Tag Archives: Latin Grammys

Christian Alicea Releases Red-Hot, Firefighter-Themed Calendar

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Christian Alicea is firing up hearts… 

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican singer has put down the microphone aside and picked up a fire extinguisher for a fiery limited-edition calendar for 2025.

Christian Alicea Alicea, a breakthrough salsa singer nominated for best salsa album at the 2024 Latin Grammys, has released his very own firefighter-inspired calendar, serving as the sensual poster boy for each month.

The fred hot merch isn’t only a tribute to his own beginnings as a firefighter in Puerto Rico, but also an act of gratitude for his fans.

“The idea of ​​the calendar was to satisfy my fans, since they always suggested it in the comments on photos of when I was a firefighter. In interviews they always questioned me about it too. Rather, it was to make that idea a reality,” he tells Billboard exclusively.

For Alicea, there’s not much difference between his former career and his job as a musician today.

Christian Alicea “It was a public service,” he explains. “In music, we also owe it to the public and work for them every day. As a firefighter I was part of a musical band, and I always try to give the best show, the best work in music. The sacrifices. Firefighters don’t have a fixed schedule. Many times I missed my mother’s birthday, I couldn’t share with my family on important dates, and music is the same. I have to do my part for my people.”

Describing himself as hardworking, disciplined and focused, Alicea hopes his hot-and-steamy portraits bring new career opportunities as well.

“In this calendar you will see a side of Christian Alicea that’s very important because who knows if through this other doors will open: brands, movies,” he notes. “We don’t just make music, we’re not just composers, we don’t just go to the gym, but we like to do different things that have to do with art.”

Christian Alicea’s 2025 calendar is available for purchase at ChristianAlicea.com.

Bratz! Launching Historic Karol G Doll Based on Her 2023 Latin Grammys Look

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Karol G is getting all dolled up!

The 33-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is officially a Bratz! doll, the lifestyle and fashion doll brand has announced.Karol GFollowing Karol G‘s 2024 Latin Grammy win for best urban music album, the brand celebrated for its bold self-expression transformed her 2023 Latin Grammy look into a Bratz-inspired version.

The Bratz x Karol G Collector Doll marks Bratz’s first collaboration with a musical artist.

The doll will be available for preorder globally starting December 3, 2024. It will be sold online and in stores in the U.S. (priced at $50 USD), as well as in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Spain.

“I can’t believe I’m celebrating another significant milestone in my career with my very first doll — and I’m incredibly proud that it’s with Bratz, a brand I’ve always been a superfan of since childhood!” said Karol G in a statement. “It’s surreal to think that just over a year ago, I was celebrating my first Latin Grammy win, and now I have the chance to share a doll inspired by that pivotal moment in my career. Bratz are “Bichotas” in their own right — they’re independent, bold and powerful trendsetters who have been part of our lives since the early 2000s. This collaboration is a true labor of love and a celebration for fans across Latin America and beyond.”

Karol G x Bratz! DollThe Bratz x Karol G doll’s fashion is inspired by the stunning rose gold dress that the artist wore at the 2023 Latin Grammys, celebrating her remarkable life and achievements. The doll includes a second outfit based on Karol’s real-life merchandise, featuring a “Bichota” season tee, along with fun accessories like mini awards and a hyperrealistic replica of a Karol G LP.

The doll’s custom packaging showcases illustrations of Karol G in the iconic Bratz style, complete with an iridescent barbed wire display.

Lila Downs Signs Management Deal with Cosmica Artists

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Lila Downs has new out-of-this-world representation…

The 56-year-old Mexican Grammy– and Latin Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has signed a management deal with Cosmica Artists.

Lila DownsThe indie record label and company represents Latin talent from alternative genres across Los Angeles, Miami, Austin and Mexico City.

“Reaching our 20 year anniversary at Cosmica Artists is such a proud moment for me as I started this as a one person company, stuffing manilla envelopes with burned promo CDs, xeroxed bios and EPK’s,” Gil Gastelum, founder of Cosmica, tells Variety. “Our new signings usher in a new chapter for Cosmica Artists, as we begin to navigate the future with confidence and pride. Looking at distribution, marketing, publishing, sync, and touring partners future and present has us all ready for the next 20 years.”

Downs incorporates indigenous Mexican influences and has recorded songs in many indigenous languages such as Mixtec, Zapotec, Mayan, Nahuatl and Purépecha.

Downs recently won best folk album at this year’s Latin Grammy Awards for her latest record, Balas y Chocolate.

The Cosmica team spearheaded the return of Mexican singer/songwriter Carla Morrison and her sold out show at the Hollywood Bowl. Most recently, Guatemalan artist Gaby Moreno won a Grammy for best Latin pop album, and claimed multiple Latin Grammy wins.

Cosmica also supported Mexican-American producer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, David Garza on his pair of Grammy wins for co-producing Fiona Apple’s “Fetch the Bolt Cutters”(best alternative album and song).

“It’s been an amazing journey filled with ups and downs, exhilarating highs and thrown under the bus lows,” said Gastelum “We’ve taken it all in and we keep going. I take great pride in working with an amazing staff and roster of talent as we work hard to create a safe and creative space for all of us.”

Other signings include up-and-coming artists Victor Internet and Loyal Lobos.

Rubén Blades Signs Global Partnership Deal with Virgin Music Group

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Rubén Blades has a new deal…

The 76-year-old Panamanian musician, singer, composer, actor, activist and politician has signed a global partnership with Virgin Music Group.

