Billboard Latin Music Awards
Latin music award nomineesFor more than two decades, the Billboard Latin Music Awards have honored legendary artists, rising stars and songs that have reigned supreme in record sales and radio play. Telemundo is broadcasting the 22nd annual Billboard Latin Music Awards from Miami. Check out our rundown of the top finalists and some curious facts about them.
Wisin Y YandelCareer: This reggaeton duo first began gaining popularity in 2000 with the release of their debut, "Reyes del Nuevo Milenio," which translates to "Kings of the New Millennium." They've collaborated with several popular U.S. artists, including a socialite-turned-pop singer, a troubled R&B singer, a rocker and many others.
Don OmarCareer: A native of Puerto Rico, Don Omar, 33, was one of the first international superstars of reggaeton. His debut album came out in 2003, just as the reggaeton movement was beginning to make inroads into the lucrative U.S. market.
Nominations: Finalist in six categories, including Latin Rhythm Albums Artist of the Year, Solo
Ricky MartinCareer: Ricky Martin, 39, got his start as the lead singer of a popular boy band and is now an internationally acclaimed artist who has sold millions of albums.
Hit song: “Livin’ La Vida Loca”
ShakiraCareer: Born in Barranquilla, Colombia , this singer known for her hip-shaking belly-dance moves released her first album when she was 13. Shakira, 34, has sold millions of albums worldwide (how many?) and has collaborated with multiple U.S. artists, including Beyoncé
Nominations: Finalist in 13 categories, including Latin Artist of the Year
Daddy YankeeCareer: A native of Puerto Rico, Daddy Yankee, 34, was a leading force in establishing reggaeton as a marketable music style.
Nominations: Finalist in seven categories, including Songwriter of the Year
Hit song: “Gasolina”
ChayanneCareer: This Puerto Rican heartthrob, has been a hit-making balladeer since the late 1980s. Chayanne, 42, got his start in the music business at age 11 as a member of a boy band. He has released numerous solo albums and sold millions of records
Nominations: Latin Touring Artist of the Year and Latin Pop Albums Artist of the Year
Enrique IglesiasCareer: Enrique Iglesias, 34, started his music career while attending a prestigious private school in Miami. His 1995 self-titled debut album was a smash hit. He holds a record with 22 No. 1 Spanish-language singles on Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks.
Nominations: Finalist in 14 categories, including Latin Pop Album of the Year, Hot Latin Song of the Year, Solo and Latin Artist of the Year
Hit song: “I Like It”
Marc AnthonyCareer: A native of Puerto Rico, Marc Anthony , 42, has been electrifying the salsa dancing masses for years. He got his start as a background singer, and one of the early songs he wrote became a Top 40 hip-hop hit. He has won numerous awards and has sold millions of records.
Nominations: Finalist in four categories, includingLatin Pop Album of the Year
RihannaCareer: Her debut release was a smash hit, but she didn’t become a full-fledged international pop star until her third album. Rhianna , 23, struck a decidedly dark tone with a controversial single written with an R&B soul artist.
Nominations: First-time Latin Billboard finalist in the Crossover Artist of the Year category
Lady GagaCareer: Lady Gaga , 25, learned to play piano at age 4, wrote her first ballad at age 13 and began performing soon after. Known for her flamboyant attire, she won multiple awards for her 2008 debut album. Her highly anticipated second album is set to be released soon.
Nominations: Finalist in two categories,Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female and Crossover Artist of the Year
ThalíaCareer: This multi-talented Mexican artist has sold millions of albums worldwide, singing in multiple languages. Thalía, 39, also is an award-winning soap opera star.
Nominations: Finalist in two categories, including Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female
Hit song: “I Want You” |
Prince RoyceCareer: Prince Royce, 21, started writing poetry at age 13 then turned his talents toward songwriting. His self-titled debut album soared to the top of Billboard’s Tropical Albums chart.
Nominations: Finalist in six categories, including Latin Artist of the Year, New
Hit song: “Corazon Sin Cara”
PitbullCareer: Pitbull , 30, sought his shot at stardom when a Southern flavor of party rap started gaining some mainstream traction in the early 2000s. One of Pitbull’s freestyle tracks landed in a platinum-selling record by this exuberant rapper in 2002. His latest record is an all-Spanish album.
Nominations: Finalist in six categories, including Latin Rhythm Albums Artist of the Year, Solo and the new category Social 50, Latin Artist of the Year
Hit song: “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)”
