Natti Natasha Scores Largest Sales Week on the Latin Charts by a Solo Woman in More Than a Year

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Natti Natasha’s debut album opens big…

The 32-yar-old Dominican singer and songwriter’sdebut album ilumiNATTI has launched at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart dated March 2, scoring the largest week for a Latin album by a solo woman in more than a year and a half.

The 17-song set was released February 15 via Pina Records/Sony Music Latinand opens with 7,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending February 21, according to Nielsen Music.

Of that sum, a little over 3,000 were in album sales, while most of the remaining units were generated by streaming activity (equaling 3.9 million on-demand audio streams for the album’s songs during the week).

ilumiNATTIis Natti’s first studio effort and first entry on the tally.

The last album by a woman to post a larger week, in terms of units, was Shakira’s El Dorado, which tallied a little more than 7,000 units at No. 1 on the July 15, 2017-dated list (the set’s fifth week on the chart). One week later, a pair of women teamed up for a larger frame, when Gloria Treviand Alejandra Guzman’s Versus bowed at No. 1 with 8,000 units.

ilumiNATTI’s sales start of 3,000, lands the album a No. 1 bow on the Latin Album Saleschart.

Beyond its Top Latin Albums top 10 start, ilumiNATTIalso bows at No. 3 on the Latin Rhythm Albumschart.

Two songs from the album are generating chart action: “Me Gusta” ascends 30-26 with the Digital Greatest Gainerhonors on the Hot Latin Songschart, which blends airplay, digital sales and streaming data, while “La Mejor Versión de Mi” debuts at No. 41 on the current tracking week.

Luis Fonsi’s “Vida” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums Chart

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Fonsiis celebrating his vida’s success…

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican singer is back at the top of Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart after nearly eight years.

He debuts at No. 1 on the list dated February 16 with his 10th studio album Vida, earning him his third No. 1 and first since Tierra Firmespent three consecutive weeks at No. 1 in July 2011.

Vida, which was released February 1 via Universal Music Latino/UMLE, opens with 22,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending February 7, according to Nielsen Music, with 16,000 of those comprising album sales.

Vida earns the biggest week for a Latin pop album since Shakira‘s El Doradolaunched at No. 2 with 29,000 units on the June 24, 2017-dated tally.

Vida also logs the biggest sales week for any Latin album since Romeo Santos’ Goldenbowed with 26,000 in its premiere frame (August 12, 2017).

“Vidais the culmination of many achieved dreams and goals,” Luis Fonsi tells Billboard.“The celebration of being alive and breaking boundaries through music. I thank each and every one who collaborated in this project, and above all, I thank my audience deeply for being part of my life.”

Vida’s first week was boosted by sales at Fonsi’s shows in Dallas (February 4) and San Diego (February 5), where CDs were available to purchase at merch stands at the venue. Luis Fonsi also generated sales alongside a performance at The Mall of San Juanin Puerto Rico (February 2) and an appearance at the Mayagüez Mall(February 3) in Mayagüez, also in Puerto Rico.

Concurrently, Vidadebuts at No. 18 on the Billboard 200chart; his second-highest-charting album ever, behind only 2008’s Palabras de Silencio (which debuted and peaked at No. 15 on September 13, 2008). Vidaalso notches the highest debut by a Latin album since Ozuna’s Aura(No. 7, September 8, 2018).

Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” Video Surpasses Two Billion Views on YouTube

Posted on August 28, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira has another two billion reasons to celebrate…

The 41-year-old Colombian superstar’s “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” music video has surpassed two billion views on YouTube.

Shakira, who is currently crossing the U.S. on her El Dorado Tour, shared the news with her fans on Instagram. “Incredible,” she wrote.

The “Waka Waka” clip is Shak’s second video to reach the milestone, following “Chantaje” with Maluma, which hit the two-billion mark earlier this year.

On the Billboard charts, Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” featuring Freshlyground peaked at No. 38 on the July 3, 2010-dated BillboardHot 100 chart. It spent a total of 18 weeks on the chart.

