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

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 CoboBillboard’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.

Belinda To Participate in This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Belinda is preparing to highlight Latina power at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week event.

The 35-year-old Spanish-Mexican singer and actress will participate in Billboard Latin Music Week 2024, Billboard announced on Monday.

BelindaBelinda is among a roster of new conference participants that includes Camila Fernández, Chiquis, Dei V, Eslabón Armado, Kunno, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, Omar Courtz, Yahritza y Su Esencia and Zhamira Zambrano will participate in

These artists join previously announced participants including Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez and Yeri Mua.

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 already available for purchase here.

“Miami Beach is a global destination for arts and entertainment, and this is a perfect example, hosting Billboard Latin Music Week,” said Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiner. “And just like Latin music is the heartbeat of many communities, the Billboard Latin Music Week is becoming the heartbeat of Miami Beach. We are really proud to have that partnership.”

Panelists include Venezuelan content creator Marko, who’ll speak on the panel “From Viral Hits to Billboard Charts: The Power of Content Creators.”

“Us content creators have become a must to take music to the masses,” said Marko at the press conference. “We’re doing work that began a few years ago basically with no credibility. Today, we have the possibility and blessing to have an important brand like Billboard give us our own panel to display our work and accomplishments with music. It’s a fact that content creators are the new DJs.”

Mau and Ricky will speak at the panel titled “Venezuela Rising,” where Venezuelan artists will discuss the global impact of Venezuelan artists and also, their role in their country’s current political climate.

Speaking at Billboard Latin Music Week “Provides us a platform to continue speaking about our country and what’s happening there now,” said Mau. “Thanks for giving us the opportunity to speak about Venezuelan talent and also about what things need to change in Venezuela. And thanks for the opportunity to speak to a new generation. It’s so important to me to give them the tools not many of us had when we started.”

Other newly added speakers include Belinda and Zhamira Zambrano, who will participate in The Women’s Panel, Global Rising: A Conversation with Female Stars from Around the Globe, shining a spotlight on the diverse talent and voices of trailblazing Latina artists.

The highly anticipated Legacies panel will bring together Chiquis, Majo Aguilar, Camila Fernández and Lupita Infante to discuss how, by building on their remarkable dynasties, they have crafted their own careers while honoring their family names and the evolution of Latin music.

Dei V and Omar Courtz will be part of Next Gen Reggaeton: An Evening Curated by J Balvin.

Meanwhile, the panel Families Who Work Together will feature Yahritza y Su Esencia, whose sister manages the group, and Eslabon Armado, whose mother serves as their manager, highlighting the unique dynamics of family partnerships in music.

Kunno will lend his expertise as the moderator of the From YouTube to Charts panel with chart-topping artists that started their careers on social media.

Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air on Telemundo. Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, Billboard will host a special 35th-year anniversary celebration on the evening of October 18, where INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to this star-studded event.

Carin León Signs Exclusive Global Publishing Agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group

Carin León has a new worldwide publishing deal…

The 34-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter and Regional Mexican star has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

Carin LeonA leading force in the música mexicana genre, the Sonora-born artist has established himself as one of Mexican music’s most versatile and eclectic artists today recording in norteño, banda, R&B and pop.

“There is no doubt, Carin León is one of the most talented artists currently,” Yadira Moreno, UMPG managing director of Mexico and Central America & vp of new business development for Latin America, said in a statement. “He can blend R&B, Folk, Country and Mexican Music easily and gracefully. We are excited to collaborate with Carin and foster his composing career internationally.”

“I feel deeply honored to embark on this creative journey alongside Universal Music Publishing Group. This partnership marks a thrilling new chapter in my career, and I’m eagerly looking forward to expressing my passion and creativity through the art of music,” added Leon.

Since launching his solo career in 2018, León has helped usher a new era for regional Mexican music. With three career entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and 12 on the Hot Latin Songs tally, he scored his first top 10 on the Top Latin Albums chart with Colmillo de Leche, released in May. It was the first studio album released on the singer-songwriter’s own label, Socios Music, which he launched late last year.

