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.

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.

Danny Ocean Earns First-Ever No. 1s on Billboard Charts with “Amor”

It’s a special, long-awaited first for Danny Ocean. 

The 32-year-old Venezuelan singer, songwriter and record producer, whose real name is Daniel Alejandro Morales Reyes, has earned his first No. 1 on a Billboard chart with “Amor.”

Danny OceanThe pop-dembow tune surges 10-1 on the overall Latin Airplay chart and 2-1 on the Latin Pop Airplay ranking dated June 15.

“What makes me happiest, beyond my name being there, is that a Venezuelan is at No. 1,” Ocean tells Billboard. “This is a project that has always honored love.”

“Amor” takes the crown with 8.7 million audience impressions, up 54%, on U.S. reporting radio stations during the May 31-June 6 tracking week, according to Luminate.

Thanks to the 54% percentage surge on airplay, “Amor” wins the Greatest Gainer honor, awarded weekly to the song with the largest gain in impressions among the chart’s 50 titles. Among the song’s biggest supporters, New York’s WXNY leads the way in the latest tracking week, Puerto Rico’s WKAQ comes second, while Los Angeles’ KXOL rounds out the top three.

“Amor,” one of 12 tracks on Ocean’s third studio albumReflexa, completes a five-week journey to the top on Latin Airplay, having debuted at No. 45 on the chart dated May 18.

Thus, it takes second-fastest rise to the summit among the ranking’s 21 rulers in 2024, after Xavi’s “La Diabla” which reached the penthouse in its third week (chart dated February 10).

Only one song achieved the feat faster: Shakira and Cardi B’s “Puntería” debuted atop the list dated April 6. Here’s the recap of those songs that needed the least weeks to land at No. 1 on Latin Airplay in 2024:

Weeks To Position, Title, Artist, Reached On
1, “Puntería,” Shakira & Cardi B, April 6 (debut)
3, “La Diabla,” Xavi, Feb. 10
5, “Amor,” Danny Ocean, June 15
7, “Por El Contrario,” Becky G with Leonardo Aguilar & Angela Aguilar, March 9
7, “(Entre Paréntesis),” Shakira & Grupo Frontera, May 18

As “Amor” hits No. 1 on Latin Airplay, it pushes Alejandro Fernández and Alfredo Olivas’Cobijas Ajenas” from the lead, with a 33% drop in impressions, to 5.9 million.

Over on Latin Pop Airplay, with “Amor” Ocean outdoes his prior best showing of No. 5 for “Miedito o Qué?,” with Ovy On The Drums and Karol G, in January 2021.

Danny Ocean to Launch Reflexa Tour Across U.S. in September

Danny Ocean is launching his first wide U.S. tour…

The 32-year-old Venezuelan singer and songwriter will launch his Reflexa Tour, produced by Live Nation, on September 13.

Danny OceanOcean will kick off the tour at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, and will perform in theaters or similar venues in 24 other U.S. cities, including Denver, Los Angeles and Boston, before winding down at Miami’s FPL Solar Amphitheatre on November 2.

This is Ocean’s biggest U.S. tour by far since he catapulted to fame in 2016 with the surprise hit single “Me Rehuso.”

Tickets are currently on sale at  LiveNation.com.

The Reflexa Tour takes its name from the album Reflexa, released earlier this year on Atlantic/Warner, a collection of dance/pop tracks with some urban beats and Ocean’s distinctive, chill vibes.

