Amidst a dramatic display of pyrotechnics and against a red backdrop, Xavi delivered his first televised performance of his No. 1 hit “La Diabla,” which ruled. The 2024 breakout star of Mexican descent appeared in a fiery red denim jacket and jeans, complemented by a black fishnet shirt and sunglasses.
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As he performed, Xavi was joined by his three guitarists who shredded right from the start, and a troupe of female dancers channeling a fun, cowgirl aesthetic with short shorts and braided pigtails, while their male counterparts periodically lifted them during the energetic performance. His set took place about a week after the release of his debut album Next.
“La Diabla” emerged as an unexpected phenomenon at the start of 2024, catapulting the then-unknown solo teen artist to fame. The captivating track, which tells the tale of a perilous romance, features a gripping requinto riff and the 20-year-old’s powerful vocals. It swiftly climbed the charts to become the second-longest reigning song on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart of 2024, dominating for 14 weeks beginning with the Jan. 6 issue.
Earlier in the evening, Xavi clinched the coveted Artist of the Year, New award, standing out among fellow nominees Gabito Ballesteros, Oscar Maydon, Tito Double P, and Young Miko. “I can’t believe it, compadre. I was super excited just to be chosen, and I was super grateful to all those who supported us from the beginning, and believed in us,” the Phoenix star said in his acceptance speech, followed by a heavy sigh. “I’m getting sentimental, compadre, but thanks to all of you.”
The 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards also showcased performances by J Balvin, Grupo Niche, Pepe Aguilar, Proyecto Uno, Gabito Ballesteros, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, and more. Produced by Telemundo in partnership with American Country Broadcast Inc., the event was broadcasted on Sunday (Oct. 20) across multiple platforms including Telemundo, the Telemundo app, Peacock, and internationally via Telemundo Internacional.
For more updates on performances, special awards, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, visit Billboard.com.
