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.
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Coldplay & Dudamel Unite
This week, Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela began a 10-dates invitation to open for Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” pit stop at the Wembley Stadium in London. Their opening set was streamed on YouTube “giving the world the chance to see their orchestra’s breathtaking performance,” according to the announcement post on Instagram. During the concert, Dudamel and the orchestra even joined Coldplay for a beautiful performance of “Viva La Vida.” Watch part of the exciting live moment here.
Gustavo Dudamel & Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela opening for Coldplay at the Wembley Stadium.
Pa’ Los Panas
Honoring La Diva de la Banda
Jenni Rivera will be inducted into the prestigious Long Beach City College (LBCC) Hall of Fame, posthumously, recognizing her artistic career, perseverance, entrepreneurial spirit, and lasting impact in Latin music. Founded in 1972 by the Associated Student Body Cabinet and organized by the Long Beach City College Foundation, the 53rd annual induction ceremony will take place at The Grand Long Beach on Sept. 18. The also known as La Diva de la Banda—who passed away on Dec. 9, 2012—was born and raised in Long Beach, California.
“My mom was always a determined and dream-driven woman,” said Jacqie Rivera, daughter of the late Mexican singer, and CEO of Jenni Rivera Enterprises, who will receive the award. “College was an important part of her beginnings — a place where she believed anything was possible. Receiving this recognition in her honor is a reminder that her story continues to inspire many to keep pursuing their dreams, no matter where they come from.”
LBCC Superintendent-President Dr. Mike Muñoz added: “Jenni’s music, her courage, and her unyielding voice for women and the Latinx community continue to inspire generations. She showed us what it means to rise above challenges, to stay true to our roots, and to use success as a platform to uplift others.”
Jenni Rivera performs onstage at the 11th Annual Latin Grammy Awards at Mandalay Bay Events Center on November 11, 2010 in Las Vegas.
Michael Tran/FilmMagic
When MAS Meets BSB
It was this exact week when the world (or at least his 3.6 million followers on Instagram) found out that Marco Antonio Solís is a Backstreet Boys fan. The Mexican singer-songwriter, who boasts 11 No. 1s on the Hot Latin Songs chart, attended the BSB residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas, and documented his entire experience, from enjoying the concert and singing the songs to meeting Nick, Howie, Kevin, A.J., and Brian, backstage. “Before starting my concerts this September 14th & 15th at Caesars Palace at The Colosseum Las Vegas we took this little getaway as a couple,” Solís shared, alongside a photo with his wife Cristy Solís.
Thalía’s Birthday Wish
For her 54th birthday on Aug. 26, Thalia released the reissue of three her albums: En Éxtasis (1995), Arrasando (2000), and El Sexto Sentido (2005), all of which entered the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. “These are three albums that marked my career and my heart,” the Mexican pop star expressed in an Instagram video. “Three eras, one legacy.” The three albums are now available in its remastered version on all digital platforms.
“These albums not only marked an era for my fans, but they also shaped my life completely,” she said in a press statement. “Through these songs, I was able to connect with audiences around the world, in Spanish and with our Latin rhythms. It is a privilege to celebrate this music decades after its release, and it inspires me to keep creating from love and respect for this wonderful profession.”
Remembering El Taiger
El Taiger (real name: José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar) will be honored and remembered with a tribute concert in Miami set to take place Sept. 5 at the Flamingo Theater. Tied to what would have been his 38th birthday on Sept. 6, a wave of Cuban artists, including Lenier, Jacob Forever, Descemer Bueno, Chacal, and El Micha, are coming together to perform songs by the late artist, who passed away last October from a shot in the head. In addition to the heartfelt homage and special guests, all funds raised will benefit El Taiger’s family.
