowing Bros, the starlet shared that Moon Bin also acted as a mentor in her music career. “Since he’s my senior, he gives me a lot of strict advice about the stage,” Moon Sua shared. “I’m thankful for that.” The Knowing Bros cast of celebrities and comedians praised Moon Bin, calling him “The world’s best man,” “The best shoulders among all idols,” and recalling his physique as he showcased his wrestling skills in a previous episode of Bros.

While ASTRO and Moonbin&Sanha had established themselves in the K-pop industry with chart-topping albums and No. 1 songs, Billlie has just begun rising since entering the scene in 2021, earning the No. 1 spot on the Korean music-chart program The Show just last month with the new single “Eunoia.”

Following reports of Moon Bin’s passing, music label Fantagio confirmed the news with a statement and shared that his family wished for a quiet funeral with other family members, friends and company colleagues.

20 Apr 2023

Rising Women in Reggaetón Have a Huge Moment at 2023 Latin AMAs

A trifecta of new powerhouse women reggaetón and Latin trap artists had a huge moment at the 2023 Latin American Music Awards on Thursday night (April 20).

Bad Gyal appeared nonchalant onscreen, rocking a shimmery yellow dress and sleek blond hair as she belted out the reggaeton banger “Chulo.” Amid an energetic pack of backup dancers, the Spanish provocateur dominated the stage with her cooly effortless swag. 

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The scene then transitioned to Chesca and Dalex, who donned sexy black leather to perform “Easy,” first appearing with their backs against each other. Their sensual and explosive love song chronicles how “easy” it is for the couple to be an item because of chemistry.

Then, Young Miko entered the scene with her exhilarating song “Lisa,” which instantly amped up the vibe. Donning black leather pants and a racing-inspired shirt with hints of fuchsia, the young lyricist brought her languorous and powerful flow. The song is an unapologetic confession of weakness for the irresistible women around her, revealing her refusal to limit herself to a particular style or personality type. Meanwhile a display of rosy anime characters adorned the backdrop. 

Young Miko is one of the most dynamic new voices of Puerto Rico’s ever-growing reggaeton and Latin trap wave. She’s also one of the first openly queer musicians in her music space. The rapidly rising star traded her tattoo needle for a mic, and ever since, she’s been bringing her potent vocal flow to the forefront of Puerto Rico’s booming música urbana scene. She recently signed with Capitol Records. 

Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión.Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com

20 Apr 2023

Desiigner Allegedly Exposes Himself on a Plane, Will Check In to a Mental Health Facility

After allegedly exposing himself on an international flight, Desiigner says he’s checking himself into a facility for mental health treatment.

As TMZ first reported, the “Panda” rapper is accused of exposing himself on a plane this past weekend from Asia back to the United States and was reprimanded by a flight attendant. Police were waiting for him when the plane landed in Minneapolis, where he was questioned about the incident and released.

On Thursday (April 20), Desiigner posted a statement to his Instagram Stories, saying he’s “ashamed” of his behavior on the plane — which he attributed to medication he was prescribed while hospitalized in Asia — and that he is seeking mental health treatment.

“For the past few months I have not been ok, and I have been struggling to come to terms with what is going on,” the statement begins. “While overseas for a concert I performed at, I had to be admitted in to a hospital, I was not thinking clearly. They gave me meds, and I had to hop on a plane home. I am ashamed of my actions that happened on that plane. I landed back to the states, and am admitting my self in a facility to help me. I will be cancelling all of my shows and my obligations until further notice. Mental health is real guys, please pray for me. If [you’re] not feeling like yourself, please get help.”

The chart-topping rapper was overseas to perform at Rolling Loud Thailand on Friday last week, alongside festival headliners Cardi B, Chris Brown and Travis Scott, and at a nightclub in Tokyo over the weekend.

Desiigner’s breakthrough hit “Panda” spent two weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 back in 2016, and he’s scored two other top 40 hits on the chart: “Tiimmy Turner” in 2016 (No. 34 peak) and as a featured guest on BTS’ “MIC Drop” in 2017 (No. 28). Over on the Hot Rap Songs chart, “Panda” — which was nominated for best rap performance at the 59th annual Grammy Awards — spent 17 weeks at No. 1 in 2016.

