Randy Malcom Releases New Single “Millonario”

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Randy Malcom has a million reasons to smile…

The 40-year-old Cuban singer and member of Gente de Zona has released the new single Millonario.

The new singles comes on the heels of his 2023 hit “Bendecido.”

With a similar sentiment as his former track, the song delivers inspirational and motivational lyrics, a powerful new year manifestation, if you will.

“When I become a millionaire, I will spend, I will live, I will enjoy my life,” goes the easy-to-learn chorus. He also chants about paying off his debt, quitting his 9 to 5 job, and “living life to the fullest, in case he dies tomorrow.”

Musically, Malcom moves away from the signature Cubaton sound that made him a household name and dips into a fresh salsa tune produced by Dale Pututi (real name: Alejandro Arce).

Enrique Iglesias Earns Eighth No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart with Maria Becerra-Collab “Así Es La Vida”

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

That’s life! Enrique Iglesias has made a triumphant return to the top of the charts…

The 48-year-old Spanish superstar’s “Así Es La Vida” collaboration with Maria Becerra tops Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart as the single advances from No. 2 to lead the December 9-dated ranking.

The move brings Iglesias back to the summit after a nine-year break, for his eighth champ. Becerra captures her second No. 1.

“Así Es La Vida” leads Tropical Airplay with a 14% improvement in audience impressions, to 4.8 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending Nov. 30, according to Luminate.

The song was released on September 28 via Sony Music Latin and lands at No. 1 on Tropical Airplay in its ninth week. It unseats Chayanne’s “Bailando Bachata” from the penthouse after 15 weeks in charge, the third-most this decade and the longest-leading song in 2023.

“Así Es La Vida” propels Iglesias back to the top spot after “Bailando,” featuring Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona, hit No. 1 in 2014. With over nine years to take over Tropical Airplay, it becomes the third-longest gap between No. 1s.

Chayanne holds the second-longest span with a 15-year break between “Amor Inmortal” (2008) and “Bailando Bachata” (August 5-dated list). Jennifer Lopez continues to lead with the longest-break between champs — both Marc Anthony collaborations — with a 17-year wait between “No Me Ames” (1999) and “Olvídame y Pega La Vuelta” (2016).

With the new champ, Iglesias collects his eighth No. 1 on Tropical Airplay. Here’s his collection:

Peak, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1
May 31, 2003, “Para Que La Vida,” one
June 2, 2007, “Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song),” one
Dec. 19, 2009, “Gracias A Ti,” with Wisin & Yandel, one
Sept. 11, 2010, “Cuando Me Enamoro,” featuring Juan Luis Guerra, six
Dec. 31, 2011, “Ayer,” one
March 22, 2014, “El Perdedor,” featuring Marco Antonio Solis, one
July 5, 2014, “Bailando,” featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona, four
Dec. 9, 2023, “Así Es La Vida,” with Maria Becerra

For Becerra, the new achievement gives her a second No. 1 on the tropical ranking. The Argentinian earned her No. 1 in her first chart visit through another bachata, “Te Espero,” with Prince Royce, in May 2022.

Beyond its Tropical Airplay coronation, “Vida” makes progress on the overall Latin Airplay tally, pushing 24-17.

Karol G to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys Awards Show

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is taking the stage at this year’s Latin Grammys…

The 31-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter has joined the list of performers for the upcoming Latin Grammys awards show, according to the Latin Recording Academy.

The “Provenza” singer appears on roster of new performers that includes Romeo Santos for the show, which will take place on November 17 at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation scholarship recipients Xavier Cintrón, Valentina Garcia, Nicolle Horbath and Sergio De Miguel Jorquera will also take the stage alongside previously announced performer, Nicky Jam.

Karol G is nominated in three categories including record of the year and song of the year for her and Ovy on the Drums’ “Provenza.”

Romeo Santos is a nominee in the best long-form music video category for his documentary “Romeo Santos: King of Bachata”; and as a member of Aventura, he is nominated for best urban fusion/performance.

They join previously announced artists Banda Los Recoditos, Camilo, Ángela Aguilar, Elvis Costello, Chiquis, Jorge Drexler, Silvana Estrada, Gente de Zona, Goyo, Jesse & Joy, John Legend, Carin León, Los Bukis, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández, Aymée Nuviola, Julio Reyes Copello, Sin Bandera, Carlos Vives, Sebastián Yatra, Nicole Zignago and the 2022 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, Marco Antonio Solís.

