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.
Sergio George’s Google Doodle
Earlier this week, Google launched its first-ever global Doodle dedicated to salsa, curated by renowned producer, pianist and arranger Sergio George. The initiative marks an “unprecedented recognition of a genre born in Latino communities that went on to conquer stages and celebrations around the world,” according to a press release. The tribute comes just days before George presents his first Salsa Festival, ¡ATACA SERGIO!, at Miami’s Kaseya Center on Sept. 21.
The Doodle debuted as an animated music video honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with a remix of five salsa anthems, including “I Like It” by Pete Rodríguez and “Mi Gente” by Héctor Lavoe. The Doodle also showcases iconic salsa instruments such as the piano, conga, trombone, clave, and güiro. The project was brought to life under the creative direction of Jorge R. Canedo E. and Sergio George.
The Doodle is accompanied by a playlist of salsa hits titled DAME MÁS SALSA, which includes 15 tracks produced by Sergio George.
Karol G’s Con Cora Foundation Initiatives
The Colombian star, who will be headlining Coachella next year, announced two new projects in Colombia for her Con Cora Foundation. Karol G took to social media to unveil the construction of Santa Fe de Icotea College in Maria la Baja, Bolivar and Casa Con Cora in Medellin, a safe space for women and girls in vulnerable situations.
“They’re the kind of achievements that make me feel like everything I do has a purpose because behind them are incredible stories of struggles and hopes that touch me deeply,” she captioned the Instagram post. See the developments here.
BMI Hosts “Las Compositoras+” Songwriting Camp
BMI recently hosted the “Las Compositoras+” song camp as part of its “commitment to supporting its songwriters and amplifying diverse voices in música mexicana,” according to a press statement. The three-day creative retreat was in partnership with songwriter Erika Vidrio, who led the songwriting sessions. Held in Los Angeles, the camp united a lineup of emerging and established talent, including Paulina B, Celimar, Amanda Coronel, Delilah, Lupita Infante, Michelle Maciel, Karen Moon and Ashlee Valenzuela.
“The Las Compositoras+ song camp is about fostering collaboration, supporting our songwriters and building a creative community,” Lilibeth Patron, BMI’s associate director, creative, Latin, said in a statement. “Together, with the support of our sponsors, we were able to provide a platform and create a unique experience for female songwriters and creators in the LGBTQ+ community in música mexicana.”
2025 Latin Music Week Lineup
On Thursday, Billboard unveiled the full lineup for the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Week, returning to The Fillmore Miami Beach from Oct. 20 to 24.
Joining the star-studded roster of the week-long event are Aitana, Christian Alicea, Danny Ocean, Ivy Queen, Lenny Tavárez, Luck Ra, Lupita Infante, Olga Tañón, Rawayana, Silvestre Dangond, Suzette Quintanilla, Tokischa and Yailin, to name a few.
The new additions were announced during a press conference in Miami. “We are thrilled to be back with our biggest Latin Music Week ever — 32 panels, more than 100 guests, including the artists, executives and content creators most relevant,” Leila Cobo, chief content officer of Billboard Latin/Español, said then. “The Fillmore is not just a beautiful theater, but history has been made here. Every artist of note has performed here.”
See the full lineup here.
Regional Mexican GOATs
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which officially kicked off Sept. 15, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors rolled out the 75 Best Regional Mexican Acts of All Time, announcing Nos. 75-61.
The following criteria was taken into consideration for the list: vocal prowess, body of work, career longevity, industry achievements, Billboard chart accomplishments, game-changing influence and enduring generational/cultural impact.
Billboard will be unveiling a new round every week until the final 15.
