Alejandro Sanz to Make Special Appearance at This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Alejandro Sanz has achieved Icon status…

The 55-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer and songwriter will take part in this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week.

Alejandro SanzSanz, a four-time Grammy and 22-time Latin Grammy winner, will sit down for an exclusive Icon Q&A.

Sanz joins a star-studded lineup for the five-day event, featuring exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars.

Previously announced participants include Bad Gyal, Belinda, Camila Fernández, Chiquis, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Dei V, Domelipa, Eslabon Armado, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Kunno, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, María Becerra, Marko, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Omar Courtz, Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Yeison Jiménez, Yeri Mua and Zhamira Zambrano, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

“It’s an honor to welcome Alejandro as he prepares to release new music,” says Leila CoboBillboard’s Chief Content Officer for Latin and Español, in a press release. “We pride ourselves in being a home for artists where they can speak creatively and openly, and we can’t wait to hear what Alejandro has to say.”

Sanz’s Icon Q&A marks his return to Latin Music Week after he sat for an exclusive conversation in 2003.

From his debut in 1991 with Viviendo Deprisa to his album of the year Latin Grammy-nominated latest studio album SANZ, released in December 2021, Sanz has established himself as one of the most well-known and influential artists around the world.

With more than 25 million records sold, all his albums have obtained multi-platinum status in Spain, Latin America and the United States.

Throughout his career, Sanz has collaborated with renowned artists from all over the world, from Alicia Keys to Shakira, Destiny’s Child, Laura Pausini, Ivete Sangalo, Juanes, Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony and many more.

Among his latest releases are “NASA” with Camilo; “La Despedida,” included in the soundtrack of the movie Bullet Train; and “Yo Soy” with Eros Ramazzotti.

He recently obtained his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was honored by his hometown of Andalucía with the city’s highest distinction, a medal with the title of “Favorite Son.”

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Billboard Latin Music Week will take place October 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Belinda To Participate in This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Belinda is preparing to highlight Latina power at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week event.

The 35-year-old Spanish-Mexican singer and actress will participate in Billboard Latin Music Week 2024, Billboard announced on Monday.

BelindaBelinda is among a roster of new conference participants that includes Camila Fernández, Chiquis, Dei V, Eslabón Armado, Kunno, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, Omar Courtz, Yahritza y Su Esencia and Zhamira Zambrano will participate in

These artists join previously announced participants including Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez and Yeri Mua.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Billboard Latin Music Week will take place October 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Tickets are already available for purchase here.

“Miami Beach is a global destination for arts and entertainment, and this is a perfect example, hosting Billboard Latin Music Week,” said Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiner. “And just like Latin music is the heartbeat of many communities, the Billboard Latin Music Week is becoming the heartbeat of Miami Beach. We are really proud to have that partnership.”

Panelists include Venezuelan content creator Marko, who’ll speak on the panel “From Viral Hits to Billboard Charts: The Power of Content Creators.”

“Us content creators have become a must to take music to the masses,” said Marko at the press conference. “We’re doing work that began a few years ago basically with no credibility. Today, we have the possibility and blessing to have an important brand like Billboard give us our own panel to display our work and accomplishments with music. It’s a fact that content creators are the new DJs.”

Mau and Ricky will speak at the panel titled “Venezuela Rising,” where Venezuelan artists will discuss the global impact of Venezuelan artists and also, their role in their country’s current political climate.

Speaking at Billboard Latin Music Week “Provides us a platform to continue speaking about our country and what’s happening there now,” said Mau. “Thanks for giving us the opportunity to speak about Venezuelan talent and also about what things need to change in Venezuela. And thanks for the opportunity to speak to a new generation. It’s so important to me to give them the tools not many of us had when we started.”

Other newly added speakers include Belinda and Zhamira Zambrano, who will participate in The Women’s Panel, Global Rising: A Conversation with Female Stars from Around the Globe, shining a spotlight on the diverse talent and voices of trailblazing Latina artists.

The highly anticipated Legacies panel will bring together Chiquis, Majo Aguilar, Camila Fernández and Lupita Infante to discuss how, by building on their remarkable dynasties, they have crafted their own careers while honoring their family names and the evolution of Latin music.

Dei V and Omar Courtz will be part of Next Gen Reggaeton: An Evening Curated by J Balvin.

Meanwhile, the panel Families Who Work Together will feature Yahritza y Su Esencia, whose sister manages the group, and Eslabon Armado, whose mother serves as their manager, highlighting the unique dynamics of family partnerships in music.

