Renowned American pianist Arthur Hanlon, alongside Colombian superstar Carlos Vives and his compatriot Goyo, one of the most influential voices in contemporary Afro-Latin music, will appear Tuesday night (Sept. 2) on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, showcasing their vibrant collaboration “Goodbye.”
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Produced by Nicolás “Navi” de la Espriella and included in Hanlon’s album 2 Manos 1 Mundo, “Goodbye” — which he co-wrote and performs — blends the Mississippi Delta’s blues with cumbia from Colombian’s Caribbean coast. The track features Vives and Goyo singing about the loss of love, while the pianist accompanies them with his passionate keyboard. Released in April under Sony Music Latin, the song was included in Billboard’s list of The 25 Best Latin Songs of 2025 So Far, published mid-year.
Tuesday’s performance marks the start of Fallon’s new season with an unforgettable musical moment: “A fusion of cultures, musical virtuosity, and powerful voices that embody the spirit of 2 Manos, 1 Mundo; one world united through music,” according to a press release.
During the show — recorded hours earlier from NBC’s studios in New York’s Rockefeller Center — Hanlon, at an elegant black Yamaha piano, Vives and Goyo ignite the audience with their performance, filling the space with their contagious blend of rhythms, their evident joy and Latin flavor. They are accompanied by Vives’ renowned gaitera and percussionist Mayte Montero and Hanlon’s band members Yainer Horta (keyboards), Fabio Pimentel (guitar) and Otoniel Vargas (drums).
Hanlon, who has called himself “the most Latin gringo,” has placed multiple songs in the top 10 of Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart, ranging from the 2005 No. 1 hit “La Gorda,” featuring Tito Nieves, to 2024’s “Repetimos,” with Yotuel and Darell, which reached No. 9. Known for blending classical virtuosity with the rhythms and soul of Latin America, he’s also collaborated with stars such as Luis Fonsi, Juanes, Laura Pausini, Marc Anthony, and Ozuna. (Editor’s Note: Hanlon is married to Billboard’s chief content officer of Latin and Español, Leila Cobo.)
Vives, winner of two Grammy Awards and 18 Latin Grammys, is renowned for revolutionizing vallenato and bringing Colombian sounds to the global stage. With more than 20 million albums sold, hits like “La Gota Fría,” “Fruta Fresca,” and “La Bicicleta” (with Shakira) remain iconic staples of Latin music.
Goyo, co-founder of the Grammy-winning group ChocQuibTown and recipient of the Agent of Change award at Billboard Latin Women In Music 2023, is a singer and songwriter celebrated for her bold voice and activism in favor of diversity and female empowerment. She represents a new generation of Latin artists who are daring and authentic.
The Tonight Show new episode, which also features actors Jessica Chastain, Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor and Sabrina Impacciatore as guests, airs at 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC and streams on Peacock. If you don’t have access or missed it for any reason, check back on this story, as we will update it with a video of the performance once available.
