Shakira & Nicky Jam Top List of Billboard Latin Music Awards Finalists

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira and Nicky Jam are all tied up…

The 40-year-old Colombian superstar and the 35-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer-songwriter top the list of finalists for the 2017 Billboard Latin Music Awards with each earning nine nominations.

Shakira didn’t release an album in 2016. She competes in the social artist of the year category, while “La bicicleta,” her collaboration with Carlos Vives, is up for hot Latin song of the year, hot Latin song of the year, vocal event, and digital song of the year, among others.

In turn, Vives’ six entries are likewise largely driven by “La bicicleta.” Shakira is also up for an award with “Chantaje,” featuring Maluma, which competes against herself in the hot Latin song of the year, vocal event category.

Nicky Jam is a finalist largely due to his chart-topping song “Hasta el amanecer,” up for hot Latin song of the year, airplay song of the year, digital song of the year, streaming song of the year and Latin rhythm song of the year. The rapper, whose longtime game plan is to only release one lead single a year — though let’s see if that changes in 2017 — is also a finalist for Latin pop song of the year for “Ya me enteré,” his collaboration with Mexican pop group Reik. Nicky Jam is also up for artist of the year.

They are followed in number of entries by superstar Enrique Iglesias and regional Mexican bands Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho and Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizarraga, with eight entires each; Maluma, Juan Gabriel and J Balvin with seven each; and Wisin joins Carlos Vives with six each.

The awards will air live on April 27 on Telemundo, capping the Billboard Latin Music Conference that takes place April 24-27 at the Ritz Carlton in Miami Beach.

Here’s the full list of finalists below:

ARTIST CATEGORIES

Artist of the Year:
•   J Balvin
•   Juan Gabriel
•   Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho
•   Nicky Jam

Artist of the Year, New:
•   CNCO
•   Crecer Germán
•   Ozuna
•   Ulíces Chaidez y Sus Plebes

Tour of the Year:
•   Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda
•   Maná
•   Marc Anthony
•   Marco Antonio Solís

Social Artist of the Year:
•   Enrique Iglesias
•   Jennifer Lopez
•   Maluma
•   Shakira

Crossover Artist of the Year:
•   Calvin Harris
•   Drake
•   Justin Bieber
•   Rihanna

SONG CATEGORIES

Hot Latin Song of the Year:
•   Carlos Vives & Shakira, “La Bicicleta”
•   Daddy Yankee, “Shaky Shaky”
•   Enrique Iglesias feat. Wisin, “Duele El Corazón”
•   Nicky Jam, “Hasta El Amanecer”

Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event:
•   Carlos Vives & Shakira, “La Bicicleta”
•   Enrique Iglesias feat. Wisin, “Duele El Corazón”
•   Farruko feat. Ky-Mani Marley, “Chillax”
•   Shakira feat. Maluma, “Chantaje”

Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Male:
•   Daddy Yankee
•   J Balvin
•   Maluma
•   Nicky Jam

Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female:
•   Becky G
•   Jennifer Lopez
•   Shakira
•   Thalía

Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
•   Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizárraga
•   La Arrolladora Banda el Limón de René Camacho
•   Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho
•   Zion & Lennox

Hot Latin Songs Label of the Year:
•   DEL
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment
•   Warner Latina

Hot Latin Songs Imprint of the Year:
•   Capitol Latin
•   DEL
•   Fonovisa
•   Sony Music Latin

Airplay Song of the Year:
•   Carlos Vives & Shakira, “La Bicicleta”
•   Enrique Iglesias feat. Wisin, “Duele el Corazón”
•   Nicky Jam, “Hasta El Amanecer”
•   Prince Royce, “La Carretera”

Airplay Label of the Year:
•   Lizos
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment
•   Warner Latina

Airplay Imprint of the Year:
•   Disa
•   Fonovisa
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Warner Latina

