J Balvin to Headline This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

J Balvin is helping celebrate Latin music…

The 39-year-old Colombian singer will headline the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week.

J BalvinThis year’s 35th annual event will take place from October 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. 

Known for his massive influence on Colombian reggaetón and global Latin music, the Medellín superstar — who is fresh off releasing his sixth solo studio album Rayo — will host a special night titled “Next Gen Reggaetón: An Evening Curated by J Balvin” during the week.

The event promises an exciting lineup of surprise performances and guests, all chosen by Balvin himself.

The global superstar and entrepreneur is a highly decorated and critically acclaimed cultural icon who has won multiple Billboard Music Awards and plenty of chart accolades, including nine No. 1 tracks on the Hot Latin Songs chart like “Mi Gente” with Beyoncé, “Ginza,” “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” with Black Eyed Peas) and a No. 1 on the Hot 100 (“I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny).

Apart from his curation, Balvin will engage in an exclusive Superstar Q&A moderated by Leila Cobo, chief content officer for Latin/Español at Billboard, providing deeper insights into his music and influence. The session aims to foster intimate and enlightening discussions.

“Latin music is living its most successful and globally recognized moment ever this year. But Billboard has been proudly at its side for over 35 years as the main flagbearer, supporter and ultimate opinion maker for Latin music around the world,” said Cobo in a press release. “During a year when Latin music is dominating the charts and the cultural zeitgeist, we are thrilled to return to Miami Beach, the global capital of Latin music, for this exciting week-long event.”

The announcement also highlighted the expansive lineup for this legacy event, featuring a blend of established stars and emerging talents including Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, 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, with more to be announced in the coming months.

Tickets are now available here.

J Balvin & Bad Bunny Tie Ozuna for Top Spot on YouTube’s Billion Views Club with ““Si Tu Novio Te Deja Sola” Collab

It’s Lucky No. 13 for J Balvin and Bad Bunny

The 38-year-old Colombian urbano singer/songwriter and the 29-year-old Puerto Rican superstar have each notched their 13th video entry in YouTube’s Billion Views Club, according to the video platform.

J Balvin & Bad BunnyBalvin and Bad Bunny have now tied the record Ozuna previously held on his own.

All three reggaeton acts have become the artists with the most entries in the Billion Views Club as lead, featured artist or collaborator.

Balvin and Bad Bunny achieved the milestone with their 2017 collaborative effort “Si Tu Novio Te Deja Sola,” a tropical, groovy, trap fusion with cheeky lyrics that put Bad Bunny on the radar. The vibrant music video, filmed in the captivating landscapes of Puerto Rico, was uploaded to YouTube on March 3, 2017.

In 2022, J Balvin reclaimed his crown after his Black Eyed Peas-assisted “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” video entered the club. He broke the tie he had with Justin Bieber, who currently has 11 titles with more than a billion views.

Earlier this year, however, Ozuna nabbed the crown notching two new entries with “Síguelo Bailando” and “Diles.” The latter — a collaboration with Bad Bunny, Farruko, Árcangel and Ñengo Flow, also became Bad Bunny’s 12th entry in the Billion Views Club.

Ozuna’s next video to hit one billion views will likely be “El Farsante” (977 million views as of press time). Balvin’s next contender is “Say My Name” with David Guetta and Bebe Rexha (982 million views). Bad Bunny’s next potential clip to reach the milestone viewership number is his feature on Nacho and Yandel’s “Bailame Remix” (975 million views).

With the new entry into the Billion Views Club, Balvin is now at No. 37 on YouTube’s Global Top Artists chart, whereas Bad Bunny lands at No. 6.

Jenna Ortega Earns First-Ever Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Nomination

Jenna Ortega is making an impression with the kids

Nickelodeon has revealed the nominees for its 2023 Kids’ Choice Awards, with the 20-year-old Puerto Rican and Mexican American actress earning her first nod.

Jenna OrtegaOrtega is nominated in the Favorite Female Star TV (Family) category for her portrayal of Wednesday Addams on Netflix’s acclaimed series Wednesday.

Selena Gomez and Salma Hayek will face off in the Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie (Female).

The 30-year-old Mexican American actress is nominated for her role as Mavis in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania, while the Mexican actress is nominated for her work as Kitty Softpaws in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Cardi B is nominated in the Favorite Female Artist category; Bad Bunny is nominated in the Favorite Male Artist category, and Taboo and his Black Eyed Peas group mates are up for Favorite Music Group.

