Tag Archives: Latin Grammys

Google Mexico Dedicates its Latest Google Doodle to the Late Juan Gabriel

Posted on by
Reply

Juan Gabriel’s legacy lives on(line)…

For the first time in its history, Google has dedicated its famous doodle to the late Mexican singer, songwriter and actor, one of the greatest figures of Mexican music, for his invaluable artistic legacy.

Juan GabrielOn Monday, July 15, the logo that appears on the search engine’s home page in Mexico honored the legendary composer and performer to remember that on this day in 1995, his song “El Palo” reached the top spot on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart. 

“Today, our Google Doodle honors a legend, Juan Gabriel, ‘El Divo de Juárez’. One of the most important singer-songwriters in Latin America. His songs and his entire legacy continue to live on in Mexico and the world,” wrote Google México on its X account.

According to information from Google Mexico, the doodle was created by Mexican illustrator Humberto Irigoyen, who spent four months working on it in order to gather many details about the artist’s life and work.

To the rhythm of his famous song “Noa, Noa”, Internet users can navigate the 2D illustration, which shows different stages and facets during a fruitful career spanning more than four decades, in which he became a true benchmark of Hispanic music in the world: from his youth on stage, his foray into television, his creative process when writing his songs, as well as his bright and colorful costumes that sealed part of his artistic personality.

The doodle also illustrates his historic 1990 performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico’s most important cultural venue, which was recorded and released as the live album Juan Gabriel en el Palacio de Bellas Artes. That recital made the artist the first Mexican popular music singer-songwriter to perform there with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional.

Juan Gabriel, known internationally for classics such as “Querida” and “Amor Eterno”, died on August 28, 2016 at his home in Santa Monica, California, of natural causes, in the middle of a concert tour. He was 66 years old.

“El Palo” was part of his album El México Que Se Nos Fue, which won the 1995 Premio Lo Nuestro award for best regional Mexican album.

Inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame in 1996, Juan Gabriel built a legacy as a multifaceted artist over more than four decades, recording songs in genres as diverse as rancheras, baladas, pop and boleros, songwriting and producing other artists.

Among his many accomplishments, El Divo de Juárez sold more than 150 million records, composed more than 1,800 songs, released 34 studio albums, was nominated six times for a Grammy, won three posthumous Latin Grammys and more than 20 of his hits reached the top 10 on the Billboard charts, including seven No. 1s on the Hot Latin Songs chart. His song “Yo No Sé Qué Me Pasó” opened the first edition of that chart in 1986 at No. 1.

https://twitter.com/googlemexico/status/1812872250837574073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1812872250837574073%7Ctwgr%5E795edab90a8c26584e5dfc884e8d0e0e4f2646fa%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.billboard.com%2Fmusic%2Flatin%2Fgoogle-mexico-celebrates-juan-gabriel-with-doodle-1235731550%2F

Emilio Estefan Partners with Latino U.S. Senators to Help Designate May 2024 as “Latin Music Appreciation Month”

Posted on by
Reply

Emilio Estefan has partnered with two Latino U.S. senators to help recognize the impact of Latin music in the nation.

The 71-year-old Cuban musician and producer, who has won 19 Grammy Awards, teamed up this week with U.S. senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla) to have

Emilio EstefanMay 2024 designated as “Latin Music Appreciation Month” in the United States.

Lujan and Rubio introduced the bipartisan resolution.

The effort was led by award-winning producer Estefan, People en Español and political strategist and organizer Nathaly Arriola Maurice, after the group traveled to Washington, D.C. last December to meet with Senator Luján.

“As one of the only Hispanics in the United States Senate, I’m honored to introduce this resolution recognizing Hispanic and Latino achievements in music and culture,”  Luján said, according to People en Español. “The impact of Hispanic and Latino artists in the U.S. and around the world is immeasurable – from driving cultural trends to achieving commercial success – and it’s worth celebrating.”

Since kicking off his career in the ‘70s, Estefan has always focused on elevating Latin music and culture.

“The recognition of Latin Music Month marks a crucial moment to highlight the true story of our music, which carries a diversity of styles from all corners of the world,” he expressed. “These sounds have influenced many generations and continue to be the inspiration for the new ones.”

Carlos Vives Named Latin Recording Academy’s 2024 Person of the Year

Posted on by
Reply

Carlos Vives is set to receive the highest honor from the Latin Recording Academy.

Twenty-five years after leading the list of nominees for the first edition of the Latin Grammys, the 62-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and actor has been named the 2024 Person of the Year.

