Maluma Gets Emotional As Anuel AA, Becky G, Pitbull & Rubén Blades Bring Star Power To Billboard Latin Music Week
MIAMI BEACH — New music, career milestones and a visibly emotional Maluma took center stage at Billboard Latin Music Week, as Anuel AA, Becky G, Pitbull and Rubén Blades joined the conference’s lineup of artist conversations at Faena Forum. The October 19–22 gathering brought multiple generations of Latin music into focus ahead of Thursday’s Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Maluma delivered one of the week’s most personal moments during his conversation with Billboard’s Leila Cobo. Hearing “Hawái” prompted tears as the Colombian singer reflected on gratitude, ambition and how easily career momentum can obscure an appreciation for what an artist has already achieved. He also discussed his changing priorities and renewed connection to family and Colombia. The session concluded with recognition of his 32 No. 1s across six Billboard Latin charts.
The framed Billboard honor provided a tangible counterpart to the conversation: a celebration of commercial success following an unusually candid assessment of its personal cost.
Anuel AA, meanwhile, used his Superstar Q&A: Premiere Party to introduce his next chapter. Speaking with Cobo, the Puerto Rican artist previewed material from an upcoming album that draws on trap and reggaeton while also incorporating pop influences. The selections included “Sexo,” a collaboration with Elena Rose, and a corrido dedicated to Mexico.
His discussion extended beyond the recording process. Anuel described a period of reassessment, including changes intended to improve his mental and physical well-being. He also discussed plans for a tour and business ventures designed to establish a legacy beyond music. Together, the previews and personal reflections positioned the appearance as both an introduction to new material and a statement of intent.
Becky G’s appearance arrived amid another evolving chapter in her career. Her Superstar Q&A followed the release of her fifth studio album, Baraja Bendita, which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Latin Pop Albums chart. Her inclusion brought another perspective to a conference spanning urbano, pop, música mexicana and tropical music.
Rubén Blades joined Cobo for an Icon Q&A, bringing the perspective of a songwriter whose influence spans generations. His conference appearance preceded his scheduled receipt of the Billboard Icon Award on October 22, recognizing his enduring artistic career and contribution to Latin music.
Pitbull’s Chart History Live session, also with Cobo, added Miami’s own global hitmaker to Wednesday’s program. His career retrospective rounded out a slate that paired established catalogs with new releases and conversations about sustaining a career.
The week leads into the Billboard Latin Music Awards at Miami’s James L. Knight Center on Thursday, October 22, airing live at 8 p.m. ET on Telemundo and Peacock.
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