Karol G Leads Pack of Premios Juventud Award Winners with Five

Posted on July 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is embracing her juventud victories…

The 33-year-old Colombian superstar tied Peso Pluma for top winner honors at the 21st annual Premios Juventud.

Both Karol G and the 25–year-old Mexican singer-songwriter claimed a total of five awards each.

Karol G won awards in categories like Premios Juventud female artist and best urban album for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season).

Meanwhile, Peso won best regional Mexican album for Génesis and best urban track, sharing that award with Karol for their collab “Qlona.”

Neither Karol or Peso were at the awards show, which prides itself in speaking to the youth and for showcasing young talent.

This year, the star power was mainly fueled by veterans like Wisin and renowned producer Sergio George, who opened the show with their new salsa song “La Vida Es Una Fiesta.”

Other musical numbers featured Mexican iconic band Los Tigres del Norte, who were one of the Agent of Change honorees of the night, Los Ángeles Azules with Emilia, for a generational balance, Reik and Camila.

But newer acts like Ela Taubert — who won new generation female artist — and Los Esquivel also had a chance to take the stage. In fact, Los Esquivel delivered a riveting set with their electro corrido “Alucin,” as they turned the stage into a mini rave.

Besides the many musical numbers, the show handed out only a few awards throughout the three-hour telecast. Also, viewers were treated to pre-recorded messages by Ángela Aguilar, who sent a shout out from her wedding congratulating Premios Juventud on its 21st anniversary, and Shakira, who was one of last year’s Agent of Change recipients who returned to the event, this time via video, to remind fans and a new generation of artists to always believe in themselves.

Among the best moments of the night was the Fania tribute to celebrate its 60th anniversary, revisiting its salsa classics via a medley.

Because few awards were handed out during the telecast, there weren’t many speech opportunities. But the few that did happen were good and, one in particular, really stood out. Lele Pons shared powerful words when she received the Agent of Change award. “Stop trying to find your happiness in the acceptance of other people who don’t value you, ok? I use my platform to see if I can help people to love themselves and laugh, show cellulite, be you, be transparent,” she said. “Not everybody is going to love you, not everybody has to like you, that’s their problem, not yours. Love yourself, respect yourself, ok? You are enough. I love you.”

Here are the 2024 Premios Juventud winners:

Premios Juventud Male Artist: Carín León
Premios Juventud Female Artist: Karol G
Favorite Group or Duo of The Year: Fuerza Regida
New Generation – Female Artist: Ela Taubert
New Generation – Male Artist: Luar La L
New Generation – Regional Mexican: Xavi
The Best Beatmakers: Bizarrap
The Perfect Collab: “Bellakeo” — Peso Pluma, Anitta
OMG Collaboration: “Esta Vida” – Marshmello, Farruko
Girl Power: “Labios Mordidos” — Kali Uchis, Karol G
My Favorite Dance Track: “Contigo” — Karol G, Tiësto
Best Urban Track: “Qlona” — Karol G, Peso Pluma
Best Urban Mix: “Quema” — Ryan Castro, Peso Pluma, SOG
Best Urban Album: Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season) — Karol G
Best Pop/Urban Song: “Bonita” — Daddy Yankee
Best Pop/Urban Collaboration: “Baby Hello” — Rauw Alejandro, Bizarrap
Best Pop/Urban Album: Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran — Shakira
Tropical Hit: “Bailando Bachata” — Chayanne
Tropical Mix: “Plis” — Camilo y Evaluna Montaner
Best Tropical Album: Llamada Perdida — Prince Royce
Best Regional Mexican Song: “La Diabla” — Xavi
Best Regional Mexican Collaboration: “Lady Gaga” — Peso Pluma, Gabito Ballesteros, Junior H
Best Regional Mexican Fusion: “Según Quién” — Maluma, Carín León
Best Regional Mexican Album: Génesis — Peso Pluma
Creator of the Year: Wendy Guevara
Creator that Inspires Me: Carlos Eduardo Espina
Creator with a Social Cause: Juan González
Best LOL: Karla De La Torre
My Favorite Actor: Daniel Elbittar — El Amor No Tiene Receta
My Favorite Actress: Bárbara de Regil — Cabo
They Make Me Fall In Love: Angelique Boyer, Daniel Elbittar — El Amor Invencible

Arcangel to Perform on This Year’s Latin American Music Awards Show

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Arcangel is preparing to take to the Latin AMAs stage…

The 38-year-old Dominican American rapper and singer has been added to the performers list for the ninth annual Latin American Music Awards.

Arcangel appears on the roster of recently added performers that includes Jennifer Nettles, KY-Mani Marley, Mora, Noel Schajris, Sech, Silvestre Dangond and Wisin.

