German ticketer and concert promoter CTS Eventim generated revenue of 407.8 million euros ($449 million) in 2021 – half of which came from government COVID-19-related economic aid, the company announced Thursday (March 24). That was up 58.8% from 256.8 million euros ($283 million) in 2020 but less than one-third of its revenues of 1.44 billion euros ($1.54 billion) in 2019 and less than half of the 1 billion-plus euros it achieved in both 2017 and 2018.

Ticketing revenue of 224.1 million euros was 39.7% above 126.6 million euros in 2020 but less than half of pre-pandemic levels in 2018 (447.1 million euros, $492 million) and 2019 (481.6 million euros, $530 million). The segment’s revenues were helped by 112.2 million euros ($124 million) of COVID-19 economic aid from Germany and other governments. Ticketing’s normalized EBITDA was 177.1 million euros ($194 million), up from roughly 200 million euros in 2020. The number of tickets sold improved 84% to 32 million, up from 17.4 million in 2020.

CTS Eventim’s live music segment revenue of 191.1 million was up 39.7% from 136.8 million in 2020 but far below 2018 (812.5 million) and 2019 (985.8 million). The improvement was attributable to 80.8 million euros of COVID-19 economic aid compared to 19.2 million euros of aid received in 2020. The segment’s normalized EBITDA rose 49.4% to 30.9 million euros.

“Today, we look to the future with optimism. The number of events in our ticketing systems is growing day by day – clear evidence of rising optimism in the event industry,” CEO Klaus-Peter Schulenberg wrote in the annual report’s opening remarks.

CTS Eventim is increasingly looking for growth outside of Europe. In 2020, CTS Eventim founded EMC Presents, a joint venture with U.S. promoter Michael Cohl, who organized the company’s first U.S. tour by the group Genesis at the end of 2021. Also last year, it ticketed its first big U.S. client, the Big Apple Circus, which helped bring in 47.8 million euros in revenue in the U.S. during the year. CTS Eventim launched Eventim Live Asia in 2021, with a business headquartered in Singapore that will focus on Asian markets. It also acquired a majority stake in software and hardware developer simply-X and two German ticketing companies, Kölnticket and Bonnticket. It will debut a new arena in Milan, Italy in 2025 in time for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

The company is cautious about its future, however. Despite the widespread availability of vaccines and loosening health policies, “it remains unclear to what extent live events will be permitted by the authorities in the future, and above all when major events can once again be held profitably,” the annual report reads. Germany, where CTS Eventim received over 46% of its 2021 revenue, is currently experiencing record numbers of daily COVID-19 infections. The company also sees “significant uncertainty concerning the effects of the Russia-Ukrainian war.”

 

2021 financial metrics

  • Revenue: 407.8 million euros, up 58.8% y/y
  • Ticketing revenue: 224.1 million euros, up 77.0% y/y
  • Live revenue: 191.1 million euros, up 39.7% y/y
  • Net income: 74.5 million euros, up 95.8 million euros y/y

Additional metrics

  • Debt: 628.8 million euros, down from 641.5 million euros at Dec. 31, 2020
  • Cash and cash equivalents: 289 million euros, down from 302.8 million euros at Dec. 31, 2020

After hinting of retirement at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Week and officially announcing the news on Sunday, March 20, Daddy Yankee has released what will be his final studio album Legendaddy.

The 19-track set is his first album in nearly 10 years, following King Daddy in 2013. The new album features Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Myke Towers, El Alfa, Lil Jon and Pitbull, plus an epic intro by renowned boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer. As for its influences, the legend offers a blend of pure reggaeton, heavy trap and experimental tracks, all while staying true to his essence — one that has endured over three decades. As he previously stated in a press release: “I’m going to give you all the styles that have defined me, in one single album.”

Though this is his first album in nine years, the Puerto Rican artist (born Raymond Ayala) opted to only include brand new music, not including previously-released bangers that arrived between 2014-2021, such as “Shaky Shaky,” “Dura,” “Problema,” and the Snow-assisted “Con Calma,” which peaked at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart in 2019 and spent 14 weeks at the top.

Daddy Yankee

Daddy Yankee, “Legendaddy”

To celebrate the release of Legendaddy, and bid farewell to the music industry, the King of Reggaeton will kick off his “La Ultima Vuelta” tour in the fall.

As for what the future holds post-retirement from music? Yankee told Billboard last year he is executive producing a reggaeton documentary, saying, “That’s where I see me growing – an executive producer of movies, documentaries.”

Unit then, check out the Billboard Latin editors eight essential Legendaddy tracks.