Carlos VivesVives — winner of 18 Latin Grammy Awards, two Grammy Awards and a Billboard Latin Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee — “will be honored for his more than three-decade career as a multifaceted singer and composer, as well as for his continued commitment to environmental and social initiatives,” per the Latin Recording Academy.

“Carlos Vives is one of the most prolific and beloved artists of our time, whose commitment to Latin music and support for the new generations truly personifies the values of our Academy,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives.”

“It’s still surprising to me,” Vives told Billboard Español this week in an exclusive interview. “It’s like a message that the Academy gives at the end, because 32 years ago I chose a path [that was unconventional]. To be successful, to be commercial, there was one way. This other path that’s cultural or has to do with your identity, that doesn’t work, [they would say].”

In Wednesday’s press release, he added: “I am honored and moved to have been chosen as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. It is the reward for an authentic journey, for a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity. These spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to take care of it and to respect it in order to exalt humanity with it.”

Born in Santa Marta, Colombia, Vives is one of the most respected artists in Spanish-language music and a pioneer of a new Latin American sound, redefining traditional Colombian vallenato by incorporating to it pop and rock sounds. With No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts such as “Volví a Nacer,” “Fruta Fresca” and “La Bicicleta” with Shakira, among others, has become an ambassador of Colombian and Latin American culture around the world.

His commitment to good causes transcends the musical realm. In 2015, he created the Tras La Perla initiative to promote the sustainable development of Santa Marta and its ecosystem. In addition, he created the Escuela de Música Río Grande to offer artistic experiences to children and young people, and founded the record label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talent. He’s also been a strong advocate and generous supporter of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation since its inception, the Latin Recording Academy highlights, and sponsored its annual Prodigy Scholarship in 2018.

His latest album, Escalona: Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, earned him his 18th Latin Grammy when it was crowned best cumbia/vallenato album in 2023. This year he was also recognized with the ASCAP Founders Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

Vives will be feted as Person of the Year at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of his renowned repertoire. Details of the event, to be presented in November during the 2024 Latin Grammy week in Miami, will be announced at a later date.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts.

Past honorees are Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).

Christian Nodal Announces Pa’l Cora Tour Across United States

Posted on by
Reply

Christian Nodal is preparing to trek across the United States. 

The 25-year-old Mexican singer and songwriter, one of the most sought-after artists worldwide within the booming regional Mexican music scene, has announced his Pa’l Cora Tour 2024 in the U.S.

Christian NodalThe mariacheño superstar will kick off his 25-date arena tour in Seattle on September 11, which will see him making stops in major cities such as Los Angeles, Denver, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Newark, Brooklyn, Miami and Atlanta. He’ll wrap up in Baltimore on November 10 at the CFG Bank Arena.

“I’m very excited that we will meet again very soon. I’m working very hard to make Pa’l Cora Tour even more surprising than the previous one,” Nodal said in a press release. “Get your Don Julio tequila ready so we can toast together. Wait for me, I’ll be there. I love you all.”

Recently, Nodal partnered with Tequila Don Julio for the launch of A Summer of Mexicana to “celebrate and spotlight inspiring Mexican creatives who live Por Amor,” read a press release.

Nodal has won six Latin Grammys, eight Latin Billboard Music Awards, and 11 Latin American Music Awards. His songs “Botella Tras Botella” with Gera MX and “La Intención” with Peso Pluma have reached the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 60 and 92, respectively, among other chart achievements.

Pre-sale of tickets for Pa’l Cora Tour begins on May 15, and the official on sale begins on the following day, May 16, at www.cmnevents.com.

Here are the tour dates:

Sept. 11 — WAMU Theater @ Seattle, Wash.
Sept. 12 — Toyota Center @ Kennewick, Wash.
Sept. 20 — SAP Center @ San José, Calif.
Sept. 26 — Toyota Arena @ Ontario, Calif
Sept. 27 — Honda Center @ Anaheim, Calif.
Sept. 28 — Kia Forum @ Los Angeles, Calif.
Sept. 29 — Desert Diamond Arena @ Glendale, Ariz.
Oct. 4 — Ball Arena @ Denver, Colo.
Oct. 6 — Delta Center @ Salt Lake City, Utah
Oct. 10 — Payne Arena @ Hidalgo, Texas
Oct. 11 — Dickies Arena @ Fort Worth, Texas
Oct. 12 — Moody Center @ Austin, Texas
Oct. 13 — Smart Financial Centre @ Sugar Land, Texas
Oct. 18 — Allstate Arena @ Chicago, Ill.
Oct. 20 — Prudential Center @ Newark, N.J.
Oct. 23 — Place Bell @ Montreal, CAN
Oct. 24 — Coca Cola Coliseum @ Toronto, Canada
Oct. 26 — Barclays Center @ Brooklyn, N.Y.
Oct. 27 — Agganis Arena @ Boston, Mass.
Nov. 1 — Kia Center @ Orlando, Fla.
Nov. 2 — Kaseya Center @ Miami, Fla.
Nov. 3 — Hertz Arena @ Ft. Myers, Fla.
Nov. 8 — Gas South Arena @ Atlanta, Ga.
Nov. 9 — Greensboro Coliseum @ Greensboro, N.C.
Nov. 10 — CFG Bank Arena @ Baltimore, Md.

Ricky Martin to Headline LA Pride in the Park

Posted on by
Reply

Ricky Martin is taking great pride in his next performance…

The 52-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will headline LA Pride in the Park, which will return to the Los Angeles State Historic Park on Saturday, June 8.

Ricky MartinThis marks Martin’s first-ever headlining Pride performance.

Moreover, Martin will be the first openly gay Latin artist to take center stage at the popular Pride event.

The theme for this year’s Pride season is “Power in Pride,” which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community’s ability to live authentically.

“I am thrilled to be headlining LA Pride in the Park because it’s an incredible opportunity to celebrate love, diversity, and equality,” Martin said in a statement. “LA Pride is a testament to the power of community, the power of visibility, and the power of standing up for our rights. Being part of this vibrant community fills me with pride and purpose.”

“With his electrifying stage presence and chart-topping hits, Ricky Martin has long been an inspiration to millions around the world,” said Gerald Garth, board president of CSW/LA Pride. “His participation in LA Pride in the Park goes beyond mere entertainment; it symbolizes a powerful affirmation of queer Latin identity and a celebration of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. We cannot wait to be ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ while beaming with Pride!”

Across 20 acres and with a capacity of 25,000, LA Pride in the Park is one of the largest official Pride concerts in the country.

The nonprofit Christopher Street West Association has produced the LA Pride celebration for more than 50 years. General admission and VIP passes are now available to purchase at lapride.org.

Throughout his nearly four-decade career, Martin has brought Latin music and culture to the mainstream, paving the way for an explosion of crossover talent.

Born in Puerto Rico in 1971, Martin gained fame as a member of Menudo before embarking on a highly successful solo career, which has brought him two Grammy Awards and four Latin Grammy Awards.

Martin’s 1999 smash “Livin’ La Vida Loca” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks and received Grammy nods for record and song of the year. It was also nominated for record of the year at the inaugural Latin Grammys in 2000 – a show that became a reality because of the undeniable crossover success of artists like Martin, Santana and Marc Anthony, among others.

In May 1999, Martin appeared on the cover of Time in a story headlined “Latin Music Goes Pop!”

In November 2006, at age 34, he became the youngest-ever person of the year recipient at the annual gala put on by the Latin Recording Academy.

Martin is also an accomplished actor, earning a Primetime Emmy nod for his role in FX’s The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story and displaying his talent on Broadway. He starred in Jingle Jangle for Netflix, opposite Forest Whitaker and Anika Noni Rose and can now be seen in the Apple TV series Palm Royale alongside Laura Dern, Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney and Carol Burnett.

Manuel Medrano Reveals First U.S. Tour Dates

Posted on by
Reply

Manuel Medrano is preparing to entertain U.S. audiences for the first time.

After building a 10-year career, the 36-year-old Colombian pop singer and Latin Grammy winner is officially touring the U.S. for the first time.

Manuel Medrano

Medrano—known for ballads like “Bajo el Agua,” “Afuera del Planeta,” and “La Distancia”—unveiled four North American cities added to his “Manuel Medrano en Concierto” Tour that already made stops in Mexico and Latin America.

This week, at an intimate press event where he also performed an upcoming single with famed pianist Arthur Hanlon, Medrano announced he’ll be visiting Orlando, New York, Miami, and Puerto Rico next.

Medrano will kick off his brief visit to North America with a show at Hard Rock Live Orlando in Florida on November 7 followed by a concert at Colen Auditorium in Flushing, New York.