The gala will take place on April 25 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Actors Danny Pino and Michael Mando in addition to superstars Christian Chávez, Eslabon Armado, Joss Favela and Kali Uchis are all set to present awards.

DJ Steve Aoki and Victoria Justice will also make appearances.

This long list of talent joins previously announced performers: Peso Pluma, Farukko, Jay Wheeler, Justin Quiles, DJ Deorro, Yng Lvcas, Gabito Ballesteros, Marc Anthony, Carin León, Chino Pacas, Lenny Tavárez, Milo Beat, Nacho, Sergio George, Venesti and Zhamira Zambrano.

Anthony is set to premiere his new single “Ale Ale,” from his upcoming album Muevense, which is set to be released on April 26. He has won two Latin AMAs, and this year is nominated for best tropical artist and best tropical collaboration for “La Fórmula” with Maluma.

“I am really excited to have the opportunity of presenting the global premiere of my new song ‘Ale, Ale’ on live television at this year’s Latin American Music Awards, and on that same evening release my new studio album Muevense,” said Anthony in a statement. “The Latin AMAs stage has seen many of my firsts and I am ready to introduce this one to audiences everywhere.”

Mexican music’s big year will be well represented at the awards show this year with appearances by bubbling acts including León, Pacas, Ballesteros and Peso, who returns to the Latin AMA stage after making his TV debut there last year.

Peso, along with reggaeton star Feid, is the most nominated artist of the night with 12 recognitions, including nods in coveted categories like artist of the year, new artist of the year, song of the year, album of the year, and collaboration of the year, among others.

Behind Peso and Feid, Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera lead the nominations list with 11 each. Karol G and Shakira each tout nine nominations, and Eslabon Armado and Fuerza Regida have eight.

There are 27 categories, with a total of 76 nominees that span all musical genres including pop, urban, música Mexicana and tropical.

The awards show will be hosted by Latin pop phenom Thalia, along with presenter Alejandra Espinoza, and singer-songwriter and television personality Carlos Ponce.

The show will broadcast live from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Marc Anthony’s “Punta Cana” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Marc Anthony continues his reign on the tropical charts…

The 55-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter’s impressive dominance on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart adds yet another chapter this week as his latest single, “Punta Cana,” debuts at No. 1 on the ranking dated February 3.

The arrival extends his record for the most No. 1s in the chart’s history.

“Punta Cana” storms in atop Tropical Airplay with 4.6 million audience impressions earned in the U.S. during the January 19-25 tracking week, according to Luminate.

“Punta Cana’s” arrival at the summit secures Marc Anthony his unprecedented 36th No. 1 on the list, the most among all acts; a record he’s held since 1996, one year after Tropical Airplay launched. Victor Manuelle remains in second place, with 29 No. 1s.

The bachata single, coproduced by MAnthony alongside Sergio George, was released Jan. 26 via Sony Music Latin and unseats another label mate from the lead: Enrique Iglesias and Maria Becerra’s “Así Es La Vida” drops to No. 2 with a 19% decrease in impressions, to 4.3 million.

Notably, out of the 36 champs on Marc Anthony’s Tropical Airplay account, “Punta Cana” becomes the third song to premiere at No. 1, following the six-week champ “Se Me Sigue Olvidando” (1995) and nine-week ruler “Ahora Quien” (2004). (Only 16 songs overall have debuted on at No. 1 on the chart.) Plus, “Punta Cana” is Marc Anthony’s first No. 1 in two years (since “Mala Santa” ruled for one week in March 2022) and his 27th No. 1 without any accompanying acts.

As Marc Anthony continues to beat the competition, here’s the recap of the artists with the most No. 1s on the 28-year-old chart:

36, Marc Anthony
29, Victor Manuelle
23, Prince Royce
18, Romeo Santos
14, Elvis Crespo
14, Gilberto Santa Rosa
13, Jerry Rivera
12, Juan Luis Guerra 440

Beyond its Tropical Airplay coronation, “Punta Cana” gives Marc Anthony his 59th career entry on the overall Latin Airplay ranking, as the song debuts at No. 19. With the new entry, he continues to hold the record for the most chart appearances among tropical acts, and the sixth-most among all artists. Here’s the leaderboard:

85, Daddy Yankee
68, Ozuna
64, Intocable
63, Los Tigres del Norte
60, J Balvin
59, Marc Anthony
58, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga

Zion y Lennox Release First “Salsa-fied” Single “Desnúdate”

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Zion y Lennox are stripping down for their next single…

The Puerto Rican reggaeton music duo has released their first single of the year called “Desnúdate.”

