The biggest Latin stars shined bright last night at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards. Peso Pluma, Bad Bunny, and Karol G were among the big winners. The awards also highlighted legendary acts like Ivy Queen, La Factoría, and Los Ángeles Azules. Here are five of our favorite moments from the all-star event, which aired live from Coral Gables, FL.
Ivy Queen Gets Her Well-Deserved Flowers
Ivy Queen was honored with the Icon Award for her work as a reggaeton pioneer. The Puerto Rican legend’s empowering songs like “Quiero Bailar” and “Dile” made space for women in the male-dominated genre. During her emotional speech, Ivy Queen reflected on the important impact she’s had on reggaeton stars that have followed in her footsteps, such as Karol G and Natti Natasha. “You don’t know the immense pride I feel knowing that there are more women on the stage because…I did my job as it should be,” she said.
Peso Pluma Wins Big
Peso Pluma was the biggest winner of the night when he took home eight awards, including New Artist of the Year. The Mexican superstar is this year’s breakthrough Latin artist while proudly pushing the music of his country to the forefront. During his performance, Peso Pluma showed a softer side to his artistry when he performed the remix of “Por Las Noches” live. He was joined by Argentine singer Nicki Nicole, who he is rumored to be dating, for the sweet duet. Peso Pluma also joined Mexican rapper Yng Lvcas to perform the “La Bebe” remix.
Bad Bunny’s Hits-Filled Performance
Bad Bunny was the second most-awarded artist of the night with seven wins, including for Artist of the Year. The Puerto Rican superstar performed a medley of hits from his blockbuster album “Un Verano Sin Ti.” Bad Bunny teleported us back to summer 2022 when he sang “Moscow Mule,” “Tití Me Preguntó,” and “Me Porto Bonito.” The audience went wild and could be heard loudly singing along with “El Conejo Malo.” He also performed his latest singles “Where She Goes” and “Un Preview” live for the first time.
Karol G Gets Honored For Her Humanitarian Work
Karol G was the most-awarded woman of the night with five wins, including Album of the Year for “Mañana Será Bonito.” The Colombian superstar also received an additional honor, the Spirit of Hope Award. Paris Hilton, who called Karol G “mi amiga La Bichota,” presented her with the award. While at the podium, Karol G talked about her work with the Con Cora Foundation. Through her organization, she provides aid and opportunities to women in need throughout Colombia. Karol G accepted the award with the director of Con Cora Foundation who leads their all-women team.
Throwbacks from La Factoría and Los Ángeles Azules
Panamanian icons La Factoría and Eddy Lover reunited for a new version of their classic “Perdóname.” The timeless reggaeton hit was updated with influences of Afrobeats. Puerto Rican singer Farruko also joined them to put a contemporary twist on the song. Los Ángeles Azules were honored with the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award. The Mexican cumbia band performed a live medley of their hits like “Nunca Es Suficiente” and “Como Te Voy A Olvidar” with Ximena Sariñana, Nicki Nicole, and Sofía Reyes.
Lucas Villa is a freelance music contributor for LATINA. His work is also featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Teen Vogue, MTV News and W Magazine.