“Waka Waka” was the official 2010 FIFA World Cup song.

Bruno Mars Wins Six Grammys, Including Album, Record & Song of the Year

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a (24K) magical time for Bruno Mars…

The 32-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter was the big winner at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards, picking up six gramophones.

It was a clean sweep for Mars, who’d previously won five Grammys since 2011, including wins in the three major categories.

Mars took home his first Album of the Year award for his own work, his hit album 24K Magic, thereby denying rappers Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z the honor of becoming the first hip-hop artist in 14 years to win the coveted album of the year.

Additionally, he took home the award for song of the year for his hit single “That’s What I Like,” and record of the year for “24K Magic.”

“Don’t cut me off Grammys, please,” said Mars from the stage while accepting the last award of the night. Recounting his early days as a young performer entertaining tourists in his native Hawaii, Mars name-checked writer-producers Babyface, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Teddy Riley as key influences.

Shakira picked up the third Grammy of her career…

The 40-year-old Colombian superstar took home the award for Best Latin Pop Album for his critically acclaimed album El Dorado.

Residente picked up the first Grammy of his career as a solo artist.

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, who’d previously won two Grammys and a slew of Latin Grammys as a member of Calle 13, took home the award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for his self-titled album.

Lin-Manuel Miranda picked up his third Grammy.

The 38-year-old composer, lyricist, playwright, and actor won the award for Best Song Written for Visual Media for his single from Disney’s Moana soundtrack, “How Far I’ll Go.”

Other Latino winners include Aida Cuevas for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano) and Rubén Blades con Roberto Delgado y Orquesta for Best Tropical Latin Album.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Album of the Year: “24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Record of the Year: “24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Song of the Year: “That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus and Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best New Artist: Alessia Cara

Best Pop Solo Performance: “Shape of You” — Ed Sheeran

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Feel It Still” — Portugal. The Man

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: “Tony Bennett Celebrates 90” — Various Artists; Dae Bennett, producer

Best Pop Vocal Album: “÷” — Ed Sheeran

Best Dance Recording: “Tonite” — LCD Soundsystem

Best Dance/Electronic Album: “3-D The Catalogue” — Kraftwerk

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: “Prototype” — Jeff Lorber Fusion

Best Rock Performance: “You Want It Darker” — Leonard Cohen

Best Metal Performance: “Sultan’s Curse” — Mastodon

Best Rock Song: “Run” — Foo Fighters, songwriters

Best Rock Album: “A Deeper Understanding” — The War on Drugs

Best Alternative Music Album: “Sleep Well Beast” — The National

Best R&B Performance: “That’s What I Like” — Bruno Mars

Best Traditional R&B Performance: “Redbone” — Childish Gambino

Best R&B Song: “That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus and Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best Urban Contemporary Album: “Starboy” — The Weeknd

Best R&B Album: “24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Best Rap Performance: “HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar

Best Rap/Sung Performance: “LOYALTY.” — Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna

Best Rap Song: “HUMBLE.” — K. Duckworth, Asheton Hogan and M. Williams II, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)

Best Rap Album: “DAMN.” — Kendrick Lamar

Best Country Solo Performance: “Either Way” — Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance: “Better Man” — Little Big Town

Best Country Song: “Broken Halos” — Mike Henderson and Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Chris Stapleton)

Best Country Album: “From a Room: Volume 1” — Chris Stapleton

Best New Age Album: “Dancing on Water” — Peter Kater

Best Improvised Jazz Solo: “Miles Beyond” — John McLaughlin, soloist

Best Jazz Vocal Album: “Dreams and Daggers” — Cécile McLorin Salvant

Best Jazz Instrumental Album: “Rebirth” — Billy Childs

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album: “Bringin’ It” — Christian McBride Big Band

Best Latin Jazz Album: “Jazz Tango” — Pablo Ziegler Trio

Best Gospel Performance/Song: “Never Have to Be Alone” — CeCe Winans; Dwan Hill & Alvin Love III, songwriters