Ruben BladesThe indie artist, who releases music under his own label Rubén Blades Production, was previously with AWAL.

This new deal with Virgin sets him up for the “next chapter in his legendary career,” states a press release.

One of the most influential and revered Latin artists of all time, Blades – whose career spans over five decades – is known for music that is both poetic and socially conscious and rooted in storytelling.

A key figure in the New York salsa revolution during the 1970s, Blades has dedicated his career to propelling Afro-Cuban music.

The “Pedro Navaja” singer was honored with the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year award in 2021, he also won album of the year award for SALSWING! at the Latin Grammys that year.

“Rubén Blades has built an incredible legacy in Latin music as a trailblazer, pushing artistic boundaries and cultural change. We look forward to working with him on the next phase of his illustrious career and furthering his legacy with new audiences around the world,” Víctor González, president of Latin America and Iberia for Virgin Music Music Group, said in a statement.

Overall, Blades – also an actor who played the role of Daniel Salazar on Fear the Walking Dead – has won 12 Grammy Awards and 11 Latin Grammys. This year, he’s a two-time nominee at the 25th annual Latin Grammys where “Aún Me Sigo Encontrando,” his collab with Gian Marco, is up for song of the year and his latest album, Siembra: 45° Aniversario (En Vivo en el Coliseo de Puerto Rico, 14 de Mayo 2022), is up for best salsa album. The ceremony takes place Thursday (Nov. 14) in Miami.

Maria Becerra Announces Natanael Real & Armando Lozano as New Co-Managers

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Maria Becerra has new management.

The 24-year-old Argentine singer-songwriter, who has been dubbed as “a leading voice in Argentina’s urban pop movement,” will ] be co-managed by Natanael Real and veteran Mexican manager Armando Lozano after she parted ways amicable with longtime manager José Levy.

Maria BecerraReal has been Becerra’s longtime day-to-day manager, while Lozano steps into a bigger role after working two years as a consultant for the artist for all territories outside Argentina.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to María for placing her trust in me over nearly seven years, from the very beginning. It has been a true pleasure and honor to be part of her professional journey, and I wish her every success in this new chapter,” Levy told Billboard in a statement.

In turn, Lozano, who until recently also managed Mau & Ricky, said: “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join María in this exciting new phase of her career. I am confident that remarkable achievements await her, further cementing her place as the global star she truly is.”

Added Real: “From the start, I’ve been inspired by María’s extraordinary talent and charisma. It is a privilege to support her in this new chapter and help her reach even greater heights.”

Becerra started her career as a YouTuber in her native Argentina as a tween, posting all kinds of content that included music covers.

By 17, she was focusing only on music and started working with Levy.

In  2021, at 21, she released her debut album, Animal via 300 Entertainment and earned a Latin Grammy nomination for best new artist.

In 2023, Becerra signed a deal with Warner Music Latina as a joint venture with 300 Entertainment, still managed by Levy, and also received the Visionary Award at Billboard’s inaugural Latin Women In Music event.

Becerra is in the midst of her first major U.S. tour and released new singles with Yandel (“El sexo está de moda”) and Gloria Trevi (“Borracha”), the latter which she performed at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in October.

She currently has 24 million monthly listeners on Spotify, making her 240 in the world on the platform.

Becerra has multiple entries on the Billboard charts, including two No. 1s on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart.

Sony Music Vision Producing Biopic About the Late Rocio Durcal

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Art will soon be imitating the life of the late Rocío Durcal…

Nearly two decades after her passing, the legacy of the Spanish singer and actress, nicknamed the “Queen of Rancheras,” is heading to the big screen in a biopic.

Rocio Durcal,Produced by Sony Music Vision, in partnership with Sony Music Mexico and Dean Altit of Altit Media Group, the biopic will chart how Dúrcal began her career in her native Spain before going on to become a hit in Mexico and one of Spain’s most celebrated singers across the Atlantic.

Known for Spanish-language hits including “La Gata Bajo la Lluvia,” “Déjame Vivir” and “Amor Eterno,” Durcal received a special Latin Grammy for Musical Excellence in 2005, as well as three Grammy nominations and three Latin Grammy nominations.

She also appeared in 20 films, recorded more than 20 albums, garnered more than 11 billion audio and video streams worldwide and sold more than 40 million albums.

Rocio Durcal,Roberto López, president of Sony Music Mexico, said: “We are proud to pay a very deserving tribute to Rocío Dúrcal’s career by celebrating her legacy and ensuring that her cultural impact remains intact in the industry and society. Additionally, this movie is the best way to introduce the new division of Sony Music Vision in México to the world.”

López added that “in partnership with Altit Media Group, our goal is to produce a fiction film that reaches both Dúrcal’s existing fans and helps her music find new audiences around the world.”

“It is an unimaginable honor to see the story of our mother, a woman who left an indelible mark on the world of music and cinema, come to life on the big screen,” affirmed Shaila Dúrcal and Carmen Morales, the artist’s two daughters.

They continued: “Nearly two decades after her passing, this film is a tribute to her legacy, and we hope it encourages new generations to discover and appreciate the immense talent and passion with which she lived her life.”

No details have been revealed as yet about start date or casting.

Ángela Aguilar Showcasing Collection of Traditional Dresses with Special Exhibit at Mexican Consulate in Houston

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Ángela Aguilar is all dressed up…

In celebration of her first decade as a soloist, the 20-year-old Mexican American singer has chosen to honor Mexico by showcasing a collection of striking traditional dresses she has worn throughout the years.