Digital Song of the Year:
•   Carlos Vives & Shakira, “La Bicicleta”
•   Enrique Iglesias feat. Wisin, “Duele el Corazón”
•   Nicky Jam, “Hasta El Amanecer”
•   Pitbull feat. Sensato, Lil Jon & Osmani Garcia, “El Taxi”

Streaming Song of the Year:
•   Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho, “Te Metiste”
•   Daddy Yankee, “Shaky Shaky”
•   Enrique Iglesias feat. Wisin, “Duele el Corazón”
•   Nicky Jam, “Hasta El Amanecer”

ALBUM CATEGORIES

Top Latin Album of the Year:
•   Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga, Que Bendición
•   Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo 2
•   Juan Gabriel, Vestido de Etiqueta: Por Eduardo Magallanes
•   Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho, Recuerden Mi Estilo

Latin Compilation Album of the Year:
•   Varios/Various, 20 Bandazos de Oro: Puros Éxitos
•   Varios/Various, De Puerto Rico Para El Mundo
•   Varios/Various, Las Bandas Románticas de América 2016
•   Varios/Various, Latin Hits 2016: Club Edition

Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Male:
•   J Balvin
•   Joan Sebastian
•   Juan Gabriel
•   Marco Antonio Solís

Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Female:
•   Ana Gabriel
•   Jenni Rivera
•   Selena
•   Thalía

Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
•   Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizárraga
•   Calibre 50
•   Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda
•   Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho

Top Latin Albums Label of the Year:
•   DEL
•   Lizos
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Top Latin Albums Imprint of the Year:
•   DEL
•   Disa
•   Fonovisa
•   Sony Music Latin

LATIN POP CATEGORIES

Latin Pop Song of the Year:
•   Carlos Vives & Shakira, “La Bicicleta”
•   Chino & Nacho feat. Daddy Yankee, “Andas En Mi Cabeza”
•   Enrique Iglesias feat. Wisin, “Duele el Corazón”
•   Reik & Nicky Jam, “Ya Me Enteré”

Latin Pop Songs Artist of the Year, Solo:
•   Carlos Vives
•   Enrique Iglesias
•   Ricky Martin
•   Shakira

Latin Pop Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
•   Chino & Nacho
•   CNCO
•   Jesse & Joy
•   Sin Bandera

Latin Pop Airplay Label of the Year:
•   Mr. 305
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment
•   Warner Latina

Latin Pop Airplay Imprint of the Year:
•   Capitol Latin
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latino
•   Warner Latina

Latin Pop Album of the Year:
•   CNCO, Primera Cita
•   Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo 2
•   Juan Gabriel, Vestido Por Etiqueta Por Eduardo Magallanes
•   Selena, Lo Mejor de…

Latin Pop Albums Artist of the Year, Solo:
•   Ana Gabriel
•   Juan Gabriel
•   Marco Antonio Solís
•   Selena

Latin Pop Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
•   CNCO
•   Il Divo
•   Jesse & Joy
•   Reik

Latin Pop Albums Label of the Year:
•   Columbia
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment
•   Warner Latina

Latin Pop Albums Imprint of the Year:
•   Capitol Latin
•   Fonovisa
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latino

TROPICAL CATEGORIES

Tropical Song of the Year:
•   Deorro feat. Pitbull & Elvis Crespo, “Bailar”
•   Gente de Zona feat. Marc Anthony, “Traidora”
•   Prince Royce, “La Carretera”
•   Victor Manuelle & Yandel, “Imaginar”

Tropical Songs Artist of the Year, Solo:
•   Elvis Crespo
•   Marc Anthony
•   Prince Royce
•   Romeo Santos

Tropical Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
•   24 Horas
•   Chiquito Team Band
•   Gente de Zona
•   Grupo Niche

Tropical Songs Airplay Label of the Year:
•   LP
•   ParkEast
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Tropical Songs Airplay Imprint of the Year:
•   Capitol Latin
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latino
•   Warner Latina

