The historic Fillmore Miami Beach transformed into the epicenter of Latin music's universe as the 35th edition of Billboard Latin Music Week kicked off, showcasing the genre's remarkable evolution and the visionary artists shaping its future.

Unlocking the Boundless Potential of Latin Music

From Underground to Global Phenomenon

The meteoric rise of Latin music in the global marketplace was on full display as Colombian superstar Feid joined his manager Luis Villamizar and Live Nation's Senior VP of Global Touring, Hans Schafer, for a captivating panel discussion. Feid's journey from the club scene to stadium-filling stardom embodied the remarkable transformation of the Latin music industry. "There are many of us who are part of the team," Feid shared, "and this helps us stay alert as we live intensely in the present."

RIMAS Entertainment: A Decade of Disruptive Innovation

The 10th anniversary celebration of RIMAS Entertainment stood as a testament to Latin music's explosive growth. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Noah Assad, Vice President Junior Carabaño, and Habibi General Manager Raymond Acosta, the label has evolved from a digital distributor into an international powerhouse. Acosta's words resonated profoundly, "Anyone can make money, but you can't buy history with money," encapsulating RIMAS's philosophy of prioritizing artistic development over quick profits. This approach has established the label as one of the industry's most prestigious, launching the careers of stars like Bad Bunny, Arcángel, Eladio Carrion, and Mora.

Breaking Barriers: Women Redefining Latin Music

The Women's Panel: Global Rising, presented by Ulta, emerged as a powerful conversation that delved into the challenges and triumphs of being women in the rapidly evolving Latin music industry. The star-studded lineup, featuring Bad Gyal, Belinda, Danna, Debi Nova, Mon Laferte, and Zhamira Zambrano, shared their unique perspectives. Danna's passionate declaration about the importance of female alliances resonated throughout the room, "We talk to each other and the world moves. Being able to turn around and know that we are colleagues and not competition [...] We are making a very big change. Women are taking charge of everything."

Bridging Generations: Yandel's Legacy and Future

In one of the week's most insightful sessions, reggaeton pioneer Yandel took center stage to discuss his latest project, "ELYTE," his eighth solo studio album. Yandel's approach to blending traditional reggaeton with contemporary elements demonstrated his commitment to pushing the genre forward while maintaining its essential character. The panel became particularly engaging when Yandel was joined by rising star Dei V and De La Ghetto, creating a powerful moment of generational exchange. De La Ghetto's observation, "It's important to study the greats," highlighted the genre's evolution, with English-speaking artists now drawing inspiration from Latin artists.

Young Miko: The Voice of a New Generation

In a compelling Superstar Q&A, Young Miko offered insights into her artistic journey and the future of Latin music. When questioned about being the voice of her generation, she humbly expressed her desire to be the artist she wished she had seen growing up—authentic and true to her origins. Miko spoke about wanting to inspire young listeners by embracing her unique perspective and staying connected to her cultural roots, hoping that her journey might help others feel empowered to pursue their dreams without compromising their identity.

Crafting Hits Live: Grupo Frontera's Creative Process

The week featured unique glimpses into the music creation process, with Mexican sensation Grupo Frontera demonstrating their hit-making prowess live on stage. In just 40 minutes, the band crafted a new song titled "Ya No," written by Edgar Barrera, showcasing their signature cumbia style. Later that evening, they headlined Billboard En Vivo at Wynwood Marketplace, with Majo Aguilar opening with a traditional Mexican performance that had the crowd dancing to cumbia beats.

JBalvin's Epic Finale

The week reached its pinnacle on Wednesday night with an unforgettable showcase curated by JBalvin. Wynwood Marketplace quickly reached capacity, with the crowd's excitement building with each performance. Omar Courtz kicked things off with an electrifying set featuring hits from "Primera Musa," followed by Saiko's Miami debut, igniting the audience with "Polaris" and other chart-toppers. Dei V maintained the energy with hits like "Quien es Dei V?", "Narcotics," and "Crush" before being joined by Saiko for their explosive collaboration 'BADGYAL." Just when attendees thought the night couldn't get more spectacular, JBalvin surprised the crowd with a full-blown greatest hits set, delivering a high-energy performance that seamlessly transitioned between global hits like "Mi Gente," "Bonita," "La Cancion," "Con Altura," and "Reggaeton." JBalvin's extraordinary showmanship and ability to connect with the audience turned the evening into an unforgettable experience that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Billboard Latin Music Week.