Ángela Aguilar,Aguilar, who recently received a Latin Grammys nomination in the album of the year category for her set Bolero, kicked off in recent days an exhibit at the Mexican Consulate in Houston, which specially arranged an area for visitors to enjoy the collection titled “Ángela Aguilar: 10 Years Singing and Dressing Mexico.”

The show is free and open to the public indefinitely, from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (local time). It includes 25 outfits, including the one she wore in the music video for “Solamente Una Vez,” a song included in her newly nominated album.

Other dresses that have marked important moments in Aguilar’s career — from her beginnings singing “La Chancla” to a recent one with rebozos used at an awards ceremony — are part of this interactive experience, which includes QR codes on each piece to share information about the moment they were used.

Not to be missed is the short red dress she wore in the video for “Dime Cómo Quieres” alongside her now-husband, regional Mexican star Christian Nodal.

Another notable piece is a tehuana from the state of Chiapas, hand-embroidered by artisans, which she wore for the cover of her album Primero Soy Mexicana.

Aguilar, who is the daughter of Mexican music icon Pepe Aguilar and granddaughter of the legendary Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, made her onstage debut at only 3, while she and her family accompanied her father on tour.

Five years later, she released her first album at the age of 8 — a joint album with her brother Leonardo titled Nueva Tradición that was powered by banda, mariachi and norteño sounds.

Her solo debut was in 2014 with the Christmas album Navidad con Ángela Aguilar, which was followed by Primero Soy Mexicana (2018), Baila Esta Cumbia (2020), Que No Se Apague La Música (2020), Mexicana Enamorada (2021) and Bolero (2024).

Visitors to her fashion exhibit in Houston will also see the tricolor dress, in honor of the Mexican flag, included on her family’s Jaripeo Sin Fronteras Tour, as well as the princess cut dress that the singer wore in front of Queen Sofia of Spain, which also showcased her Mexican roots.

Designers who have worked for Aguilar and contributed to this unique collection include Nelly de Anda, Iann Dey, Diego Medel, Enrique Samartin, Felipe Alvarado, Anayeli García Cruz and Felipe Botello, among others.

The Mexican consulate in Houston is located at 3200 Rogerdale Rd. in Houston, Texas.

Edgar Barrera Leads Pack of Latin Grammy Nominees with Nine Nods

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Make that two years in a row for Edgar Barrera.

For the second year in a row, the 34-year-old Mexican American songwriter, producer, musician and award-winning hitmaker leads the list of nominees for the Latin Grammy Awards.

Edgar BarreraOn Tuesday morning, Barrera received nine nominations for the 2024 annual ceremony, including songwriter of the year and producer of the year.

He appears in the main categories of album of the year, as a songwriter on Carín León’s Boca Chueca, Vol. 1; record of the year, as Karol G’s “Mi Ex Tenía Razón” co-producer; and song of the year as co-writer of three hits — Karol G’s “Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” Shakira and Grupo Frontera’s “(Entre Paréntesis),” and Maluma and Carín León’s “Según Quién.”

He also has two nods for best regional song as a songwriter.

Barrera is followed by superstars Karol G and Bad Bunny, who each earned eight nominations. Benito also competes for record of the year, with “Monaco,” while Karol is also nominated to album of the year for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), the follow up to her Latin Grammy winning set of 2023 Mañana Será Bonito.

On its 25th anniversary, the Latin Grammy Awards are incorporating a new field of electronic music, and two new categories: best Latin electronic music performance, and best contemporary Mexican music album.

Nominees for the former include Ale Acosta, Valeria Castro, Vikina, Deorro, Bizarrap and Shakira, among others.

 

For the latter, the contenders are an impressive group of artists and creators who have contributed to the rise of the genre: Natanael Cano, DannyLux, Grupo Frontera, Carín León, Michelle Maciel and Peso Pluma.

The nominees for the coveted best new artist prize are Agris, Kevin Aguilar, Darumas, Nicolle Horbath, Latin Mafia, Cacá Magalhães, Os Garotin, Iñigo Quintero, Sofi Saar y Ela Taubert.

“As we approach the 25th edition of the Latin Grammys our awards process is more robust than ever, with our membership evaluating over 23,000 entries this year,” says Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a press release. “The Latin Grammys have grown in an amazing way to become a fundamental platform for music and culture. We are proud to share this year’s nominees, an international and diverse group of creators representing the richness and vastness of today’s Latin music.”

Other big contenders this year: Keityn, with six nods; Juan Luis Guerra with five; and Feid, Kany García, Carín León and Kali Uchis with four each. Among those with three nominations are Camilo, Jorge Drexler, Fonseca, Mon Laferte, Nathy Peluso, Residente, Peso Pluma, Shakira and Elena Rose. While with two are Pepe Aguilar, Anitta, Marc Anthony, Rubén Blades, Mau y Ricky, Danny Ocean, Nicole Zignago and more.

The 25th annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live from Miami on Thursday, Nov. 14 beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central) on Univision, Galavisión and ViX. Preceding the telecast will be the Latin Grammy Premiere, where the winners in most categories will be announced.

Check out the complete list of nominees for the 2024 Latin Grammys below.

