Last May, I launched Mic Drops & Elbow Drops — a space where hip-hop and wrestling collide. My debut entry reflected on the 20th anniversary of You Can’t See Me, the lone album from John Cena that blurred the lines between bars and body slams.

Nearly a year later, Entry 021 brings things full circle: a quick-hit conversation with Cena during WrestleMania Week in Las Vegas.

True to form, he lived up to his “You Can’t See Me” moniker. Over the past several months, Billboard made multiple attempts to present him with a commemorative plaque honoring the album’s milestone — a fitting tribute to a project that debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and No. 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in May 2005. Not bad for someone whose day job revolved around bruising bumps, chair shots, and steel cage warfare.

During his farewell tour, Cena not only became WWE’s most decorated champion — securing his 17th world title with an assist from Travis Scott — but also cemented himself as the company’s undisputed GOAT, in a lineage that includes the electrifying greatness of The Rock, the brute force of Andre the Giant, and the chilling hiss of the Texas Rattlesnake, Stone Cold Steve Austin. Though he placed his boots in the center of the ring for the final time last December, Cena remains an integral ambassador for WWE, hosting both nights of WrestleMania 42.

At WrestleMania weekend, I caught up with Cena for a quick reflection on You Can’t See Me turning 21, the staying power of his entrance theme, and hip-hop’s evolving role in WWE.

When you look at that plaque 21 years later, what does it represent to you now?

What I enjoy about this is I hope anyone seeing it understands the value of betting on oneself. I made and produced this album myself. WWE was kind enough to partner with Sony, press it and bring it to the masses. I didn’t know how to go after tracks or what life in the studio was like, or even how to construct an album. It was like a start-up experience — betting on a character I believed resonated with WWE.

To be recognized for that work 21 years later is special. Hopefully, if you’re watching, don’t ever be afraid to bet on yourself — you never know what can happen. I think it’s the safest bet you can make.

Why do you think the title track and your entrance theme, “You Can’t See Me,” still resonates so deeply with the WWE audience?

I hate to talk in the third person, so I’ll try to use my words correctly, but I think it’s the work I’ve put in, as well as perseverance. I’ve never had another song — this is it. The song never gave up, the character never gave up, regardless of popular opinion. I think it aligns with the core value of the character. Plus, it’s a pretty dope fight track.

Why do you think the connection between hip-hop and wrestling is stronger now than when you first came out 20 years ago?

A lot of hip-hop is based on trash-talk, especially like freestyle battles. It’s based on bravado and trash-talk. Even non-battle rap, it’s a conduit to talk about the latest trends, pop culture, what’s going on, and what your life is like. I was able to tell O’Shea [Ice Cube’s son] [how] his dad’s music reached a 12-year-old kid in West Newbury, Mass. It was more about rebellion.

I was a rebellious 12-year-old. I needed a voice. N.W.A gave me that voice. N.W.A gave me the voice in West Newbury. The rebellious music was something that I connected with. So I think the connection is also that it’s so inclusive. WWE is so inclusive, and man, we want everybody to come, enjoy the show and get rowdy. Hip-Hop is also rowdy. I take it back to groups like Onyx, Ruff Ryders and DMX. Hip-hop has a rowdy side to it, and I think there’s a lot of parallels. 

You have unreleased music with your fellow WWE Superstar R-Truth. What are the chances of that coming out? 

Nah, man. I have a few unreleased tracks out there that just have to remain as moments between myself and the collaborating artists. I like that because I was able to show up to Truth’s house, went to the studio to drop a few tracks and I remember that time as being wonderful and so does he. I think that’s the real return on that effort. 

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BLACKPINK’s LISA is making history with her stint at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace this November.

LISA will be the first K-Pop artist with a Las Vegas residency, not something to sneeze at, with her Viva La Lisa 2026 shows. The girl group member will be at the Colosseum on Nov. 13, 14, 27 and 28. Little is known about the residency as of yet, but it’s likely to be a smash hit given BLACKPINK and LISA’s dedicated following and the musicians’ head-turning dance skills. While we’re not sure what LISA has in store, we’d like to think her performances might be similar to the showing she’d made at Paris’ iconic Crazy Horse cabaret back in Sept. 2023, where she performed risqué burlesque numbers for five nights.

The announcement of the Thai rapper’s residency follows the release of her debut studio album Alter Ego, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Album Sales chart. With her album drop, LISA was also the second member of BLACKPINK to land a solo top 10 album on the Top Album Sales chart, following in the footsteps of her bandmate ROSÉ or rosie. All members of BLACKPINK have their own solo projects as of 2026.

Looking to see what LISA has in store for her 2026 Las Vegas residency? Below, we’ll show you where to buy tickets to her show online.

Where to Buy Tickets to BLACKPINK Lisa’s Viva La Lisa 2026 Residency

Where to buy tickets to BLACKPINK Lisa's Viva La Lisa 2026 Las Vegas residency online.

EDITOR’S PICK

StubHub


StubHub has to be one of ShopBillboard’s favorite spots to search for tickets. The interface is easy to navigate, and pricing is, more often than not, really reasonable. At the time of writing, we’re seeing tickets to LISA’s residency go for as low as $184, down from $327. The ticketing site often tacks on deals up to 50% off for singular or group tickets, just another reason to love the site.

