From significant career milestones to exciting music releases, major announcements, and those meaningful moments that resonate with fans, Billboard editors spotlight inspiring events in the Latin music scene. Here’s a recap of the latest happenings in the vibrant world of Latin music this week.
Eslabon Armado’s Impactful Engagement with Students in NYC
Mexican music superstars Eslabon Armado recently made a memorable appearance at Baruch College in New York City for a unique event titled Eres Arte: A Panel with Eslabon Armado. This engaging forum, moderated by Isabela Raygoza from Billboard Español, was inspired by a creative student-produced video that envisioned the band visiting the college to perform and engage with students as a playful alternative to attending their concert. The initiative illustrates the band’s commitment to connecting with their audience in innovative ways.
With an enthusiastic audience of approximately 150 students, the panel served as an invaluable opportunity for young fans to interact directly with the acclaimed Mexican-American group. During the discussion, the band members shared insights into their journey, including their evolution from a family ensemble to a celebrated name in the music industry. They discussed their transition towards independence through their own label, Armado Records, and expressed their thrill about their upcoming tour in Mexico, where they will perform live for the first time in their ancestral homeland. “We aim to share our story with people our age, those who are inspired by us, and those who aspire to make a meaningful change in their lives or wish to superarse,” said frontman Pedro Tovar during the engaging dialogue. Following the enriching 30-minute panel, Eslabon Armado delighted the audience with an intimate live performance featuring their latest releases “Esa Noche,” “Eres Arte <3,” and their popular 2020 hit “Jugaste y Sufrí.”
“Organizing Eres Arte was truly a labor of love — we aimed to bring together students from across NYC to celebrate música mexicana and cultural identity, drawing inspiration from Eslabon Armado,” shared assistant professor Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana, who played a pivotal role in organizing the event, in a conversation with Billboard Español. “This event stands as a testament to the transformative power of representation and underscores the essential role public institutions play in uplifting diverse voices within our communities.”
Discover the Anthem “Tocando El Cielo” for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup
Luis Fonsi’s uplifting song “Tocando el Cielo” has been officially designated as the anthem for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, a collaborative effort between the prestigious league and Universal Music Latino. The exciting announcement was revealed on Thursday (April 10) during the live broadcast of the official draw for the 2025 Gold Cup, which was streamed on YouTube Live. This year’s highly anticipated tournament will showcase 16 national teams: the top 15 from the Concacaf region, which secured their places through the latest Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup 2025 preliminaries, along with the invited team, Saudi Arabia.
Empowering Women Through the Latin Grammy Mentorship Program
The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation proudly announced the launch of the fourth edition of the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Connect TogetHER mentorship program, developed in partnership with She Is The Music. This year’s program will feature mentors who will offer “one-on-one virtual mentoring sessions with young women eager to pursue careers in the music and entertainment industries,” as stated in a recent press release.
“We are thrilled to support the future generation of women within the Latin music industry through the involvement of our Leading Ladies, who generously dedicate their time and expertise, alongside She Is The Music,” remarked Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, executive director of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, in an official statement. “Together, we are making the impact of community visible as we strive to bridge the gender gap within the Latin music sector.”
This year’s mentors include notable artists such as Ivy Queen, Vivir Quintana, Janina Rosado, and Julieta Venegas, alongside several influential executives within the Latin music scene.
Honoring the Legacy of Selena Quintanilla with a Special Tribute
During this year’s Tecate Pa’l Norte festival in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, A.B. Quintanilla III emerged as one of the surprise guests of the event, taking the stage to pay tribute to his late sister, the legendary Selena. The talented Mexican-American hitmaker was joined by Ximena Sariñana, Matisse, and Belanova to perform a heartfelt medley of Selena’s greatest hits, including iconic tracks like “Amor Prohibido,” “El Chico del Apartamento 512,” “La Carcacha,” and “No Debes Jugar,” among others, celebrating her enduring legacy.
Watch a fan-captured video of this memorable tribute here.
Additional reporting by Isabela Raygoza.