The lineup also boasts Christina Aguilera, who is up for seven awards, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Marc Anthony and Christian Nodal.

The night’s most-nominated artists are Bad Bunny, who has a total of 10 nods, and Mexican-American composer Edgar Barrera, who holds nine.

Additionally, the Academy shared its bill of presenters, which includes Maria Becerra, Becky G, Eden Muñoz and Farina, in addition to Macarena Achaga, Yalitza Aparicio, Cami, Miguel Angel Muñoz, Fonesca, Luis Figueroa, Kany García, Kurt, Ludmilla, Victor Manuelle, Fito Páez, Georgina Rodríguez, Alison Solís, Marla Solís, Luisa Sonza, Tainy and Adrián Uribe.

The 23rd Latin Grammys, which “celebrate the present and embrace the future of Latin music,” will be hosted by current nominee Anitta, Latin-Grammy winners Luis Fonsi and Laura Pausini, and by the Latin Recording Academy’s President’s Award recipient Thalia.

Latin Grammy winner Julio Reyes Copello will be the night’s musical director.

The telecast will air on Univision on November 17, at 8:00 pm ET/PT (7 p.m. CT), and will air on cable channel TNT at 7:00 pm (MEX) / 8:00 pm (PAN-COL) / 9:00 pm (VEN) / 10:00 pm (ARG/CHI/BRAZIL), and on Televisa on Channel 5. The show will also be available on HBO Max in Spanish only.

Rosalía to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys Awards Show

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Rosalía is readying to take Latin music’s biggest stage…

The 30-year-old Spanish Grammy– and Latin Grammy-winning singer and songwriter has been added to the roster of artists set to take center stage at the 23rd annual Latin Grammys on November 17.

Rosalia is among a new wave of confirmed performers that includes Silvana Estrada, Gente de Zona, Goyo, Los Bukis, Aymée Nuviola, Julio Reyes Copello, Carlos Vives and Nicole Zignago.

Copello, a seven-time nominee, joins the event as musical director of the show’s house band.

At this year’s ceremony, eight-time nominee Rosalía is up for record of the year and album of the year; Vives, a five-time nominee, is up for record of the year and song of the year; Gente de Zona and Nuviola are nominated in the tropical categories; and both Estrada and Zignago, are up for the coveted best new artist.

The newly announced artists set to take the stage join previously announced performers such as Ángela Aguilar, Christina Aguilera, Rauw Alejandro, Marc Anthony, Banda Los Recoditos, Camilo, Elvis Costello, Chiquis, Jorge Drexler, Nicky Jam, Jesse & Joy, John Legend, Carin León, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández, Christian Nodal, Sin Bandera, Sebastián Yatra, and the 2022 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, Marco Antonio Solís.

The Latin Grammy Awards — which “promise to honor the legacy, celebrate the present and embrace the future of Latin music, with deliberate consciousness, paying-it-forward to the next generations of music creators,” according to a press statement — will be held on November 17 at the Michelob Ultra Arena at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and will air live on Univision beginning at 8:00 pm ET.

The Latin Grammy Premiere, a non-televised ceremony in which the winners in most categories are announced, will take place before the broadcast.

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

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

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 Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart dated October 8, becoming the 12th song to spend at least 20 weeks atop the tally in its 36-year history.

The 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

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

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.

“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.

Don Omar Earns 11th No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay Chart with “Soy Yo,” with Wisin & Gente de Zona

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s Lucky No. 11 for Don Omar…

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer and actor has risen to the No. 1 spot on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart dated July 16 with his latest single “Soy Yo” with Wisin and Gente de Zona.

With the new chart-topper, Don Omar adds an 11th No. 1 career total to his account.

The new win arrives a week after “Soy Yo” cracked the No. 1 spot on Tropical Airplay for the first time to rule in its 12th week (July 9-dated ranking).

“Reaching No. 1 for the 11th time in my career is a blessing!” Don Omar shares with Billboard. “The love and appreciation from my fans who have stood by me all these years inspires me to bring more music to them! I dedicate this achievement to them!”

“Soy Yo” rules Latin Airplay with a 38% gain in audience impressions, to 11.17 million, logged in the U.S. in the week ending July 10, according to Luminate.