While searching for tickets on third-party sites can be a bit scary, StubHub makes buying tickets easy and painless with its FanProtect Guarantee. This initiative protects fans’ purchases by ensuring valid tickets or your money back. Plus, if your event is canceled and not rescheduled, you will receive a credit worth 120% of the amount you paid for the impacted event, or the option of a cash refund.

Where to buy tickets to BLACKPINK Lisa's Viva La Lisa 2026 Las Vegas residency online.

EARN REWARDS

Vivid Seats


Another great option for price-conscious ticket shoppers is Vivid Seats. The ticketing site also has a ton of affordable options on prime seating starting at just $174 for specific dates. To sweeten the deal, you can use our promo code BB30 to snag $30 off your purchase. The ticketing service offers a 100% Buyer Guarantee that vows your transaction will be secure, that your tickets will be delivered before your event and that those tickets will be valid and authentic. 

Where to buy tickets to BLACKPINK Lisa's Viva La Lisa 2026 Las Vegas residency online.

PROMO CODES

SeatGeek


More deals coming at you, this time on SeatGeek. With a quick search, we’ve been seeing pricing for LISA’s residency go for $173, the lowest pricing we’ve seen thus far on our search. Max pricing for prime days on the site goes for around $273, still lower than most ticketing services. Right now, you can use promo code BILLBOARD10 at checkout to receive $10 off. The ticketing service features a Buyer Guarantee that ensures smooth ticket purchases every time. The site also offers you venue options based on your location, giving you the closest venue to you.

Where to buy tickets to BLACKPINK Lisa's Viva La Lisa 2026 Las Vegas residency online.

GREAT PRICES

Gametime


Gametime is another top pick for us when it comes to shopping for tickets for Lisa’s residency. Pricing is great, with tickets going for as low as $176 on certain days. The site will also notify you when certain venues/dates feature any deals, allowing you to weed out the best pricing every time.

Given how in demand this residency is, seating can be sparse. Thankfully, Gametime has a ton of seating options available for all four days of the K-Pop artist’s stint at Caesars Palace. Gametime guarantees the lowest prices, event cancellation protection, job loss assurance and on-time ticket delivery for a smooth ticket-buying experience every time, no matter the occasion.

Where to buy tickets to BLACKPINK Lisa's Viva La Lisa 2026 Las Vegas residency online.

OFFICIAL TICKETING

Ticketmaster


Pre-sale for LISA’s Viva La Lisa residency begins on Ticketmaster on April 22 via Ticketmaster, while general sale is slated to begin the day after at 1 p.m. EST/ 10 a.m. PDT. The site usually has a ton of tickets available, but pricing can be a bit expensive and competition is often fierce. It is worth keeping your eyes peeled for deals. The ticketing service offers a Fan Guarantee, which allows for cancellations, refunds, or exchanges within 24 hours of booking, subject to certain exclusions.


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As part of Jesse & Joy — which she leads alongside her brother Jesse Huerta — Joy has achieved international recognition and scored multiple entries on the Billboard charts, with hits such as “¡Corre!” and “Mi Tesoro.” Yet, the lead singer of the award-winning Latin pop duo has proven herself to be a force in her own right, consistently using her voice to advocate for immigrants’ rights, LGBTQ+ equality, women’s empowerment, the fight against gender-based violence and animal welfare, all while navigating her own personal journey of growth.

Last year, her Broadway debut as co-writer for the musical Real Women Have Curves earned her a Tony Award nomination for best original score. Now, she receives the Spirit of Change Award at Billboard‘s 2026 Latin Women in Music — which recognizes artists who promote positive change within music and beyond the realm of entertainment — for inspiring change through her music, her activism, and her unwavering commitment to inclusion and justice.

Thalia spoke to us about her compatriot and friend.

Watch Billboard’s Mujeres Latinas en la Música live April 23, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Telemundo, and stream live on Peacock and the Telemundo app. Watch Billboard’s red carpet livestream on the Billboard.com and the Billboard Latin YouTube channel. For more coverage on Latin Women In Music click here.

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The first time I saw Joy was at the 2012 Cadena Dial Awards in Spain. It was the day before the event; I went up to the terrace to grab a bite at a little restaurant, and she was sitting at a table with her brother and two other people. We merely exchanged glances. It was during the era of “¡Corre!,” which was a massive hit. Being the shy person she is, she didn’t say hello — and being the shy person I am, I didn’t say hello either. But I remember perfectly that I sat down near her, wishing I had found the courage to make contact.

Years later we reconnected, and now we’re constantly messaging each other on WhatsApp. As mothers, we bonded over what it entails to pursue this career while simultaneously existing in a whole other universe — one with different priorities, centered around the little beings you have to launch out into the world, equipped with the perfect tools, or at least, the best ones you feel you can give them. We really delved deep into that more personal side of things — the intersection of being an artist and being a mother.

As an artist, I absolutely love her writing style. I really admire how through her songwriting choices and the way she stands her ground against her brother regarding her artistic vision — something I only discovered through their [2025] documentary Lo Que Nunca Dijimos — she manages to reclaim the song, bringing it back to herself and to the specific message she wants to convey. And I love that about her because she fiercely defends her writing; she fiercely defends her stories and the way she chooses to sing them. That commands my respect.