Jody Gerson, UMPG chairman and CEO, said: “Carin León’s career is limitless and transcends Música Mexicana. His soulful voice, songwriting, live shows and ambition goes beyond language. I look forward to working with Jorge Juarez and our entire global team to support Carin as he opens doors creatively across musical genres and geographies.”

León joins UMPG’s roster, which includes other regional Mexican powerhouses such as Juan Gabriel, Espinosa Paz, Horacio Palencia, Grupo Firme, Yahritza Y Su Esencia and Ivan Cornejo, among others.

Feid to Perform at Los Angeles’ Calibash Festival in January

Feid is feelin’ (Cali)bashful…

The 31-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter is among an all-star lineup of Latin music luminaries set to take the stage at the Calibash festival.

FeidFeid is part of a roster than includes YandelFarrukoPrince RoyceYoung MikoMaria Becerra and Darell.

The event will take place on Friday, January 12, at the Crypto.com Arena in the heart of Los Angeles, and is presented by SBS Entertainment, LaMusica and Mega 96.3 FM.

“Calibash is the iconic live concert event of the year for Latin music fans,” stated Alessandra Alarcón, president of SBS Entertainment, in a press release. “We could not be happier with the lineups and with creating a spinoff of Calibash that reflects the totality of where music stands today.”

SBS Entertainment is expanding its horizons with the launch of Calibash MX, a Mexican live music concert brand that promises to showcase the brightest stars in Mexican music.

This inaugural counterpart is scheduled for Saturday, January 13, and will feature a stellar lineup that includes Grupo Frontera, Edgardo NuñezYng LvcasYahritza y Su Esencia and Conexión Divina.

“Mexican music has taken global music charts by storm and our generation is breathing new life into some of the formats’ biggest subgenres,” continued Alarcón. “The corrido-boom, as we like to call it, inspired us to grow the Calibash franchise with Calibash MX, a live concert that will showcase some of the hottest artists who are adding a unique and special twist to the different kinds of Mexican music.”

Tickets for this event will go on sale Friday, October 27, at 7:00 am PT. Open the LaMusica app or tune in to KXOL-FM Mega 96.3 for more updates leading to Calibash 2024.

Becky G Releases New Album “Esquinas”

Becky G is turning a new corner(s)

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper has released the new album Esquinas via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records.

Becky GBeck G’s new album is a heartfelt exploration of her dual identity as a proud 200 percenter. The title translates to “corners,” symbolizing the meeting point between two cultures.

Celebrating her Mexican and American roots, the Inglewood native weaves a vibrant musical tapestry that spans corridos, rancheras and baladas while showcasing her deep reverence for her heritage.

For instance, “2ndo Chance,” featuring Ivan Cornejo’s haunting vocals, kicks off the album with a dreamy, nostalgic ballad that sets the tone for an introspective journey through her bicultural upbringing. Then there’s the cheeky “Cries in Spanish,” a whimsical duet with fellow Mexican-American DannyLux, that’s set to sad sierreño. The album’s latest single, “Querido Abuelo,” stands as a touching tribute to her late grandfather, a gut-wrenching balada which honors the sacrifices made by our ancestors as children of immigrants. Becky’ Gs vocals are at their most poignant here, manifesting her maturity and emotional depth.

Also starring Yahritza y Su Esencia, Chiquis, Angela and Leonardo Aguilar, Peso Pluma, and Gabito Ballesteros, her third studio album is a testament to her growth as a “genreless” artist, she claims, and her commitment to representing her bloodline proudly.

Carin León Earns Fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Indispensable”

Carin León has another indispensible hit…

The 34-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has earned his fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as his latest single, “Indispensable,” climbs 5-1 to lead the August 19-dated ranking.

Carin Leon“Indispensable” is the only song from León’s third studio album Colmillo de Leche to enter Regional Mexican Airplay so far.

The 18-track set, a collage of genres that have influenced the Hermosillo-born singer-songwriter, took him to a top 10 on both Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums charts, at No. 5 high and No. 10, respectively, on charts dated June 3.

“Indispensable” takes the lead on Regional Mexican Airplay with Greatest Gainer honors, thanks to a 22% gain in audience impressions, to 7.7 million, earned in the U.S. during the August 4-10 according to Luminate.