Steering away from their signature old-school reggaetón essence and catchy perreo sound, Zion y Lennox experiment with salsa music for the first time, at the helm of co-producers Sergio George and Motiff.

The duo sings about love and betrayal, but admitted that performing the urban-infused salsa track was quite challenging.

“Without a doubt, this was one of the biggest challenges in our career but we were able to interpret it with love and compassion,” Zion tells Billboard of the tropical genre that they grew up listening to and respecting. “For us, it’s more than an honor to make this song in homage to all the salseros of Puerto Rico and around the world.”

To the hard-hitting rhythms of congas and trumpets, “Desnúdate” is about a girl who leads a man on and doesn’t want anything serious. “Oh no, oh no, you entangled me in your skin/you played with me […] get undressed, don’t tell me you care for me, you love me/ I knew you were like the rest that said they loved me but I do love you,” the pair laments.

“I am super excited about everything that is coming for the tropical genre, especially in salsa with these new sounds that I am experimenting with,” expressed Motiff.

“‘Desnúdate’ is undoubtedly part of the seasoning to all the salsa that is coming this 2023!!”

Maluma Teams Up with Marc Anthony for New Single “La Fórmula”

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma is trying a new formula… And, he’s calling on a Latin Music legend for an assist.

The 29-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter has joined voices with Marc Anthony to release the new single “La Fórmula.”

The track opens up with a subtle pop-reggaetón rhythm against a glimmering melody, as Maluma yearnfully croons about love lost.

Then suddenly, “La Fórmula” transforms into an ebullient salsa banger, complete with blaring horns, anchored by the passionate wail of Marc Anthony, the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time.

Produced by the two singers, as well as Edgar Barrera, Rude Boyz and Sergio George, the duet chronicles how no such formula exists for securing love and devotion with a certain someone — but there’s always that hope.

The music video captures the two superstars recording their single at The Hit Factory in Miami.

Wisin & Yandel to Receive BMI President’s Award

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Wisin & Yandel are getting the presidential treatment…

The iconic Puerto Rican reggaeton duo will be honored with the BMI President’s Award at the 29th Annual BMI Latin Awards, which will be held on March 15 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Wisin & Yandel will receive the honor in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Latin music community that span over 20 years and continue to influence the next generation of songwriters, according to the music rights organization.

“Wisin & Yandel are true innovators of reggaeton and urban Latin music” Jesus Gonzalez, BMI vice president, creative, Latin, said in a statement. “Their music transcends generations and has influenced many artists across all genres, helping to propel Latin music forward. We’re thrilled to finally come together and present this distinct honor to ‘el duo de la historia,’ whose undeniable chemistry and talents have earned them legions of fans around the world.”

Since the late ’90s, Wisin & Yandel has scored a number of hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Rakata,” “Ahora Es,” “Llame Pa’ Verte” and “Algo Me Gusta de Ti.”

Wisin y Yandel also brought reggaetón from an underground genre to the mainstream in collaborations with different artists, including Chris Brown, T- Pain, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Luis Fonsi and Enrique Iglesias.

The special award presented to a songwriter, composer, producer or executive who has “profoundly influenced the entertainment industry,” Wisin & Yandel join previous BMI President’s Award recipients including Carlos Vives, Gloria Trevi, Juanes, Luis Fonsi, Mario Quintero, Pitbull and Sergio George, among others.

Songwriters, publishers and administrators of the past year’s most-performed Latin songs in the United States will also be honored during the ceremony hosted by BMI president & CEO Mike O’Neill and Gonzalez. The BMI Regional Mexican Song, Songwriter, BMI Contemporary Latin Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will also be named.

Gloria Trevi Among New Wave of Artists Added to Performance Roster at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Posted on November 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Trevi is preparing for her Latin Grammys close up…

The Latin Recording Academy has announced additional performers set to take the stage for the 22nd annual Latin Grammy Awards on November 18 in Las Vegas, with the 53-year-old Mexican singer making the list.

In addition to Trevi, who released the singles “Nos Volvimos Locos” featuring Guaynaa and “Mudanza de Hormiga” with María León this year, the new wave of artists includes current and past Latin Grammy nominees like Descemer Bueno, Camilo, Julio Reyes Copello, DJ Nelson, Sergio George, Gente de Zona, Grupo Firme, Mon Laferte, Jay Wheeler and Yotuel.

Laferte and Trevi will join La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho and a mariachi for a medley, including “La Mujer,” nominated for best pop song.

Descemer Bueno, Gente de Zona and Yotuel will take the stage for an acoustic rendition of “Patria y Vida,” which is up for both song of the year and best urban song.