Although they are lighthearted pop compositions, her songs are truly profound in their message, they are deeply spiritual. Her lyrics speak of sorrow and celebration, of love and of heartbreak — yet always from a spiritual perspective, rather than a purely carnal one. That is why I feel the Spirit of Change Award suits her perfectly; because, indeed, her spirit has genuinely sought change — in music and beyond.

Through her documentary, I was also able to gain a deeper understanding of this spiritual side of hers. One never truly knows the scars a person carries from childhood, nor how they cope with the circumstances into which they were born. The way Joy has deconstructed herself only to rebuild herself once more — embodying that “spirit of change” by leaving behind patterns that caused her pain, working on herself to move forward with a fresh vision and positive outlook, and healing the little girl we all carry within us — serves as a powerful reminder that it is okay to listen to your inner voice. And it is very inspiring. 

We sat down with drag superstar and Billboard chart-topping musician Trixie Mattel at California Donuts in Hollywood. From her cozy neighborhood donut shop to the world’s biggest music festivals, Trixie shares her journey from folk guitar to dance music DJ, and how she learned to stop caring about being “taken seriously” in the music industry. We explore how COVID lockdown unexpectedly launched Trixie’s DJ career breakthrough, leading to her hitting No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart with “One Stone.” She opens up about the unique challenges of balancing drag performance with live DJing at major festivals, her life-changing experience at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour and explains why she now embraces being called a “drag show” instead of fighting against that label. 

Tetris Kelly:

Hollywood. Trixie Mattel- 

Trixie Mattel:

Well, well. 

Well, I was wondering how I was gonna find you. 

Did you hear me stopping?  

My queen has arrived. 

I mean, you look amazing. 

Thank you. 

I’m, like, doing this face thing for my new show, so, whew. 

Ooh, we’re gonna talk about that, but where did you bring me? 

Girl, okay, this is California Donuts since 1964. 

Ooh. 

I have not verified. 

A classic. 

I have not verified that. I don’t know. 

Okay. We’re gonna go with that. 

Yeah. But I live in the neighborhood, I don’t wanna say where because people all wanna kill me. But I walk over here hungover. I get the most fabulous donuts and egg sandwiches. And I, I love this place. 

Well, we’re gonna go in. I’m gonna try some of this food. And we’re gonna talk about these people that wanna kill you. 

Okay, great. Perfect. Let’s go. 

I’m scared now. 

Girl, you’re fine. You’ll be fine. Just push me on the ground and run. 

All right, so what kinda donuts do I need? 

Okay, so I am a creature of habit, and I have two donuts that I get here at California Donuts on Hollywood Boulevard. My personal favorite is this apple fritter. Ooh, a little- Apple. . . . sweet, savory. Apple crunchy. It’s kind of appley, salty. Yeah, it’s apple fritter. Or this is a cronut. They make a donut using croissant dough, so it’s, like, layered and flaky.

Keep watching for more!

It’s hard to imagine anyone outshining Rihanna, but even she had to concede that she was overshadowed by her costar on a recent magazine cover shoot: baby daughter Rocki.

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On Wednesday (April 22), the pop star and Fenty mogul shared a behind-the-scenes look at her avant-garde cover photo shoot for W Magazine, featuring a certain 7-month-old show-stealer. “The latest fashion killa just joined the set,” Ri says as her daughter arrives, referencing the title of one of partner A$AP Rocky’s hits.

The clip features several adorable shots of the hitmaker soothing the smiley baby and kissing her face as she undergoes an outfit change. Possibly the most adorable moment comes when Ri cradles Rocki, who sucks on her fingers and gazes adoringly up at her mom.

“She outshined me,” Ri jokes of her youngest child with Rocky, with whom she also shares sons RZA and Riot. “Last shoot we’ll ever do together. Who’s the high-fashion baby?”

The mom-daughter duo posed together on one version of the “Umbrella” singer’s W covers. The issue features a number of people in Ri’s circle sharing their favorite memories and observations about the enigmatic star.

“She has changed a lot because she became a mother,” Rocky told the publication of his partner. “But this woman has always been magic. Philosophically, the way she operates is on another level. She is the most charming and genuine person on Earth. Her energy is unmatched — one of a kind. I just adore her.”

Watch Ri and Rocki behind the scenes of their photo shoot below.


Billboard VIP Pass

On Saturday (April 18), Cardi B played the last of 35 shows on the Little Miss Drama Tour. According to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore, the North American arena trek grossed more than $70 million and sold 453,000 tickets – well worth the wait for her first concerts in seven years.

The Little Miss Drama Tour follows Cardi’s sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, which arrived in September 2025, seven years after her Grammy-winning Invasion of Privacy. Like its predecessor, it topped the Billboard 200 and landed a bevy of Billboard Hot 100 entries, including 14 debuts on the Oct. 4-dated chart.

The seven-year gap between albums is mirrored in her touring history. She last headlined arenas in 2019, scattered throughout the year alongside festival performances. Those dates averaged $1.1 million and more than 11,000 tickets per show. The Little Miss Drama Tour nearly doubled the pace with $2 million each night, playing approximately triple the number of shows.

The Little Miss Drama Tour follows a wave of tours by female rappers escalating to arenas. In 2024, four of the top 10 rap tours were by women, three of which were the act’s first solo arena trek: Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, and with similarly long-awaited anticipation, Missy Elliott.

