The 30th annual Billboard Latin Music Awards took place on October 5, 2023, at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida. The event which celebrated the best of Latin music across various genres and categories, witnessed an exhilarating night filled with premium talent and memorable performances by some of the biggest names in the industry.
Jamaican dancehall superstar Sean Paul, who was nominated for his first-ever Billboard Latin Music Award in the Crossover Artist of the Year category was in attendance. He was up against fellow nominees Justin Timberlake, Lil Jon, Marshmello and Maître Gims. Although Sean Paul did not win the Crossover Artist of the Year award, which went to Marshmello, his first nomination in the Latin Billboard Crossover Category, it was an indication in the next steps in his celebrated career. Sean says he would love to work next with Barcelona native Rosalia.
He was greeted warmly by numerous renowned artistes, including Karol G, who was a top contender in various categories and walked away with the Top Latin Album of the Year Award. Their exchange showcased the mutual respect and admiration that exists among today’s global music icons.
“Rosalia, she is dope, for sure,” he said on the Red carpet.
Sean Paul has been a prominent figure in the Latin music scene for years, collaborating with artistes such as Shakira, Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvin and Karol G. His most recent hit was ‘TQG’, with Karol G and Shakira which was nominated for Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event.
Sean has sold over 26 million records worldwide and has won a Grammy for Dutty Rock, a Brit Award and an MTV Video Music Award. He continues to break boundaries and create music that connects people across languages and cultures.
Peso Pluma and Bad Bunny Shine Bright were Thursday night’s biggest winners. Peso a prominent figure in Regional Mexican music, walked away with eight awards including Artist of the Year (New), Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year (Male), and Songwriter of the Year, after hitting the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart with over 20 hits.
Pluma also shared the limelight with the trio Eslabón Armado, garnering four more awards for their sensational hit “Ella Baila Sola,” which clinched titles like Hot Latin Song of the Year and Hot Latin Song of the Year (Vocal Event).
Global sensation Bad Bunny closely followed Peso Pluma with seven awards in his name, including Artist of the Year, Tour of the Year, and Global 200 Latin Artist of the Year. He also seized two awards for his chart-topping track “Titi me Preguntó.”
Both Peso Pluma and Bad Bunny graced the stage with electrifying performances at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, a spectacular event produced by MBS Events and broadcast live on Telemundo from the Watsco Center in Miami.
Colombian sensation Karol G also got five awards, including recognition for her album “Mañana Será Bonito” as the Top Latin Album of the Year. This album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart (a historic achievement for a Spanish-language album by a female artist), also earned the Latin Rhythm Album of the Year title. Karol G was honored with awards such as Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year (Female) and Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year (Female). She received the Billboard Spirit of Hope Award for her philanthropic efforts in support of women through her Con Cora Foundation.
Among the evening’s other notable winners were Manuel Turizo, Shakira, Bizarrap, Fuerza Regida, Aventura, Camilo, Edgar Barrera, Grupo Frontera, Ivan Cornejo, Maná, Marshmello, Romeo Santos, and Wisin & Yandel
The Billboard Latin Music Awards are renowned for honouring excellence in Latin music and are considered one of the most esteemed accolades within the industry. Each year, these awards recognize artists who have made a substantial impact on Latin music across various genres and categories.