He’ll then make is way back to Florida to perform at Miami’s James L. Knight Center and wrap up on November 16 at Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Having the opportunity to visit the United States is gratifying because I will arrive with many more songs,” Medrano said in a statement. “On the other hand, I will bring a much bigger and more powerful performance, with various musicians on stage and a show based on the concept of all my albums. I’m very happy to be back with an open heart for all my fans.”

Medrano is working on the follow-up to his sophomore album Eterno and recently joined Jared Leto and his band 30 Second to Mars for a special performance at the Colombian music festival Estéreo Picnic.

He will be visiting Europe and South America before performing in the States, stopping by La Riviera in Madrid, Spain, on May 19 and then Razzmatazz 2 in Barcelona. He makes his way back to Latin America with a night at Arena Monticello in Santiago, Chile, on June 15, a concert at Teatro Broadway in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 19 and a stop at Anfiteatro Parque Exposición in Lima, Peru, on June 22.

Manuel Medrano North American Tour Dates
November 7 – Hard Rock Live Orlando – Orlando, Florida
November 9 – Colden Auditorium – Flushing, New York
November 10 – James L. Knight Center – Miami, Florida
November 16 – Coca-Cola Music Hall – San Juan, Puerto Rico

Bizarrap Teams Up with Natanael Cano to Release Two-Track “BZRP Music Session #59″

Posted on by
Reply

Bizarrap is back with new music featuring a Regional Mexican star…

The 25-year-old Argentine record producer, songwriter, DJ and hitmaker has partnered with Natanael Cano to release two singles.

Bizarrap, Natanael CanoThe 23-year-old Mexican corridos tumbados pioneer and Bizarrap joined forces on “BZRP Music Session #59,” a two-song project officially released on Wednesday, April 3.

The new music is as explosive and raw as previous music sessions recorded by the likes of Residente, Arcángel and Young Miko.

According to a press release, “BZRP Music Session #59” was created following a “spontaneous” Miami meeting between the two artists in 2021, and is powered by Bizarrap’s innovative Argentine trap.

“Now that they know we’re on top, they think we haven’t struggled,” spits Cano in the first track, or chapter one, also being referred to as “Endiamantado.”

Chapter two, or the second song from this release titled “Entre las de 20,” fuses Cano’s corrido tumbado hybrid with synthesizers and Bizarrap’s signature style.

Kicking off with his prickly guitars, Cano sings about outgrowing a relationship; he’s on to bigger and better things. “There’s no trace of what you knew about me/ I told her we broke up, I don’t have time to spend. But I do have money to throw away.”

It’s not the first time Bizarrap teams up with a música mexicana artist.

Last summer, Bizarrap tapped Peso Pluma for “BZRP Music Sessions #55,” which peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart dated June 17.

Cano’s session with Bizarrap follows team-ups with Milo J, Rauw Alejandro and Shakira, the latter being Bizarrap’s most consequential session to date.

The dis track broke a handful of Guinness World Records and, when it dropped, held the title for most streamed Latin track on Spotify in 24 hours (14.4 million streams) and most viewed Latin track on YouTube in 24 hours (63 million views). It also won song of the year at the Latin Grammys.

Shakira Performs Surprise Concert For 40,000 Fans in New York City’s Times Square

Posted on by
Reply

Shakira is recovering from an epic performance…

The 47-year-old Colombian superstar surprised her followers with a “pop-up” concert in New York City’s Times Square to celebrate her first LP in seven years, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, which was released last Friday.

ShakiraAnnounced just hours earlier on her social media accounts, Shakira’s impromptu concert drew about 40,000 fans, according to figures provided by the organizers.

A huge electronic billboard that covered part of a skyscraper announced the free show with a clock counting down to its start.

At around 7:30 p.m. ET, the crowd enthusiastically chanted from ten to zero and two large doors hidden in the jumbotron opened to reveal the TSX Stage, and Shakira opening with her No. 1 Hot 100 hit “Hips Don’t Lie.”

“Hola New York! Oh my God, this is amazing, absolutely insane,” she said immediately after in Spanglish. “It’s so awesome to see you again, to sing for you… Nothing compares to this. Thank you so much for all the love that you’ve been giving me this week during the release of my new album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. And thank you, thank you, thank you for showing up.”

Dressed in black pants and top with silver embellishments, the self-proclaimed She-Wolf delighted the crowd by singing live — along with a band and a group of dancers — songs such as “Te Felicito”, “TQG”, “Cómo Dónde y Cuándo” and “Puntería”, before closing with the mega hit “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53.”