Taboo and his fellow Black Eyed Peas, nominated with Shakira and David Guetta for “Don’t You Worry,” will face off against Camila Cabello and Ed Sheeran, nominated for “Bam Bam,” in the Favorite Collaboration category.

Bad Bunny (Latin America) and Rosalia (Europe) are up for Favorite Global Music Superstar.

Stephen Sanchez is nominated for Favorite Social Media Star.

The awards show will air live on Saturday, March 4 at 7:00 pm ET/PT from L.A.’s Microsoft Theater.

In the sports categories, Lionel Messi is up for Favorite Male Sports Star.

Musical performances will be announced at a later date.

This year’s show will also feature extreme logic-defying stunts; wild celebrity collaborations and games; magical illusions and tricks; interactive moments within the Nickverse; and epic slimings. Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2023 will simulcast across NickelodeonTeenNickNicktoons, the Nick Jr. channel, TVLand, CMT and MTV2.

Here are the nominees for Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2023:

TELEVISION

FAVORITE KIDS TV SHOW
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Ms. Marvel
Raven’s Home
That Girl Lay Lay
The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers
The Really Loud House

FAVORITE FAMILY TV SHOW
Cobra Kai
iCarly
Obi-Wan Kenobi
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Stranger Things
Wednesday
Young Rock
Young Sheldon

FAVORITE REALITY SHOW
America’s Funniest Home Videos
America’s Got Talent
American Ninja Warrior
Floor Is Lava
MasterChef Junior
The Masked Singer

FAVORITE ANIMATED SHOW
Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous
Rugrats
SpongeBob SquarePants
Teen Titans Go!
The Loud House
The Smurfs

FAVORITE FEMALE TV STAR (KIDS)
Audrey Grace Marshall (Vivian Turner, The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder)
Imogen Cohen (Zina, The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder)
Olivia Rodrigo (Nini, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)
Raven-Symoné (Raven Baxter, Raven’s Home)
Sofia Wylie (Gina, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)
That Girl Lay Lay (Lay Lay, That Girl Lay Lay)

FAVORITE MALE TV STAR (KIDS)
Brady Noon (Evan Morrow, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers)
Israel Johnson (Noah Lambert, Bunk’d)
Joshua Bassett (Ricky, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)
Tyler Wladis (Roy, The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder)
Wolfgang Schaeffer (Lincoln Loud, The Really Loud House)
Young Dylan (Young Dylan, Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan)

FAVORITE FEMALE TV STAR (FAMILY)
Hilary Duff (Sophie, How I Met Your Father)
Jenna Ortega (Wednesday Addams, Wednesday)
Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven, Stranger Things)
Miranda Cosgrove (Carly Shay, iCarly)
Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield, Stranger Things)
Tracee Ellis Ross (Bow Johnson, Black-ish)

FAVORITE MALE TV STAR (FAMILY)
Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair, Stranger Things)
Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Obi-Wan-Kenobi)
Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler, Stranger Things)
Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson, Stranger Things)
Jerry Trainor (Spencer Shay, iCarly)
Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso, Cobra Kai)

FILM

FAVORITE MOVIE
Avatar: The Way of Water
Black Adam
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Hocus Pocus 2
Jurassic World Dominion
Monster High The Movie
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Top Gun: Maverick

FAVORITE MOVIE ACTOR
Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Thor: Love and Thunder)
Chris Pratt (Owen Grady, Jurassic World: Dominion)
Dwayne Johnson (Black Adam/Teth-Adam, Black Adam)
Jim Carrey (Dr. Robotnik, Sonic the Hedgehog 2)
Ryan Reynolds (Big Adam, The Adam Project)
Tom Cruise (Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Top Gun: Maverick)

FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS
Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)
Letitia Wright (Shuri, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)
Lupita Nyong’o (Nakia, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)
Millie Bobby Brown (Enola Holmes, Enola Holmes 2)
Natalie Portman (Jane Foster/The Mighty Thor, Thor: Love and Thunder)
Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson, Hocus Pocus 2)

FAVORITE ANIMATED MOVIE
DC League of Super-Pets
Hotel Transylvania: Transformania
Lightyear
Minions: The Rise of Gru
The Bad Guys
Turning Red

