From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Karol G & Silvestre Dangond in the studio
Karol G is working hard in the studio, and she’s not doing it alone. The Colombian hitmaker took to social media to announce that her and Silvestre Dangond are working on new music together. It would mark the first time Karol and the vallenato singer collaborate.
“No one knows what this means to me,” Karol wrote in Spanish on Thursday (May 30). “Yesterday I was in the studio working with Silvestre Dangond on a song that has us both in love, that demands us both and most importantly that represents home, Colombia!!!! What a great vallenato … to cry, to feel, to live!!!! Long live music! Long live the things we can feel with it and the things we can make you feel through it! THANK YOU for this invitation Silvestre !!!! WHAT A MOMENT.”
Karol G is set to embark on her Mañana Será Bonito European Tour, with her first show June 8 in Zurich. She wraps the European leg July 23 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
Check out the photos from Karol and Dangond in the studio.
Danna is the new face of MAC’s Viva Glam
The Mexican singer and actor has been unveiled as the new face of MAC Cosmetics’ Viva Glam campaign. On Friday (May 31), the beauty brand announced that Danna stars in the 30th anniversary of #MACVIVAGLAM. She’s also debuting a philanthropic new hue called M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Viva Glam Lipstick.
“It’s an honor to be a part of the #VIVAGLAM story,” Danna captioned an Instagram post. “VIVA GLAM supports a number of charities working to make the world a better place, sexual equality, gender equality, racial equality and environmental equality. All funds from the sale of the lipsticks go 100% to local organizations in each country.”
See Danna’s lipstick here.
Duki’s metro station
Ahead of his historical show at the new Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on June 8, the Santiago Bernabéu metro station will be renamed “Estación Duko” in his honor. Duki is set to sing in front of 65,000 people, becoming the first urban artist to fill this iconic stadium.
The Spanish capital has played a fundamental role in the career of the Argentine rapper, who has mentioned it in several of his songs, such as “Don’t Lie” with Quevedo. Duki returns to Madrid since performing there for his Desde el Fin del Mundo tour in 2023, selling out two dates at the WiZink Center.
Estación Duko
Gustavo Dudamel receives honorary degree from Harvard
It’s graduation season and Gustavo Dudamel couldn’t help but show off his new milestone. The Venezuelan conductor received an Honorary Doctor of Music degree from the prestigious University of Harvard. Following the ceremony, Dudamel captured the special moment on social media with a heartfelt message.
“Receiving an honorary degree from Harvard University thrills me deeply,” Dudamel captioned an Instagram post. “As a child in Barquisimeto, I could not have imagined that I would one day be recognized by this extraordinary institution.”
He continued: “Education is perhaps the greatest gift we can give. Throughout my life, it has helped me establish my sense of identity, both as an individual and as a member of a global community. When the challenges of the world begin to overwhelm us, I believe the best way to persevere is to approach one another with curiosity, empathy and a desire to learn. It is only through knowledge and understanding that we can heal, inspire and lead the world to a more compassionate future.”
Karol G to be honored at Billboard Latin Women in Music
The Colombian hitmaker is set to be honored with Woman of the Year at the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024. Karol G will be recognized on June 9 for her extraordinary milestones and unparalleled impact on the music industry. The show will air exclusively on Telemundo at 9 p.m. ET, and will be simultaneously available on the Telemundo app and Peacock.
See who else will be honored during the ceremony here.