“I’m happy to be here surrounded by my Latin people,” said the 14-time Latin Grammy and three-time Grammy winner. “Thank you New York. Until next time. I love you very much.”

Tuesday’s show was co-produced by TSX Entertainment, with presenting partners ViX, Vinfast and Sony Music Latin.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3bxt6r3zq8

Chiquis Announces 16-Date North American “Diamantes Tour”

Posted on by
Reply

Chiquis is ready to sparkle across North American…

The 38-year-old Mexican American Latin Grammy-winning singer and television will hit the road with her Diamantes Tour, produced by Live Nation.

ChiquisThe 16-date trek through North America will kick off on May 30 in El Cajon, Calif and make stops in Houston, Atlanta and Mexico City before wrapping up on December 7 in Fresno, Calif.

“I am so ecstatic, and cannot wait to kick off my DIAMANTES TOUR alongside my band, Banda Abeja Reina,” Chiquis said in a statement. “I am ready to share this new, fresh and one-of-a-kind concert experience, carefully developed with love for my U.S. and Mexican fans. I want to personally invite all my Boss Bees to join me with their flashiest outfits on at every show, so we can shine bright, together!”

According to the press release, the tour will be a “celebration of empowerment, self-expression and unity” as Chiquis aims to create an “inclusive and uplifting atmosphere where fans can come together, connect, and bask in the joy of live music.”

Throughout the tour, Chiquis will be accompanied by her lively 13-member band.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, March 15, at 10 a.m. local time.

The Diamantes Tour announcement comes on the heels of Chiquis’ fifth studio album, Bee Side, released in December, which is powered by her traditional banda sound, but also finds her dabbling in electro-cumbia, rap and electro-pop.

Here’s a look at Chiquis’ Diamantes Tour dates:

May 30 — El Cajon, Calif. — The Magnolia
June 1 — Albuquerque, N.M. — Revel Entertainment Center
June 7 — Hidalgo, Texas — Payne Arena
June 8 — Houston — 713 Music Hall
June 9 — Irving, Texas — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
June 14 — Atlanta — Coca Cola Roxy
June 15 — Greensboro, N.C. — Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
June 21 — Rosemont, Ill. — Rosemont Theatre
June 22 — Indianapolis — Murat Theatre @ Old National Centre
June 27 — Winterhaven, Calif. — Quechan Casino Resort
June 28  — Inglewood, Calif. — YouTube Theater
June 30  — Chandler, Ariz. — Wild Horse Pass Casino
July 12 — Wheatland, Calif. — Hard Rock Live
July 13  — Salinas, Calif. — Salinas Sports Complex
Nov. 3  — Mexico City —  Auditorio Nacional
Dec. 7 — Fresno, Calif. — William Saroyan Theatre

Snow Tha Product Signs Global Agreement with YMU’s Yvette Medina

Posted on by
Reply

Snow Tha Product is preparing for a global takeover…

The 36-year-old Mexican American rapper has entered a global agreement with Yvette Medina, the executive manager and head of Latin at YMU, an international artist management company.

Snow tha ProductBolstered by her relentless and rapid-fire vocal delivery, Snow Tha Product (real name Claudia Feliciano) is quickly establishing herself as a force in hip-hop. As a bilingual artist, she has collaborated with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Ty Dolla $ign, Natanael Cano and Santa Fe Klan among others.   

“It has been hugely rewarding to be a part of this journey alongside Snow and continue to represent women in music and our culture,” Medina said in a statement shared with Billboard. “Snow is a fiercely independent trailblazer whose work ethic is unmatched, and together we are going to continue to amplify what she has achieved while expanding her global presence.”

To date, the San José, Calif.-born artist has released the EP Half Way There…Pt. 1 (2016) and full-length album To Anywhere (2022), and has achieved the top 20 of Billboard‘s Latin Digital Songs Sales chart. Her viral “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 39” also landed her on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart. The song earned her a Latin Grammy nomination.

She has also demonstrated her acting skills in the Netflix series Queen of the South as the character Lil’ T.

In November 2023, Snow wrapped up a 32-city U.S. headline tour at the Palladium in Los Angeles and was also an opening act for Santa Fe Klan’s national tour. Last August, the wordsmith was named by Billboard Latin and Español as one of the most essential Spanish-speaking rappers of all time.

Snow Tha Product is currently nominated for New Artist Female at 2024’s Premio Lo Nuestro which will air Feb. 22 via Univision.