With the leap, the song ejects Yahritza y Su Esencia’s “Frágil,” with Grupo Frontera, from the top slot following a one-week reign. The track falls to No. 5.

With “Indispensable,” León earns his fourth No. 1 on the radio list and first as a soloist, unaccompanied by any other collaborator. He previously ruled with the six-week champ “Que Vuelvas,” with Grupo Frontera (between January-March), and through a guest spot on Banda MS’ “Ojos Cerrados” for three weeks in 2022. His first ruler, though, arrived with “El Tóxico,” with Grupo Firme, which dominated for two weeks in 2021.

Beyond its Regional Mexican Airplay coronation, “Indispensable” rises from No. 11 to its new No. 6 peak on the overall Latin Airplay survey, giving León his sixth top 10 there.

Grupo Frontera Releases Debut Album “El Comienzo”

Grupo Frontera is starting something

The Regional Mexican band has officially released their debut studio El Comienzo.

Grupo FronteraGrupo Frontera originally gained virality with their Morat cover of “No Se Va” and then took advantage of the momentum to release original music — which has earned them seven titles on the Billboard Hot 100, and 10 on the Hot Latin Songs chart (including a No. 1 hit).

Home to 11 tracks, the Rio Grande Valley-based group delivers a traditional norteño-cumbia set with some very heartfelt and relatable lyrics — mostly about love and heartbreak.

Most notable are the star-studded collaborations. For “Alta Voz,” Grupo Frontera brings back Junior H in his sad boy era, singing about missing someone and calling them despite the hour; in “Las Flores,” the band and Yahritza y Su Esencia’s second collaborative effort, we find an upbeat, ‘90s-inspired grupero melody backing a vocal about regretting falling in love; and on focus single “El Amor de Su Vida,” with Grupo Firme, a man makes his peace that the love of his life is with another person.

El Comienzo also includes previously released collabs “Que Vuelvas” with Carin León, “Ojitos Rojos” with Ke Personajes, and the Bad Bunny-assisted “Un X100to,” which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year.

Yahritza Martinez to Receive Special Recognition at SESAC Latina Awards

Yahritza Martinez is officially breaking through

The 16-year-old Mexican American Regional Mexican artist, the lead singer of Yahritza y Su Esencia, will receive a special honor at the upcoming SESAC Latina Awards 2023.

Yahritza MartinezSESAC will award Martinez with its breakthrough songwriter award.

Argentine producer Federico Vindver is set to receive special honors at the event. He has worked with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Ricky MartinMarc Anthony and, most recently, Christina Aguilera for her Spanish-language album Aguilera, which was nominated for album of the year at the Latin Grammys 2022.

The ceremony, which will take place on June 27 in Los Angeles, where the song of the year, publisher of the year and songwriter of the year — for both regional Mexican and pop/Latin rhythm — winners will also be announced.

“We love every opportunity to recognize our talented affiliates within the Latin songwriting community and l look forward to bringing everyone together for a night of celebration,” said Sam Kling, chief creative officer, SESAC Performing Rights. “The songs and spirit at the SESAC Latina Music Awards always make it a wonderfully special and unique evening.

“Vindver is a one-of-a-kind versatile producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist that has worked with some of the biggest names in music,” said Celeste Zendejas, VP of SESAC Latina. “Additionally, we are recognizing all that Yahritza has done in her career at such a young age — she has broken several records not only as an artist but as a songwriter as well.”

With “Soy El Único,” Yahritza y Su Esencia’s debut single, Martinez made chart history as the youngest Latin performer to enter the Billboard Hot 100 when the track debuted at No. 20 last year. Subsequently, their seven-track debut EP, Obsessed, peaked at No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart (dated May 7, 2022). Martinez is just one of the two women (the other being Karol G) who have reached No. 1 on the Latin Songwriters chart.

Peso Pluma & Eslabon Armado Make Billboard Hot 100 Chart History with “Ella Baila Sola”

Peso Pluma and Eslabon Armado are making Billboard Hot 100 history…

The 23-year-old Mexican singer and the American Regional Mexican group have each logged their first Top 10 on the Hot 100 with “Ella Baila Sola” on the chart dated April 22, 2023.