Out of This World: The Missy Elliott Experience Tour grossed $41.8 million over 29 shows, bringing Misdemeanor to arenas, on her own, for the first time in her 30-year career. Elliott was a proven hitmaker and innovator throughout the 1990s and ‘00s, eventually inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, eight months before launching her first solo headline arena tour. Twenty years prior, she co-headlined The Verizon Ladies First Tour alongside Beyoncé and Alicia Keys ($21.8 million).

Though Missy’s rap career predates Cardi B’s by a couple of decades, their comeback tours both landed long after establishing themselves as dominant figures in hip-hop. Cardi notched her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2017 (“Bodak Yellow”), her third a year later, and her fifth in 2021. It’s rare for an artist to wait to stage a headline tour this extensive until five years after logging a handful of crossover No. 1 hits.

Cardi played 35 shows in 32 cities across North America. Highlights were three double-headers, going back-to-back in Los Angeles (Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif.), New York (Madison Square Garden), and closing shows in Atlanta (State Farm Arena). The MSG shows on March 25-26 top them all, with $5.3 million and 26,200 tickets sold.


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Submit questions about Billboard charts, as well as general music musings, to askbb@billboard.com.

Please include your first and last name, as well as your city, state and country, if outside the United States.

Or, reach out on Bluesky.

Let’s open the latest mailbag.

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‘Where Is My Husband!’? At No. 11, and in Good Company

Hi Gary,

That’s hilarious, or should I say, “high”-larious (and high, Gary!), that Joe Lynch posted the annual 4/20 chart … just after we all learned that Ella Langley’s Dandelion is the new No. 1 album. And how fun that a seemingly clean-cut ensemble such as The 5th Dimension earned the distinction as having the biggest record on that list.

Meanwhile, my mind is slowly accepting that RAYE’s “Where Is My Husband!” may not make the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10. It has joined my personal list of No. 11-peaking tunes (so far, at least) that includes the following, well, 11:

  • “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles (from 1966)
  • “Woodstock,” Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (covering Joni Mitchell; 1970)
  • “Yes We Can Can,” The Pointer Sisters (1973)
  • “You Got the Love,” Rufus feat. Khan (co-written by Ray Parker, Jr. and Khan; 1974)
  • “Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win),” Fleetwood Mac (1976)
  • “Body Language,” Queen (1982)
  • “Another Part of Me,” Michael Jackson (1988)
  • “The Promise,” When in Rome (1988)
  • “Justified & Ancient,” The KLF feat. Tammy Wynette (1992)
  • “What Is Love,” Haddaway (1993)
  • “Same Love,” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert (2013)

I could name plenty of other No. 11 songs that I’ve found important, and not just likable but especially significant, whether culturally, musically or lyrically. Billboard has covered this topic, in 2011, of course, with No. 11 similar to a No. 2 or No. 41 peak. Still, it’s great to see the ambitious and wildly talented RAYE having her biggest hit.

Thanks,

Pablo Nelson
Oakland, Calif.

Thanks Pablo.

“Her red lipstick … you know, it never moves,” RAYE told Billboard recently at the iHeartRadio Music Awards about Taylor Swift, after the pair chatted backstage. “The problem is, whenever I sing, it goes all over my face,” she rued. “I was like, ‘How do you do it?’ She was giving me some tips.”

RAYE is on par with Swift, however, when it comes to having peaked (again, to date) at No. 11 on the Hot 100. Swift has five such songs, all key in her catalog: “You’re Not Sorry,” from 2008; “Mean” (2010); “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” (2021); “Fresh Out the Slammer” (2024); and “Ruin the Friendship” (2025).

When you have so many hits, you’re bound to come close to the top 10 and just miss sometimes (similar to in sports, where even such GOATs as Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Mia Hamm, Bobby Orr, Bill Russell, Babe Ruth and Serena Williams have lost in championship rounds). Swift has the most No. 11 hits, followed by Elvis Presley with four (since the Hot 100 began in August 1958): “One Broken Heart for Sale,” “(Such an) Easy Question,” “I’m Yours” and “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me”/“Patch It Up.” Plus, The Beatles are among the acts with at least two: “Eleanor Rigby,” as noted above, and, nearly 30 years later, “Real Love.”

More than 350 titles have peaked at No. 11 on the Hot 100 (just beyond the 5,200-plus hits that have entered the top 10). Which are the biggest? Let’s look at the top 33, through the chart dated April 25, 2026, as ranked by Billboard’s greatest of all time methodology:

  • 33. “Reeling in the Years,” Steely Dan, May 12, 1973, peak
  • 32. “Doctor’s Orders,” Carol Douglas, Feb. 8, 1975
  • 31. “Numb,” Linkin Park, March 6, 2004
  • 30. “Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win),” Fleetwood Mac, June 5, 1976
  • 29. “Swing the Mood,” Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers, Jan. 13, 1990
  • 28. “The Way We Were”/“Try To Remember,” Gladys Knight and The Pips, Aug. 2, 1975
  • 27. “Moon River,” Henry Mancini and His Orchestra, Dec. 25, 1961
  • 26. “Dare Me,” The Pointer Sisters, Sept. 21, 1985
  • 25. “Keep On Movin’,” Soul II Soul feat. Caron Wheeler, Sept. 9, 1989
  • 24. “A Love Bizarre,” Sheila E., March 1, 1986
  • 23. “I’ll Be Over You,” Toto, Nov. 22, 1986
  • 22. “Tired of Being Alone,” Al Green, Nov. 6, 1971
  • 21. “Heaven Must Have Sent You,” Bonnie Pointer, Oct. 13, 1979
  • 20. “I Believe in You (You Believe in Me),” Johnnie Taylor, Aug. 18, 1973
  • 19. “Shine,” Collective Soul, Aug. 13, 1994
  • 18. “This Is It,” Kenny Loggins, Feb. 9, 1980
  • 17. “On and On,” Stephen Bishop, Oct. 8, 1977
  • 16. “Meet Me Half Way,” Kenny Loggins, June 13, 1987
  • 15. “Who Will Save Your Soul,” Jewel, Aug. 3, 1996
  • 14. “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” KIX, Dec. 16, 1989
  • 13. “The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au),” Andy Williams, Feb. 16, 1959
  • 12. “The Promise,” When in Rome, Dec. 10, 1988
  • 11. “Say You Won’t Let Go,” James Arthur, June 3, 2017
  • 10. “Perfect Way,” Scritti Politti, Dec. 21, 1985
  • 9. “Say You Love Me,” Fleetwood Mac, Sept. 18, 1976
  • 8. “A Little Bit More,” Dr. Hook, Oct. 9, 1976
  • 7. “One Hell of a Woman,” Mac Davis, July 13, 1974
  • 6. “Now That We Found Love,” Heavy D & The Boyz, Oct. 5, 1991
  • 5. “The Humpty Dance,” Digital Underground, June 2, 1990
  • 4. “All for You,” Sister Hazel, Aug. 30, 1997
  • 3. “100% Pure Love,” Crystal Waters, Oct. 8, 1994
  • 2. “Into the Night,” Benny Mardones, Sept. 6, 1980
  • 1. “I Don’t Want To Wait,” Paula Cole, Jan. 17, 1998

Special shoutout to James Arthur’s hit ballad being No. 11 on this ranking.

It’s largely a matter of timing, both for individual calendar years and competition in given weeks, but the most No. 11 Hot 100 releases in any single year is 12, in both 1967 and 2018. Enduring hits among them include The Monkees’ “Words” and Bee Gees’ “(The Lights Went Out In) Massachusetts” from the former batch and BTS’ “Idol,” featuring Nicki Minaj, DJ Snake’s “Taki Taki,” featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna and Cardi B, and Kendrick Lamar’s “Love.,” featuring Zacari, from the latter.

As for 11 other notable No. 11-reaching songs, through the latest Hot 100:

  • “Wild World,” Cat Stevens (1971)
  • “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” Prince (1980)
  • “Because the Night,” 10,000 Maniacs (1994)
  • “The Rhythm of the Night,” Corona (1995)
  • “Can’t Fight the Moonlight,” LeAnn Rimes (2002)
  • “She Wolf,” Shakira (2009)
  • “Girl on Fire,” Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj (2012)
  • “Cool for the Summer,” Demi Lovato (2015)
  • “Sure Thing,” Miguel (2023)
  • “Get Him Back,” Olivia Rodrigo (2023)
  • “EoO,” Bad Bunny (2026)

Ok, 11 more (including two related at the turn of this decade):

  • “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again,” Eric Carmen (1976)
  • “Carry on Wayward Son,” Kansas (1977)
  • “Head Over Heels,” Go-Go’s (1984)
  • “Get on Your Feet,” Gloria Estefan (1989)
  • “The Power of Good-bye,” Madonna (1999)
  • “Best Day of My Life,” American Authors (2014)
  • “Hot Girl Summer,” Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign (2019)
  • “Hot Girl Bummer,” blackbear (2020)
  • “You Right,” Doja Cat & The Weeknd (2021)
  • “Happier Than Ever,” Billie Eilish (2021)
  • “Houdini,” Dua Lipa (2023)

Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want To Wait” reigns as the top No. 11-peaking Hot 100 hit, with its 56 weeks on the chart the most among all songs with that highpoint. It became the singer-songwriter’s second of two entries on the chart, after she galloped to the top 10 (No. 8) with “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” in 1997. “I Don’t Want To Wait” also ruled Adult Pop Airplay for six weeks and rose to the top five on Adult Alternative Airplay, Adult Contemporary, Pop Airplay and the all-format Radio Songs chart.

Most famously, “I Don’t Want To Wait” served as theme to TV classic Dawson’s Creek, further — and still — heightening its appeal; it drew 210,000 official U.S. streams and 1.8 million in radio audience April 10-16, according to Luminate.

“The music scene was wonderful. There was hope in the air,” in the ‘90s, Cole recalled to Billboard.

“It was a vehicle to bring it to another audience,” she said of her hit’s weekly on-screen placement. She added, “The song, where it came from, wasn’t for Dawson’s Creek. I wrote it about my grandparents, and it was a hit on its own well before it was the theme song.” (Something people may not know? “I don’t watch it …,” she admitted of the show with a laugh.)

“It’s so celebratory,” Cole said of revisiting her hits. “Like, let’s go into this party that is this song and let’s jam this together. It lifts the roof.”


