J.Lo Sang About A Ring, ‘Despacito” Swept The Awards And Other Highlights From The Billboard Latin Music Awards
At this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards, artists dropped new singles, collaborated for the first time outside the music studio and Mexico’s biggest rock en español band was honored for the members’ contributions to music and social activism.
Here’s how the night kicked off.
Ricky Martin sang solo on stage while dancers held torches, and then the “Fiebre” started.
La rumba latina más esperada comienza así @ricky_martin en #Billboards2018 ?? @Telemundo pic.twitter.com/RoPAl2psfe
— Premios Billboard (@LatinBillboards) April 27, 2018
Then Wilsin y Yandel reunited on stage with Ricky, and it became the first time all three artists performed the song together on stage. The crowd was really into this team up.
CNCO performed their new single “Mamita” on stage after having the most successful debut of a Latin album of 2018 so far. ??
¿Qué te pareció la presentación de @CNCOmusic en #Billboards2018? #cncowners @Telemundo pic.twitter.com/nMR4KjjuCk
— Premios Billboard (@LatinBillboards) April 27, 2018
Reggaeton and urban music continued to reign supreme throughout the night, as Wilsin came back on stage with Ozuna.
There’s a lot of speculation that J.Lo was asking Alex Rodriguez to finally put a ring on it.
RT si te encantó la nueva canción de @Jlo RING? #YelAnilloPaCuando #Billboards2018 @Telemundo pic.twitter.com/bMWfyEzxMI
— Premios Billboard (@LatinBillboards) April 27, 2018
She evoked the regal essence of Cleopatra in head-to-toe crystals singing about “El Anillo.” With lyrics like ‘¿Y el anillo pa’ cuando?’ or ‘And the ring, when?’ So, basically not subtle at all.
Nicky Jam and J Balvin gave fans a live look at the viral dance sensation they created with their song “X (Equis).”
.@JBALVIN y @NickyJamPR pusieron a bailar a todos con el ritmo contagioso de "X" en la noche de #Billboards2018 @Telemundo. pic.twitter.com/7rXnARD827
— Premios Billboard (@LatinBillboards) April 27, 2018
Cardi B showed off her baby bump in a pink dress and heels while she jammed with Ozuna for “La Modelo.”
My other favorite performance was @iamcardib and @Ozuna_Pr #lamodelo #LatinBillboard #latinogang pic.twitter.com/agj7Nt8pYB
— Michaele Rodarte (@MichaeleRodarte) April 27, 2018
Daddy Yankee , Becky G, Natti Natasha, and Bad Bunny gave a special performance of “Dura, Dura.”
Mira una de las mejores presentaciones de la noche de los #Billboards2018 @NattiNatasha @daddy_yankee @iambeckyg @badbunnyPR @Telemundo pic.twitter.com/gWdFX7HM1A
— Premios Billboard (@LatinBillboards) April 27, 2018
As for the actual awards of the night, the biggest prize of the night went to Ozuna for Artist of the Year, beating out nominees Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and J Balvin.
None of the remaining three artists went home empty handed though.
With Des-pa-cito being played on repeat throughout last year at every club and on every radio station, it was no surprise the song swept the awards.
The track won Airplay Song, Streaming Song, Latin Pop Song, Digital Song, Hot Latin Song (Vocal Event) and Hot Latin Song.
Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber were all honored individually as well.
Pasito a pasito, suave suavecito, @justinbieber conquers los #Billboards2018 ?? Where are our #Beliebers at? ?? #JustinBieber pic.twitter.com/nzs1Q3CFja
— Premios Billboard (@LatinBillboards) April 27, 2018
Bieber won Crossover Artist of the Year thanks to the mega hit, and Luis Fonsi received the Hot Latin Song award for a Male Artist.
Daddy Yankee won the most awards of the night with eight awards, including Songwriter of the Year and Latin Rhythm Artist (Solo) of the year.
¡Es una noche de celebración para The Big Boss @daddy_yankee! ???¡Felicidades por ser el gran ganador de la noche! ? #dyarmy #DaddyYankee pic.twitter.com/D7oGJ5E6Ku
— Premios Billboard (@LatinBillboards) April 27, 2018
J Balvin and Beyoncé were all awarded the Latin Rhythm Song for “Mi Gente.”
Shakira took home Hot Latin Song award for a Female Artist as well as Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Solo. Calibre 50 took the trophy home for Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group.
Christian Nodal took home the prize for New Artist of the Year and Maluma was helped out by his #Malumaticas as Social Artist of the Year.
Nicky Jam received top Latin Album of the Year for his work on “Fénix.”
Maná, one of the most epic bands of all time in Latin American music, was honored with the Latin Billboard Lifetime achievement award for their musical accomplishments and philanthropic work.
Here’s a complete list of all the winners for all categories, including Tropical and Regional Mexican.
READ: The Billboard Latin Music Awards Nominations Are Out And Justin Bieber Is Among The Most Nominated Artists
Did you watch the show? What was your top moment of the night? Let us know in the comments below!
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