The airplay surge earns the song the week’s Greatest Gainer trophy, while the percentage gain becomes the second-largest increase following another Wisin collaboration: “Buenos Días,” with Camilo, with a 44% boost, to 5.2 impressions.

With the move, Don Omar claims an 11th career No. 1 total on Latin Airplay. The champ arrives six months after he ruled with “Se Menea,” with Nio García, for two weeks.

Here’s Don Omar’s No. 1 recap:

Peak Date, Title, Artist (if other than Don Omar), Weeks At No. 1
July, 22, 2006, “Angelito Vi,” one
Nov. 13, 2010, “Danza Kuduro,” with Lucenzo, 15
July 16, 2011, “Taboo,” five
April 07, 2012, “Dutty Love,” featuring Natti Natasha, one
July 21, 2012, “Hasta Que Salga El Sol,” three
March 02, 2013, “Zumba,” nine
Feb. 14, 2015, “Soledad,” one
Feb. 11, 2017, “Sin Contrato,” Maluma featuring Fifth Harmony or Don Omar & Wisin, one
Dec. 24, 2016, “Te Quiero Pa’Mi ,” with Zion & Lennox, four
Jan. 15, “Se Menea,” with Nio Garcia, two
July 16, “Soy You,” with Wisin & Gente de Zona

As “Soy Yo” leads, collaborators Wisin and Gente de Zona, concurrently add chart achievements. Wisin continues his No. 1 career expansion as a solo act with 21 champs, tying with Maluma for the fifth-most among all Latin acts. Gente de Zona, meanwhile, pounces to the No. 1 rank after almost seven years. The duo last took the top spot on Latin Airplay with “La Gozadera,” featuring Marc Anthony, in August 2015 for one week.

“Working with Wisin and Gente De Zona, two outstanding artists, was great fun and I feel that enthusiasm showed through on ‘Soy Yo,’ Don Omar adds. “Thanks, Billboard, for giving me a reason to celebrate and acknowledge a special song!”

As Wisin enters a new tie for the fifth-most Latin Airplay No. 1s, let’s look at the scoreboard:

35, J Balvin
32, Enrique Iglesias
28, Ozuna
25, Daddy Yankee
21, Maluma
21, Wisin
19, Romeo Santos

Elsewhere, despite its dip in streams and digital sales, “Soy Yo” pushes up the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart with a 49-40 climb, after its No. 38 debut and peak.

Gente de Zona Earns First No. 1 in Five Years on Billboard Tropical Airplay Chart with “Soy Yo,” Featuring Wisin & Don Omar

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Gente de Zona has made a triumphant return to the top of the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart…

“Soy Yo,” the first collaboration between the Cuban reggaeton duo comprised of musicians Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom, Wisin and Don Omar, has reached the summit of the Tropical Airplay chart dated July 9.

“Soy Yo” tops the list with a 17% increase in audience impressions, to 8.03 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending July 3, according to Luminate (rising 2-1).

It trades places with Prince Royce and Maria Becerra’s “Te Espero” after its four-nonconsecutive-week reign (with 5.8 million impressions and a 24% dip).

“Soy Yo” becomes the first No. 1 for Gente de Zona in over five years, since “La Mala y La Buena,” with Alex Sensation, placed the Cubans in the penthouse in February 2017 for two weeks.

In between, the duo scored 20 entries — among those, a collection of 10 top 10s — including “A Mi Manera,” with Dale Pututi, Jacob Forever, featuring Baby Lores, Eddy K, Los 4, El Chacal, El Micha, El Chulo, which debuts at No. 24 on the current chart.

Don Omar and Wisin, meanwhile, clock their 10th and fifth champ, respectively.

For Don Omar, “Soy Yo” grants him a second No. 1 via his new label Saban Music after a more than eight-year hiatus on the chart. Prior to the nine-week champ “Se Menea,” with Nio García (December 2021), Don Omar scored eight chart-toppers, his last one in April 2021 (“Dutty Love,” with Natti Natasha).