Tropical Album of the Year:
•   Aventura, Todavía Me Amas: Lo Mejor de Aventura
•   El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Alunizando
•   Gente de Zona, Visualízate
•   La Tribu de Abrante, Otro Formato de Música

Tropical Albums Artist of the Year, Solo:
•   Diego “El Cigala”
•   Manny Manuel
•   Marc Anthony
•   Victor Manuelle

Tropical Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
•   Aventura
•   El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
•   Gente de Zona
•   La Tribu de Abrante

Sello Discográfico del Año, “Tropical Albums” Tropical Albums Label of the Year:
•   EGC
•   Planet Records
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Tropical Albums Imprint of the Year:
•   Magnus
•   Planet Records
•   Premium Latin
•   Sony Music Latin

REGIONAL MEXICAN CATEGORIES

Regional Mexican Song of the Year:
•   Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga, “Me Vas A Extrañar”
•   Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga, “Solo Con Verte”
•   La Arrolladora Banda el Limón de René Camacho, “Me Va A Pesar”
•   Regulo Caro, “Cicatriiices”

Regional Mexican Songs Artist of the Year, Solo:
•   Adriel Favela
•   Gerardo Ortiz
•   Regulo Caro
•   Remmy Valenzuela

Regional Mexican Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
•   Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga
•   Calibre 50
•   La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho
•   Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho

Regional Mexican Airplay Label of the Year:
•   DEL
•   Lizos
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Regional Mexican Airplay Imprint of the Year:
•   DEL
•   Disa
•   Fonovisa
•   Lizos

Regional Mexican Album of the Year:
•   Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga, Que Bendición
•   Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda, Lecciones Para El Corazón
•   Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda, Mis Ídolos, Hoy Mis Amigos!!!
•   Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho, Recuerden Mi Estilo

Regional Mexican Albums Artist of the Year, Solo:
•   Espinoza Paz
•   Jenni Rivera
•   Joan Sebastian
•   Vicente Fernández

Regional Mexican Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
•   Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga
•   Calibre 50
•   Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda
•   Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho

Regional Mexican Albums Label of the Year:
•   DEL
•   Lizos
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Regional Mexican Albums Imprint of the Year:
•   DEL
•   Disa
•   Fonovisa
•   Lizos

LATIN RHYTHM CATEGORIES

Latin Rhythm Song of the Year:
•   Farruko Feat. Ky-Mani Marley, “Chillax”
•   J Balvin, “Bobo”
•   Maluma feat. Yandel, “El Perdedor”
•   Nicky Jam, “Hasta El Amanecer

Latin Rhythm Songs Artist of the Year, Solo:
•   J Balvin
•   Maluma
•   Nicky Jam
•   Yandel

Latin Rhythm Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
•   Alexis & Fido
•   Plan B
•   Play-N-Skillz
•   Zion & Lennox

Latin Rhythm Airplay Label of the Year:
•   Mr. 305
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment
•   Warner Latina

Latin Rhythm Airplay Imprint of the Year:
•   Capitol Latin
•   La Industria
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Warner Latina

Latin Rhythm Album of the Year:
•   Farruko, Visionary
•   J Balvin, Energía
•   Maluma, Pretty Boy Dirty Boy
•   Yandel, Dangerous

Latin Rhythm Albums Artist of the Year, Solo:
•   Farruko
•   J Balvin
•   Maluma
•   Pitbull

Latin Rhythm Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group:
•   Cartel de Santa
•   Plan B
•   Yomil Y El Dany
•   Zion & Lennox

Latin Rhythm Albums Label of the Year:
•   Rich
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latin Entertainment
•   Warner Latina

Latin Rhythm Albums Imprint of the Year:
•   Capitol Latin
•   Pina
•   Sony Music Latin
•   Universal Music Latino