Peso Pluma & Eslabon ArmadoEslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola” soars 17-10, led by 24.4 million streams, up 30%, as it wins the Hot 100’s top Streaming Gainer trophy, and jumps 6-3 on Streaming Songs.

Quartet Eslabon Armado, from California, and Peso Pluma, from Mexico, each reach the Hot 100’s top for the first time – as “Ella Baila Sola” makes history as the first regional Mexican song ever to hit the Hot 100’s top 10.

The genre has surged this decade, due in part to exposure on TikTok and other social media, with Gera MX and Christian Nodal’s “Botella Tras Botella” having become the first regional Mexican Hot 100 hit in May 2021, peaking at No. 60.

After “Ella Baila Sola,” Peso Pluma also has the second-highest-charting regional Mexican Hot 100 hit: “La Bebe,” with Yng Lvcas, rises to a new No. 17 best on the latest, April 22-dated chart.

The next-highest-peaking such hits: Yahritza y Su Esencia’s “Soy El Unico” (No. 20, April 2022 – it debuted at that rank, the highest entrance for a regional Mexican song) and Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera’s “Bebe Dame” (No. 25, this January).

Among Latin genres, regional Mexican’s arrival in the Hot 100’s top 10 follows that of Latin pop, which, after English-language hits by Gloria Estefan in the 1980s (plus Los Lobos’ “La Bamba,” in Spanish) surged in the late ‘90s and beyond thanks to songs (in varying degrees of English and Spanish) by Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin, among other stars.

At the same time, Marc Anthony helped tropical break through on the chart. In more recent years, Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi’s pop-centered, mostly-Spanish-language “Despacito,” featuring Justin Bieber, spent a then-record-tying 16 weeks at No. 1 in 2017, while, this decade, Bad Bunny, with Spanish-language songs, has carried the torch for Latin rhythm in the top 10.

As for Latin music overall, Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma earn the Hot 100’s third Spanish-language top 10 this year, following two Latin pop hits: Bizarrap and Shakira’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” (No. 9, January) and Karol G and Shakira’s “TQG” (No. 7, March).

“Ella Baila Sola” was released on Prajin Parlay/DEL Records, both of which likewise appear in the Hot 100’s top 10 for the first time.

The collaboration concurrently achieves a second week at No. 1 on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, where it became the first leader for both Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma.

“We didn’t expect for the song to make so much noise!” Pedro Tovar, lead singer for the former act, and the song’s sole author, told Billboard upon its coronation. “I really liked the song when I first wrote it, but I didn’t really expect it to be such a big hit. I previewed it on my stories on Instagram and, two days after, it went viral on TikTok, and that’s when I knew that the song was going to do big numbers.”

“Normally I don’t expect to chart with songs,” Peso Pluma marveled. “We just enjoyed the process of doing it.”

The Hot 100 blends all-genre U.S. streaming (official audio and official video), radio airplay and sales data.

Yahritza y Su Esencia Teams Up with Grupo Frontera to Release New Single “Frágil”

It’s a fragile time for Yahritza y Su Esencia.

The Mexican regional music group has joined voices with Grupo Frontera for their first collaborative effort, “Frágil.

Yahritza y Su EsenciaThe captivating norteño track is charged with unanswered questions, soul, and emotion.

“Sorry, I don’t know the reason and I put my heart where I shouldn’t have/ I didn’t see the sign,” Yahritza starts off, backed by weeping guitars. “It was I who got their hopes up and though it didn’t work out, I gave you my life,” responds Payo in the first 28 seconds.

The track then transitions into a hard-hitting norteño and cumbia fusion — a sound that’s become signature to Grupo Frontera but new for the siblings’ group that’s known for their sad sierreño style.

Notably are the heartfelt lyrics about having a fragile heart and not knowing how to handle a breakup.

“Why don’t I have a heart like that?/ Like the one they gave you because the one I have is fragile, that’s why you easily broke it,” chants the 16-year-old singer-songwriter.

“Frágil” comes with a simple yet special music video featuring both acts.