Here’s a recap of Don Omar’s No. 1s on Tropical Airplay:

Peak Date, Title, Artists (if other than Don Omar)

Aug. 20, 2005, “Reggaetón Latino”
Sept. 10, 2005, “Ella y Yo,” Aventura featuring Don Omar (two weeks atop)
July 1, 2006, “Angelito VI” (two weeks)
Dec. 16, 2006, “Los Hombres Tienen La Culpa,” with Gilberto Santa Rosa (two weeks)
May 5, 2007, “Nunca Había Llorado Así,” with Victor Manuelle
Nov. 13, 2010, “Danza Kuduro,” Don Omar & Lucenzo (18 weeks at No. 1)
July 23, 2011, “Taboo” (three weeks)
April 7, 2012, “Dutty Love,” featuring Natti Natasha
Dec. 25, 2021, “Se Menea,” with Nio García (nine weeks)
July 9, “Soy Yo,” with Wisin & Gente de Zona

“Soy Yo’s” coronation returns Saban Music to the top of Tropical Airplay. As previously mentioned, the label’s first win through Don Omar, arrived with “Se Menea’s” nine-week reign starting Dec. 25, 2021. The tribute to the late Celia Cruz, “El Carnaval de Celia: A Tribute (La Vida Es Un Carnaval/ La Negra Tiene…)” by Kyen?Es? saw the label at the summit for the first time in September 2020.

Elsewhere, “Soy Yo” continues forward progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart through a 7-4 climb; the highest Gente de Zona has ranked since its featured role in Chyno Miranda’s “Quédate Conmigo,” which also features Wisin (No. 7 high, 2017).

Beatriz Luengo, Yotuel Romero & Exile Content Studio to Create Documentary Based on Latin Grammy-Winning Cuban Revolution Single “Patria y Vida”

Posted on November 24, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Beatriz Luengo is shining a greater look at her Latin Grammy-winning hit…

The 38-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter’s “Patria y Vida,” the liberty anthem that fueled a new Cuban revolution in the summer, will now become a full-length documentary.

Presented by Exile Content Studio in partnership with singer-songwriters Luengo and Yotuel Romero, the documentary “will explore how the song—its title a repudiation of the 1950’s Cuban Revolution’s slogan ‘Patria o Muerte’—sparked a movement, which the Cuban government has tried to suppress, and investigate how music has been a catalyst for social change throughout modern history,” reads a statement.

“When we see the impact our song has had on the people of Cuba and around the world, we feel privileged to be able to use our platform to tell the story of Cuba and give a voice to a community that is often oppressed,” said Luengo and Romero.

“We’re hopeful we’ll see change in the future and we’re excited to collaborate with Exile to continue to raise awareness and fight for the people of Cuba; to continue to use our voice in a meaningful way.”

The news comes on the heels of “Patria y Vida” winning best urban song and the coveted song of the year at the 2021 Latin Grammy Awards on November 18.

The song was originally penned by Romero (formerly of hip-hop group Orishas), Luengo, Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom (of Gente de Zona), and Descemer Bueno, and features Cuban voices from within the island, Maykel Osorbo and rapper El Funky.

“I felt we needed to show the two realities: those of us who live outside Cuba, and those who are still on the island, who live the streets there,” Romero previously told Billboard.

The track, released independently on Romero’s Chancleta Records in February, has become the anthem of anti-government protests in Cuba. Its power of mobilization was a factor in the arrests of both El Funky and Osorbo; the latter has been behind bars in Cuba since May when he famously fled from Cuban police aided by demonstrators. Osorbo is the first Cuban political prisoner to win two Latin Grammys.

“We at Exile believe in creating content to inspire Latin Americans to take action to create social change in the world,” said Daniel Eilemberg, president of content at Exile. “We are especially excited at the opportunity to join forces with Bea and Yotuel to produce a documentary about the tremendous power of their song in galvanizing activism to protest the appalling conditions and restrictive political policies in Cuba and the government responsible for them.”

Camilo: The Top Winner at Latin Grammys with Four Awards

Posted on November 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Camilo is capping off a banner year with a bang…

The 27-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter and rising star, who has defied the commercial might of reggaetón and trap with his unique brand of romantic acoustic pop, was the big winner at the 2021 Latin Grammy Awards.

Camilo claimed four trophies, including best pop vocal album, for Mis Manos.

“This album is a celebration of my country, one of the places with the most biodiversity in the world, and that’s where I’m from and what informs my music,” said Camilo, who’d previously won a Latin Grammy in 2020 for Best Pop Song for his single “Tutu,” featuring Pedro Capo.