WRITERS/PRODUCERS/PUBLISHERS CATEGORIES

Songwriter of the Year:
•   Edén Muñoz
•   Horacio Palencia Cisneros
•   Luciano Luna Díaz
•   Raymond Luis “Daddy Yankee” Ayala Rodríguez

Publisher of the Year:
•   DEL World Songs, ASCAP
•   Dulce Maria Music, LLC, SESAC
•   Sony/ATV Discos Music Publishing LLC, ASCAP
•   Sony/ATV Latin Music Publishing, LLC, BMI

Publishing Corporation of the Year:
•   BMG
•   Sony/ATV Music
•   Universal Music
•   Warner/Chappell Music

Producer of the Year:
•   Alejandro “Sky” Suárez Ramírez
•   Jesus Jaime González Terrazas
•   Saga Whiteblack
•   Sergio Lizarraga

Maluma Takes Top Two Spots on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma is celebrating two concurrent hits…

The Colombian singer has become only the sixth act to concurrently hold the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “Sin Contrato” soars 7-1 on the February 11-dated chart.

At the same time, the singer remains at No. 2 as a featured act on Shakira’s “Chantaje” for a third straight week.

At 23-years-old, he’s the youngest artist to rule the top two spots on the chart, and the first to do so since 2011.

Before Maluma, the youngest artist to conquer the No. 1 and No. 2 spots was Alejandro Fernandez, who at 25 ruled the chart for two straight weeks in January of 1998 with “En El Jardin,” featuring Gloria Estefan, at No. 1, while “Si Tu Supieras” was No. 2.

Selena spent the most weeks holding both top spots. Beginning four months after the Tejano superstar died, she spent six non-consecutive weeks at the top with “Tu Solo Tu” and “I Could Fall In Love,” between July and September in 1995. She would have been 24-years-old.

The most recent artist to achieve the feat was Pitbull on the October 15, 2011-dated list. He crowned the chart with “Rain On Me,” featuring Marc Anthony, while “Give Me Everything,” featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer, held the No. 2 slot.

The other acts to simultaneously hold the top two spots are Juan Luis Guerra and Juanes.

Maluma’s No. 1s on Latin Airplay
Title, peak date (weeks at No. 1)
“Borro Cassette,” Nov. 21, 2015 (three weeks)
“El Perdedor,” featuring Yandel, Aug. 13, 2016 (one week)
“Vente Pa’ Ca” (Ricky Martin featuring Maluma), Oct. 15, 2016 (two weeks)
“Chantaje” (Shakira featuring Maluma), Nov. 19, 2016 (three weeks)
“Sin Contrato,” featuring Fifth Harmony or Don Omar and Wisin, Feb. 11, 2017 (one week, so far)

“Sin Contrato,” which boasts a version featuring Fifth Harmony and one featuring Don Omar and Wisin, as well as Maluma’s original solo version, rises to the top boosted by a 38 percent at the radio format (to 15.1 million audience impressions in the week ending Jan. 29, according to Nielsen Music).

Meanwhile, on the Hot Latin Songs chart (which blends airplay, sales and streams), “Sin Contrato” earns a new peak hopping 13-7, reaching the top 10 for the first time in its 22nd charting frame. In addition to the on-air increase, 1.4 million U.S. streams (down 1 percent, in the week ending Jan. 26) also support the climb, which marks the singer’s fifth top 10.

Elsewhere on the charts, Maluma vaults 25-5 on Top Latin Albums with Pretty Boy Dirty Boy, with 2,000 equivalent album units earned, during the chart’s first week as a consumption based ranking. The updated chart switched to a multi-metric methodology, blending pure album sales, track equivalent album (TEA) units, and streaming equivalent album (SEA) units. Under the previous album-sales-only formula, the set debuted at No. 1 on the Nov. 21, 2015 chart. The jump marks the first time that the set returns to the top five since its arrival.