See Desiigner’s statement before it expires here.

20 Apr 2023

Wisin & Anuel AA Bring the Heat to the 2023 Latin AMAs With New Collab ‘Mi Exxx’

Puerto Rican stars Wisin and Anuel AA literally brought the heat to the 2023 Latin American Music Awards on Thursday night (April 20).

Surrounded by cage-like structures that were lit on fire, the reggaetoneros joined forces for their new collaboration “Mi Exxx” — a breakup song, produced by Los Legendarios, which finds both men singing about a possible reunion with an ex, even if it is for one last time.

“Collaborating with Anuel is always an honor for me, he is one of the most respected artists in the genre and being able to create good music with him is always nice because I know that people will receive it and support it as they always do with our songs,” Wisin said about the collaboration in a statement. “This song is designed for people to listen to it, dedicate it, sing it and even dance to it. By creating it we kept our essence and I know that is one that people will enjoy.”

During the awards show, Wisin also performed “Tu Recuerdo” alongside Emilia Mernes and Lyanno.

Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión.

Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com

20 Apr 2023

Skrillex, Four Tet & Fred again.. to Close Out Coachella Sunday Night

The Coachella lineup changeups continue Skrillex, Four Tet and Fred again.. now joining the Southern California festival as weekend two Sunday night headliners, a source tells Billboard.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

This addition comes in the wake of Frank Ocean dropping out of the festival’s second weekend following a leg injury and a controversial weekend one performance, and Blink 182 also being added to the Sunday night main stage bill. (Last weekend the reunited punk trio played Coachella’s Sahara Tent on Friday night.)

Skrillex, Fred again.. and Four Tet will play the main stage on Sunday at 10:25 p.m. following an hour-long set from Blink-182. A representative for Coachella declined to comment on the addition.

Fred again.. teased this performance on his Instagram with a pair of fairly cryptic stories, one which read, “okay I can’t believe I’m saying this again, but does anyone know where Sonny [Skrillex] is” and another of him and Four Tet in a car with the caption “Unexpected journevsssssss [sic].”

Sources close to the festival add that the trio will play in the round on the satellite stage of the main stage, which was originally built to serve as an ice skating rink during the Frank Ocean set, but wasn’t used during the performance. (This satellite stage will not have ice on it this Sunday.)

This show will mark the trio’s first appearance together since their triumphant February 18 set at Madison Square Garden, which sold out the arena in two minutes. That five-hour show followed a series of pop-up performances by the trio in conjunction with Skrillex’s album Quest For Fire, which was released a day before the MSG show. Skrillex also released a second album, Don’t Get Too Close, during the MSG set, with the two new albums making his first full-length releases since 2014’s Recess. (The producer also teased what appear to be another three upcoming albums yesterday on social media.)

Skrillex, Fred again.. and Four Tet — the so-called Pangbourne House Mafia given their early recording sessions in Pangbourne, England — represent three generations of dance music, with this show marking another pinnacle moment for each artist. While each has previously played Coachella solo and amongst other projects — with Fred’s breakout year launching last April with a pair of massively well-received Coachella 2022 sets — this Sunday’s show will mark the biggest set they’ve done together thus far.

The trio have a flurry of collaborations together, including their most recent, “Baby Again” which is currently at No. 19 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs.

20 Apr 2023

2023 Latin American Music Awards: Photos From the Red Carpet

Before kicking off the live broadcast of the eighth edition of the Latin American Music Awards on Thursday night (April 20), stars such as Becky G, Anuel AA, David Bisbal, Chiquis and Pepe Aguilar walked the red carpet.  

Outside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Becky G — who will perform “Chanel” alongside Peso Pluma at Thursday’s Latin AMAs — strutted the carpet in a bedazzled little black dress that she styled with a long and dramatic black cape. Meanwhile, Chiquis was pretty in pink and looking very glamorous with a short pink dress with puffy sleeves.  