General Field

Record of the year
“Mil Veces,” Anitta
“Monaco,” Bad Bunny
“Una Vida Pasada,” Camilo & Carín León
“Catalina,” Cimafunk & Monsieur Periné
“Derrumbe,” Jorge Drexler
“Con Dinero y Sin Dinero,” Fonseca & Grupo Niche
“Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” Karol G
“Mambo 23,” Juan Luis Guerra y 4.40
“Tenochtitlán,” Mon Laferte
“Igual Que Un Ángel,” Kali Uchis & Peso Pluma

Album of the year
Bolero, Ángela Aguilar
Cuatro, Camilo
Xande Canta Caetano, Xande De Pilares
Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), Karol G
García, Kany García
Radio Güira, Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Autopoiética, Mon Laferte
Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, Carín León
Las Letras Ya No Importan, Residente
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Shakira

Song of the year
“A Fuego Lento,” Daymé Arocena & Vicente García, songwriters (Daymé Arocena & Vicente García)
“A La Mitad” (Banda Sonora Original De La Serie “Zorro”), Julio Reyes Copello & Mariana Vega, songwriters (Maura Nava)
“Caracas En El 2000,” Marvin Hawkins Rodriguez, Jerry Di, La Pichu, Danny Ocean & Elena Rose, songwriters (Elena Rose, Danny Ocean & Jerry Di)
“Derrumbe,” Jorge Drexler, songwriters (Jorge Drexler)
“(Entre Paréntesis),” Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Manuel Lorente Freire, Lenin Yorney Palacios & Shakira, songwriters (Shakira, Grupo Frontera)
“Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” Edgar Barrera, Andres Jael Correa Rios, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, Karol G & MAG, songwriters (Karol G)
“Según Quién,” Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Luís Miguel Gómez Castaño, Maluma, Lenin Yorney Palacios & Juan Camilo Vargas, songwriters (Maluma & Carín León)
“Te Lo Agradezco,” Rafa Arcaute, Kany García, Carín León & Richi López, songwriters (Kany García & Carín León)
“313,” Leo Genovese, Residente & Silvia Pérez Cruz, songwriters (Residente, Silvia Pérez Cruz & Penélope Cruz)

Best new artist
Agris
Kevin Aguilar
Darumas
Nicolle Horbath
Latin Mafia
Cacá Magalhães
Iñigo Quintero
Sofi Saar
Ela Taubert

Field 1: Pop

Best pop vocal album
Tofu, Caloncho
.mp3, Emilia
El Viaje, Luis Fonsi
Hotel Caracas, Mau y Ricky
Orquídeas (AOP), Kali Uchis
Escrita, Nicole Zignago

Best traditional pop vocal album
Obras Maestras, Diego El Cigala
García, Kany García
Mar Adentro, Juliana
Aún Me Sigo Encontrando, Gian Marco
Almas Paralelas, Laura Pausini

Best pop song
“A La Mitad” (Banda Sonora Original De La Serie “Zorro”), Julio Reyes Copello & Mariana Vega, songwriters (Maura Nava)
“A Las 3,” Paty Cantú, Ángela Dávalos, León Leiden & Saibu, songwriters (Paty Cantú & León Leiden)
“Ahora,” David Bisbal, Pablo Preciado & Carlos Rivera, songwriters (David Bisbal & Carlos Rivera)
“Amor,” José Andrés Benitez, Christian Bermudez, Richard Bermudez, Rodney Kumbirayi Hwingwiri, Juan Diego Linares, Luis Alejandro Márquez, Anibal Morin Diaz, Danny Ocean & Rafael Salcedo, songwriters (Danny Ocean)
“Dime Quién,” Lagos, songwriters (Lagos)
“Feriado,” Rawayana, songwriters (Rawayana)
“Igual Que Un Ángel,” Carter Lang, Manuel Lorente Freire, Kali Uchis & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters (Kali Uchis & Peso Pluma)

Field 2: Electronic

Best Latin electronic music performance
“La Ceniza,” Ale Acosta, Valeria Castro
“Drum Machine,” Alok
“Pedju Kunumigwe,” Alok, Guarani Nhandewa
“Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 (Tiësto Remix),” Bizarrap, Shakira
“BAMBOLE,” Vikina Featuring Deorro

Field 3: Urban

Best urban/fusion performance
“Nadie Sabe,” Bad Bunny
“Corazon Vacío,” Maria Becerra
“Young Miko: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 58,” Bizarrap Featuring Young Miko
“S91,” Karol G
“Tranky Funky,” Trueno

Best reggaeton performance
“Perro Negro,” Bad Bunny Featuring Feid
“Un Preview,” Bad Bunny
“Triple S,” J Balvin Featuring Jowell & Randy & De La Ghetto
“Byak,” Alvaro Diaz Featuring Rauw Alejandro
“Qlona,” Karol G Featuring Peso Pluma
“Labios Mordidos,” Kali Uchis Featuring Karol G

Best urban music album
Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana, Bad Bunny
Sol María, Eladio Carrión
Sayonara, Álvaro Díaz
Ferxxocalipsis, Feid
Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), Karol G
El Último Baile, Trueno

Best rap/hip hop song
“Aprender A Amar”, Pablo Drexler, Alberto Escámez López & Nathy Peluso, compositores (Nathy Peluso)
“Bendecido”, Eladio Carrión, compositor (Eladio Carrión)
“Blam Blam”, Al2 El Aldeano & Vico C, compositores (Vico C Featuring Al2 El Aldeano)
“La Sabia Escuela”, Akapellah, Leonardo Daniel Díaz, Jose Gonzalez Ollarves, Marlon Luis Morales Santana, Luis Jacinto Muñoz Hernandez & Pedro Elias Querales, compositores (Akapellah Featuring Canserbero & Lil Supa)“Teléfono Nuevo”, Bad Bunny & Luar La L, songwriters (Bad Bunny Featuring Luar La L)
“Thunder y Lightning”, Bad Bunny & Eladio Carrión, compositores (Bad Bunny Featuring Eladio Carrión)