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: “What a Beautiful Name” — Hillsong Worship; Ben Fielding & Brooke Ligertwood, songwriters

Best Gospel Album: “Let Them Fall in Love” — CeCe Winans

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album: “Chain Breaker” — Zach Williams

Best Roots Gospel Album: “Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope” — Reba McEntire

Best Latin Pop Album: “El Dorado” — Shakira

Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album: “Residente” — Residente

Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano): “Arriero Somos Versiones Acústicas” — Aida Cuevas

Best Tropical Latin Album: “Salsa Big Band” — Rubén Blades con Roberto Delgado y Orquesta

Best American Roots Performance: “Killer Diller Blues” — Alabama Shakes

Best American Roots Song: “If We Were Vampires” — Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit)

Best Americana Album: “The Nashville Sound” — Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Best Bluegrass Album: tie, “Laws of Gravity” — The Infamous Stringdusters and “All the Rage — In Concert Volume One” — Rhonda Vincent and the Rage

Best Traditional Blues Album: “Blue & Lonesome” — The Rolling Stones

Best Contemporary Blues Album: “TajMo” — Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’

Best Folk Album: “Mental Illness” — Aimee Mann

Best Regional Roots Music Album: “Kalenda” — Lost Bayou Ramblers

Best Reggae Album: “Stony Hill” — Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley

Best World Music Album: “Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration” — Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Best Children’s Album: “Feel What U Feel” — Lisa Loeb

Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books and Storytelling): “The Princess Diarist” — Carrie Fisher

Best Comedy Album: “The Age of Spin/Deep in the Heart of Texas” — Dave Chappelle

Best Musical Theater Album: “Dear Evan Hansen” — Ben Platt, principal soloist; Alex Lacamoire, Stacey Mindich, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, producers; Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, composers/lyricists (original Broadway cast recording)

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: “La La Land” — Various Artists

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media: “La La Land” — Justin Hurwitz, composer

Best Song Written for Visual Media: “How Far I’ll Go” — Lin-Manuel Miranda, songwriter (Auli’i Cravalho)

Best Instrumental Composition: “Three Revolutions” — Arturo O’Farrill, composer (Arturo O’Farrill and Chucho Valdés)

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella: “Escapades for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra From ‘Catch Me If You Can’” — John Williams, arranger (John Williams)

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals: “Putin” — Randy Newman, arranger (Randy Newman)

Best Recording Package: tie, “Pure Comedy (Deluxe Edition)” — Sasha Barr, Ed Steed and Josh Tillman, art directors (Father John Misty) and “El Orisha de la Rosa” — Claudio Roncoli and Cactus Taller, art directors (Magín Díaz)

Best Boxed or Special Limited-Edition Package: “The Voyager Golden Record: 40th Anniversary Edition” — Lawrence Azerrad, Timothy Daly and David Pescovitz, art directors (Various Artists)

Best Album Notes: “Live at the Whisky A Go Go: The Complete Recordings” — Lynell George, writer (Otis Redding)

Best Historical Album: “Leonard Bernstein — The Composer” — Robert Russ, compilation producer; Martin Kistner and Andreas K. Meyer, mastering engineers (Leonard Bernstein)

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: “24K Magic” — Serban Ghenea, John Hanes and Charles Moniz, engineers; Tom Coyne, mastering engineer (Bruno Mars)

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Greg Kurstin

Best Remixed Recording: “You Move (Latroit Remix)” — Dennis White, remixer (Depeche Mode)

Best Surround Sound Album: “Early Americans” — Jim Anderson, surround mix engineer; Darcy Proper, surround mastering engineer; Jim Anderson and Jane Ira Bloom, surround producers (Jane Ira Bloom)

Best Engineered Album, Classical: “Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5; Barber: Adagio” — Mark Donahue, engineer (Manfred Honeck and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)