Up-and-comers Peso Pluma and Yahritza y Su Esencia opted for a more casual and youthful look, wearing cargo pants or slacks paired with blazers or a simple button-down shirt. Mexican music titan Pepe Aguilar, who is being honored with one of the Legacy Awards, walked down the red carpet with his beloved Gordo, El Pug.  

Nominations for the 2023 awards — based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023) — are led by Bad Bunny with 11 nominations. He’s followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations. For the first time since its debut on Oct. 8, 2015, the ceremony — which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — will be broadcast live simultaneously on Univision, UNIMÁS and Galavisión. 

Get tickets to the first-ever #BBMujeresLatinas on May 6 in Miami: billboardmujeresenlamusica.com 

20 Apr 2023

Latin AMAs 2023 Winners List (Updating)

It’s the day of show for the 2023 Latin American Music Awards, which is being broadcast live on Univision Network for the first time.

This year, Bad Bunny leads the list of nominees with 11 nods, including artist of the year, song of the year and album of the year. The Puerto Rican star is followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations; and with eight nods each are Grupo Frontera, Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, Romeo Santos and Rosalía. 

The show will feature over 30 performances and will honor Carlos Vives, David Bisbal, Pepe Aguilar and Prince Royce with special awards throughout the night.

The winners of the Latin AMAs are voted for by fans. This year’s nominations are based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023). 

Below, the winners of the night (so far):

Song of the Year

“Bebe dame” – Fueza Regida & Grupo Frontera
“Despechá” – Rosalía
“Dos oruguitas” – Sebastián Yatra
“Está dañada” – Ivan Cornejo
“La bachata” – Manuel Turizo
“MAMIII” – Becky G & Karol G — WINNER
“Me porto bonito” – Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone
“Quevedo: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52” – Bizarrap & Quevedo
“Sus huellas” – Romeo Santos
“Te felicito” – Shakira & Rauw Alejandro

Collaboration of the Year

“Bebe dame” – Fueza Regida & Grupo Frontera
“El incomprendido” – Farruko, Víctor Cárdenas & DJ Adoni
“MAMIII” – Becky G & Karol G — WINNER
“Mayor que usted” – Natti Natasha, Daddy Yankee & Wisin y Yandel
“Me porto bonito” – Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone
“Medallo” – Blessd, Justin Quiles & Lenny Tavárez
“Que vuelvas” – Carin León & Grupo Frontera
“Quevedo: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52” – Bizarrap & Quevedo
“Te espero” – Prince Royce & Maria Becerra
“Te felicito” – Shakira & Rauw Alejandro

Best Duo or Group – Pop

Jesse & Joy — WINNER
Los Enanitos Verdes
Maná
Mau y Ricky
Reik

Best Duo or Group – Regional Mexican

Banda Los Recoditos
Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Calibre 50
Eslabón Armado
Fuerza Regida
Grupo Firme — WINNER
Grupo Frontera
Intocable
Los Ángeles Azules
Yahritza y Su Esencia

New Artist of the Year

Bizarrap — WINNER
Blessd
Edén Muñoz
Grupo Frontera
Los Lara
Luis Figueroa
Luis R Conriquez
Quevedo
Santa Fe Klan
Yahritza y Su Esencia

Best Collaboration – Regional Mexican

“Billete grande (En vivo)” – Fuerza Regida & Edgardo Nuñez
“Brindo” – Mario Bautista & Banda El Recodo
“Calidad” – Grupo Firme & Luis Mexia
“Con un botecito a pecho” – Adriel Favela & Carin León
“Hay que hacer dinero” – Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga & Edén Muñoz
“Jugaste y sufrí” – Eslabón Armado & DannyLux
“Que vuelvas” – Carin León & Grupo Frontera
“Se acabó (En vivo)” – Lenin Ramírez, Fuerza Regida & Banda Renovación
“Si ya hiciste el mal” – Luis R Conriquez & Jessi Uribe
“Ya acabó” – Marca MP & Becky G — WINNER

