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.
Feid Surprises Fans in Europe
This week, Feid officially wrapped a 13-date stint across Europe with this Europe Fastest Tour produced by Live Nation. In the midst of his sold-out shows in cities such as London, Milan, and Rome, the Colombian sensation surprised fans with impromptu meet-ups that he would announce on his Instagram stories. Calling them “coffee party,” Ferxxo crashed various coffee shops in the middle of the day and would play DJ while spinning some of his biggest hits, including his latest release “DALLAX” in collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign.
Ed Sheeran Crashes J Balvin’s Show
Currently on his Rayo U.S. Tour, J Balvin performed his sixth show on Sunday, March 30 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. While the Miami stop included special guests Ryan Castro and Justin Quiles, his fans in New York were surprised by Ed Sheeran. During his appearance, the two artists performed their collaboration “Sigue” and English singer-songwriter also sang his chart-topping hit “Shape of You.” Fan videos that went viral on social media also captured the moment the two artist friends took a shot of guarito together. “NEW YORK my second home!!! What a great experience!!!,” Balvin expressed on Instagram.
J Balvin and Ed Sheeran
Gaby Deimeke
Billboard Latin Women in Music
This week, Billboard and Telemundo unveiled the first wave of honorees for the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music Awards set to broadcast live at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 24 via Telemundo. Olga Tañón, Anitta, and Chiquis will be honored at the third annual event: Tañón will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, Anitta will be honored with the Vanguard Award, and Chiquis with the Impact Award. Hosted by Ana Bárbara, the two-hour music special will celebrate the “groundbreaking women shaping the future of Latin music,” according to a press release. The awards show will also stream on the Telemundo app, Universo and Peacock.
Shakira Reacts to Billboard’s List
In other uplifting news, Shakira reacted to Billboard’s Best 50 Female Latin Pop Artists of All Time list, after realizing that she was picked No. 1 by the Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. “This is an incredible honor,” she wrote in a now-deleted Instagram story. “Thank you for inspiring me to continue working in hopes to give you the best of me every day of my life.” On the ranked list, the Colombian global sensation is followed by Gloria Estefan, Selena, Celia Cruz, Karol G, Rocío Dúrcal, Ana Gabriel, Olga Tañón, Laura Pausini, and Mercedes Sosa.
From powerful ballads to timeless dance hits, the ranked list wrapped up Women’s History Month by honoring the extraordinary contributions of women and celebrating the female pioneers, visionaries, and stars who have defined Latin pop music.
De izquierda a derecha: Paquita la del Barrio, Celia Cruz, Shakira, Mercedes Sosa e Ivy Queen
Michael Tran/FilmMagic; Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images; John Rogers/Getty Images; Sepia Times/Universal Images Group/Getty Images; John Parra/WireImage
Yandel on Fallon Tonight
Ahead of soon kicking off his Sinfónico U.S. Tour in Puerto Rico next month, Yandel made his late-night TV debut on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon this week. Joined by a 15-member orchestra, the Puerto Rican artist performed a potent and passionate version of his reggaetón banger “Puño de Tito.” The unique performance is also in support of his new album Sinfónico (En Vivo) out April 3, where Yandel reimagines some of his career-defining songs — from “Abusadora” to “Rakata” — in a 29-track set recorded live in Miami with the Florida International University Symphony Orchestra.