Finally, Maluma also lifts 14-10 on the Social 50 chart, which is powered by data tracked by music analytics company Next Big Sound, and ranks the most popular artists on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Wikipedia, and Tumblr. He previously peaked at No. 7 on the December 24 ranking.

Play-N-Skillz Releases Video for Urbanized Version of Selena’s “Si Una Vez”

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Play-N-Skillz are paying homage to La Reina de la Musica Tejana…

The Latino American rappers and record producers, consisting of brothers Juan “Play” Salinas and Oscar “Skillz” Salinas, have released the music video for their new single”Si una vez” featuring Leslie Grace, Frankie J and Wisin.

The production duo’s new version of Selena Quintanilla‘s classic song has Grace and Frankie J as lead singers while the Puerto Rican reggaetonero drops a few rap verses, giving the tune an urban twist.

“Rest in peace la reina, Selena,” Play-N-Skillz say at the end of the video honoring the late Tejano singer.

Martin to Perform at First-Ever Calibash Las Vegas

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is ready to kick some Bash…

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actor is set to perform at a special edition of Calibash in Las Vegas at the Hakkasan night club.

Calibash, the multi-artist show that’s become the signature event for urban Latin music in the U.S., will celebrate its 10th anniversary with the special edition in Sin City.

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Calibash Las Vegas will take place on January 26 at the T-Mobile Arena and will feature performances by Martin, Don Omar, Wisin, Nicky Jam and Residente.

The huge span of acts highlights just how diverse the genre has become. On the one hand is reggaeton icon Don Omar, who this year celebrated the 10th anniversary of his seminal album King of Kings; Residente, formerly of Calle 13, who espouses an alternative approach to rap with socially-minded lyrics; current chart-toppers Wisin and Nicky Jam, and pop act Ricky Martin, who most recently reached the top of the charts with “Vente Pa’Ca,” his collaboration with Maluma.

Other confirmed acts to date include Zion & Lennox, Pipe Bueno, Farruko, J Alvarez, Plan B, Nely “El Arma Secreta”, Osuna, De la Ghetto, Almightly, Arcangel, Gente de Zona, Chacal, Osmani Garcia, Divan and CNCO.

Calibash will once again be produced by SBS Entertainment and presented by LaMusica. This marks the first time the show will take place in Vegas, and will also be the first time a multi-artist concert will take place at the T-Mobile Arena, also the site of this year’s Latin Grammys. If you are finding for the wedding DJ then Wedding DJ Auckland is a best option for your wedding function.

“This is without doubt, a strong start to the future of Latin Entertainment in Las Vegas,” says Lucas Piña, SVP of SBS Entertainment. “It is a challenge, but we are confident with the quality performers that we will produce a successful January sold-out event, as we have done in New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and other cities.”

Recent editions of the fest have also included major mainstream acts.

Jesse & Joy to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Latin Grammy darlings Jesse & Joy have a special date in Las Vegas…

The Mexican duo, comprised of Jesse Huerta and his sister Joy Huerta, will take the stage at this year’s Latin Grammys.

Jesse & Joy, who received nominations in all three major categories, join a roster of performers that includes Fonseca, Mon Laferte, Manuel Medrano, Gente de Zona, Alexis y Fido, Joss Favela and Wisin.

To kick off the awards ceremony, Latin Grammy and Grammy-winning artist Juanes will team up with the cast of Cirque Du Soleil‘s Mystere and Pablo López for a special performance.

Other Latin superstars set to perform are J Balvin, Banda Los Recoditos, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Farruko featuring Ky-Mani Marley, Laura Pausini, Prince Royce ft. Gerardo Ortiz, Diego Torres ft. Rachel Platten, Carlos Vives and Yandel.

This year’s Latin Grammys, will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on November 17.

The show, to be hosted by Roselyn Sánchez and Sebastian Rulli, will air live on Univision at 8 p.m. ET, with a red carpet special, Noche de Estrellas, airing one hour before the awards show.