FAVORITE VOICE FROM AN ANIMATED MOVIE (MALE)
Andy Samberg (Dale, Chip N’ Dale: Rescue Rangers)
Andy Samberg (Jonathan, Hotel Transylvania: Transformania)
Chris Evans (Buzz Lightyear, Lightyear)
Dwayne Johnson (Krypto, DC League of Super-Pets)
Kevin Hart (Ace, DC League of Super-Pets)
Steve Carell (Gru, Minions: The Rise of Gru)

FAVORITE VOICE FROM AN ANIMATED MOVIE (FEMALE)
Awkwafina (Tarantula, The Bad Guys)
Keke Palmer (Izzy Hawthorne, Lightyear)
Salma Hayek (Kitty Softpaws, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish)
Sandra Oh (Ming, Turning Red)
Selena Gomez (Mavis, Hotel Transylvania: Transformania)
Taraji P. Henson (Belle Bottom, Minions: The Rise of Gru)

MUSIC

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Adele
Beyoncé
Billie Eilish
Cardi B
Lady Gaga
Lizzo
Rihanna
Taylor Swift

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Bad Bunny
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Harry Styles
Justin Bieber
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone
The Weeknd

FAVORITE MUSIC GROUP
5 Seconds of Summer
Black Eyed Peas
BLACKPINK
BTS
Imagine Dragons
OneRepublic
Panic! At The Disco
Paramore

FAVORITE SONG
“About Damn Time”- Lizzo
“Anti-Hero”- Taylor Swift
“As It Was”- Harry Styles
“Bejeweled”- Taylor Swift
“Break My Soul” – Beyoncé
“First Class”- Jack Harlow
“I Ain’t Worried”- OneRepublic
“Lift Me Up”- Rihanna

FAVORITE MUSIC COLLABORATION
“Bam Bam”- Camila Cabello, featuring Ed Sheeran
“Don’t You Worry” – Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta, Shakira
“I Like You (A Happier Song)”- Post Malone, featuring Doja Cat
“Numb”- Marshmello, featuring Khalid
“Stay With Me”- Calvin Harris, featuring Justin Timberlake, Halsey, Pharrell
“Sweetest Pie”- Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa

FAVORITE BREAKOUT ARTIST
Devon Cole
Dove Cameron
GAYLE
Joji
Lauren Spencer Smith
Nicky Youre

FAVORITE ALBUM
“Dawn FM”- The Weeknd
“GOD DID”- DJ Khaled
“Harry’s House”- Harry Styles
“Midnights (3am Edition)”- Taylor Swift
“Renaissance”- Beyoncé
“Special”- Lizzo

FAVORITE GLOBAL MUSIC STAR
Bad Bunny (Latin America)
BLACKPINK (Asia)
Harry Styles (UK)
Rosalía (Europe)
Taylor Swift (North America)
Tones and I (Australia)
Wizkid (Africa)

FAVORITE SOCIAL MUSIC STAR
Bella Poarch
Dixie D’Amelio
JoJo Siwa
Oliver Tree
Stephen Sanchez
That Girl Lay Lay

OTHER CATEGORIES

FAVORITE MALE CREATOR
Austin Creed
MrBeast
Ninja
Ryan’s World
SeanDoesMagic
Unspeakable

FAVORITE FEMALE CREATOR
Addison Rae
Charli D’Amelio
Dixie D’Amelio
Gracie’s Corner
Kids Diana Show
Miranda Sings

FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA FAMILY
FGTeeV
Ninja Kidz TV
Ohana Adventure Family
The Bucket List Family
The Royalty Family
The Williams Family

FAVORITE FEMALE SPORTS STAR
Candace Parker
Chloe Kim
Naomi Osaka
Serena Williams
Simone Biles
Venus Williams

FAVORITE MALE SPORTS STAR
LeBron James
Lionel Messi
Patrick Mahomes
Shaun White
Stephen Curry
Tom Brady

FAVORITE CELEBRITY PET
Dodger Evans
Gino Chopra Jonas
Noon Coleman
Olivia Benson Swift
Piggy Lou Bieber
Toulouse Grande

FAVORITE BOOK
Cat Kid Comic Club Book Series
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book Series
Five Nights at Freddy’s Book Series
Harry Potter Book Series
The Adventures of Captain Underpants Books Series
The Bad Guys Book Series

FAVORITE VIDEO GAME
Adopt Me!
Brookhaven
Just Dance 2023
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Minecraft
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Bad Bunny’s “Me Porto Bien,” with Chencho Corleone, Logs Milestone 20th Week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

Bad Bunny is still behaving well… And, he’s earning a place in Latin music history.