Producer of the Year, Classical: David Frost

Best Orchestral Performance: “Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5; Barber: Adagio” — Manfred Honeck, conductor (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)

Best Opera Recording: “Berg: Wozzeck” — Hans Graf, conductor; Anne Schwanewilms and Roman Trekel; Hans Graf and Brad Sayles, producers (Houston Symphony; Chorus of Students and Alumni, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University and Houston Grand Opera Children’s Chorus)

Best Choral Performance: “Bryars: The Fifth Century” — Donald Nally, conductor (PRISM Quartet and The Crossing)

Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance: “Death & the Maiden” — Patricia Kopatchinskaja and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Best Classical Instrumental Solo: “Transcendental” — Daniil Trifonov

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album: “Crazy Girl Crazy” — Barbara Hannigan (Ludwig Orchestra)

Best Classical Compendium: “Higdon: All Things Majestic, Viola Concerto & Oboe Concerto” — Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor; Tim Handley, producer

Best Contemporary Classical Composition: “Viola Concerto” — Jennifer Higdon, composer (Roberto Díaz, Giancarlo Guerrero and Nashville Symphony)

Best Music Video: “HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar

Best Music Film: “The Defiant Ones” — Various Artists

Shakira Announces New El Dorado World Tour Dates

Posted on December 28, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is hitting the road again…

After announcing the cancellation of her European tour due to strained vocals, the 40-year-old Colombian superstar has reappeared on social media to announce the new dates for El Dorado World Tour.

“I wanted to write one more letter to express my gratitude to all of you for the immeasurable love and support that you have sent me these past few weeks,” Shakira wrote. “Thankfully, I am so relieved and happy to share with you that I will be getting back on the road in June 2018 with my El Dorado World Tour in Europe, and the US, with Latin America dates to be announced soon.”

Shakira’s tour has been completely rescheduled, and now will start on June 5 in Cologne, Germany.

The “Perro Fiel” singer also announced the new dates for the tour’s U.S. leg, which was supposed to start in January. The new dates have been set to begin on August 5 in Chicago, IL and will visit 18 other cities, including Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas and Las Vegas.

For the full schedule click here.

To wrap up the much-anticipated news, Shakira added: “I promise to give you all of me and more from the minute I get on that stage and I am counting the days till showtime!”

To read Shakira’s letter, click here.

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Win Four Latin Grammys for “Despacito”

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee proved to be the night’s brightest stars at this year’s Latin Grammy Awards.

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican singer and the 40-year-old reggaeton star, the artists behind this year’s global smash single “Despacito,” picked up four awards from the Latin Recording Academy, including two of the biggest prizes.

Fonsi and Daddy Yankee won Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Despacito,” while their remix of the song featuring Justin Bieber was named Best Urban Fusion/Performance.

Not far behind, Vicente Garcia.

The 34-year-old Dominican singer, songwriter and composer picked up three awards, including Best New Artist. He also received the Best Tropical Song prize for his single “Bachata en Kingston,” as well as Best Singer-Songwriter Album for A La Mar.

Latin music veteran Ruben Blades, who won two awards, took home the night’s biggest honor Album of the Year for his album, Salsa Big Band, with Roberto Delgado & Orquesta.

It’s the second Album of the Year trophy for the 69-year-old Panamanian singer-songwriter. He previously took home the award in 2014 for his album Tangos.

Natalia Lafourcade, a Latin Grammy darling, added two more awards to her collection.

The 33-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter won the Best Folk Album award for her album Musas, which was produced in collaboration with the acoustic guitar duo Los Macorinos. The album is a homage to Latin American folk music, coand contains original songs as well as cover versions of other artists’ songs.

Shakira, who is currently on vocal rest and absent from the ceremony, won Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album for her latest record, El Dorado.

The 2017 Latin Grammy Awards were held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Thursday night. The three-hour show, hosted by Roselyn Sanchez and Jaime Camil, included performances by Fonsi, Steve Aoki, Alessia Cara, J Balvin, Maluma and Person of the Year Alejandro Sanz, among others.

