The Billboard Latin Music Awards, given in 56 categories, honor the most popular albums, songs and performers in Latin music as determined by Billboard’s renowned weekly charts, during the period rom the rankings dated Feb. 1, 2020, through this year’s Aug. 7, 2021, charts, a longer than usual period due to the pandemic.
Following Bunny in number of wins was Jhay Cortez — with three for “Dákiti” — and the Black Eyed Peas, whose hit “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” with J Balvin won sales song of the year, while their “Mamacita” with Ozuna and J. Rey Soul won Latin pop song of the year. The Peas were also the winners of the crossover artist of the year, thanks to their groundbreaking album Translation, where they paired up with multiple Latin acts.
Urban star Karol G swept the female awards, winning Hot Latin Songs artist of the year, female, and Top Latin Albums artist of the year, female. Fellow Colombian Maluma, along with The Weeknd, also took home two awards for “Hawái,” and Prince Royce, who continues to break ground in tropical music, won tropical song of the year with “Carita Inocente” and tropical album of the year for Alter Ego.
In the rapidly growing realm of regional Mexican music, stalwarts Band MS de Sergio Lizárraga won Hot Latin Songs artist of the year, duo or group and Regional Mexican artist, duo or group. In turn, newcomers Eslabón Armado won Top Latin Album artist of the year, duo or group, and Regional Mexican album of the year for Tu Veneno Mortal.
In a year that was full of new music, the versatile Myke Towers, who does both rap and reggaetón, won the new artist of the year award, buoyed by a string of successful hits and albums. And Tainy once again took home the producer of the year award.
The evening was punctuated by a slew of special moments. Daddy Yankee received the Billboard Hall of Fame award, becoming the first urban artist to receive the honor and underscoring nearly two decades of steady hitmaking. In turn, Yankee performed the television premiere of his new single, “Métele al Perreo.”
Rock legends Maná received the new Billboard Icon award, and premiered their new single, “Reloj Cucú,” alongside newcomer Mabel.