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican superstar and Chencho Corleone’s “Me Porto Bonito” has logged a milestone 20th week at No. 1 on BillboardHot Latin Songs chart dated October 8, becoming the 12th song to spend at least 20 weeks atop the tally in its 36-year history.

Bad BunnyThe song’s 20th week at No. 1 benefits from 8 million U.S. audience impressions earned in the week ending Sept. 29 (up 18%), according to Luminate. 

Meanwhile, though it dips 4% in streams to 12 million earned in the week ending September 29, it holds strong at No. 1 on the Latin Streaming Songs chart and moves 4-2 on the overall Streaming Songs chart.

On the sales front, “Me Porto Bonito” falls 14%, to 1,000 downloads sold, in the same tracking period.

As it drops 1-2 on Latin Digital Song Sales, it cedes the No. 1 spot to another one of Bad Bunny’s songs: “MIA,” featuring Drake — which last took over atop the chart for one week in October 2018.

As mentioned, “Me Porto Bonito” joins 11 other tracks that have held strong at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs for at least 20 weeks or more since the chart’s inception in 1986.

Here’s the leaderboard:

Weeks At No. 1, Title, Artist
56, “Despacito” Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee, featuring Justin Bieber
41, “Bailando,” Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona
30, “El Perdón,” Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias
27, “Dakiti,” Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez
26, “Pepas,” Farruko
25, “La Tortura,” Shakira featuring Alejandro Sanz
24, “RITMO (Bad Boys for Life),” Black Eyed Peas & J Balvin
22, “Ginza,” J Balvin
20, “Me Porto Bonito,” Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone
20, “Te Quiero, Flex”
20, “Me Enamora,” Juanes
20, “A Puro Dolor,” Son By Four

Further, Bad Bunny is the third act to have two different songs spend at least 20 weeks at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs (he previously notched 27 weeks at No. 1 with “Dakiti,” with Jhay Cortez). Both Enrique Iglesias and J Balvin have also logged a pair of 20-week No. 1s. Iglesias did it with “Bailando” (41 in 2014-15, featuring Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona) and “El Perdon” (30 in 2015, with Nicky Jam), while J Balvin ruled with “RITMO (Bad Boys for Life)” (24, 2020; with Black Eyed Peas) and “Ginza” (22, 2015).

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito,” featuring Justin Bieber, has the most weeks at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs, with 56 weeks in 2017-18.

Elsewhere, “Me Porto Bonito” rebounds to No. 4 on Latin Airplay for a second week (7-4). The track led the all-genre tally for one week on the Aug. 20-dated ranking.

J Balvin Reclaims Crown as Artist with Most Videos in YouTube’s Billion Views Club

J Balvin is YouTube’s ’s Billion baller…

The 37-year-old Colombian singer’s “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” music video in collaboration with Black Eyed Peas has surpassed 1 billion views, officially making him the artist with the most videos in YouTube’s Billion Views Club once again, according to the video platform.

J Balvin“Ritmo,” which was released on October 11, 2019, on YouTube, marks Balvin’s 12th entry as a lead, featured artist or collaborator. Prior to reclaiming the crown this week, Balvin was tied with Justin Bieber with 11 music videos each with a billion views.

In 2016, he became the first Latin urban artist to reach 10 digits with a video on the platform with “Ay Vamos.” He was only the third Latin artist to reach a billion views, following Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailando,” featuring Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno, and Romeo Santos’ “Propuesta Indecente,” both in 2014.

Balvin also has one of the top five fastest videos to reach the billion-view mark with “Mi Gente,” surpassing the number in 103 days.

“Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” samples Corona’s ’90s hit “Rhythm of the Night,” fusing hip-hop and pop with Balvin’s incendiary and infectious take on reggaeton.

The track topped the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs and Hot Latin Songs

charts in 2020, becoming the Peas’ first leader on each ranking and Balvin’s first on the dance chart.