Following Camilo in number of wins, with three each, was Mexican songwriter and producer Edgar Barrera, who won producer of the year, including for his work on Camilo’s Mis Manos, and co-wrote the winning single “Vida de Rico.”

Also taking home three trophies was Spaniard C. Tangana, whose wins included best alternative song for “Nominao” alongside Jorge Drexler and best pop/rock song for “Hong Kong” alongside Andrés Calamaro, both from his critically acclaimed album El Madrileño.

And the emotional high note, at every level, was the song of the year win, to Cuban liberty anthem “Patria y Vida,” performed by Gente de Zona, Descemer Bueno, Yotuel Romero and newly arrived Cuban rapper El Funky, who performed dressed in white and surrounded by candles in an emotional rendition that got the audience at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to their feet.

“This is dedicated to all mothers who fight for their children,” said an emotional Romero to chants of “Patria y Vida,” which also won best urban song. Backstage, the group acknowledged co-writer Beatriz Luengo (who is married to Romero) and rapper Maykel Osorbo, who is jailed in Cuba because of his participation in the song.

“Maykel is the first Cuban political prisoner who wins two Latin Grammys,” said an emotional Bueno.

Among the veteran, but beloved, guard, the top winner was Juan Luis Guerra, with three wins. They include best long form music video for his HBO Max special Entre Mar y Palmeras, produced by Guerra’s manager Amarilys German, his son Jean Guerra, and Nelson Albareda and Edgar Martínez of event promotion and marketing firm Loud and Live.

Likewise, Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Ruben Blades won two awards, including album of the year, for his Salswing! out on his own label. And Caetano Veloso and son Tom Veloso won record of the year for “Talvez,” while the biggest surprise of the night, in an award category that — with 10 nominees — has become increasingly hard to predict, was Colombia’s Juliana Velásquez as best new artist, which she won over far better known contenders, including Paloma Mami, Bizarrap and María Becerra.

The 23-year-old actress and singer released her self-titled debut album earlier this year with collabs alongside compatriot Juan Pablo Vega, but with little impact abroad. And yet, it clearly struck a chord with its themes of self-help, mental health and self awareness.

“I think what worked in my favor was making music that spoke directly to young people,” said Velásquez in the press room. “I think us artists have an obligation to share messages that contribute to society and to help with those issues that get lost in the a society imbued with immediacy.”

Here’s a look at this year’s Latin Grammy winners:

Record of the Year: “Talvez,” Caetano Veloso and Tom Veloso
Album of the Year: Salswing!, Rubén Blades y Roberto Delgado & Orquesta
Song of the Year: “Patria y Vida,” Descemer Bueno, El Funky, Gente De Zona, Yadam González, Beatriz Luengo, Maykel Osorbo and Yotuel, songwriters (Yotuel, Gente De Zona, Descemer Bueno, Maykel Osorbo, El Funky)
Best New Artist: Juliana Velásquez
Best Pop Vocal Album: Mis Manos, Camilo
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Privé, Juan Luis Guerra
Best Pop Song: “Vida De Rico,” Édgar Barrera and Camilo, songwriters (Camilo)
Best Urban Fusion/Performance: “Tattoo (Remix),” Rauw Alejandro and Camilo
Best Reggaeton Performance: “Bichota,” Karol G
Best Urban Music Album: El Último Tour Del Mundo, Bad Bunny
Best Rap/Hip Hop Song: “Booker T,” Bad Bunny and Marco Daniel Borrero, songwriters (Bad Bunny)
Best Urban Song: “Patria Y Vida,” Descemer Bueno, El Funky, Gente De Zona, Yadam González, Beatriz Luengo, Maykel Osorbo and Yotuel, songwriters (Yotuel, Gente De Zona, Descemer Bueno, Maykel Osorbo and El Funky)
Best Rock Album: El Pozo Brillante, Vicentico
Best Rock Song: “Ahora 1,” Vicentico, songwriter (Vicentico)
Best Pop/Rock Album: Origen, Juanes
Best Pop/Rock Song: “Hong Kong,” Alizzz, Andrés Calamaro, Jorge Drexler, Víctor Martínez and C. Tangana, songwriters (C. Tangana and Andrés Calamaro)
Best Alternative Music Album: Calambre, Nathy Peluso
Best Alternative Song: “Nominao,” Alizzz, Jorge Drexler and C. Tangana, songwriters (C. Tangana and Jorge Drexler)
Best Salsa Album: Salsa Plus!, Rubén Blades y Roberto Delgado and Orquesta
Best Cumbia/Vallento Album: Las Locuras Mías, Silvestre Dangond
Best Merengue/Bachata Album: Es Merengue ¿Algún Problema?, Sergio Vargas
Best Traditional Tropical Album: Cha Cha Chá: Homenaje A Lo Tradicional, Alain Pérez, Issac Delgado y Orquesta Aragón
Best Contemporary Tropical Album: Brazil305, Gloria Estefan
Best Tropical Song: “Dios Así Lo Quiso,” Camilo, David Julca, Jonathan Julca, Yasmil Marrufo and Ricardo Montaner, songwriters (Ricardo Montaner and Juan Luis Guerra)
Best Singer-Songwriter Album: Seis, Mon Laferte
Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album: A Mis 80’s, Vicente Fernández
Best Banda Album: Nos Divertimos Logrando Lo Imposible, Grupo Firme
Best Tejano Album: Pa’ la Pista y Pa’l Pisto, Vol. 2, El Plan
Best Norteño Album: Al Estilo Rancherón, Los Dos Carnales & Volando Alto, Palomo
Best Regional Song: “Aquí Abajo,” Edgar Barrera, René Humberto Lau Ibarra and Christian Nodal, songwriters (Christian Nodal)
Best Instrumental Album: Toquinho e Yamandu Costa – Bachianinha – (Live at Rio Montreux Jazz Festival), Toquinho and Yamandu Costa
Best Folk Album: Ancestras, Petrona Martinez
Best Tango Album: Tinto Tango Plays Piazzolla, Tinto Tango
Best Flamenco Album: Un Nuevo Universo, Pepe De Lucía
Best Latin Jazz/Jazz Album: Voyager, Iván Melon Lewis
Best Christian Album (Spanish Language): Ya Me Vi, Aroddy
Best Portuguese Language Christian Album: Seguir Teu Coração, Anderson Freire
Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album: Cor, Anavitória
Best Portuguese Language Rock or Alternative Album: “Álbum Rosa,” A Cor Do Som
Best Samba/Pagode Album: Sempre Se Pode Sonhar, Paulinho Da Viola
Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album: Canções d’Além Mar, Zeca Baleiro
Best Sertaneja Music Album: Tempo de Romance, Chitãozinho e Xororó
Best Portuguese Language Roots Album: Arraiá Da Veveta, Ivete Sangalo
Best Portuguese Language Song: “Lisboa,” Ana Caetano & Paulo Novaes, songwriters (Anavitória e Lenine)
Best Latin Children’s Album: Tu Rockcito Filarmónico, Tu Rockcito y Orquesta Filarmónica De Medellín
Best Classical Album: Latin American Classics, Kristhyan Benitez; Jon Feidner, album producer
Best Classical Contemporary Composition: “Music From Cuba And Spain, Sierra: Sonata Para Guitarra,” Roberto Sierra, composer (Manuel Barrueco)
Best Arrangement: “Ojalá Que Llueva Café (Versión Privé),” Juan Luis Guerra, arranger (Juan Luis Guerra)
Best Recording Package: “Colegas,” Ana Gonzalez, art director (Gilberto Santa Rosa)
Best Engineered Album: El Madrileño, Orlando Aispuro Meneses, Daniel Alanís, Alizzz, Rafa Arcaute, Josdán Luis Cohimbra Acosta, Miguel De La Vega, Máximo Espinosa Rosell, Alex Ferrer, Luis Garcié, Billy Garedella, Patrick Liotard, Ed Maverick, Beto Mendonça, Jaime Navarro, Alberto Pérez, Nathan Phillips, Harto Rodríguez, Jason Staniulis and Federico Vindver, engineers; Delbert Bowers, Alex Ferrer, Jaycen Joshua, Nineteen85, Lewis Pickett, Alex Psaroudakis and Raül Refree, mixers; Chris Athens, mastering engineer (C. Tangana) — WINNER
Producer of the Year: Edgar Barrera
Best Short Form Music Video: “Un Amor Eterno,” Marc Anthony
Best Long Form Music Video: “Entre Mar Y Palmeras,” Juan Luis Guerra

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Gente de Zona