Best urban song
“Bonita”, Daddy Yankee, compositor (Daddy Yankee)
“Columbia”, Quevedo, compositor (Quevedo)
“El Cielo”, Feid, Nicolás Jaña Galleguillos, Gabriel Mora Quintero, Andres David Restrepo Echavarria, Sky Rompiendo & Myke Towers, compositores (Sky Rompiendo, Feid, Myke Towers)
“La Falda”, Julio Emmanuel Batista Santos, Carlos Alberto Butter Aguila, Orlando J. Cepeda Matos, Ralph Jemar Milln Calderon, Jose Reyes, Myke Towers & Siggy Vazquez Rodriguez, compositores (Myke Towers)
“Luna”, Feid, compositor (Feid Featuring Atl Jacob)
“Qlona,” Karol G, Daniel Esteban Gutiérrez, Ovy On The Drums & Peso Pluma, compositores (Karol G Featuring Peso Pluma)

Field 4: Rock

Best rock album
El Dorado (En Vivo), Aterciopelados
Diáspora Live Vol. 1, La Vida Bohème
Herencia Lebón, David Lebón
Alicia En El Metalverso, Mägo De Oz
Mi Mejor Enemigo, Viniloversus

Best rock song
“Algo Bueno Tenía Que Tener (Bogotá)”, Diamante Eléctrico & Andrés Kenguan, compositores (Diamante Eléctrico)
“Animal Temporal”, Viniloversus, compositores (Viniloversus)
“Camaleónica”, Ali Stone, compositora (Ali Stone)
“No Me Preguntes (Live)”, Jesús Quintero & Draco Rosa, compositores (Draco Rosa)
“Qué Más Quieres”, Anton Curtis Delost, Shaun Lopez, Kathryn Ostenberg, Monica Velez & The Warning, compositores (The Warning)

Best pop/rock album
Cuando Ella Me Besó Probé A Dios, Bruses
Jet Love, Conociendo Rusia
Jay De La Cueva, Jay De La Cueva
Reflejos De Lo Eterno, Draco Rosa
Adentro, Francisca Valenzuela

Best pop/rock song
“Acapulco,” Emmanuel Horvilleur, Siddhartha & Rul Velázquez, songwriters (Siddhartha Featuring Emmanuel Horvilleur)
“Afilá,” Ali Stone, songwriter (Ali Stone)
“Blanco y Negro,” Christian Mauricio Aloisio Zavala, Lagos & Elena Rose, songwriters (Lagos Featuring Elena Rose)
“5 Horas Menos,” Conociendo Rusia & Natalia Lafourcade, songwriters (Conociendo Rusia Featuring Natalia Lafourcade)
“Diciembre,” Los Mesoneros, songwriters (Los Mesoneros)

Field 5: Alternative

Best alternative music album
Por Cesárea, Dillom Híper, Hello Seahorse!
Nica, Nicole Horts
Autopoiética, Mon Laferte
Pandora, Ali Stone
DESCARTABLE, WOS

Best alternative song
“Cabecear”, J Noa, Jeffrey Peñalva “Trooko” & Skai, songwriters (J Noa)
“Déjalo Ir,” Francisco Rjas & Francisca Valenzuela, songwriters (Francisca Valenzuela)
“El Día Que Perdí Mi Juventud,” Devonté Hynes & Nathy Peluso, songwriters (Nathy Peluso)
“Insomnia,” Goyo, Illmind, Omar Isaiah Lupuku, Don Mills, Carlos Santander & Telly, songwriters (Goyo)
“Lloro,” Nicole Horts, Camilo Velez & Maria Vertiz, songwriters (Nicole Horts)

Field 6: Tropical

Best salsa album
Yo Deluxe, Christian Alicea
Muevense, Marc Anthony
Siembra: 45° Aniversario (En Vivo en el Coliseo de Puerto Rico, 14 de Mayo 2022), Rubén Blades and Roberto Delgado & Orquesta
Joyas Que Bailan, Ronald Borjas
Coexistencia, Luis Figueroa

Best cumbia/vallenato album
‘Ta Malo, Silvestre Dangond
De La Uno A La 1000 (Primera Temporada), Omar Geles
Se Agradece, Los Ángeles Azules
Vallenatos Pa Enamorar, Osmar Pérez & Geño Gamez
La Sociedad De La Cumbia (Big Band Live), Puerto Candelaria

Best merengue/bachata album
Radio Güira, Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Agradecido Live!, Eddy Herrera
Superhéroe Merengue, Magic Juan
Lo Tengo Todo, Oscarito
Llamada Perdida, Prince Royce

Best traditional tropical album
Rodando Por El Mundo, José Alberto “El Canario”
Tengo Algo Que Decirte, Luis Fernando Borjas
Voces De Mi Familia, Alex Cuba
Los Mismos Negros, Yelsy Heredia
A Mis Ancestros, Yeisy Rojas

Best contemporary tropical album
Epílogo: La Clave Del Tiempo, Jeremy Bosch
Cuatro, Camilo
Tropicalia, Fonseca
Monte Adentro, Gusi
La Fiesta, Ilegales