Dangond to Perform at SBS’ LaMúsica’s First-Ever Aplauso Concert Series

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Silvestre Dangond is ready for a big applause…

The 36-year-old Colombian Vallenato singer is set to headline SBS‘ LaMúsica‘s first edition of their concert series, titled Aplauso.

Dangond joins an all-star lineup that includes Reik, Juanes, Marco Antonio Solís, Ricardo Montaner and Jencarlos.

The event will take place at Miami’s iconic American Airlines Arena on December 9, and will be presented by LaMúsica, Zeta 92.3 and Felix Cabrera Productions.

“For SBS Miami, it is an honor to present ‘Aplauso 2016’ with your favorite artists of our time,” Jesús Salas, EVP of Programming and Multi Platform Coordinator at SBS Radio, said in a statement. “SBS Miami is very clear in its objective, we always provide the most innovative entertainment for the enjoyment of our Latino community. Our exquisiteness always accompanies us at our top events, always relevant in South Florida. It is our way to thank our listeners for the infinite support they have given us during 2016.”

News of the launch comes a week after LaMúsica and Mega 97.9 announced the star-studded lineup for their upcoming Mega Bash concert taking place in New Jersey on Dec. 2.

Juanes, Dangond and Jencarlos will also be performing at the Mega Bash, along with Latin stars like Ricky Martin, Wisin and Enrique Iglesias.

Tickets for Aplauso are already available for purchase.

Martin to Perform at This Year’s Mega Bash Concert

Posted on October 14, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is ready for a Mega December…

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican singer is among the Latin superstars confirmed to perform at this year’s Mega Bash concert in New Jersey.

Martin joins a lineup that includes Juanes, Enrique Iglesias, Wisin, Jencarlos Canela, Silvestre Dangond and Ozuna.

The show, produced by the Felix Cabrera Concert Series and SBS — home to New York’s top-rated Spanish language station Mega 97.9 and bilingual streaming app La Música — is set to take place on December 2, at the Prudential Center in Newark.

“Our goal has always been to produce events without precedents, and on December 2 we will be reuniting these big figures for the first time ever at the Prudential Center,” said Felix Cabrera in a statement.

“It’s our pleasure to bring the Mega Bash production to New Jersey with the best music and technology for concerts. That way, our loyal Mega 97.9 listeners can enjoy a good quality concert,” added Eric Garcia, SBS’ Radio Revenue Chief & New York General Manager.

Pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase as of today.

Lopez Working on New, All-Spanish Album Alongside Marc Anthony

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez is switching tongues…

The 47-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actress is hard at work on a new, all-Spanish album, alongside ex-husband Marc Anthony, who will act as executive producer, according to Billboard.

The album is scheduled for release in 2017, with the first single from the new production set to drop in November.

It will be Lopez’s first all-Spanish album in a decade. Back in 2007, she released her Spanish-language debut, Como Ama una Mujer, which debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and, at the time, was only the fifth Spanish-language album to debut in the top 10 of the all-genre chart.

Como Ama una Mujer was co-produced by Anthony, who now comes in as an executive producer on Lopez’s new album via an alliance with his entertainment company, Magnus Media, and Sony Music Latin, which will release the effort.

Magnus also will provide consulting services to Lopez for the Hispanic market in marketing, content development and touring.

“I am so excited and really looking forward to this new musical journey and to celebrate my Latin roots with Marc Anthony and the Sony/Magnus family,” Lopez said Thursday in a statement.

Lopez hasn’t really stopped celebrating her Latin roots. In the past few years, she’s had several high-profile collaborations with Latin acts, including Pitbull (“On the Floor”), Wisin y Yandel (“Follow the Leader”), Wisin and Ricky Martin (“Adrenalina”), Prince Royce and Pitbull (“Back It Up”) and, of course, Anthony.

Most recently, Lopez recorded “Love Make the World Go Round” with Lin-Manuel Miranda.