The video, which shows scenes from the Bad Boys for Life movie, now joins the Willy William-assisted “Mi Gente”; “X (Equis)” with Nicky Jam; “Con Altura” with Rosalia; “China” alongside Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, and Ozuna; “No Me Conoce (Remix)” with Jhayco and Bad Bunny; “Ay Vamos”; “I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny; “Ahora Dice” with Chris Jedi, Ozuna, and Arcangel; the Farruko-assisted “6AM”; and “Safari” featuring Pharrell Williams, BIA, and Sky in the billion-views club.

Karol G Claims New Career Milestone on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart with “Provenza” & “MAMIII”

It’s a one-two punch for Karol G.

The 31-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter has claimed a new career milestone on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart as her latest single, “Provenza,” debuts at No. 2 on the May 7-dated ranking.

Karol GStill holding the No. 1 spot with “Mamiii,” with Becky G, Karol G becomes only the second woman, after Selena, to hold Nos. 1 and 2 at the same time since 1995.

“Provenza,” Karol G’s 15th Hot Latin Songs top 10, begins with 11 million U.S. streams in the week ending April 28, according to Luminate. It opens as her fifth No. 1 on Latin Streaming Songs and her second top 10, at No. 10 (after “Mamiii”), on the overall Streaming Songs chart.

“Provenza” also sold 2,100 downloads and becomes her fifth No. 1 on Latin Digital Song Sales. It additionally jumps onto Latin Airplay at No. 18 with 5.3 million in audience.

Produced by Karol G’s longtime collaborator Ovy on the Drums, “Provenza” is a fusion of sounds with tropical and rhythmic elements peppered with afro-dance beats that pays tribute to a neighborhood in her native Medellín.

With “Provenza” arriving at No. 2 on Hot Latin Songs as “Mamiii” reigns for a 10th week, Karol G achieves a feat that no other woman had in over a quarter-century.

The last solo female with no accompanying artists to claim the top two spots together was the late Selena, when “Tú Sólo Tú” and “I Could Fall in Love” ranked at Nos. 1 and 2 respectively, on the September 9, 1995-dated tally (when Hot Latin Songs, now a blend of airplay, streaming and sales data, was based on monitored audience totals among Latin radio stations). Selena logged a total of six weeks at Nos. 1 and 2 with those titles beginning that July.

Previously this decade, Bad Bunny (two weeks) and The Black Eyed Peas (five) doubled up at Nos. 1 and 2 simultaneously on Hot Latin Songs, both in 2020.

Elsewhere, “Provenza” bows at No. 36 on the all-genre, multi-metric Billboard Hot 100, marking Karol G’s highest start as an unaccompanied act. It’s her fourth top 40 entry; “Mamiii” ranks at No. 20, after launching at a personal-best No. 15 in February.

CNCO to Perform at This Year’s Latin American Music Awards

CNCO is preparing to take the global stage…

The Latin boy band is among the latest acts appearing on the performance roster for this year’s Latin American Music Awards, which will take place at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas

CNCOIn addition to CNCO, the latest list of confirmed artists includes EmiliaFarruko, Gera MXLuis Fonsi, Prince Royce, and Reik.

They join previous performers Black Eyed Peas, Boza, Calibre 50, Chiquis, Christian Nodal, Esteman, Gerardo Ortiz, Gloria Trevi, Jesse & Joy, Jhay Cortez, Lit Killah, Los Ángeles Azules, Lupita D’Alessio, María Becerra, Nicki Nicole, Ozuna, Sofía Reyes, and Tiago PZK.

The three-hour event will “pay tribute to today’s most influential and iconic Latin artists” in 26 categories, including favorite video and favorite social artist, selected by a committee of industry professionals who consider the quality, content, creativity, and fan engagement.

The 2022 Latin AMAs nominations are led by Bad Bunny with 10 nominations. He’s followed by the eight-time nominee Jhay Cortez, and Karol G, J Balvin, and Rauw Alejandro with seven nods each.

This year’s nominees, which are determined by fan voting via LatinAmas.com, are based on key fan interactions with music, including streaming, sales, airplay, and social activity tracked by Billboard through its data partners Luminate — formerly MRC Data — and Next Big Sound for data covering the periods of Feb. 6, 2021, through Jan. 29, 2022.

The 2022 Latin AMAs will take place on Thursday, April 21, live from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The seventh annual ceremony will be broadcast on Telemundo starting at 7 p.m. ET with the red-carpet pre-show followed at 8 p.m. ET by the awards show.