Lin-Manuel Miranda was also honored with the President’s Merit Award for his outstanding and numerous contributions to the Latin community, including his relief efforts for Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Upon taking the stage, the Hamilton creator thanked his team and his wife, Vanessa Nadal.

“My people! Thank you, it’s an honor to be here,” Miranda began his Spanglish speech. “No one gets here alone,” he added before expressing how proud he was of the Latino community and dedicating the award to Puerto Rico.

“I know I’m a weird theater kid here, with a weird accent,” he continued. “But let’s keep collaborating and show the world that Latinos can change the world when we collaborate.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Album of the Year: Salsa Big Band — Rubén Blades con Roberto Delgado & Orquesta
Record of the Year: “Despacito” — Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee
Song of the Year (A Songwriter’s Award): “Despacito” — Daddy Yankee, Erika Ender and Luis Fonsi, songwriters (Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee)
Best New Artist: Vicente García
Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album: El Dorado, Shakira
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Salón, Lágrimas Y Deseo, Lila Downs
Best Urban Fusion/Performance: Despacito (Remix) Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
Best Urban Music Album: Residente, Residente
Best Urban Song: Somos Anormales, Rafael Arcaute, Igor Koshkendey & Residente, Songwriters (Residente)
Best Rock Album: La Gran Oscilación, Diamante Eléctrico
Best Pop/Rock Album: Mis Planes Son Amarte, Juanes
Best Rock Song: Déjala Rodar, Juan Galeano, Songwriter (Diamante Eléctrico) & La Noche, Andrés Calamaro, Songwriter (Andrés Calamaro) [Tie]
Best Alternative Music Album: Jei Beibi, Café Tacvba
Best Alternative Song: Amárrame, Mon Laferte, Songwriter (Mon Laferte featuring Juanes)
Best Salsa Album: Salsa Big Band, Rubén Blades Con Roberto Delgado & Orquesta
Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album: Ni Un Paso Atrás, Jorge Celedón y Sergio Luis Rodríguez
Best Contemporary Tropical Album: Bidimensional, Guaco
Best Traditional Tropical Album: To Beny Moré With Love, Jon Secada Featuring The Charlie Sepúlveda Big Band
Best Tropical Fusion Album: Olga Tañón Y Punto., Olga Tañón
Best Tropical Song: Bachata En Kingston, Vicente García, Songwriter (Vicente García)
Best Singer-Songwriter Album: A La Mar, Vicente García
Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album: Las Caras Lindas, Flor De Toloache
Best Banda Album: Ayer Y Hoy, Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Best Norteño Album: Piénsalo, Los Palominos
Best Regional Song: Siempre Es Así, Juan Treviño, Songwriter (Juan Treviño Featuring Aj Castillo)
Best Instrumental Album: Spain Forever, Michel Camilo & Tomatito
Best Folk Album: Musas (Un Homenaje Al Folclore Latinoamericano En Manos De Los Macorinos, Vol. 1), Natalia Lafourcade
Best Tango Album: Solo Buenos Aires, Fernando Otero
Best Flamenco Album: Memoria De Los Sentidos, Vicente Amigo
Best Latin Jazz/Jazz Album: Dance Of Time, Eliane Elias
Best Christian Album (Spanish Language): Momentos, Alex Campos
Best Portuguese Language Christian Album: Acenda A Sua Luz, Aline Barros
Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album: Troco Likes Ao Vivo: Um Filme De Tiago Iorc, Tiago Iorc
Best Portuguese Language Rock Or Alternative Album: Jardim – Pomar, Nando Reis
Best Samba/Pagode Album: + Misturado, Mart’nália
Best Mpb (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album: Dos Navegantes, Edu Lobo, Romero Lubambo, Mauro Senise
Best Sertaneja Music Album: Daniel, Daniel
Best Brazilian Roots Album: Ao Vivo – Melodias Do Sertão, Bruna Viola
Best Portuguese Language Song: Trevo (Tu), Ana Caetano & Tiago Iorc, Songwriters (Anavitória Featuring Tiago Iorc)
Best Latin Children’s Album: Marc Anthony For Babies, Varios artistas
Best Classical Album: Música De Compositores Costarricenses Vol. 2, Eddie Mora, Directing The Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional De Costa Rica; Winnie Camila Berg, Solista; Carlos Chaves, Album Producer
Best Classical Contemporary Composition: Sonata Del Decamerón Negro, Leo Brouwer, Composer (Mabel Millán)
Best Recording Package: El Orisha De La Rosa, Carlos Dussán, Juliana Jaramillo, Juan Felipe Martínez & Claudio Roncoli, Art Directors (Magín Díaz)
Best Engineered Album: Mis Planes Son Amarte, Josh Gudwin, Mixer; Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer (Juanes)
Producer Of The Year: Eduardo Cabra [A La Mar (Vicente García) (A), La Fortuna (Diana Fuentes Featuring Tommy Torres) (S), La Lucha (La Vida Bohème) (A), Sofá (Silvina Moreno) (A), Somos (Swing Original Monks) (A)]
Best Short Form Music Video: Despacito, Luis Fonsi Featuring Daddy Yankee, Carlos R. Perez, Video Director; Joanna Egozcue & Roxy Quiñones, Video Producers
Best Long Form Music Video: Musas, El Documental, Natalia Lafourcade, Bruno Bancalari, Video Director; Juan Pablo López Fonseca, Video Producer