Here’s a look at the dates for Ocean’s 2024 North American tour:

Sept. 13 — Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre
Sept. 14 — Vancouver, BC @ The Centre
Sept. 15 — Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
Sept. 18 — Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
Sept. 20 — Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Sept. 21 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
Sept. 22 — San Francisco, CA @ Masonic
Sept. 27 — San Diego, CA @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Sept. 28 — Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
Sept. 29 — Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre
Oct. 3 — San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theatre
Oct. 4 — Hidalgo, TX @ Payne Arena
Oct. 5 — Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
Oct. 6 — Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom
Oct. 10 — Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Oct. 12 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
Oct. 18 — Toronto, ON @ Rebel
Oct. 20 — Boston, MA @ House of Blues
Oct. 24 — Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Oct. 25 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore Philadelphia
Oct. 26 — Washington DC @ The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Oct. 27 — Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
Oct. 31 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
Nov. 1 — Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
Nov. 2 — Miami, FL @ FPL Solar Amphitheatre

Alejandro Sanz Receives All-Star Welcome to His New Label, Sony Music Latin-Iberia

Alejandro Sanz is getting an all-star welcome at Sony Music Latin-Iberia.

The 54-year-old Spanish award-winning singer-songwriter was serenaded by Kany GarcíaCamilo and Evaluna, among other artists, serenaded  at an event hosted by Sony Music during Latin Grammy Week in Sevilla, Spain, officially welcoming Sanz to his new label.

Alejandro SanzProducer Javier Limón, a close friend of Sanz’s, hosted the event along with Afo Verde, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Latin-Iberia, and José María Barbat, president of Sony Music Iberia.

“We’re here on an unforgettable night because we have the opportunity to celebrate the arrival of Alejandro Sanz to our great Sony Music family,” said Verde, who signed Sanz to Sony this past June.

”We know the extraordinary artist that’s inside you. We know of your drive and passion for your work, your curiosity for new artists, the support you give those who are starting off, your generosity with your colleagues, your commitment to causes of fairness and the value of your friendship,” added Barbat.

Camilo, Evaluna, Niña Pastori, Kany García, J·Noa, Darumas, Yerai Cortés and Montse Cortés performed some of Sanz’s emblematic songs, including “Amiga Mía” (J Noa), “Cuando nadie me ve” (Kany García) and “Desde cuando” (Camilo y Evaluna).  The honoree enjoyed the evening from a table set in a semi private area, from which he could see the performances.

Other artists, including Malú, Ana Mena, Arde Bogotá, Omar Montes, Reik, Nicki Nicole, Kenia OS and María José Llergo, were also at the event ,which took place in Hacienda Azahares.

This year, Sanz is nominated for a Latin Grammy for song of the year for “Nasa” alongside Camilo, and record of the year for “Correcaminos” with Danny Ocean.

Sanz thanked his “Dear Sony family” for the warm welcome. “It’s been a beautiful night to get together again and begin this new stage, in addition to a prelude to a week where we’ll celebrate music. Let’s enjoy and celebrate!” he said.

Peso Pluma Among Headliners for Next Year’s Tecate Pa’l Norte Festival

Peso Pluma is heading to Monterrey for a special performance next spring…

The 24-year-old Mexican Regional Mexican artist is among the headliners for the next edition of the Tecate Pa’l Norte festival, which has announced the extensive list of international stars that will take the stage the weekend of March 29-31.

Peso PlumaPeso Pluma is among a list of headliners that includes Keane, Maná and Fuerza Regida.

As it does every year, Fundidora Park in Monterrey, Nuevo León, in northern Mexico, will host one of the most highly anticipated musical events, where attendees can enjoy genres such as rock, pop, hip-hop and regional Mexican music. 

The first day will feature artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Peso Pluma, Keane, Aleman, Bad Religion, Belanova, Aterciopelados, Bomba Estéreo, Chencho Corleone, Deorro, Los Estrambóticos, Aitana and a large number of emerging groups.

The second day will highlight Blink-182, Louis Tomlinson, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Anitta, Danna Paola, Danny Ocean, Gabito Ballesteros, Latin Mafia, Sum 41, Yng Lvcas, Humbe, Young the Giant, R3hab, Justin Morales and many more.