Best Collaboration – Tropical

“Baloncito viejo” – Carolos Vives & Camilo
“El pañuelo” – Romeo Santos & Rosalía
“Monotonía” – Shakira & Ozuna — WINNER
“Soy yo” – Don Omar, Wisin & Gente de Zona
“Te espero” – Prince Royce & Maria Becerra

Best Crossover Artist

DJ Khaled
DJ Snake
Ed Sheeran
Fatman Scoop
Gims
Justin Timberlake
Lil Jon
Megan Thee Stallion
Mr. Vegas
The Weeknd — WINNER

Best Artist – Pop

Anitta
Becky G
Camilo
Enrique Iglesias
Kali Uchis
Luis Fonsi
Ricky Martin
Rosalía
Sebastián Yatra
Shakira – WINNER

Best Artist – Tropical

Carlos Vives
Marc Anthony
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos — WINNER
Víctor Manuelle

Artist of the Year

Bad Bunny
Becky G
Daddy Yankee
Eslabón Armado
Farruko
Ivan Cornejo
Karol G
Rauw Alejandro
Romeo Santos
Rosalía

Album of the Year

Ahora Me Da Pena EP – Buena Vista Social Club
Dañado – Ivan Cornejo
Esquemas – Becky G
Fórmula, Vol. 3 – Romeo Santos
Jose – J Balvin
La 167 – Farruko
Legendaddy – Daddy Yankee
Motomami – Rosalía
Nostalgia – Eslabón Armado
Un Verano Sin Ti – Bad Bunny — WINNER

Collaboration Crossover of the Year

“Arhbo (Music from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Soundtrack)” – Ozuna, Gims,
Redone & FIFA Sound
“Borracho” – Sech & DJ Khaled
“La fama” – Rosalía & The Weeknd — WINNER
“Sigue” – J Balvin & Ed Sheeran
“Sin fin” – Romeo Santos & Justin Timberlake

Streaming Artist of the Year

Bad Bunny
Chencho Corleone
Grupo Frontera
Ivan Cornejo
Karol G

Tour of the Year

Enfiestados y Amanecidos Tour – Grupo Firme
La Última Vuelta World Tour – Daddy Yankee
Papi Juancho World Tour – Maluma
$trip Love Tour – Karol G
World’s Hottest Tour – Bad Bunny

Best Album – Pop

@dannocean – Danny Ocean
De Adentro Pa Afuera – Camilo
Dharma – Sebastián Yatra
Esquemas – Becky G
Motomami – Rosalía — WINNER

Best Song – Pop

“Bailé con mi ex” – Becky G
“Junio” – Maluma
“Provenza” – Karol G
“Tacones rojos” – Sebastián Yatra
“Te amo y punto” – Chayanne

Best Artist – Urban

Anuel AA
Bad Bunny
Daddy Yankee
Farruko
J Balvin
Jhayco
Karol G
Natti Natasha
Ozuna
Rauw Alejandro

Best Album – Urban

Jose – J Balvin
La 167 – Farruko
Legendaddy – Daddy Yankee
Saturno – Rauw Alejandro
Un Verano Sin Ti – Bad Bunny — WINNER

Best Song – Urban

“Desesperados” – Rauw Alejandro & Chencho Corleone
“Envolver” – Anitta
“Remix” – Daddy Yankee
“Sensual bebé” – Jhayco
“Tití me preguntó” – Bad Bunny

Best Collaboration – Pop/Urban

“Buenos días” – Wisin, Camilo & Los Legendarios
“El incomprendido” – Farruko, Víctor Cárdenas & DJ Adoni
“Hot” – Daddy Yankee & Pitbull
“MAMIII” – Becky G & Karol G
“Mayor que usted” – Natti Natasha, Daddy Yankee & Wisin y Yandel
“Me porto bonito” – Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone
“Medallo” – Blessd, Justin Quiles & Lenny Tavárez
“Punto 40” – Rauw Alejandro & Baby Rasta
“Quevedo: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52” – Bizarrap & Quevedo
“Te felicito” – Shakira & Rauw Alejandro