Kunno will lend his expertise as the moderator of the From YouTube to Charts panel with chart-topping artists that started their careers on social media.

Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air on Telemundo. Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, Billboard will host a special 35th-year anniversary celebration on the evening of October 18, where INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to this star-studded event.

Enrique Iglesias Releases “Final, Vol. 2,” The Last Musical Set of His Career

It’s a final bow for Enrique Iglesias.

The 48-year-old Spanish singer and songwriter has released his new studio album Final, Vol. 2 via Sony Music Latin—almost three years after dropping Final, Vol. 1.

Enrique IglesiasIglesias is assuring everyone the album will be the last musical set of his career.

Comprised of 10 tracks, Final, Vol. 2 finds Iglesias navigating from his signature electronic dance and Latin pop fusions to other genres including bachata (“Así Es La Vida” featuring Maria Becerra), dembow (“La Botella” featuring El Alfa), country (“Space in my Heart” featuring Miranda Lambert), and cumbia (“Llórame Un Río featuring Belinda). His collaboration with Lambert is also available in Spanish with only Iglesias performing it called “Espacio En Tu Corazón.”

In addition to “Space in my Heart,” two other songs on the set are in English: “Love and Pain” and “Be Together”—further stamping the Spanish crooner’s global connection to his fans.

His sensual bachata with Becerra reached No. 1 on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart for eight weeks, starting the December 9, 2023-dated chart, and it reached a No. 12 high on Latin Airplay chart (December 16).

Final, Vol. 2 follows Final, Vol. 1 (2021), his first album in seven years after Sex & Love and that includes hits such as the Nicky Jam-assisted “El Perdón,” “Duele el Corazón” with Wisin, “Súbeme la Radio” with Descemer Bueno and Zion y Lennox, and the Bad Bunny-assisted “El Baño.”

Final (Vol. 1) debuted and peaked at No. 12 on Top Latin Albums and at No. 2 on Latin Pop Albums (charts dated Oct. 10, 2021).

Belinda Signs Exclusive Record Deal with Warner Music México

It’s an exclusive for Belinda.

The 33-year-old Spanish-Mexican singer and actress has inked an exclusive record deal with Warner Music México that will represent a new stage in her career 10 years after her last album release.

BelindaThe official signing took place on Monday, August 7 at Warner Music Latina headquarters in Miami Beach, where Belinda was joined by Warner Music México MD Tomas Rodriguez and Warner Music Latina president Alejandro Duque.

“We are honored to welcome Belinda, one of the most important artists in Latin pop music, to our WML family,” Duque expressed in a press statement. “Her undeniable talent, versatility, and dedication to her art make her a unique and exceptional artist. We are excited to accompany her on this new stage of her career, confident that together, we will reach new horizons and make history in her return to music.”

The artist, born Belinda Peregrín Schüll, was only 10 years old when she was cast as the lead in the Mexican children’s telenovela Amigos x Siempre. In addition to her film and TV roles, Belinda has released four studio albums: Belinda (2004), Utopía (2006), Carpe Diem (2010) and Catarsis (2013) — all of which entered the top 10 of Billboard‘s Latin Pop Albums chart. Catarsis, her last set, peaked at No. 4 on the Top Latin Albums chart in 2013.

“Throughout my musical career I have been lucky enough to come across wonderful people but also difficult and unexpected situations that did not allow me to maximize my potential and stop believing,” said Belinda in an Instagram post. “I stopped believing in the industry and companies. Today, years later, I decided to believe again. Believing in myself, in my music, in my career and in a wonderful team, which at a time very different from the one I had to live in the past, is fully committed. Thank you for believing.”

Belinda will soon unveil her new music projects under the signing.

Cazzu Earns First No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with Santa Fe Klan & Los Ángeles Azules Single “Tú y Tú”

It’s a career first for Cazzu

The 29-year-old Argentine rapper and singer and Santa Fe Klan have each scored their first No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “Tú y Tú,” with Los Ángeles Azules, rises 3-1 to lead the May 20-dated survey.

CazzuThe new leader yields both Cazzu and Santa Fe Klan’s first champ in their maiden chart appearance.

“Tú y Tú,” released via SeiTrack/Disa/UMLE on March 10, takes over Regional Mexican Airplay in its eighth week after a 28% boost in audience impressions, to 8.5 million, earned in the U.S. during the May 5-11 tracking week, according to Luminate.

As “Tú y Tú” rises to the top of the ranking, Cazzu and Santa Fe Klan become the first artists to claim a No. 1 in their maiden chart performance among the nine tracks that have crowned Regional Mexican Airplay in 2023.