Blessd Signs Worldwide Distribution & Licensing Deal with Warner Music Latina

Blessd has an exciting new deal…

Warner Music Latina has signed an exclusive worldwide distribution and licensing agreement with the up-and-coming Colombian artist, who recently announced his first-ever international tour.

In addition, Blessd’s exclusive deal, which is an alliance with JM World Music and Cigol Music, will include a “crafty, all-party proposal that will bring the artist’s music globally.”

“Blessd is undoubtedly Colombia’s next musical urban star,” Gabriela Martinez, managing director at Warner Music Latina, said in a statement. “At Warner Latina we are very excited to be part of this project and take it to the next level.”

Dr. Velasquez, who signed Blessd to JM World Music in 2019, added: “JM World Music and Cigol Music see in Warner Mexico and Warner Music Latina an opportunity for team growth.”

“Everything that is happening in my career is very important to me,” the 21-year-old artist said in a statement. “I feel that the alliance with Warner Music Latina is a new beginning and I feel very confident to have the backing of a company like this. The idea is to project bigger and bigger goals and work as a team with the best.”

Part of Colombia’s new wave of hip-hop and reggaetón artists, the artist born Stiven Mesa Londoño in Antioquia, Medellín, broke out during the global pandemic, releasing viral hits like “Imposible” and “Hace Tiempo.” A promising singer-songwriter, who can gracefully go from freestyle to a chanteo to singing, he has already collaborated with artists such as Maluma, Piso 21, Ovy on the Drums, and The Black Eyed Peas. The former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise credits reggaetón veteran Arcangel and Venezuelan rapper Akapellah as his biggest source of inspiration.

He continued: “All my achievements are in the hands of God and in prayer, I always ask that my songs be heard in all corners of the world and that my team is always blessed. From today on, I have the Warner, JM, and Cigol shirt on, because working hand in hand with the Lord everything is possible.”

The signing announcement comes on the heels of his first-ever international fall tour, kicking off November 4 in Europe. Blessd’s upcoming studio album, Hecho en Medellín, is scheduled to launch on October 27 under Warner Music Latina and features collaborations with Arcangel, Justin Quiles, Myke Towers, and more.

Bad Bunny Claims 10 Billboard Latin Music Awards Trophies, Including Artist of the Year

It’s a perfect 10 for Bad Bunny

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican superstar scored 10 wins at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards, including the biggest award of the night… artist of the year.

Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny, a 22-time finalist, also won songwriter of the year; Hot Latin Songs artist of the year, male; Latin Rhythm artist of the year, solo; and Top Latin Albums Artist of the year, male.

His hit song “Dákiti” featuring Jhay Cortez, won Hot Latin Song of the year; Hot Latin Song of the year, vocal event; and streaming song of the year.

And in the coveted album of the year category, Bad Bunny’s hit album YHLQMDLG won in a triple competition against his own El Ultimo Tour del Mundo and Las Que No Iban a Salir.

Bunny picked up his awards during the live show, which aired from the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Fla., on the Telemundo network and featured performances and premieres by Daddy Yankee, Rosalía, Rauw Alejandro, Natti Natasha, Carlos Vives, Myke Towers, Jhay Cortez and Nicky Jam, among others.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards, given in 56 categories, honor the most popular albums, songs and performers in Latin music as determined by Billboard’s renowned weekly charts, during the period rom the rankings dated February 1, 2020, through this year’s August 7, 2021, charts, a longer than usual period due to the pandemic.

Following Bad Bunny in number of wins was Jhay Cortez — with three for “Dákiti” — and the Black Eyed Peas, whose hit “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” with J Balvin won sales song of the year, while their “Mamacita” with Ozuna and J. Rey Soul won Latin pop song of the year. The Peas were also the winners of the crossover artist of the year, thanks to their groundbreaking album Translation, where they paired up with multiple Latin acts.

Urban star Karol G swept the female awards, winning Hot Latin Songs artist of the year, female, and Top Latin Albums artist of the year, female. Fellow Colombian Maluma, along with The Weeknd, also took home two awards for “Hawái,” and Prince Royce, who continues to break ground in tropical music, won tropical song of the year with “Carita Inocente” and tropical album of the year for Alter Ego.