Residente Leads Pack of Latin Grammy Nominees with Nine Nods

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

It looks like Residente will be the artist to beat at this year’s Latin Grammys…

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and founding member of Calle 13, whose real name is. René Juan Pérez Joglar, leads the list of nominees this year with nine nods.

Residente, who has won 24 Latin Grammy awards in his career, making him the Latin artist who has won the most gold-plated gramophones, picked up nods in the three main categories. He’s up for album of the year for Residente, his first solo album, and song and record of the year for “Guerra.”

In a departure, particularly for an album that had no radio singles, Residente also has different tracks up for best urban/fusion performance (“Dagombas en tamale”) best urban song (“Somos anormale”) and best tropical song (“Hijos del cañaveral”), while the ethereal music video to “Desencuentro,” a rare love song, is up for best short form music video.

Nipping at Residente’s heels, Maluma, with seven nods…

The 23-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer, who was nominated for Best New Artist in 2013, earned six of his nominations from only two categories.

In what may be a first for the Latin Grammys, Maluma has the same three recordings competing in both record and song of the year. “Felices los 4,” “Chantaje” (where he is featured on Shakira’s track) and “Vente Pa’Ca” (where he is featured on Ricky Martin’s track) are all up for record of the year; because Maluma has co-writing credit in all three tracks, he also garners nods in the song of the year categories, which are given to the songwriters.

“Chantaje” is also up for best urban fusion performance, giving Maluma his seventh nod.

Following Maluma with six nominations is Shakira, a 10-time Latin Grammy winner.

Shakira garnered three of her nods for “Chantaje,” her track with Maluma while her album El Dorado is also up for album of the year and best contemporary pop vocal album.

Juanes, Mon Laferte and producer/engineer/songwriter Kevin Jimenez ADG, who works with Maluma, have five nominations each.

Juanes is nominated for album and best pop/rock album of the year for his “visual” album, Mis planes son amarte, which is also up for best long form video.

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, the artists behind the global phenomenon “Despacito,” are up for four awards each for the track: song of the year (as writers), record of the year, best short form music video and best urban fusion performance, where they’re nominated for the “Despacito” remix that features Justin Bieber.

Of more than 500 submissions for best new artist, an award that has tended to shun big successes, the 10 nominees include at least seven signed to major labels: CNCO, Sebastian Yatra, Sofía Reyes, Martina La Peligrosa, Vicente García, Danay Suárez and Mau y Ricky.