“X Ultima Vez” featuring Bad Bunny

This song unites the two musical styles of Bad Bunny and Yankee: old-school reggaeton beats with edgy urban sounds. The track starts off with “bubbly-feeling” piano notes that continue throughout the song and unite two of reggaeton’s favorite voices. Plus, Yankee makes sure to include his memorable phrase: “Dónde hubo fuego, cenizas quedan” (Where there were fire ashes remain).

“Zona del Perreo” featuring Natti Natasha & Becky G

Repeating a formula that’s worked with him in the past, DY taps Natti Natasha and Becky G once again for a collab. The pair had previously joined him for the chart-topping 2018 “Dura” remix. Their new song, “Zona del Perreo,” is equally as catchy with an irresistible reggaeton beat.

“Para Siempre” featuring Sech

With previous collabs such as “Sal y Perrea (Remix),” “Confia,” “Relacion (Remix)” and “Definitivamente,” Sech is already family, which is why it only made sense for him to feature on Yankee’s final album. “Para Siempre” is a romantic mid-tempo reggaeton that unites Sech’s smooth vocals with Yankee’s melodious rap verses for a love song that confesses to that special person: “I want you to be mine forever.”

“El Abusador del Abusador”

“El abusador, del abusador” is one of the more uplifting tracks on the album, combining trumpets and piano notes for a perfect salsa fusion with thumping beats. The lyrics tell the story of someone in charge, and how you can always be humble but to still know your worth.

“Agua” featuring Rauw Alejandro, Nile Rodgers

Without a doubt, “Agua” is one of the most surprising tracks on Legendaddy, taking Daddy Yankee completely out of his comfort zone. Reeling in Latin hitmaker Rauw Alejandro and renowned musician and artist Nile Rodgers, the track is an 80s-inspired dance hit featuring Rodgers’ emblematic funk riffs and Rauw’s sultry vocals. Towards the middle of the track, Yankee steps in over a catchy hip-hop beat. “Baby, you dancing in the water, it’s impossible to forget you,” they chant.

“Campeon”

This is the ultimate song for his mic drop for Yankee’s retirement. It may not be the quintessential DY reggaeton party track but in “Campeon,” he leaves the humility that’s characterized him for years behind and categorically says, “I’m the champion.” “I came from a place where there isn’t much and I became a machine,” he raps. “I promised no one would stop me. Undefeated until the end.”

“La Ola”

Like most tracks on the album, “La Ola” takes us back to old-school Daddy Yankee during his “Cangri” and “Gasolina” days. “La Ola” attests to that: an infectious perreo with hard-hitting lyrics made to take you to a marquesina party in Puerto Rico. Its flirtatious lyrics and repetitive “montate en la ola, ola, ola, ola, ola / que te veo sola, sola, sola, sola, sola” is an invitation to join the fun — especially if you’re alone.

“El Rey de lo Imperfecto”

“El Rey de lo Imperfecto” is a catchy urban-infused cumbia song and one of Yankee’s most rhythmic tunes on the album — think “Llamado de Emergencia, think “Lovumba.” “El Rey de lo Imperfecto” (King of the imperfect) tells the story of a man who’s not perfect and is promising to unconditionally love a person through her own insecurities and drama. He sings: “I want you to value everything for you / You are perfect for me.”

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The latest edition of The Masked Singer had double the fun, as not one but two celebrities were unmasked.

Cyclops and Thingamabob were the latest contestants left go from the hit Fox series, now in its seventh season.

Cyclops, from “Team Bad,” reached the end of the line following a performance of Irene Cara’s ‘80s classic “Flashdance (What a Feeling).” The man under the mask was actor Jorge Reyes (“Lost,” “Hawaii Five-0”).

Thingamabob, from “Team Cuddly”, was also sent packing, something that never happens in real life to the man behind the mask.

The contest impressed with a rendition of MKTO’s “Classic”. The fluffy creature turned out to be Jordan Mailata, the giant Australian—born offensive tackle for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.

At 6’8” and built like a tank (he’s listed at 346 lbs), Mailata is rarely shifted this easy. And, ironically, the footballer had trouble removing his helmet.

The current season started with 15 contestants. That number has narrowed, with Garcia (Cyclops) and Mailata (Thingamabob), Duff Goldman (McTerrier) and Joe Buck (Ram) sent home.

When Russ wanted to include another artist on his “Handsomer” remix, he opened it up for submissions on TikTok — and user Ktlyn’s smooth verse caught the attention of millions on the platform and Russ himself.

The remix officially arrived soon after, with Ktlyn on the track.