Best tropical song
“Baila y Goza”, Renesito Avich & Rafael “Pollo” Brito, compositores (Renesito Avich Featuring Rafael “Pollo” Brito)
“Con Dinero y Sin Dinero”, Jorge Luis Chacín, Fonseca & Miguel Yadam González Cárdenas, compositores (Fonseca & Grupo Niche)
“Hasta Que Aguante El Cuerpo”, Jorge Luis Piloto, compositor (Dayhan Díaz & Pupy Santiago)
“Llorar Bonito”, Luis Figueroa & Yoel Henríquez, compositores (Luis Figueroa)
“Mambo 23”, Juan Luis Guerra, compositor (Juan Luis Guerra 4.40)

Field 7: Singer-Songwriter

Best singer-songwriter album
Compita Del Destino, El David Aguilar
Scratch De Versos, El Riqué
Pausa, Leonel García
De Magia Imperfecta, Nicolle Horbath
El Abrazo, Rozalén

Best singer-songwriter song
“Antes Que O Mundo Acabe,” Tiago Iorc, songwriter (Tiago Iorc)
“Derrumbe,” Jorge Drexler, songwriter (Jorge Drexler)
“Entonces,” Rozalén, songwriter (Rozalén)
“García,” Kany García, songwriter (Kany García)
“Luz De Cabeza,” El David Aguilar, songwriter (El David Aguilar)

Field 8: Regional-Mexican

Best ranchero/mariachi album
Mariachi y Tequila (Deluxe), Majo Aguilar
Que Llueva Tequila, Pepe Aguilar
Te Llevo En La Sangre, Alejandro Fernández
Romances Eternos, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández

Best banda album
Presente, Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda
Yo Te Extrañaré, Luis Angel “El Flaco”
Diamantes, Chiquis

Best Tejano album
Imperfecto, El Play
Siempre Gabriella, Gabriella
Ganas (Deluxe), Vilax

Best Norteño album
El Comienzo, Grupo Frontera
Modus Operandi, Intocable
LNDT, Los Nietos de Terán
Te Amaré, Pesado
Terca, Sofi Saar

Best contemporary Mexican music album
Nata Montana, Natanael Cano
Evoluxion, DannyLux
Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada, Grupo Frontera
Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, Carín León
Trastornado, Michelle Maciel
Génesis, Peso Pluma

Best regional song
“Aquí Mando Yo,” Héctor Guerrero, songwriter (Los Tigres Del Norte)
“Canción Para Olvidarte,” Mango, Nabález, Chris Zadley & Nicole Zignago, songwriters (Majo Aguilar)
“El Amor De Su Vida,” Edgar Barrera & Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, songwriters (Grupo Frontera, Grupo Firme)
“Por El Contrario,” Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz & Elena Rose, songwriters (Becky G Featuring Angela Aguilar & Leonardo Aguilar)
“Tienes Que Ser Tú,” Salvador Aponte & Yoel Henríquez, songwriters (La Energía Norteña)

Field 9: Instrumental

Best instrumental album
Impronta, Omar Acosta
Claude Bolling Goes Latin – Suite For Flute And Latin Music Ensemble, Carlomagno Araya, Jose Valentino & The Latin Music Ensemble
Capriccio Latino, Alexis Cárdenas
Encontro Das Águas, Yamandu Costa & Armandinho Macêdo
Tembla, Hamilton De Holanda & C4 Trío

Field 10: Traditional

Best folk album
Canto y Río, Martina Camargo
C4 Suena a Navidad, C4 Trío
Raíz Nunca Me Fui, Lila Downs, Niña Pastori, Soledad
Paisajes, Ciro Hurtado
Bullerengue y Tonada, Tonada

Best tango album
El Cantor de Tangos, Guillermo Fernández Featuring Cristian Zarate
Tangos Cruzados, Franco Luciani, Fabrizio Mocata
¿Y El Fin Del Amor?, Mariana Mazú
Apiazolado, Diego Schissi Quinteto
Ya Está En El Aire, Ullmann Cuarteto

Best flamenco album
Andenes del Tiempo, Vicente Amigo
Rumberas, Las Migas
Historias De Un Flamenco, Antonio Rey

Field 11: Jazz

Best Latin jazz/jazz album
Collab, Hamilton De Holanda & Gonzalo Rubalcaba
Searching For A Memory (Busco Tu Recuerdo), Sammy Figueroa Featuring Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Aymée Nuviola
My Heart Speaks, Ivan Lins
Pra Você, Ilza, Hermeto Pascoal & Grupo
El Arte Del Bolero, Vol. 2, Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo

Field 12: Christian

Best Christian album (Spanish language)

Necesito De Ti, Jesús Israel

No Yo, Sino Cristo, Majo y Dan

Maverick, Redimi2

Kintsugi, Un Corazón

Tu Iglesia, Marcos Witt

Best Portuguese language Christian album
Ele É Jesus – Ao Vivo, Bruna Karla
Deixa Vir – Vol II (Ao Vivo), Thalles Roberto
In Concert (Ao Vivo), Rosa de Saron
Vida (Ao Vivo), Eli Soares
Temporal, Vocal Livre

Field 13: Portuguese Language

Best Portuguese language contemporary pop album
Afrodhit, Iza
Super, Jão
Amaríssima, Melly
Os Garotin De São Gonçalo, Os Garotin
Escândalo Íntimo, Luísa Sonza

Best Portuguese language rock or alternative album
Erasmo Esteves, Erasmo Carlos
No Rastro de Catarina, Cátia de França
Me Chama de Gato Que Eu Sou Sua, Ana Frango Elétrico
Ontem Eu Tinha Certeza (Hoje Eu Tenho Mais), Jovem Dionisio
Lagum Ao Vivo, Lagum