“[Jennifer] has had enormous accomplishments in her career and has been representing our culture all over the world from day one,” Anthony said in a statement. “Her artistry, professionalism and passion for music are just some of the many attributes that have earned her a unique place in the entertainment world that very few people have been able to obtain. I am looking forward to our creative collaboration and to be part of continuing her musical legacy.”

Expectations are high surrounding Lopez’s new Spanish set. At the time of its release in 2007, Como Ama una Mujer set the record for the largest sales week for an act’s debut Spanish-language album. That mark would later be topped by Romeo Santos, but Lopez still maintains the record among female artists.

“Jennifer is one of the most iconic Latina superstars of all time and a longtime member of the Sony family,” added Afo Verde, chairman and CEO, Latin America, Spain and Portugal, Sony Music Entertainment. “We’re very excited to partner with her and Marc on a project that is all about spotlighting her spirit and soul.”

Aside from her recording career, Lopez is currently working on season 2 of her hit NBC series Shades of Blue. In December she will complete the first year of her All I Have residency in Las Vegas at the AXIS Theater in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Iglesias Becomes Solo Male Artist with the Most No. 1s on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs Chart

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

It should come as little surprise that Enrique Iglesias releases songs with titles like “Bailando,” “Dirty Dancer” and “Bailamos.”

The 41-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter has managed to break out of a tie for the most No. 1s among solo male artists in the 40-year history of Billboard‘s Dance Club Songs chart.

Iglesias has earned his 14th chart-topper with “Duele El Corazon,” featuring Wisin, who earns his first leader, as the track rises 2-1 on the chart dated September 17.

“I’m one lucky guy! ‘Duele El Corazon’ keeps surprising me in all senses,” Iglesias tells Billboard. “The song is quite simple and profound at the same time. And, in the end, all we need is love. That give-and-take feeling that moves the world.

“No. 1 on the dance chart … and I don’t dance. Quite amazing, if you ask me!”

Iglesias passes Dave Aude and Pitbull, each with 13 No. 1s.

Among all artists, he ties Lady Gaga for 10th place; Madonna leads with 46 No. 1s.

Dating back to the Dance Club Songs chart’s August 28, 1976, inception as a national survey, here’s an updated look at the acts with the most No. 1s:

46, Madonna
27, Rihanna
22, Beyonce
19, Janet Jackson
17, Mariah Carey
16, Jennifer Lopez
16, Kristine W
15, Katy Perry
15, Donna Summer
14, Lady Gaga
14, Enrique Iglesias
13, Dave Aude
13, Whitney Houston
13, Kylie Minogue
13, Pitbull

Iglesias’ new No. 1, remixed in Spanish and English by Aude, C-Rod and Tracy Young, among others (with added vocals by Tinashe and Javada), is the first leader with a foreign-language title since (the French) “Deja Vu,” by Giorgio Moroder featuring Sia (Aug. 1, 2015).

“Duele” is the first Spanish-language No. 1 since Iglesias’ last leader, “Bailando,” featuring Descemer Bueno and Gente De Zona (Oct. 18, 2014).

The crossover smash also remains No. 1 for a 12th (nonconsecutive) week on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, where Iglesias has tallied a record 27 leaders.

Iglesias Releases Captivating Music Video for “Duele el corazón”

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Iglesias is the new king of the desert…

The 41-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter has released the official video for his new single, “Duele el corazón,” in which he embarks on a desert adventure to win the heart of the woman of his dreams.

After what seems to be an impossible journey to be together again, Iglesias and his lady, who has to choose between him and her current boyfriend, get their happily ever after.

The video, released Friday, was filmed in Panama and directed by Alejandro Pérez.

“Duele el corazón,” featuring reggaeton superstar Wisin, peaked at No.1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart and is currently No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart.

The single was written by Iglesias and Venezuelan singer/songwriter Servando Primera.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

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