The last artist to pick up a first No. 1 in a first attempt was Mario Bautista, as “Brindo” with Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga led for one week on June 11, 2022.

Previously, Eden Muñoz completed the deed with “Chale!” (May 21, 2022).

“Tú y Tú” ascends 3-1 and sends Grupo Marca Registrada and Grupo Frontera’s “Di Que Sí” to No. 6 after its three-week domination, with a 39% dip in audience (to 5.2 million).

“Tú” also brings Los Ángeles Azules back to No. 1. The cumbia sonidera ensemble last ranked first through the three-week ruler “Nunca Es Suficiente,” with Natalia Lafourcade, in early 2019. In between, the group collected five top 10s, including the No. 2-peaking “Amor a Primera Vista,” with Belinda and Lao Ebratt, featuring Horacio Palencia, in August 2019.

Elsewhere, “Tú” continues its progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart, reaching its No. 5 high.

Roku Expands Slate of Spanish Originals with Six New Unscripted Series, Including Jennifer Lopez’s “Un Millón de Gracias”

Jennifer Lopez is ready to rok(u)…

Roku has expanded its slate of Spanish originals, adding six new unscripted series from Latino voices including the 53-year-old Puerto Rican superstar.

Jennifer LopezJ.Lo appears on the roster of new Spanish-language projects that includes Juanpa Zurita and Jaime Camil. 

Lopez’s project, Un Millón de Gracias, will feature several Latino stars, including Wilmer Valderrama, Belinda, Sofia Reyes and Michael Peña.

“The deep engagement we have seen within the Spanish-language content category on The Roku Channel in the U.S., as well as the exceptional growth of the service in Mexico, are all signs of the strong appetite for free ad-supported streaming amongst Spanish-speaking and bilingual audiences,” said David Eilenberg, head of content, Roku Media. “We’re committed to delivering high-quality, culturally relevant original programming to tens of millions of viewers, and we are thrilled to welcome such an exceptional new group of on-camera and off-camera creative voices to our Roku Originals lineup.”

In addition to J.Lo’s Un Millón de Gracias, the other five new original series include “Carpe DM with Juanpa,” “Desde la Raíz,” “Serenata De Las Estrellas,” “La Divina Comida” and “Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen.”

Here’s Roku’s slate of Spanish originals:

“Un Millón de Gracias”
Executive produced by Jennifer Lopez, “Un Millón de Gracias’” third season will be shot entirely in Spanish for the first time. The series returns with 10 celebrities — Chiquis, Gina Torres, Camil, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Lauren Jauregui, Peña, Michelle Rodriguez, Pau Gasol, Reyes, Valderrama — who will each give away $100,000 to someone who has inspired them. But the recipients must give half away to someone they’re grateful for, and continue the chain of kindness. The 10-episode series is executive produced by Lopez, Rhett Bachner, Brien Meagher, Aliyah Silverstein, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Larry Del Sant and showrunner Alex Davies. The series will air on August 11 on The Roku Channel in the U.S. and at a later date in Mexico.

“Carpe DM with Juanpa”
Mexican actor Juanpa Zurita invites audiences to join him as he faces challenges that push his body and mind to the limit as he steps outside of his comfort zone and treks across the U.S. The bilingual series will have six episodes. “Carpe DM with Juanpa” is executive produced by Eric Day, Mark Koops, Sarah Davies, Brenda Tubilla, Dave Lingwood and Zurita.

“Desde la Raíz”
In this four part docu-series, actor Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin) will explore origins and meaning of Mexican products like coffee, chile, corn, and mezcal. Camil describes the series as “a love letter to México and some of the country’s richest heritage and legendary commodities.” “Desde la Raíz” is produced and directed by Paulina Gamiz and Gus Sánchez, with Ray Jimenez and Camil serving as executive producers.

“Serenata De Las Estrellas”
Hosted by Julissa Bermudez, Serenata De Las Estrellas enlists Latin musicians, Chiquis, Snow Tha Product, Los Lobos and Ozomatli to surprise participants with a performance and a life-changing gift. The four-episode series is executive produced by Greice Santo, RJ Cipriani, Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager, Jared Morell, Jordan Barrow and showrunner Gil Lopez.

“La Divina Comida”
“La Divina Comida” is a 16 episode series featuring Latin celebrities who open their homes to fellow celebrities and face off to prove who is the best dinner party host. The winner will be judged on their culinary skills as well as their hosting skills. Featured celebrity dinner party hosts include Alex Lora, Belinda, Carlos Gatica, Dulce María, Emmanuel, Erik Rubín, Faisy, Itatí Cantoral, José Ángel Bichir, Karol Sevilla, Manu Nna, Margarita The Cumbia Goddess, María León, Michelle Rodríguez, Rafa Márquez and Verónica Toussaint.

“Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen”
Hosted by Colombian influencer Mario Ruiz, Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen is a cooking competition show that challenges Gen-Z chefs to develop twist on traditional Latin dishes. In each episode, three young chefs face off against each other before the final two contestants compete against an experienced Abuela chef. The featured Abuela chefs include Carla Dawkins from Panama, Eneida Mascetti from Puerto Rico and Patty Lavalle from Mexico. The competing chefs are judged by Chef Margarita Bernal, Chef Adolfo Cavalie and Chef Octavio Ortega. Executive produced by Mari Urdaneta, Liliana Moyano, Luis Balaguer and showrunner Moira Noriega. The series will air on June 9 on The Roku Channel in both the U.S. and Mexico.

Gloria Trevi Among Headlining Acts for This Year’s Bésame Mucho Festival

Gloria Trevi will be performing at Dodger Stadium in December…

Following the inaugural edition of Bésame Mucho in Los Angeles last December, the music festival announced on Tuesday (Feb. 21) the lineup for its second edition, which includes the 55-year-old Mexican singer/songwriter.

Gloria-TreviTrevi, known as The Supreme Diva of Mexican Pop, will be one of the headlining acts.

Other headliners include Maná and Los Bukis.

Bésame will return to Dodger Stadium as a one-day event on December 2. Like last year, it will consist of stages representing different genres. Rock, classics and pop will get their own stage again.

The “Rockero Stage” will feature sets by artists such as Natalia Lafourcade, La Ley, Ska-P, Aterciopelados and Maldita Vecindad.

The “Las Clásicas Stage” roster includes Alejandro Fernández, Pepe Aguilar, Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Conjunto Primavera.

Meanwhile, the “Te Gusta El Pop?” stage’s lineup includes Reik, Camila, Belinda, Emmanuel and Jesse & Joy.

Returning artists from last year include Café Tacvba, Hombres G, Enanitos Verdes, Ramon Ayala and Banda El Recodo.

Last year, the inaugural Bésame Mucho festival edition sold out in 12 minutes, according to sources, when the 2000s-inspired lineup was announced. At the actual event, thousands of fans had to sprint across the stadium’s parking lot to catch whichever act was on their must-see list. The literal back-to-back sets were 35-50 minutes in length, which fans weren’t too crazy about, especially with technical difficulties that impacted the sound leaving artists to deal with the situation onstage and, ultimately, left them with a shorter set. This year’s lineup isn’t as packed as last year, which could lead to more efficient set transitions and overall production quality.

Tickets for Bésame Mucho 2023 will go on sale Friday, February 24 at 10:00 am PT.

Christian Nodal to Launch 2021 “Botella Tras Botella” U.S. Tour in September

Christian Nodal will be popping bottles in the U.S.

The 22-year-old Mexican singer has announced the dates for his 2021 “Botella Tras Botella” U.S. tour with special guest Gera MX.

Christian Nodal

Produced by Live Nation, Nodal will kick off his series of concerts on September 14 at Las Vegas’ Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood.

The Regional Mexican is scheduled to wrap his tour on December 19 at Phoenix’s Arizona Federal Theatre.

Nodal, who will be joined by special guest Gera MX, will make pit stops in cities such as Orlando, Nashville, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago, to name a few.

“I’m excited to announce that we’re finally going back on tour in the U.S. and that we’ll finally see each other to enjoy unforgettable moments,” he tells Billboard.

The tour was coined after his and Gera’s country-meets-hip-hop collaboration “Botella Tras Botella,” which made Billboard history as the first Regional Mexican title to enter the Hot 100 in its almost 63-year history.

The song, born during a carne asada hangout in the midst of the pandemic, tells the story of a man who’s hanging out with his bros but can’t get over his ex and breakup. “It did not have a marketing strategy or a plan. It has soul,” Mexican rapper Gera previously told Billboard.

Nodal’s “Botella Tras Botella” tour comes on the heels of his and Belinda’s engagement announcement on May 25. The couple will also debut their first-ever collaboration this week as the theme song of Univision’s Si Nos Dejan.

Tickets will go on sale at 12:00 pm local time on Friday, June 4 via Ticketmaster.com.