Best Portuguese language urban performance
“Joga Pra Lua,” Anitta Featuring Dennis & Pedro Sampaio
“Cachimbo da Paz 2,” Gabriel O Pensador, Lulu Santos, Xamã
“Da Braba,” Gloria Groove Featuring Ludmilla & Mc Gw
“Carta Aberta,” Mc Cabelinho
“Fé nas Maluca,” Mc Carol, Iza
“La Noche,” Yago Oproprio Featuring Patricio Sid

Best samba/pagode album
Alcione 50 Anos (Ao Vivo), Alcione
Xande Canta Caetano, Xande De Pilares
Iboru, Marcelo D2
Tardezinha Pela Vida Inteira (Ao Vivo), Thiaguinho
Subúrbio (Ao Vivo), Tiee

Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira)/MAPB (Música Afro Portuguesa Brasileira) album
D Ao Vivo Maceió, Djavan
Se o Meu Peito Fosse o Mundo, Jota.Pê
Portas (Ao Vivo), Marisa Monte
Outros Cantos, Milton Nascimento, Chitãozinho & Xororó
No Tempo da Intolerância, Elza Soares

Best Sertaneja music album
Boiadeira Internacional (Ao Vivo), Ana Castela
Paraíso Particular (Ao Vivo), Gusttavo Lima
Cintilante (Ao Vivo), Simone Mendes
Raiz Goiânia (Ao Vivo), Lauana Prado
Luan City 2.0 (Ao Vivo), Luan Santana

Best Portuguese language roots album
Mariana e Mestrinho, Mariana Aydar, Mestrinho
Aguidavi do Jêje, Aguidavi Do Jêje, Luizinho Do Jêje
De Norte a Sul, João Gomes
Night Clube Forró Latino (Volume I), Marcelo Jeneci
Faróis do Sertão, Gabriel Sater

Best Portuguese language song
“Alinhamento Milenar,” Jão, Pedro Tófani & Zebu, songwriters (Jão)
“Ata-me,” Junio Barreto, songwriter (Alaíde Costa)
“Chico,” Bruno Caliman, Carolzinha, Douglas Moda, Jenni Mosello & Luísa Sonza, songwriters (Luísa Sonza)
“Esperança,” Criolo, Dino D’Santiago, Amaro Freitas & Nave, songwriters (Criolo, Dino D’Santiago, Amaro Freitas)
“Ouro Marrom,” Jota.Pê, songwriter (Jota.Pê)

Field 14: Children’s

Best Latin children’s album
Navidad de Norte a Sur: Cantoalegre Big Band (En vivo), Cantoalegre, Orquesta La Pascasia
Cantemos Juntos, Claraluna
¡A Cantar!, Danilo & Chapis
Dun Dun Dara, Payasitas Nifu Nifa
Todos Podemos Cantar 2024, Todos Podemos Cantar

Field 15: Classical

Best classical album
Aire, Aire… No Puedo Respirar, Ricardo Jaramillo, director; Ricardo Jaramillo, Jefferson Rosas & Marcela Zorro, productores
Credo For Orchestra, Choir And Five Soloists, Iván Cardozo, Fernando Escalona, Claudio González, Jhoxiris Medina & Grace Terán; Christian Vásquez, director; Maria Beatriz Cárdenas, Eugenio Carreño & Eduardo Martínez Planas, productores (Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela, Coro Nacional Simón Bolívar)
Fandango, Anne Akiko Meyers & Gustavo Castillo; Gustavo Dudamel, director; Dmitry Lipay, productores (Los Angeles Philharmonic)
Fantasies of Buenos Aires, Lincoln Trio; Daniel Binelli & Ted Viviani, productores
The Latin Rites, Josep Vicent, director; Fernando Arias, productor (Adda Simfònica Alicante)

Best classical contemporary composition
“Caribbean Berceuse,” Paquito D’Rivera, composer (Barcelona Clarinet Players, Paquito D’Rivera, North Texas Wind Symphony, Eugene Migliaro Corporon (director))
“Fandango,” Arturo Márquez, composer (Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Anne Akiko Meyers)
“La Minerva – III. Himno A La Mujer,” Juan Pablo Contreras, composer (Juan Pablo Contreras, Orquesta Latino Mexicana, Angélica Olivo)
“Meditation No.1,” Julien Labro, composer (Takács Quartet, Julien Labro)
“Sueño Austral,” Daniel Freiberg, composer (Barcelona Clarinet Players, Freiburger Blasorchester, Miguel Etchegoncelay & Daniel Freiberg)

Field 16: Arranging

Best arrangement
“Sueño Austral,” Daniel Freiberg, arranger (Barcelona Clarinet Players, Freiburger Blasorchester, Miguel Etchegoncelay & Daniel Freiberg)
“Night In Tunisia,” Hilario Durán, arranger (Hilario Durán And His Latin Jazz Big Band Featuring Paquito D’Rivera)
“Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día,” Julio Reyes Copello, arranger (Ricky Martin, Christian Nodal)
“Linha de Passe,” Nailor Proveta, arranger (Orquestra Jazz De Matosinhos, Gabi Guedes, Kiko Freitas)
“Rapsodia Aérea,” Andrés Soto, arranger (Andrés Soto, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Costa Rica, Carl St. Clair)

Field 17: Recording Package

Best recording package
En Vivo – 100 Años de Azúcar, Nelson Albareda, Sebastian Aristizabal, Kemelly Figueroa-Mouriz, Omer Pardillo-Cid & Albertico Rodríguez, art directors (Celia Cruz)
Figurantes, Boa Mistura, art director (Vetusta Morla)
Karma, Carlos Ortiz, art director (Diana Burco)
Realismo Mágico, Carlos Sadness, art director (Carlos Sadness)
Tekoá, Leonardo Macias, art director (Jair Oliveira)

