From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
J Balvin Radio
For SiriusXM, J Balvin has curated an exclusive two-week, limited edition channel featuring anecdotes from the making of his album Jose. He’s also flaunting his radio host abilities with two original shows, “Head Bang with Jose,” where he will feature some of his favorite rock tunes, and “La Hora Rumbera,” where he will feature classic tropical tunes. Part of SiriusXM and Pandora’s Small Stage Series, an exclusive Balvin performance will air at 10 p.m. ET on Oct. 13 via satellite and on the SXM App. J Balvin Radio will be available from Oct. 7-14 on the SiriusXM App and via satellite on channel 104.
Red Table Talk Returns
Red Table Talk returned to Facebook Watch with an emotional episode called “Betrayed by Trusted Adults.” Co-hosted by Gloria, Lili and Emily Estefan, the new episode featured special guest Clare Crawley, the first Latin Bachelorette. Both Crawley and Gloria opened up about their personal traumatic experiences of being molested in their childhood. In addition to the powerful conversation, Dr. Ramirez detailed the warning signs to identify abuse in children.
Blessd’s First Tour
Colombian newcomer Blessd announced his first-ever international tour, Hecho en Medellin, kicking off Nov. 4 in Europe. Throughout the fall, the former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise will visit cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Zurich, Milan, Rome and Paris, among others. “God is rewarding us with these new triumphs that we are getting little by little, and without a doubt, Europe will mark a before and after in my career,” he expressed in a statement.
Nathy Peluso’s Daddy Yankee Cover
This week, the Argentine-born rapper Nathy Peluso dropped her version of Daddy Yankee’s 2010 “La Despedida.” As part of her Spotify Singles, where she also shared another version of her female salsa anthem “Mafiosa,” Peluso gave the timeless reggaeton hit a hip-hop and pop twist. “‘La Despedida’ is a classic that I’m proud to revisit,” she said in a press statement. “I really admire Daddy Yankee and I’ve always loved the lyrics, the harmonies, and the rhythms of the song.” Peluso’s cover comes on the heels of her four nominations at the 2021 Latin Grammys.
Chris Perez Partners With PETA
Chris Perez joined PETA’s new campaign to remind people that animals can die of heatstroke inside parked cars in as little as 15 minutes. “That connection I feel with dogs is something special to me. I consider them as part of the family,” the former Selena y Los Dinos guitarist said in the clip. “When I hear about a dog [who] gets left in a car, it’s really upsetting. It’s sad. It happens so fast.” In the one-minute video, he also encouraged pet owners to take the right measurements or leave them at home. For more information, visit www.peta.org.