If you need a guide to follow along with the lyrics to Russ’ “Handsomer” remix featuring Ktlyn, find the lyrics below:

I know I’m fine
But the money makes me handsomer
Walk around, smelling like a come-up and the answer for her
Problems but I’m not him, I don’t mind it though
You don’t like me how you think you do, I like it though
I know I’m fine
But the money makes me handsomer
Walk around, smelling like a come-up and the answer for her
Problems but I’m not him, I don’t mind it though
You don’t like me how you think you do, I like it though (look)
I know I’m fine

I won’t lie, that extra coin don’t hurt
But I gets money, baby, I just rather spend yours first
I know for sure the p—y worth more than an Hermès purse
I got the best on Earth so that di– better come with some perks
Yeah, you fine, and the money caught my eye, too
But there’s a big difference between you and my side dude
You be all up in between them thighs, he’s who I lie to
You get my t—ies in your face, he’s gettin’ side-boob, yeah

I know I’m fine
But the money makes me handsomer
Walk around, smelling like a come-up and the answer for her
Problems but I’m not him, I don’t mind it though
You don’t like me how you think you do, I like it though
I know I’m fine
But the money makes me handsomer
Walk around, smelling like a come-up and the answer for her
Problems but I’m not him, I don’t mind it though
You don’t like me how you think you do, I like it though
I know I’m fine

The possibility of paper
Got her tryna tell me I should date her (date her)
She just tryna play me (play me)
I just play it cool, then I play her (play her)
Baby, hate the game, not the player (player)
I’m 5’6 but the money make me 6’5
She said “I love your songs,” I told her to list five
I’m 5’6 but the money make me 6’5
She said “I love your songs,” I told her to list five

I know I’m fine
But the money makes me handsomer
Walk around, smelling like a come-up and the answer for her
Problems but I’m not him, I don’t mind it though
You don’t like me how you think you do, I like it though
I know I’m fine
But the money makes me handsomer
Walk around, smelling like a come-up and the answer for her
Problems but I’m not him, I don’t mind it though
You don’t like me how you think you do, I like it though
I know I’m fine

Lyrics licensed & provided by LyricFind

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Written by: Russell Vitale

The nominations for the 2022 Heat Latin Music Awards have arrived, with five-time nominee Bad Bunny leading the pack.

The Puerto Rican star is followed by Wisin, J Balvin, Karol G, Greeicy and Maria Becerra with four nominations each, and Rosalía, Christian Nodal, Carlos Vives, Nacho, Mike Bahía, Justin Quiles, Blessd and Tiago PZK with three.

One of the 17 categories is the coveted best new artist prize, with Blessd, JD Pantoja, Bizarrap, Tiago PZK, Ryan Castro, Khea, Alvaro Diaz and Feid up for the award. Newcomers such as Eix, The Change and Kim Loaiza are up for the musical promise award.

For a second consecutive year, Premios Heat will crown the best Dominican artist, which went to El Alfa in 2021. El Alfa, alongside Dominican stars Natti Natasha, Rochy RD, Chimbala, Kiko El Crazy and many more, are after the title in 2022.

For the first time, the Heat Latin Music Awards will recognize an artist with the special award “Trend Artist LosHeat.TV,” granted to the talent that’s part of the platform and whose video has received the most interaction through likes and views.

The seventh annual awards show, set to take place June 2 in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic, will be co-hosted by Jorge Pabón “Molusco,” Anaís Castro, “Dímelo King” and Caroline Aquino.

Fans will be able to vote for their favorite artists via the LosHeat.TV app only. See the complete nominations list below:

BEST MALE ARTIST
J BALVIN
PRINCE ROYCE
ROMEO SANTOS
CHRISTIAN NODAL
ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
NACHO
MALUMA
BAD BUNNY
CARLOS VIVES
WISIN

BEST FEMALE ARTIST
KAROL G
FARINA
ROSALÍA
GREEICY
EMILIA MERNES
NATHY PELUSO
ANITTA
MARIA BECERRA
EVALUNA MONTANER

BEST GROUP OR BAND
MORAT
GRUPO FIRME
CNCO
ALEXIS Y FIDO
WISIN & YANDEL
CULTURA PROFÉTICA
ZION & LENNOX
PISO 21
MAU Y RICKY
AVENTURA

BEST ROCK ARTIST
JUANES
MORAT
MANÁ
ATERCIOPELADOS
FITO PÁEZ
LOS AUTÉNTICOS DECADENTES
MALA BENGALA
DIAMANTE ELÉCTRIC

BEST POP ARTIST
GREEICY
MIKE BAHÍA
TOMMY TORRES
PEDRO CAPÓ
SEBASTIÁN YATRA
CAMILO
LUIS FONSI
MANUEL TURIZO
KATIE ANGEL
FONSECA