Best Artist – Regional Mexican

Ángela Aguilar
Carin León
Chiquis
Christian Nodal
Edén Muñoz
Gerardo Ortiz
Ivan Cornejo
Junior H — WINNER
Luis R Conriquez
Pepe Aguilar

Best Album – Regional Mexican

Dañado – Ivan Cornejo
Del Barrio Hasta Aquí, Vol. 2 – Fuerza Regida
Mi Vida En Un Cigarro 2 – Junior H — WINNER
Nostalgia – Eslabón Armado
Obsessed Deluxe – Yahritza y Su Esencia

Best Song – Regional Mexican

“Chale” – Edén Muñoz
“La boda del huitlacoche (Live)” – Carin León
“No se va (En vivo)” – Grupo Frontera
“Que te vaya bien” – Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda
“Si me duele que duela” – Intocable

Best Album – Tropical

Ahora Me Da Pena EP – Buena Vista Social Club
Cumbiana II – Carlos Vives
Fórmula, Vol. 3 – Romeo Santos
Pa’lla Voy – Marc Anthony
The Ultimate Bachata Collection – Héctor Acosta “El Torito”

Best Song – Tropical

“Despechá” – Rosalía
“Después de la playa” – Bad Bunny
“La bachata” – Manuel Turizo
“Pegao” – Camilo
“Sus huellas” – Romeo Santos

20 Apr 2023

Avicii’s 15 Best Songs: Critics’ Picks

Five years ago today (April 20), the world was rocked by the news of Avicii’s death. The producer, 28 years old at the time of his passing, died by suicide in Muscat, Oman. In the 24 hours following the news of his death, there were nearly four million Tweets mentioning “Avicii.”

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

His legacy lives on. The message board on the official Avicii website is constantly populated with new notes regarding his impact. Messages posted today include “I miss you….. Thank you for everything…. And I will never ever forget you” to “Ur songs kept me alive from the age of 9 until now and forever” to “I always indulge in your songs when I am down. They give me positivity and bravery.”

Today on Twitter, artists and dance brands also commemorated the anniversary, with Afrojack writing “rip Avicii still play your music every show” and Defected Records posting “Forever in our hearts” with an image of the artist.

It’s an immeasurably difficult day for everyone who loved the artist born Tim Bergling and the music he made during his short but massively impactful run as dance music’s apex artist. There is perhaps some comfort to be found in this music, which is still played prolifically during festival and club sets and which, in a way, makes Avicii immortal. 

These are our picks for the 15 best Avicii songs. 

15. Avicii Feat. Joe Janiak, “Bad Reputation”

Taken from Avicii’s 2019 posthumous album, Tim, “Bad Reputation” uses waves of synth and an extremely catchy hook from singer Joe Janiak to forge an undeniable earworm with a drop made from slick marimba. 

14. Avicii, “Street Dancer”

This 2011 tune isn’t as famous as some other Avicii songs. It only charted in the Netherlands, but it’s one of the producer’s most unique pieces to date. It’s got a harder edge than most of his compositions and a decidedly ’80s tropical tinge, like neon palm trees on a Miami Vice set. It samples Break Machine’s 1983 track “Street Dance,” which explains that retro flair. If you’ve never heard this deep cut, definitely give it a go.

13. Avicii, “True Believer”

Avicii reportedly made roughly 100 versions of this track from Stories, which features Coldplay’s Chris Martin on vocals for the chorus and reflects the leaner approach Avicii took on his 2015 LP. 

12. Coldplay, “A Sky Full Of Stars”

While yes, officially a Coldplay song, “Sky Full Of Stars” was co-written and co-produced by Avicii for the band’s 2014 album, Ghost Stories. With a piano-rendered build/drop as buoyant and blissful as anything else he made during this prolific period, it’s rightfully included in the Avicii cannon.

