bad rabbit This Thursday continues his crown as king of Latin music, receiving nine Billboard Awards. Raphael earned the distinction of the most awarded artist of the night, a moment filled with emotional reunions from longtime friends like Chayanne and Nicky Jam. Benito Martínez Ocasio claimed top honors in categories such as Bad Bunny as artist of the year, tour of the year, album of the year for Un Verano Sin Ti, and composer of the year, while his track Volví took the Tropical Song award, marking a standout night for the artist and his team.
Farruko secured four awards and Karol G three, rounding out the top trio of award recipients. Sony Music Latin and Rimas led the night with nine and six awards respectively.
Farruko took home Song of the Year for Hot Latin Song, Song of the Year for Latin Rhythm, and multiple wins across Sales and Stream categories. Karol G earned Hot Latin Song for Vocal Collaboration with Mamiii, Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female, and Best Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Female, reflecting her continued impact in the Latin pop and reggaeton landscape.
Neither Bad Bunny nor Karol G attended the gala as storms loomed along the southeast coast, underscoring how real-world events can influence major industry moments in Florida.
big on stage
Eighteen-year-old American Iván Cornejo delivered a dynamic set, performing hits including Manuel Turizo’s La Bachata, Grupo Firme’s Ya Supérame and Carne y Hueso, and accepted the new artist and best youth of the era recognitions. Tini emerged as a rising star, sharing intimate moments that left a lasting emotional imprint on the audience.
Raphael received the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award in a ceremony highlighted by a composition from Cuban singer-songwriter Willy Chirino and performances by Pablo López and CNCO members during a moment of silence. The artist reflected on decades of audience affection, noting Miami’s enduring connection to his work and promising continued dedication to his craft.
Accompanied by her children, Lorenzo and Isadora, Chayanne accepted the Billboard Icon Award and spoke about making every project feel like the first, emphasizing love for the art and the fans that keep his career vibrant across generations.
Christina Aguilera was honored with the Billboard Spirit of Hope Award, performing La Reina as a respectful tribute to the classic El Rey by José Alfredo Jiménez.
In a deeply moving moment, urban artist Nicky Jam received the Billboard Hall of Fame Award from his father, with a television premiere of Don José Rivera and the track Sin Novia marking the night’s milestones. José Feliciano was celebrated with the Billboard Legend Award, recognizing a lifetime of influence on Latin music.
Among the premieres and achievements
The Watsco Center hosted 30 artists who lit up the stage with world premieres and memorable performances. Chayanne debuted a new song, Como Tú y Yo, a romantic dance track that showcased his enduring stage presence. Raphael surprised the audience with the premiere of De Tanta Gente, a track linked to his forthcoming album Victoria, produced with Pablo López and slated for release later in the year. Elvis Crespo delivered a heartfelt tribute with a music video for La Neverita, aligning merengue rhythms with his renowned energy. Maluma unveiled a new song, Junio, the centerpiece of a planned album expected to mark a pivotal moment in his career and Latin music.
Blurred genders and borders
The show opened with a high-energy performance by Ozuna, who premiered La Copa live from Madrid, a moment that underscored the global reach of contemporary reggaeton and Latin pop. Farruko also stood out with a Nazareno remix featuring Ankhal, previewing a forthcoming single, Viaje. He spoke about empathy in the wake of recent tragedies affecting Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Florida’s West Coast, underscoring the social weight carried by many artists today.
Colombia and Mexico were highlighted in back-to-back collaborations: first Los Ángeles Azules with Carlos Vives performing Cumbia del Corazón, then Camilo and Grupo Firme presenting Alaska. Calibre 50 entered with a Norteño-tinged rap, while Grupo Firme returned to the stage with Ya Supérame, delivering a powerful first performance after their historic Zócalo concert in Mexico City that drew enormous applause from 300,000 attendees.