In a historic panel, Daddy Yankee returned to the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Week for a candid conversation with Billboard’s Leila Cobo for the “Superstar Q&A” panel on Wednesday (Oct. 22).
During the one-hour-long conversation, the Puerto Rican artist opened up about his personal and professional rebirth; his latest album, Lamento en Baile; as well as God’s purpose with him.
“I feel reborn, reenergized, and truly joyful with everything I’m experiencing,” he told Cobo. “The personal, spiritual, and faith-based change certainly feels good in my heart. Each person has a different purpose and design. Everyone has a purpose to fulfill in their lives, and mine was this path: to forefront popular culture, announcing the Kingdom — that’s a challenge. My father is so strategic that he’s calling many people.”
The Puerto Rican artist also reacted to his uplifting song “Sonríele” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart this week.
“I never imagined it would have the huge impact it has had because music is different now,” he expressed. “Seeing it reach people’s hearts fills me with joy because that purpose is being seen. This song is medicine… it’s celebrating life. That’s the true No. 1.”
And though he “feels reborn with new energies and very happy” with his personal and spiritual change, he admits that it’s still a learning process for him.
“I’m still under construction,” he said. “I’m far from perfect. I’m vulnerable, I have weaknesses, I’m going to make mistakes, but I know my faith is in the Lord, and that he’s in control of that.”
Spanning 36 years, Latin Music Week is the single largest gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. This year’s event — which also features Carín León, Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, Gloria Estefan, Kapo, Laura Pausini, Netón Vega, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, and Xavi, among others — hosts panels, marquee conversations, roundtables, networking and activations, in addition to its celebrated Billboard En Vivo showcases.
Latin Music Week also coincides with the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to air Thursday, Oct. 23, on Telemundo and Peacock, where Bad Bunny will be honored as Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century.