Nominees to the Latin Grammys were chosen in 48 categories from over 10,000 total submissions and are voted upon by members of the Latin Academy who also vote for the winners.

This year’s Latin Grammys will air live on the Univision Network on November 16 and will be produced by a new team that includes Jose Tillan and Terry Lickona, longtime producer of Austin City Limits.

Find key nominations below:

Album Of The Year
Salsa Big Band — Rubén Blades con Roberto Delgado & Orquesta
Obras Son Amores — Antonio Carmona
A La Mar — Vicente García
Fénix — Nicky Jam
Mis Planes Son Amarte — Juanes
La Trenza — Mon Laferte
Musas (Un Homenaje Al Folclore Latinoamericano En Manos De Los Macorinos, Vol. 1) — Natalia Lafourcade
Residente — Residente
El Dorado — Shakira
Palabras Manuales — Danay Suarez

Record Of The Year
“La Flor De La Canela” — Rubén Blades
“El Surco” — Jorge Drexler
“Quiero Que Vuelvas” — Alejandro Fernández
“Despacito” — Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee
“El Ratico” — Juanes featuring Kali Uchis
“Amárrame” — Mon Laferte featuring Juanes
“Felices Los 4” — Maluma
“Vente Pa’ Ca” — Ricky Martin featuring Maluma
“Guerra” — Residente
“Chantaje” — Shakira featuring Maluma

Song Of The Year (A Songwriter’s Award)
“Amárrame” — Mon Laferte, songwriter (Mon Laferte featuring Juanes)
“Chantaje” — Kevin Mauricio Jiménez Londoño, Bryan Snaider Lezcano Chaverra, Joel Antonio López Castro, Maluma and Shakira, songwriters (Shakira featuring Maluma)
“Desde Que Estamos Juntos” — Descemer Bueno and Melendi, songwriters (Melendi)
“Despacito” — Daddy Yankee, Erika Ender and Luis Fonsi, songwriters (Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee)
“Ella” — Ricardo Arjona, songwriter (Ricardo Arjona)
“Felices Los 4” — Mario Cáceres, Kevin Mauricio Jiménez Londoño, Maluma, Servando Primera, Stiven Rojas and Bryan Snaider Lezcano Chaverra, songwriters (Maluma)
“Guerra” — Residente and Jeff Trooko, songwriters (Residente)
“La Fortuna” — Diana Fuentes and Tommy Torres, songwriters (Diana Fuentes featuring Tommy Torres)
“Tú Sí Sabes Quererme” — Natalia Lafourcade, songwriter (Natalia Lafourcade featuring Los Macorinos)
“Vente Pa’ Ca ” — Nermin Harambasic, Maluma, Ricky Martin, Mauricio Montaner, Ricky Montaner, Lars Pedersen, Carl Ryden, Justin Stein, Ronny Vidar Svendsen and Anne Judith Stokke Wik, songwriters (Ricky Martin featuring Maluma)

Best New Artist
Paula Arenas
CNCO
Vicente García
Martina La Peligrosa
Mau y Ricky
Rawayana
Sofía Reyes
Rosalía
Danay Suarez
Sebastián Yatra

Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album
Hijos Del Mar — David Bisbal
Rompiendo Fronteras — Alejandro Fernández
Flora Y Faῦna — Camila Luna
El Dorado — Shakira
Extended Play Yatra — Sebastián Yatra

Best Urban Fusion / Performance
“Si Tu Novio Te Deja Sola” — J. Balvin featuring Bad Bunny
“Despacito” (Remix) — Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
“El Amante” — Nicky Jam
“Dagombas En Tamale” — Residente
“Chantaje” — Shakira featuring Maluma

Best Alternative Music Album
Jei Beibi — Café Tacvba
Apocalipsis Zombi — El Cuarteto de Nos
La Trenza — Mon Laferte
La Promesa De Thamar — Sig Ragga
Palabras Manuales — Danay Suarez

