Billboard Awards 2023: Peso Pluma Overthrows Bad Bunny As The King Of Latin Music

Latin music has a new king and his name is Peso Pluma. The Mexican artist was the most awarded this Thursday at the 2023 Billboard Latin Latin Music Awards, surpassing the Puerto Rican Bad Bunny, who had been dominating the market and the award ceremonies for several years.

Peso Pluma received eight awards, among which four stood out for "Ella Baila Sola", his collaboration with Eslabón Armado, and new artist of the year. El Conejo Malo left the Watsco Center in the city of Miami (USA) with seven Latin Billboards, the majority for his hit "Tití Me Preguntó."

Even so, the most applauded number of the night was the presentation of Bad Bunny, which marked his return to awards in Spanish, after four years of absence. "Moscow Mule", "Tití Me Preguntó", "La Neverita", "Me Porto Bonito" and "WHERE SHE GOES" were part of a medley, before he performed his latest single "Un preview".

For his part, Peso Pluma often repeated a powerful "Arriba México" when receiving each of his awards. His triumph in the Latin Billboards reflects the growing popularity of the new rhythms of Mexican music in the United States and the Spanish-speaking world.

His corrido tumbado "Ella Baila Sola" made history in 2023, becoming the first song of the regional Mexican genre to top the Billboard 200 list, which measures the popularity of songs worldwide.

Before his performance, Bad Bunny, who did win the coveted "Billboard 200 Artist of the Year" award, took the stage in his socks. "I came running because I was changing, but I wanted to thank you for the support you have always given me. I make music because I love you and because I like what I do. Thank you," he expressed.

Among the women, the most awarded was the urban singer-songwriter Karol G. The Colombian was honored for her album "Mañana Sera Bonito." Additionally, she received the Latin Billboard Spirit of Hope Award, for her philanthropic work in favor of women and children, with her Con Cora foundation.

Read also: Karol G In Medellín: Here Everything That Is Known About The "Mañana Será Bonito Fest"

"This is probably one of the most special awards that I will receive in my entire career. One of the reasons why it is nice to receive these awards is because they give us more visibility and we can help more," said "La Bichota" when giving the award to the director of her foundation.

The quartet of winners was completed by Colombian Manuel Turizo, who received three for his hit "La Bachata."

Surprises and tears

The live presentation of the remix of "Por las noches" was one of the unexpected moments of the Latin Billboard. Featherweight shared the stage for the first time with the Argentine artist and her rumored partner Nicki Nicole.

His compatriot TINI presented a new version of his hit "Cupido", this time with a rhythm from the Dominican dembow genre.

The tribute to Jenni Rivera, on the tenth anniversary of her death, offered an unprecedented and moving collaboration between her daughter Chiquis and the bands Caliber 50 and Los Sebastianes. The medley of La Diva de la Banda's songs included "Basta Ya", "Inolvidable" and "Ya Lo Sé".

"I have been very careful with my mother's legacy. Now I felt that I was ready to celebrate her with my voice. I have studied a lot and prepared a lot to do it," Chiquis told EFE, before her musical number.

Before receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Los Ángeles Azules joined their voices with those of Nicki Nicole, Ximena Sariñana and Sofía Reyes to perform their iconic cumbias "Otra noche", "El listón de tu pelo", "Nunca es suficiente" and "Cómo te voy a olvidar".

"It is the first time in our almost 45-year career that they have given us an award for all our work. We are very excited and grateful," Jorge "El Doc" Mejía Avante told EFE, representing all his brothers and members of Los Ángeles Azules , on the Blue Carpet, which preceded the gala.

Urban music dominated the scene

Myke Towers, the artist with the most musical numbers throughout the night, premiered his great hit "LaLa" on television. Yandel then sang his recent collaboration "Borracho y loco", and completed his participation with "Cielo", with Feid and Sky Rompiendo.

Meanwhile, Justin Quiles and El Alfa sang "Fiesta Loca", while Farruko, La Factoría and Eddy Lover performed the reggaeton remix "Perdóname".

Likewise, Eladio Carrión presented a special version of his Latin trap "Mbappe." Representing Mexican reggaeton, Yng Lvcas and Peso Pluma managed to ensure that no one was left sitting by singing "La bebe (remix)."

Upon receiving the Icon Award from Yandel, Yvy Queen dedicated it to her daughter Naiovy and reflected on her legacy.

"This genre taught me to embrace my masculine part, because when I started I had to battle with males and not with females. I want to be grateful that I can collect each of these flowers when I am alive, and you don't know the immense pride I feel when I see that there are more and more women on stage because I say that I did my job as it had to be," said "La Caballota."

The Latin Billboard Latin music winners were selected based on fan interactions with music, album and song sales, as well as radio airplay and tours tracked by Billboard and Luminate in the period from August 13, 2022 to August 12, 2023.