11. Avicii Feat. Sebastian Drums, “My Feelings For You” 

This track is a super disco inferno, hunk of burning dance floor glory. It might not have charted as strong as some other Avicii songs, but it’s definitely a crowd favorite. Even hipster DJs were dropping this one every week when it came out. Maybe that’s because it’s technically a remix of a song from French band Cassius and, you know, hipsters love French music.

10. Avicii Feat. Sandro Cavazza, “Without You” 



“Without You” arrives on Avicii’s six-track EP Av?ci (01) and sports a catchy melody with zippy synths reminiscent of his country-pop sound. The record features Swedish singer-songwriter Sandro Cavazza who Avicii also remixed and included on his EP.

9. Avicii Feat. Noonie Bao, “Fades Away”

One of the most haunting and memorable tracks on Tim — which was completed after Avicii’s death by a group of producers who’d been close to him — is its closing song, which features a tight drop made from a lush section and vocals from Swedish singer Noonie Bao querying “don’t you love it how it all, it all just fades away?” — lyrics penned by Bergling before his death. 

8. Avicii, “Talk To Myself’

Stories-era Avicii found the artist paring down the massive EDM production that made him famous and leaning into the tighter, sort of cooler productions that define the 2015 album. Few do it better than “Talk To Myself,” which starts with a dark synth and spare disco strings before laying in rhythm guitar before expanding into an anthem that once again emphasizes his genius level understanding of melody.

7. Avicii, “Hey Brother”



Avicii’s album True was really out to show the world just how inclusive dance music could be. You’ve never heard such glistening country pop as you have on True, and “Hey Brother” is one of the twangiest dance floor favorites to ever grace the festival circuit. Singer Dan Tyminski brings the heavy bluegrass element over Avicii’s four-on-the-floor and brightly glowing synths. Fair warning, the music video is liable to make you cry.

6. Tim Berg – “Seek Bromance”



This classic jam is so old school that Avicii wasn’t even called Avicii when it was released — he was still known as Tim Berg. Yet, we all remember “Seek Bromance” as one of the best songs in Avicii’s catalog. It charted in 20 countries and reached number one on the Billboard Dance Clubs Songs list. Now six years after its release, you can hear how influential its been to every damn feel-good house song that came after.

5. Avicii, “Silhouettes”



There’s something so undeniable about this pumping beat, this misty melody, and Swedish singer Salem Al Fakir’s smoky vocals. It just gives us a warm, cozy feeling listening to it. Maybe it’s also partially nostalgia for 2011 when everyone was first swept up in Avicii mania. This was one of those songs that, even if you acted like you didn’t like it at the time, you find yourself fist pumping to in no time.

4. Avicii Feat. Nicky Romero, “I Could Be The One” 



This hook became one of the most recognizable melodies of 2012 almost instantly. This song flickers between indulgently sweet and absolutely bangerific. Fun fact: the instrumental version once featured a sample of Justice‘s seminal anthem “D.A.N.C.E.,” though the sample was removed for the final version fans know and love. It was a total smash, charting in 22 countries and hitting four Billboard charts, peaking the US Dance Clubs list before it was finished.

3. Avicii, “Fade Into Darkness”



While its easy to forget Avicii existed before “Levels” took over the whole world, “Fade Into Darkness” in fact predates that track. Listening to this tune today, one can hear a lot of Avicii’s country-western influence just beginning to bubble up to the surface. Replace the piano with acoustic guitar and this all time anthem could definitely be one of the cross-genre hits that define the artist’s later catalog. 

2. Avicii, “Wake Me Up”



The collective head-scratch moment that hit Ultra Music Festival in Miami when Avicii first debuted this song in 2013 is the stuff of dance world mythology, as no producer had ever even conceived of melding country music with electronic dance until Avicii showed artists the way.

1. Avicii, “Levels”



12 years after its release, “Levels” remains one of the biggest dance music songs ever recorded and the defining anthem of the EDM era. The track introduced a new generation to Etta James, was a top ten hit in 15 countries and topped the charts in both Avicii’s homeland of Sweden and the United States. It still goes off when dropped at any given party or festival (which it still is, frequently.) “Levels” is timeless, it is universal, and it is quintessential Avicii.