Here’s the full list of U.S. dates:

Sept. 14 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood
Nov. 12 – Orlando, Fla. @ Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Nov. 13 – Atlanta, Ga. @ Gas South Arena
Nov. 14 – Nashville, Tenn. @ TPAC
Nov. 19 – Dallas, Texas @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Nov. 20 – Hidalgo, Texas @ Payne Arena
Nov. 21 – Houston, Texas @ Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
Nov. 24 – San Antonio, Texas @ Freeman Coliseum
Nov. 26 – Chicago, Ill. @ Rosemont Theatre
Nov. 28 – Indianapolis, Ind. @ Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
Dec. 3 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ Performance Venue at Hollywood Park
Dec. 4 – San Diego, Calif. @ Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl San Diego State University
Dec. 5 – Oakland, Calif. @ Paramount Theatre-Oakland
Dec. 10 – Reno, Nev. @ Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
Dec .12 – Fresno, Calif. @ Save Mart Center
Dec. 17 – Albuquerque, N.M. @ Kiva Auditorium at the Albuquerque Convention Center
Dec. 18 – El Paso, Texas @ UTEP Don Haskins Center
Dec. 19 – Phoenix, Az. @ Arizona Federal Theatre

Christian Nodal Teams Up with Belinda to Record First-Ever Collab, the Theme to Univision’s “Si Nos Dejan”

Christian Nodal’s next collaboration is very close to his heart…

The 22-year-old Mexican singer is preparing to unveil his first-ever collaboration with his love, Belinda.

Christian Nodal, Belinda,

The Regional Mexican star and renowned pop songstress are behind the theme song of Univision’s upcoming telenovela Si Nos Dejan, bringing to life a new version of José Alfredo Jiménez’s mariachi-bolero classic of the same name.

Nodeli,” as they are referred to by fans, recorded the song in Spain and will be released as a single, Billboard can confirm.

The lovebirds met in 2020 on the set of TV Azteca‘s La Voz and even sealed their relationship with matching tattoos. “Si Nos Dejan” is their first collaborative effort.

 

Si Nos Dejan, starring Mayrín Villanueva, Marcus Ornellas and Alexis Ayala and marking Gaby Spanic’s novela comeback, premieres at 9:00 pm ET on June 1 via Univision.

Bad Bunny Wins Big at the First-Ever Spotify Awards

Bad Bunny is the Spotify king in Mexico…

The first-ever Spotify Awards were celebrated this week in Mexico City, with the 25-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer topping the list of winners with seven awards.

Bad Bunny

Bad Bunnyscored big wins in the top categories including Spotify Artist of the YearMost Listened to Artistand Most-Streamed Male Artist.

Karol Gpicked up four awards, making her the top Latina winner of the night.

Among her wins, the 29-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer picked up the awards for Most-Streamed Female Artist andMost Streamed Female Urban Pop Artist.

Other winners include J BalvinDanna PaolaHa*ashShakiraand Luis Miguel.  

According to Spotify, the winners are based 100 percent on the user-generated data or the patterns and listening habits of Spotify users in Mexico.

The ceremony included standout performances by J Balvin and the Black Eyed Peaswho sang their crossover hit “Ritmo,” Karol G, who performed “Tusa,” and Los Ángeles Azuleswho took the stage to sing classic cumbiasongs with artists like BelindaHoracio Palenciaand Lalo Ebratt.

Listen to the best of the winners with the Spotify Awards Playlist.

Here are some of the night’s winners:

Spotify Artist of the Year: Bad Bunny
Most frequent artist: Sinaloense MS Band by Sergio Lizárraga
Most listened artist: Bad Bunny
Most added artist to playlist: Bad Bunny
Most popular KPOP artist: BTS
Artist with the largest increase in fans: Danna Paola
Contemporary Rock Artist: Imagine Dragons
Most shared artist: J Balvin
Most listened to Mexican artist in Mexico: Luis Miguel
Radar artist: Tones And I
Most popular Pop Artist: Ha*Ash
Most listened artist: Karol G
Most listened to Mexican artist in the World: Reik
Most popular EDM artist: Rita Ora
Most popular Mariachi artist: Pepe Aguilar
Most popular Urban Pop Artist: Maluma
Most listened song: Calma Remix by Pedro Capó and Farruko
Artist most listened to by users aged 13 to 17: Billie Ellish
Artist most listened to by users aged 13 to 17: Bad Bunny
Artist most listened to by users aged 19 to 29: Karol G
Artist most listened to by users aged 19 to 29: Bad Bunny
Artist most listened to by users aged 30 to 44: Shakira
Artist most listened to by users aged 30 to 44: Luis Miguel