The last day of the festival will feature Maná, Imagine Dragons, Placebo, Fuerza Regida, Los Enanitos Verdes, Enjambre, Kenia Os, Santa Fe Klan, Álvaro Díaz, Jay de la Cueva, Oscar Maydón, Kinky, The Warning and The Blessed Madonna, in addition to a variety of up-and-coming artists.

Created in 2012 by the entertainment company Apodaca Group, based in Monterrey, Tecate Pa’l Norte was created with the local public in mind, which had to travel to Mexico City to attend these types of musical events. Music, art, gastronomy and northern traditions come together in Tecate Pa’l Norte, considered one of the most important festivals in the country along with Vive Latino and Corona Capital, held in Mexico City by Ocesa.

Elena Rose Teams Up with Danny Ocean & Jerry Di to Release “Caracas en el 2000”

Elena Rose has written a special love letter to her hometown…

The 28-year-old Venezuelan singer and songwriter has joined voices with Danny Ocean and Jerry Di to release a project she started to work on three years ago, “Caracas en el 2000.”

Elena Rose, Danny Ocean, Jerry DiAs cheerful as it is nostalgic, the tropical song with an urban flavor is a love letter to the city where the three artists grew up, each in a different socioeconomic area, before the political situation led them, as so many others, to emigrate in search of better opportunities.

“What I would give for a thing like that/ You and me in Caracas like in 2000/ Skating around La Cota Mil/ With the macaws/ Such a flow, baby,” says part of the lyrics.

“We were children at that time,” Elena Rose explains to Billboard Español about the reason of the year 2000. “Beyond the fact that chronologically the country was in a better place, we wanted to show that innocence from three people who had very different lives even though they grew up in the same city.

“I feel that this is how the mind of a child who is enjoying too much on a day at the beach, on a day he went out skateboarding, would sound,” adds the singer-songwriter and only woman nominated for the 2023 Latin Grammy for songwriter of the year. “The feeling of what that soundtrack would sound like just when you go out to recess and are set free from all the classes. It’s pure joy.”

“Caracas en el 2000,” a Warner Music Latina release, was written by Elena Rose, Danny Ocean and Jerry Di and produced by Maff and DJ Tra. Elena Rose’s younger sister, Cristina “Pichu” Hernández, also contributed to the lyrics in its initial stages and now has a starring role in the music video, in which she plays Elena as a teenager. (The three singers, who are portrayed by young actors, also appear in different scenes but filmed their parts in the U.S.)

Directed by Beto Monte and Rodrigo Michelangeli and produced by Capitol, the clip shows emblematic places of Caracas such as the Ávila hill, the Humboldt Hotel, La Previsora ​​tower (with its iconic digital clock) and different squares, avenues and neighborhoods. In a little over four minutes, it condenses the energy of the city and the joy and strength of its people. It took over a year of work, carried out mostly by Monte (better known as Alberto “Beto” Montenegro of the Venezuelan rock/reggae band Rawayana), who was constantly traveling to Caracas to record visuals, Elena Rose points out, adding how meaningful and personal it’s been for her.

“They recorded the video at my school with the teachers who taught me. My grandmother is in the video. La Pichu, whom I wrote the song with, is the one who played me when I was little. It’s really remarkable for that reason,” she says with emotion. “They took photos from when I was a child, they even recreated the tattoos I used to make with markers, what my school bag was like, my little necklaces and things I wore. I mean, can you imagine, it is one of the most important productions and the one I feel most proud to be a part of.”

Now that it is out, she hopes to enjoy the result of the great teamwork involved in the making of the song and the video, and bring part of her culture to the world.

“I hope it serves as a message of hope and faith both for the Caracas native who stayed and for the one that left, and for the one who returns, and for the one who wants to leave,” she says. “It is a message of love everywhere you see it, where there is no mention of religion or politics or social class or sexual inclination or color or money; simply of what unites all of us from Caracas, and that is the love for that city. We are proud to come from where we come from.”