Field 18: Songwriter

Songwriter of the year
Edgar Barrera
Yoel Henríquez
Manuel Lorente Freire
Horacio Palencia
Pablo Preciado

Field 19: Production

Best engineered album
Analu, Tó Brandileone, engineers; Daniel Musy, mixer; André Dias, mastering engineer (Analu Sampaio)
Era Uma Vez, Pedro Peixoto & Matheus Stiirmer, engineers; Pedro Peixoto, mixer; Fili Filizzola, mastering engineer (Mobi Colombo)
Os Garotin De São Gonçalo, Uiliam Pimenta, Julio Raposo & Pepê Santos, engineers; Bernardo Martins, mixer; Felipe Tichauer, mastering engineer (Os Garotin)”Quem É Ela?, Túlio Airold, Alex Dos Reis Silva & Gianlucca Pernechele Azevedo, engineers; João Milliet, mixer; Fili Filizzola, mastering engineer (Mariana Nolasco)
Se o Meu Peito Fosse o Mundo, Thiago Baggio, Will Bone, Leonardo Emocija, Rodrigo Lemos & Felipe Vassão, engineers; João Milliet, mixer; Felipe Tichauer, mastering engineer (Jota.Pê)

Producer of the year
Edgar Barrera
Eduardo Cabra
Nico Cotton
Juan Luis Guerra, Janina Rosado
Julio Reyes Copello

Field 20: Music Video

Best short form music video
“Ale Ale,” Marc Anthony; Carlos Pérez, director; Joanna Egozcue, producer
“Baticano,” Bad Bunny; Stillz, director
“Oliveira Dos Cen Anos,” C. Tangana; C. Tangana, director
“Sálvanos,” Leonel García; Nuno Gomes, director; Nuno Gomes, producer
“Glock,” Mau y Ricky; Daniel Duran, director; Alegna Espinoza & Maricel Zambrano, producers
“313,” Residente Featuring Penélope Cruz & Silvia Pérez Cruz; Residente, director; Carolina Wolf, producer

Best long form music video
Beautiful Humans Vol 1. Documental, Alemor; Wismer Jimenez, director; Alemor & Wismer Jimenez, producers
Meu Karma, Jovem Mk; Kaique Alves, Gabriel Avelar & Beto Galloni, directors; Rodrigo Castello, Mariê Nunes & Eduardo Saraiva, producers
Hotel Caracas, Mau y Ricky; Daniel Duran, director; Alegna Espinoza & Maricel Zambrano, producers
Grasa (Album Long Form), Nathy Peluso; Agustín Puente, director
Nacimos Llorando, Rubio; Fernando Cattori, director; Luis Betances, Fernando Cattori, Josep Pardo, Jaume Rigual, Ana Laura Solis, Aura Solis & Joe Solis, producers

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

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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 Cobo, Billboard’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.

Luis Fonsi Earns 11th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay Chart with Carlos Vives-Collab “Santa Marta”

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Luis Fonsi has returned to No. 1 on the Billboard music charts…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican Latin Grammy-winning singer is back at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart with “Santa Marta,” his first collaboration with Carlos Vives.

Luis Fonsi
The track climbs 3-1 to lead the August 31-dated ranking.

It’s Fonsi’s 11th chart-topper and Vives’ seventh.

“It’s like an anniversary song,” Fonsi previously told Billboard of “Santa Marta,” which praises genuine love and empathy.

The song — released on May 17 as one of 12 songs on Fonsi’s 11th studio album El Viaje, which earned the Puerto Rican his 15th entry on Latin Pop Albums in June — was written by Fonsi alongside Mauricio Rengifo and Andres Torres, also producers of the album.

“Santa Marta” crowns Latin Pop Airplay after a 1% gain in audience impressions, to 3.3 million, earned in the U.S. in the tracking week of August 9-15, according to Luminate.

As the song lands at the summit, Fonsi manages his 11th No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay and seventh through a collaboration.

His first collaboration to hit No. 1 was “Despacito” with Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber, which ruled the tally for 18 weeks in 2017.

All of his No. 1s since have been collaborations. His first four leaders were all solo No. 1s, unaccompanied by any other artist, including his first No. 1, the five-week champ “Nada Es Para Siempre” in 2005.

Vives, however, raced to the No. 1 slot for the first time in 1995 when “La Tierra Del Olvido” ruled for two weeks.

The song, a core vallenato track, then made it to the pop radio ranking before it switched from a station-based tally to a genre-based survey.

Since then, Vives has crowned Latin Pop Airplay six more times, his last through “Mujeres,” a collab with fellow country singer Juanes, for one week on top in December 2023.

“Santa Marta” places Luis Fonsi back at the lead on Latin Pop Airplay after almost three years, as the Puerto Rican last occupied the No. 1 spot with “Bésame,” with Myke Towers, in November 2021.

He managed, though, three top 10s in between: “Vacaciones” with Manuel Turizo (No. 6 high in 2022), “Buenos Aires” (No. 10, September 2023) and “Pasa La Página” and “Panamá” (No. 6 high in January) The latter two (along with “Santa Marta”) are all from El Viaje.

Elsewhere, despite its 1% lift in audience impressions, “Santa Marta” dips to No. 32 on the overall Latin Airplay chart, after its No. 31 high (August 31-dated list) during its nine-week run so far.