BEST URBAN ARTIST
KAROL G
BAD BUNNY
J BALVIN
ARCANGEL
ELADIO CARRION
EL ALFA
FARRUKO
OZUNA
JHAY CORTEZ
NICKY JAM
WISIN

BEST TROPICAL ARTIST
GILBERTO SANTA ROSA
ROMEO SANTOS
LUIS FIGUEROA
YAHAIRA PLACENCIA
WILLY GARCÍA
EDDY HERRERA
GABRIEL PAGÁN
MARC ANTHONY
CARLOS VIVES
SILVESTRE DANGOND

BEST ARTIST SOUTH REGION
NATHY PELUSO
ANITTA
EMILIA MERNES
DUKI
BIZARRAP
MARIA BECERRA
NICKI NICOLE
TIAGO PZK
LESLIE SHAW

BEST ARTIST ANDEAN REGION
NACHO
MIKE BAHÍA
MIRELLA CESA
EVALUNA
DANNY OCEAN
BLESSD
RYAN CASTRO
JEAN PIERO
FEID
KATIE ANGEL

BEST ARTIST NORTH REGION
SECH
BOZA
JUSTIN QUILES
JAY WHEELER
JD PANTOJA
SOFÍA REYES
DALEX
INGRATAX
KENIA OS
ALEX ROSE

BEST NEW ARTIST
BLESSD
JD PANTOJA
BIZARRAP
TIAGO PZK
RYAN CASTRO
KHEA
ÁLVARO DÍAZ
FEID

MUSICAL PROMISE
DEKKO
EIX
KAMM
NICOLE VEGA
ANNASOFIA
CHRIS LEBRÓN
MAXI
THE CHANGE
YOZUEL
ALVARO ROD
KIM LOAIZA
ANDREÍNA BRAVO
ST. PEDRO

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR
KUNNO
FELIPE SARUMA
LUISA FERNANDA W
DOMELIPA
CALLE Y POCHÉ
LUISITO COMUNICA
SANTIAGO MATIAS / ALOFOKE
MARKO
SEBAS
MOLUSCO
ANDREA VALDIRI
LOS POLINESIOS
IBAI
EL CHOMBO

BEST POPULAR REGIONAL ARTIST
PIPE BUENO
JESSI URIBE
LOS ÁNGELES AZULES
GRUPO FIRME
CHRISTIAN NODAL
YEISON JIMENEZ
PAOLA JARA
FRANCY
ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
ÁNGELA AGUILAR

BEST DOMINICAN ARTIST
EL ALFA
ROCHY RD
KIKO EL CRAZY
CHIMBALA
NATTI NATASHA
BULOVA
ROSALY RUBIO
MARK B
MOZART LA PARA
QUIMICO ULTRA MEGA
LA MATERIALISTA

BEST MUSIC VIDEO
“LEJOS CONMIGO” (GREEICY, ALEJANDRO SANZ)
“SAOKO” (ROSALÍA)
“LA FAMA” (ROSALÍA, THE WEEKND)
“VOLVÍ” (AVENTURA, BAD BUNNY)
“TACONES ROJOS” (SEBASTIÁN YATRA)
“IN DA GUETTO” (J BALVIN, SKRILLEX)
“DON’T BE SHY” (TIËSTO, KAROL G)
“BUENOS DÍAS” (WISIN, CAMILO, LOS LEGENDARIOS)
“LO SIENTO BB” (TAINY, BAD BUNNY, JULIETA VENEGAS)
“ENTRE NOSOTROS” REMIX (TIAGO PZK, LIT KILLAH, MARIA BECERRA, NICKI NICOLE)
“2005” (FONSECA, GREEICY, CALI Y EL DANDEE)

BEST COLLABORATION
“NO TE DESEO MAL” (ELADIO CARRION, KAROL G)
“QUÉ MÁS PUES?” (J BALVIN, MARIA BECERRA)
“BOTELLA TRAS BOTELLA” (GERA MX, CHRISTIAN NODAL)
“MEDALLO” (BLESSD, JUSTIN QUILES, LENNY TAVÁREZ)
“ELLA REMIX” (BOZA, LUNAY, LENNY TAVÁREZ, JUHN, BEÉLE)
“MON AMOUR REMIX” (ZZOILO, AITANA)
“VOLANDO REMIX” (MORA, BAD BUNNY, SECH)
“LOCO” (JUSTIN QUILES, CHIMBALA, ZION & LENNOX)
“AFTER PARTY” (ALEX SENSATION, FARRUKO, PRINCE ROYCE, MARIAH ANGELIQ Y KEVIN LYTTLE)
“FIEL REMIX” (WISIN, JHAY CORTEZ, ANUEL AA, MYKE TOWERS Y LOS LEGENDARIOS)
“DISCOTECA” (IAMCHINO, PITBULL)
“LA MITAD” (NACHO, CARLOS VIVES, MIKE BAHÍA)