J Balvin Lands Two Singles on Spotify’s “Billions Club” Playlist

J Balvin is officially in special company…

Spotify has launched its “Billions Club” playlist to highlight the music of the members of its Billion Streams Club, including two of the 36-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter’s most iconic singles.

J Balvin

According to Spotify, the new playlist — which currently features more than 150 songs — highlights the megahits that have surpassed the one billion streams mark. Included on the new playlist are J Balvin’s “Mi Gente” with Willy William and his collaboration with Cardi B and Bad Bunny, “I Like It.”

In all Cardi B has three singles on the playlist. Along with “I Like It,” the other singles are “Girls Like You” with Maroon 5, and “Taki Taki,” her collaboration with Selena Gomez, Ozuna and DJ Snake.

Selena Gomez has three singles. Along with “Taki Taki,” her other singles on the playlist include “We Don’t Talk Anymore” with Charlie Puth, and “It Ain’t Me” with Kygo.

Bruno Mars has three singles on the playlist “That’s What I Like” and “Just the Way You Are,” as well as “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson.

Other Latin artists appearing on the playlist include Karol G, Danny Ocean, Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello and Luis Fonsi.

“Spotify has long celebrated artist milestones and we wanted to find a unique way to honor the artists and songs fans can’t stop listening to,” Ashley Graver, Global Head of Creative Artist Partnerships, tells Billboard. “The Billions Club playlist is a natural evolution of the plaques you have seen from multiple artists, and we are excited to give fans a one-stop destination to enjoy some of the most streamed songs in the world.”

Also in celebration of the newly rounded up collection of songs, Spotify created a video sharing how various artists have reveled when learning of the milestone and receiving their One Billion Streams plaque from the streamer.

Prior to the launch of the “Billions Club” playlist, some artists have marked hitting the billion streams achievement by doing more than just showing off their shiny new plaques on social media. Several have literally eaten off the platter-shaped badge of honor: Halsey dug into some Cheetos and candy, Joe Jonas dined on some McDonald’s, and Quavo ate some scrambled eggs and waffles with plenty of syrup, for example. (See Billboard’s gallery.)

Spotify has been busy this year launching new features beyond the just announced “Billions Club” playlist.

In April, the streaming service started adding some livestream events to artist pages, and in late May, partnered with Driift for tickets to a virtual concert series.

Cardi B, “I Like It,” featuring Bad Bunny & J Balvin
Cardi B, “Girls Like Me,” with Maroon 5
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
Bruno Mars, “Just the Way You Are”
Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk,” with Mark Ronson
Fifth Harmony, “Work From Home,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign
Karol G, “Tusa,” featuring Nicki Minaj
Selena Gomez, “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” with Charlie Puth
Selena Gomez, “Taki Taki,” with DJ Snake, Cardi B & Ozuna
Selena Gomez, “It Ain’t Me,” with Kygo
Camila Cabello, “Senorita,” with Shawn Mendes
Camila Cabello, “Havana,” featuring Young Thug
Luis Fonsi, “Despacito – Remix,” with Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber
Luis Fonsi, “Despacity,” with Daddy Yankee
J Balvin, “Mi Gente,” with Willy William
Danny Ocean, “Me Rehuso”

Danny Ocean Teams Up with Justin Quiles for New Single “Cuantas Veces”

Danny Ocean is taking stock… 

The 28-year-old Venezuelan singer, songwriter and record producer has joined voices with Justin Quiles on the single “Cuantas Veces.”

Danny Ocean & Justin Quiles

Helmed by producer Ovy on the Drums, the song is a rhythmic urban-pop track interlaced with electronic beats and catchy guitar riffs.

Quiles steps out of his comfort zone, adapting to Ocean’s signature sound.

A music video directed by Vomba and produced by November Content, shows three girlfriends enjoying the song at the club and later meeting up with Ocean, Quiles and Ovy.

“Cuantas Veces” marks the second single from Ocean’s upcoming studio album, slated for 2021.