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On a crisp day at Milan Fashion Week in February, Becky G steps into a graffiti-lined plaza of an old Italian neighborhood, setting the stage for her latest music video “Marathon” featuring elkan. Backed by her girl crew amid flashing cameras and cheering fans, the visual showcases glam and street edge set against choreographed runway struts, paparazzi — and her confident bilingual bars. Dressed in a see-through lace top hanging by a few hooks and matching red leggings, Rebbeca Marie Gomez looks and sounds confident as she preps for a new chapter in her career: one that harkens back to her Los Angeles rap roots, while consolidating her image as an international star.

“These days, people want you to stay in just one place. It’s easy to think in black and white, but I always say life is in color — I love coloring outside of the lines,” Becky G reflects, speaking to the balance between embracing her Chicana roots and her global aspirations. “Being from Inglewood is the coolest thing. But I’m a world traveler too. I take where I’m from wherever I go. That doesn’t limit me. There are no limitations to where my dreams can take me.”

Watch Billboard’s Mujeres Latinas en la Música live April 23, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Telemundo, and stream live on Peacock and the Telemundo app. Watch Billboard’s red carpet livestream on the Billboard.com and the Billboard Latin YouTube channel. For more coverage on Latin Women In Music click here.

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Chatting at a studio in her native Los Angeles, Becky G — who is the Global Impact honoree at Billboard‘s 2026 Latin Women In Music gala, taking place on April 23 in Miami — describes being at the Roberto Cavalli Fall/Winter 2026-27 fashion show, and the very next day shooting the “Marathon” music video. “It was just like, ‘boom boom boom.’ Like, ‘Wow, I’m living the life,’ ” she adds.

“We’re trying to make videos that feel like you don’t necessarily know where Becky is — to feel more global,” says Daniela Matos, Becky’s creative director, noting the shift from the “Miami vibe” of her earlier Latin urban music videos.

“Marathon,” the lead single off Becky G’s upcoming summer album, pulls threads from every corner of her story: the effortless way she flows between English and Spanish, the nod to her early music, and the image of an ascending international pop star hitting her stride. In the opening sequence, Becky samples “Shower,” her now billion-stream 2014 pop smash that first propelled her into stardom at just 17 years old and jumped to No. 2 on Billboard‘s Hot Rap Songs chart. This callback acts as a reminder of how far the Inglewood-bred singer has come.

“Reflecting that full circle moment was important for me, because we’ve been here,” Becky G tells Billboard today. She’s dressed in an elegant, business-like tube top, paired with heels, and her long black hair cascades all the way to her waist. As she speaks, Becky demonstrates her natural ability to code-switch, comfortably transitioning between English and Spanish throughout the interview. “I said this the other day to my fans: ‘If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, you are about to find out,’ ” she says, referencing her new music and her return to spitting rap bars, a skill that defined much of her earlier work.

Becky G photographed on April 6, 2026 in Los Angeles.

Area dress, Charles & Keith shoes, épifenē earrings.

Ashley Osborn

Her forthcoming fifth full-length marks Becky’s return to her roots as a rapper — the same foundation that helped make her a star over a decade ago. Becky has steadily built an impressive resume: Esquinas (2023), Esquemas (2022) and Mala Santa (2019) all entered the Billboard 200 chart. She scored eight Billboard Hot 100 hits, including “MAMIII” with Karol G (a No. 15 peak), “Shower” (No. 16) and “Chanel” with Peso Pluma (No. 55). Her presence on Hot Latin Songs is even more frequent, with six top 10 entries, among them “Mayores” (No. 3 with Bad Bunny), “Sin Pijama” (No. 4 with Natti Natasha) and the chart-topping “MAMIII.”

While Becky’s past two albums — including 2024’s Encuentros, which explored rancheras and corridos — celebrated her Mexican heritage, her upcoming release represents an evolution, combining the confidence of her early rap-adjacent sound with an unapologetic pop focus. For fans who have followed her journey since the early days, Becky’s return to rapping feels less like revisiting the past and more like forging ahead.

“When I returned to my roots through Mexican music, something inside me healed,” she explains. “As an artist, I felt it gave me a chance to reconnect with my heritage, my childhood and my inner child — to embrace her and take better care of her. Just to catch up with her.

“As I was healing throughout making those albums,” Becky continues, “it allowed me to leave these things there to make room for other things. And rap is also part of my roots. Because you’ve been following me for long enough, you know that that’s how I got signed as an MC.”

Becky G photographed on April 6, 2026 in Los Angeles.

Christian Cowan top and shorts, Fleur du Mal bra.

Ashley Osborn

Now, in what her team calls her “reverse crossover,” Becky is reclaiming her rap roots while weaving in her Latin heritage. “She started as a rapper, but she also was a singer at the same time,” says Marc Jordan, who’s been co-managing Becky G since she was 14 alongside Ben Tischker. “One thing she always said [was], ‘I want to rap again, I want to rap again, I want to rap again.’ We [started] in the general market and then into the Latin space. Now we’re back into the general market with a splash of Spanish.”

Tischker adds, “She started on the Anglo side. She’s always worked with amazing collaborators and is very good at choosing which collaborators best fit her for where she’s at in her life. One of the biggest changes over the years was to go to the Latin space, four or five years into her career — when she was 17 or 18. That opened up a whole new lane for her … Now we’re coming back into pop.”

