From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Mental Health Support
Mexican star Alejandro Fernández announced that a portion of proceeds from every ticket sold on his ‘De Rey a Rey’ U.S. and Canada tour will be donated to Backline, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health and wellness support for music industry professionals and their families. According to a press release issued by Live Nation, who is behind this upcoming tour, this partnership will “specifically help expand Backline’s services and reach within the Latino music community—an area often underserved by mental health resources.”
The ‘De Rey a Rey’ Tour is tribute to Fernández’s iconic father, Vicente Fernández. The stint kicks off this Saturday, May 10 at Seattle’s WAMU Theater at Lumen Field. See the dates here.
Grupo Frontera Makes Special Visit
Some of the members of Grupo Frontera made a special visit to fan Perla Leyla, a 7 year old girl fighting cancer. Beto and Payo arrived to the hospital with flowers and spent time with Leyla, taking selfies, dancing and FaceTiming other Grupo Frontera members. “Thank you for this beautiful surprise,” she captioned the sweet video posted on Instagram.
Jay Wheeler Honors Mom
A new song for mom. Puerto Rican star Jay Wheeler unveiled “Mejor Que Tú” — which replaced “Track Loading” on his album Girasoles. The previously-hidden track on his eighth studio LP honors the dedication, guidance, and perseverance of the woman who inspired him to become the man he is today.
“‘Mejor Que Tú’ is personally one of three very special tracks on this album,” Wheeler said in a statement. “It’s a very special song dedicated to my mom. To me, my mom has always been a true warrior and someone whom I’ve always admired. Although I admire many members of my family, I feel that my mom represents what I am today — the strength, values, and the love I possess and project today, is because of her.”
Karol G Celebrates Mañana Fue Muy Bonito
Karol G’s new documentary, Tomorrow Was Beautiful, is the culmination of her history, making, record-setting Mañana Será Bonito stadium tour. Now streaming on Netflix, the doc gives insight into the challenges the Colombian star faced along the way. “The tearjerking film brings together key moments from her life and career while highlighting her deep bond with her family, who have always provided her unwavering support,” Billboard Español‘s Isabela Raygoza wrote.
“Watching the documentary gave me the chance to reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had as a person— in the way I think, and even changes physically,” Karol told Billboard Español. “I feel like it all started when I had blue hair, and then came the whole process with red hair, blonde hair and finally pink hair. I can see how my mindset evolved, how my sense of responsibility and commitment to my fans grew, and even how I view myself physically. I also feel that the beautiful kind of self-love you start to develop begins to blossom and becomes more noticeable.”
Read all about Tomorrow Was Beautiful here.