The new group of artists join previously announced performers Bad Bunny, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga, Rubén Blades, C. Tangana, Calibre 50, Los Dos Carnales, Alejandro Fernández, Juanes, Maná, Ozuna, Danna Paola and Myke Towers, among others.

Five-time nominee C. Tangana is set to perform alongside Antonio Carmona, Diego del Morao, Jorge Drexler, Israel Fernández, La Húngara, Natalia Lafourcade and Omar Apollo. Meanwhile, Juanes will perform a new arrangement of Juan Gabriel’s iconic “No Tengo Dinero,” alongside Rubén Albarrán and Meme del Real of Café Tacvba.

With the theme “rediscovering life through music,” the three-hour show will air live on Univision at 8:00 pm ET, preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7:00 pm ET. The telecast, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, will “invite audiences to rediscover what’s important in life using music as a storyline,” according to a statement from the Latin Recording Academy.

Colombian singer-songwriter Camilo leads the 2021 Latin Grammys nominees with 10 nods, including nominations in the album, record, and song of the year categories. He’s followed by tropical music icon Juan Luis Guerra with six, Spanish rapper Tangana with five nominations, and multiple artists, including Bad Bunny, with four.

Daddy Yankee Breaks Record for Most Top 10s on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with Marc Anthony Collab “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta”

Posted on January 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is rompe-iendo records…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and record producer has broken the record for the most top 10s on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, as “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta,” his collaboration with Marc Anthony, rises 11-8 on the January 16 survey.

with Marc

Daddy Yankee breaks out of a tie with Enrique Iglesias and takes possession of the mark for the most top 10s since the chart began in 1994.

The song’s advance on the chart was assisted by an 11% boost in audience impressions, to 8 million, collected in the week ending January 10, according to MRC Data.

Going down the list of the artists with at least 25 top 10s in the history of Latin Airplay, only one female act secures a space:

Most Top 10s, Latin Airplay
Daddy Yankee, 41 Enrique Iglesias, 40
J Balvin, 32
Shakira, 31
Ricky Martin, 27
Marc Anthony, 26
Marco Antonio Solis, 26
Ozuna, 26
Cristian Castro, 25
Wisin & Yandel, 25

“De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta” was co-written by Daddy Yankee and Marc Anthony alongside Edgar ‘Edge’ Barrera, Elena Rosa, Rafael A. Pina Nieves and produced by longtime hit maker, Sergio George.

The salsa collaboration is Yankee’s 41st Latin Airplay top 10, dating back to his first top 10 hit “Lo Que Pasó, Pasó” in 2005. Marc Anthony, meanwhile, has logged 26 top 10s in four decades of chart history, 11 of which have hit No. 1.

Elsewhere, “De Vuelta” dips 13-14 on the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart with declines in digital sales and streams. On Tropical Airplay, however, it remains at No. 1 for a third week.

Daddy Yankee Teams Up with Marc Anthony for Salsa Single “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta”

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is getting into the swing of it…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican reggaetonero has joined voices with Daddy Yankee on the salsa single “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta.”

Anthony, known as the King of Salsa, cedes the opening spotlight to Daddy Yankee, whose voice is well-suited for a traditional salsa track.

The made-for-dancing insta-classic, which, in vintage Marc Anthony style, begins with a slow intro that then breaks into an uptempo dance beat, pairs two icons who unexpectedly meet each other halfway.

Sergio George produced the track, a fusion of two very different distinct voices with a deep respect for the genre that will no doubt give an infusion of energy to the tropical charts.

Marc Anthony Releasing “OPUS the Recording Session Series” on YouTube

Posted on February 13, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Marc Anthonyis shining a spotlight on his grand opus…

The 51-year-old Puerto Rican singer is offering an inside look at the making of his Grammy-winning 2019 album Opus.

The Latin music powerhouse is set to premiere a YouTubeseries titled “OPUS the Recording Session Series,” where fans will get a chance to witness Anthony’s “most intimate journey as a music creator,” according a press release.

The album was recorded in Miami at Art House Society and Criteria Studios.

Opus, produced by Sergio George, earned the salsa singer his 11th top 10 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albumschart (dated May 25, 2019) debuting at No. 2 logging his highest debut since his 2010 album Íconos.

The Magnus Studios-produced series, which will go live on YouTube on Thursday (February 13) at 7:00 pm ET, will run for 10 weeks. Anthony is a four-time nominee at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards. He’s up for tour of the year, tropical artist of the year, solo and tropical song of the year for “Parecen Viernes.” The Billboard Latin Music Awards will air live from Las Vegas on Telemundo on April 23.

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