Latin stars shine at Billboard Awards
Santos ‘Artist of the Year’ Folk feel, indigenous imagery
LOS ANGELES, May 1, (Agencies): Romeo Santos was the top winner of the evening, snatching 10 awards — including artist of the year — at the annual affair, which was broadcast live on the Telemundo network from the BankUnited Center in Miami Thursday evening.
Santos’ album “Formula, Vol. 2,” which features collaborations with Carlos Santana, Nicki Minaj, Drake and Marc Anthony, earned the bachatero 21 nominations.
“I had the great privilege of recording with a man I admire so much. More than an artist that I admire, he is like a brother to me. Thank you, Marc,” Santos said as Marc Anthony blew him a kiss from the seats.
Enrique Iglesias, who followed closely with 19 nominations, clinched nine awards, including Latin pop album of the year.
Marc Anthony helped kick things off with a bang as he opened the show with help from Gente de Zona. Together, the talented artists got the entire crowd on its feet with a rendition of “La Gozadera.”
Meanwhile, Afrojack and Ne-Yo later got the entire crowd dancing during a one-of-a-kind performance. Joined by Luis Fonsi, the trio helped both viewers and audience members alike sing along to “Give Me Everything.”
Carlos Santana, Romeo Santos and Daddy Yankee also took to the stage in separate performances.
Jennifer Lopez took the stage to perform the highly anticipated tribute to the late Selena QuintanillaPérez, the iconic Tejano singer who was murdered in 1995. Joined by Los Dinos, Lopez, who played Selena in the 1997 biopic, performed a compilation of the Grammy award-winning singer’s songs, including “Como La Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and Amor Prohibido.”
Shakira, Drake and Natalia Jimenez were just some of the artists who walked away with trophies. If you missed the show, we’ve got you covered! Check out a complete list of winners below!
Brazilian music legend Roberto Carlos was recognized for his career in music with the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award. The legendary artist preformed a potpourri of his greatest hits, which spans a musical career of over 50 years and more than 120 million albums sold around the world. The full list of winners below: Artist of the Year: Romeo Santos Artist of the Year, New: J Balvin Tour of the Year: Marc Anthony Social Artist of the Year: Shakira Crossover Artist of the Year: Drake
Hot Latin Song of the Year: Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona “Bailando”
Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event: Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona “Bailando”
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Male: Romeo Santos
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female: Natalia Jimenez
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizarraga
Hot Latin Songs Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Hot Latin Songs Imprint of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Airplay Song of the Year: Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona “Bailando”
Universal
Music Year: Latin Entertainment
Airplay Imprint of the Year: Music Latin
Digital Song of the Year: Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona “Bailando”
Streaming Song of the Year: Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona “Bailando”
Top Latin Album of the Year: Romeo Santos, Formula, Vol. 2
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Male: Romeo Santos
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Female: Jenni Rivera
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Santana
Sony