The still-untitled new album sees her embracing every corner of her musical journey. Tracks like “Chula” dazzle with R&B reggaetón-tinged elegance, laced with dreamy instrumentation, while in “5’5,” Becky glides through glitchy electro-pop textures with sharp lyricism. “Epa” — a euphoric dance floor cut, scheduled to arrive May 15 — erupts into Spanish-language rave chaos. Then there’s “Glitch,” full of L.A.-Mexicana wordplay and one of the highlights of her new work.

“The big thing is her art has no walls. Yes, she can sing in Spanish. Yes, she can sing English. Yes, she can sing, period. But also she can rap,” says Jordan. “We call her a global pop superstar because we think that’s what she is.”

Becky G photographed on April 6, 2026 in Los Angeles.

Blumarine top, Lynyer earrings.

Ashley Osborn

Reclaiming her “pocha power,” as Becky calls it, “is this whole expansion of my creativity [and] really owning that I am a 200-percenter in every sense of the word. For me, being pocha is not something that hinders me or hinders anybody. It’s something that adds to my music, and I’m happy that I’ve been able to embrace it in this [album].”

While it’s not new for artists to find success releasing material in both English and Spanish — veterans like Shakira, Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin paved the way — it’s far less common for an artist to seamlessly integrate bilingual lyrics into a song, let alone across an entire album. “The only one that’s done it right is Kali Uchis. ‘Telepatía’ is probably the best example of a successful [fully bilingual] song,” Tischker points out. “I think the world is more ready for it than it’s ever been … The hardest part about Spanglish is to not feel forced, right? Because there are a lot more [Spanglish-speaking] kids here than people realize. If it feels like it’s a marketing exercise, then it just won’t work.”

As far as Becky is concerned, “It should officially be named a language of its own,” she jokes. “People forget that language was created to communicate, to connect. Spanglish is an evolution of us 200-percenters, que no somos ni de aquí ni de allá, but I say, ‘de aquí y de allá.’ That’s how my brain sounds, that’s how I dream, that’s how my heart speaks, that’s how my creativity expresses itself.”


Now 29, Becky started her career 15 years ago, signing a joint record deal with Kemosabe Records and RCA Records, when producer Dr. Luke saw her cover of “Otis” by Jay-Z and Kanye West on YouTube. “I was rapping 30 bars straight. We shot a music video … in my grandfather’s garage,” she recalls. “It was me, my cousins and some of the directors’ kids. At that time, they hadn’t even graduated from film school just yet. We pulled all the favors out. It was literally one take. That’s the video that changed my life.”

While she was also scoring her early hits like “Booty” with C. Tangana and “Sin Pijama” with Natti Natasha, Becky G also ventured into acting, most notably in Power Rangers (2017), Gnome Alone (2017) and A.X.L. (2018). She has also made appearances in TV series like Empire and Austin & Ally. Her team teases more acting work on the way for the Inglewood native.

Her rise has not been without hardship — shaped by moments of struggle and vulnerability. Her documentary Rebbeca, which premiered last year at the Tribeca Festival, offered a glimpse into these challenges, from grappling with panic attacks before taking the stage to supporting her loved ones financially as a teenager and confronting her family’s history with addiction.

“There’s something really vulnerable in allowing yourself to be seen in that way. But it was super hard,” Becky says. “I think there was something really empowering in sharing my story, knowing that it’s not just my story, it’s a story about family. It’s a story about our community,” she adds. “Unfortunately, we’re really good at making beautiful things out of our pain. But we don’t have to stay there — we can grow from it.”

Becky G photographed on April 6, 2026 in Los Angeles.

Amiri dress and belt, Thursday Boot Company boots, Melinda Maria jewelry.

Ashley Osborn

Her struggle to balance her public and private life also came into focus recently, sparking backlash after Becky announced she reconciled with her longtime partner, Sebastian Lletget, following allegations of infidelity in 2023, just months after their engagement. Speaking to Billboard, she expands on her decision to get back together with Lletget: “It’s that process where everybody’s journey looks different.” For Becky, embracing life’s ambiguities with honesty has become part of her evolution as both an artist and a person. “I’m proud,” she adds.

“It’s not easy,” says Tischker about navigating her personal life with the public. “People are always going to hate, and they’re always going to talk. But as long as you’re authentic and true to who you are — no matter what you reveal — it all makes her who she is. Trials and tribulations, and how you deal with those, produce that individual, and we think that’s a pretty awesome artistic thing.”


Becky G’s commitment to creating safe spaces for healing extends beyond her personal experiences. Through her partnership with Project Healthy Minds via her film Rebbeca, Becky advocates for mental health destigmatization in Latin communities. By partnering with this nonprofit organization, she helped amplify access to resources and support for individuals dealing with mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, substance use, relationship challenges and eating disorders. “If we’re going to talk about these issues, knowing that we can also provide education and resources — the spaces our community needs — was incredibly important,” says the star. “We’re not meant to go through life alone.”

“Whenever [Becky] receives a brand opportunity, there always has to be some type of philanthropic element to it,” adds Jordan. “She’s like, ‘How can I better help my community through this brand partnership?’ Oftentimes there is some type of giveback or philanthropic element.” This value-driven approach has become a hallmark of Becky’s career.