In the rapidly growing realm of regional Mexican music, stalwarts Band MS de Sergio Lizárraga won Hot Latin Songs artist of the year, duo or group and Regional Mexican artist, duo or group. In turn, newcomers Eslabón Armado won Top Latin Album artist of the year, duo or group, and Regional Mexican album of the year for Tu Veneno Mortal.

In a year that was full of new music, the versatile Myke Towers, who does both rap and reggaetón, won the new artist of the year award, buoyed by a string of successful hits and albums. And Tainy once again took home the producer of the year award.

The evening was punctuated by a slew of special moments. Daddy Yankee received the Billboard Hall of Fame award, becoming the first urban artist to receive the honor and underscoring nearly two decades of steady hitmaking. In turn, Yankee performed the television premiere of his new single, “Métele al Perreo.”

Rock legends Maná received the new Billboard Icon award, and premiered their new single, “Reloj Cucú,” alongside newcomer Mabel.

And regional Mexican grand dame Paquita la del Barrio’s 50-year storied career was recognized with Billboard’s Lifetime Achievement Award, accompanied by an attitude-filled performance of her vintage hit “Rata de dos patas” and “El Consejo” alongside Ana Bárbara.

Here are all the winners:

Artist of the Year: Bad Bunny
Artist of the Year, New:: Myke Towers
Crossover Artist of the Year: Black Eyed Peas

SONG CATEGORIES

Hot Latin Song of the Year: Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, “Dákiti”
Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event: Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, “Dákiti”
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Male: Bad Bunny
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female: Karol G
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Hot Latin Songs Label of the Year: Rimas
Hot Latin Songs Imprint of the Year: Rimas
Latin Airplay Song of the Year: Maluma & The Weeknd, “Hawái”
Latín Airplay Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Latin Airplay Imprint of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Sales Song of the Year: Black Eyed Peas & J Balvin, “Ritmo (Bad Boys For Life)”
Streaming Streaming Song of the Year: Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, “Dákiti”

ALBUM CATEGORIES

Top Latin Album of the Year: Bad Bunny, YHLQMDLG
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Male: Bad Bunny
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Female: Karol G
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Eslabon Armado
Top Latin Albums Label of the Year: Rimas
Top Latin Albums Imprint of the Year: Rimas

LATIN POP CATEGORIES

Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Solo: Shakira
Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Maná
Latin Pop Song of the Year: Black Eyed Peas, Ozuna & J.Rey Soul “Mamacita”
Latin Pop Airplay Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Latin Pop Airplay Imprint of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Latin Pop Album of the Year: Kali Uchis, Sin Miedo (Del Amor y Otros Demonios)
Latin Pop Albums Label of the Year: Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Latin Pop Albums Imprint of the Year: Universal Music Latino

TROPICAL CATEGORIES

Tropical Artist of the Year, Solo: Romeo Santos
Tropical Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Aventura
Tropical Song of the Year: Prince Royce, “Carita de Inocente”
Tropical Airplay Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Tropical Airplay Imprint of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Tropical Albums of the Year: Prince Royce, Alter Ego
Tropical Albums Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Tropical Albums Imprint of the Year: Sony Music Latin

REGIONAL MEXICAN CATEGORIES

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year, Solo: Christian Nodal
Regional Mexican Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Regional Mexican Song of the Year: Lenin Ramírez, featuring Grupo Firme, “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo”
Regional Mexican Airplay Label of the Year: Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Regional Mexican Airplay Imprint of the Year: Fonovisa
Regional Mexican Album of the Year: Eslabon Armado, Tu Veneno Mortal
Regional Mexican Albums Label of the Year: Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Regional Mexican Albums Imprint of the Year: DEL

LATIN RHYTHM CATEGORIES

Latin Rhythm Artist of the Year, Solo: Bad Bunny
Latin Rhythm Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Los Legendarios
Latin Rhythm Song of the Year: Maluma & The Weeknd, “Hawái”
Latin Rhythm Airplay Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Latin Rhythm Airplay Imprint of the Year: Universal Music Latino
Latin Rhythm Album of the Year: Bad Bunny, YHLQMDLG
Latin Rhythm Albums Label of the Year: Rimas
Latin Rhythm Albums Imprint of the Year: Rimas

WRITERS/PRODUCERS/PUBLISHERS CATEGORIES

Songwriter of the Year: Bad Bunny
Publisher of the Year: RSM Publishing, ASCAP
Publishing Corporation of the Year: Sony Music Publishing
Producer of the Year: Tainy