Best Regional Song (A Songwriter’s Award)
“Compromiso Descartado” — Espinoza Paz, songwriter (Leonardo Aguilar)
“Ganas De Volver” — Horacio Palencia, songwriter (Horacio Palencia)
“Sentimiento Emborrachado” — Raúl Jiménez E. and Chucho Rincón, songwriters (Santiago Arroyo)
“Siempre Es Así” — Juan Treviño, songwriter (Juan Treviño featuring AJ Castillo)
“Vale La Pena” — Edgar Barrera, Martín Castro Ortega and Alfonso Lizárraga, songwriters (Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga)

Best MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) Album
Dos Navegantes — Edu Lobo, Romero Lubambo, and Mauro Senise
DNA Musical — Alexandre Pires
Silva Canta Marisa — Silva
Até Pensei Que Fosse Minha — António Zambujo
Zanna — Zanna

For a full list of nominations, go to LatinGrammy.com.

Shakira Releases Official Music Video for Her Nicky Jam-Collaboration “Perro Fiel”

Posted on September 17, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is a golden girl…

After many weeks of teasing her fans with short clips and pictures on social media, the 40-year-old Colombian superstar has released the official music video for her new single “Perro Fiel,” a collaboration with Nicky Jam.

The visual, directed by Jaume de Laiguana, who directed her “Rabiosa” and “La Bicicleta” videos, was filmed in Barcelona, and it’s all about both superstars having fun at a race track mixed with some scenes where Shakira appears very sexy and doing her dance moves, including instances of her in gold from neck to toe.

“Perro Fiel” is Shakira’s third single off her latest album El Dorado, which reached the No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart on the July 1 chart.

Maluma Logs Fifth Top Five Hit on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart with “Felices Los 4”

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma has a handful of hits…

The 23-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter’s “Felices Los 4” has become his fifth top five hit on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart (dated May 27), as the track jumps 7-5 in its third week on the multi-metric tally (which blends airplay, sales and streams).

The new track previews the singer’s upcoming album, X, due later this year.

Streaming powers the song, with 5 million streams logged in the tracking week ending May 11, according to Nielsen Music (up 26 percent).

Of its total, 47 percent stem from YouTube plays, due in part to its popular music video. Spotify leads on-demand audio streams, with 1.4 million clicks in the most recent week.

Elsewhere, “Felices” vaults 22-13 on the Latin Airplay chart, taking Greatest Gainer honors, hiking 44 percent to 8.4 million audience impressions (in the week ending May 14).

He first reached the top five in 2015 with “Borro Cassette,” his breakout U.S. hit, peaking at No. 3. His top five follow-up came in 2016 when “El Perdedor,” featuring Yandel, got to No. 4 (July 16), shortly thereafter matching the No. 4 peak as a feature on Ricky Martin’s “Vente Pa’ Ca” (October 15).

Maluma concurrently remains in the top five of Hot Latin Songs as a featured guest on Shakira’s “Chantaje” for a 25th consecutive week (it previously crowned the chart for 11 weeks). The two Colombian stars also teamed up on a new song, “Trap,” which will appear on Shakira’s forthcoming album, El Dorado, out May 12.

Shakira to Release New Album “El Dorado” This Month

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is bringing her Latin beats back…

The 40-year-old Colombian superstar is set to release her forthcoming album, El Dorado, on May 26.

The Grammy and Latin Grammy winner announced the release date of her 11th studio album to her millions of followers on social media, along with revealing the album cover in which the “Me enamoré” singer appears half submerged in a earth-toned liquid bath.

El Dorado follows the chart-topping singer’s 2014 self-titled album.

Ahead of the new LP, Shak dropped the feel-good, pop track “Me enamoré,” which arrived at No. 11 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart dated April 29.

Shakira, who won the 2017 Billboard Latin Music Award for hot Latin songs artist of the year, female will perform at Univision’s Upfront presentation on May 16 at New York City’s Lyric Theater.

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