From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Marc Anthony Receives Special Award
This week, Marc Anthony received the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award for being one of the most-streamed artists the company has. “Marc Anthony has been making chart-topping, multilingual Latin, salsa, and pop music for nearly forty years,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange in a press statement. “Marc has consistently elevated the genre and is well respected in the industry. It’s an honor to recognize his artistry and achievements with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award.” The announcement comes on the heels of the Puerto Rican artist also celebrating the 10th annual Maestro Cares Foundation’s Changing Lives, Building Dreams” gala, where Queen Latifah, Eugenio Derbez, and Sam Nazarian were honored for their contributions and charitable work.
Latin Songs Hit A Billion Streams
Two Latin bangers hit one billion streams on Spotify this week. Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola” became the first-ever música Mexicana track to reach this feat on Sunday (Dec. 3), to which Eslabon reacted on Instagram with: “Happy and blessed we woke up today, Sunday, with this, and all thanks to God and you for making it possible for the song to reach a billion.”
Karol G, on the other hand, was awarded with Spotify’s Billions Club plaque during her Mañana Será Bonito Festival in Medellín for her 2022 hit “Provenza.” This is the Colombian’s third track to hit one billion following the Nicki Minaj-assisted “Tusa” and “China” in collaboration with Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, and Ozuna.
Billboard’s Best Latin Pop Songs
Speaking of “Ella Baila Sola” and “Provenza,” both songs formed part of Billboard’s “50 Best Latin Pop Songs From 2000 to 2023” list, where the Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editor’s rank the ultimate Spanish-language pop songs from Y2K to now. The former ranked at No. 12 and the latter at No. 16. The top five hits on the list are: Son By Four’s “A Puro Dolor” (No. 5), Juan Gabriel’s “Abrázame Muy Fuerte” (No. 4), Café Tacvba’s “Eres” (No. 3), “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias, Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona (No. 2), and Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” in collaboration with Daddy Yankee at No. 1. See the complete ranked list here.
Emilia’s Historic Accomplishment
Meanwhile, Emilia is also on a hot streak. This week, not only did the Argentine pop star sell out 10 Dates at Buenos Aires’ Movistar Arena in 10 hours but she made history. Forming part of her .mp3 tour in 2024, Emilia surpassed the previous record held by Luis Miguel, who sold out nine dates in one day at the venue with another date added later. “Having sold out shows in my career is truly special,” the 27-year-old singer who’s making the rounds with her sophomore album told Billboard. “To me it basically means my fans are connecting with my music. I am so thankful. I know I say it all the time, but it goes back to believing in yourself, because dreams do come true if you work for them.”
The concerts are set to take place at the venue on April 6, 7, 19, 20, 21 and 23, and May 3, 29-31 for a collective audience of more than 100,000 fans.
Myke Towers Is Hunting For Talent
In a new national campaign called “Rockstar Energy Presents: Mic Check con Myke Towers,” Rockstar Energy and Towers teamed up to search for the next promising Latin star. The partnership will reward one aspiring act—to be selected by Towers himself—with the opportunity to be an opening act for one of his shows in 2024 and will receive the full-star treatment from Rockstar Energy, which will offer an artist development fund.
“I know all about the heart and relentless determination that it takes to break into the music industry,” the Puerto Rican artist said in a press statement. “I strongly believe in paying it forward to give artists the opportunity to shine and get one step closer to achieving their dreams because I’ve walked the same path to achieve my own.”
“Music is built into the DNA of Rockstar Energy,” added Fabiola Torres, SVP, CMO Energy Portfolio/SVP Hispanic Business Unit in Beverages at PepsiCo. “It is with immense pride that we offer Latin urban artists, who have proven to be a transformative force in the music industry, the right energy to shine in any situation as they grow their career and help turn their dreams into reality.”
The campaign will run until January 23, 2024. See how to participate here.
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