Becky G photographed on April 6, 2026 in Los Angeles.

Ashley Osborn

Recent examples include her partnership with the Save The Music Foundation to support school music programs, collaborations with This Is About Humanity (TIAH) and Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef) in 2024 and her work with Cheetos on the Deja Tu Huella campaign, which funds Hispanic student scholarships. In 2023, Becky also launched her horchata-inspired “Swirl-Chata” smoothie at Erewhon Market, benefitting both the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation and Justice for Migrant Women, organizations advocating for high school student empowerment and migrant equity.

It’s a pattern of giving back from an artist who understands the long game. “[I believe in] fighting for your dreams. There are no shortcuts. This stuff does not happen overnight,” she says. “In a time where it’s so easy for things to go viral, I choose to believe the story of the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady. These things, they come and they go, but the one thing that remains is always the lessons that we learn.”

Up next are projects tied to the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which couldn’t be announced at press time. But already, Becky is championing women’s sports and entrepreneurship as part-owner of Angel City Football Club, a women’s soccer team based in Los Angeles. It’s part of her longstanding pattern of taking the things that are closest to her and turning them global.

“It’s about showing up and doing the work,” she said. “It’s about believing and fighting for your dreams; supporting each other and holding that door open for other people. I know that I’m not the only one, so collaboration is really important to me. Finding other people who are just as fearless, just as passionate, just as driven, no matter where they come from, it’s the most inspiring part about what I do.”

Becky G Billboard Cover April 23, 2026

On a crisp day at Milan Fashion Week in February, Becky G steps into a graffiti-lined plaza of an old Italian neighborhood, setting the stage for her latest music video “Marathon” featuring elkan. Backed by her girl crew amid flashing cameras and cheering fans, the visual showcases glam and street edge set against choreographed runway struts, paparazzi — and her confident bilingual bars. Dressed in a see-through lace top hanging by a few hooks and matching red leggings, Rebbeca Marie Gomez looks and sounds confident as she preps for a new chapter in her career: one that harkens back to her Los Angeles rap roots, while consolidating her image as an international star.

“These days, people want you to stay in just one place. It’s easy to think in black and white, but I always say life is in color — I love coloring outside of the lines,” Becky G reflects, speaking to the balance between embracing her Chicana roots and her global aspirations. “Being from Inglewood is the coolest thing. But I’m a world traveler too. I take where I’m from wherever I go. That doesn’t limit me. There are no limitations to where my dreams can take me.”

Read the full Becky G Billboard cover story here.

Watch Billboard’s Mujeres Latinas en la Música live April 23, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Telemundo, and stream live on Peacock and the Telemundo app. Watch Billboard’s red carpet livestream on the Billboard.com and the Billboard Latin YouTube channel. For more coverage on Latin Women In Music click here.

Billboard Español cover star & Billboard Latin Women in Music honoree Becky G addresses the complexities of navigating fame while staying authentic to her roots. She reflects on more than a decade in the industry, from being discovered on YouTube at 14 to becoming a billion-streaming artist who refuses to be confined by traditional genre boundaries. Becky G confronts the “not Latina enough” criticism she’s faced throughout her career, explaining why she’s chosen to stop defending her identity. She opens up about her documentary Rebeca and reveals upcoming projects, including her World Cup involvement and new acting opportunities. Becky G also discusses shooting her “Marathon” music video during Milan Fashion Week, her approach to balancing global opportunities with staying connected to her Inglewood community, and the evolution of Latin music on the global stage while emphasizing the importance of authentic representation.

Becky G:

That’s something that I’ve always dealt with and I’ll probably continue to deal with, and I’m also not the only one, where it’s like, you’re not Latina enough, you’re not whatever enough, but I am for me and I’m good with that. 

Isabela Raygoza:

It’s a pleasure to have you here again

Thank you, mami. 

Before we talk about your new projects, from your new music, I’d love to do a game of icebreakers.

Ooh, let’s go. 

What song do you have on repeat right now that isn’t yours?

Ooh, I’m like, it’s all my music. 

“Marathon.” 

“Marathon” for sure is on repeat. There’s a marathon happening with “Marathon”  Yeah. I’m like, “How long can I play it for? ” Um, no. Damn. You know what? Lately, in the morning, I’ve been listening to a lot of Los Hermanos Gutierrez. 

Okay. I love that. 

Yeah, just like guitar. 

Uh-huh. Simplicity. 

No, no lyrics. Just all melody.

The bolero, the guitar.

Yeah, it’s just romantic. 

I love that. 

I like to wake up in the mornings and drink my cafecito and romanticize my life. It’s perfect. 

And how do you like to drink your coffee in the mornings?

Uy. Ah, I just love a black coffee with a little bit of sugar. 

No creamer or anything?

Mm, every now and then, a little splash of almond milk. But I keep it simple. 

And what is your favorite go-to Cheetos flavor?

My favorite go-to Cheetos flavor? 

Yes. 

The extra flaming hot, Hot Cheetos. 

Yes, that’s, that’s the way to go. 

With lime on top. 

Ooh, yes. Yeah. That’s my favorite too. 

And you eat it with chopsticks so your hands don’t get red. 

Yes, that, that always happens. A little blush won’t hurt anybody. Dickies or Chanel? 

I mean, why not both? Why not both? 

Keep watching for more!