[Daddy Yankee]
[L-R: Emilio and Gloria Estefan]
[L-R: Xavi, Wisin, Emilia, and Carlos Vives]
Photo Credit: Billboard
Miami, FL. (October 23, 2025) – On Wednesday, October 22, Billboard Latin Music Week, the most prestigious and longest-running week dedicated to celebrating Latin Music, delivered another diverse lineup of panels, Q&As, and performances, featuring superstar artists across genres. Day Three of Billboard Latin Music Week brought together some of the most influential voices shaping music today—spanning songwriting, genre innovation, tech, legal insight, and unforgettable live performances.
The day opened with Cafecito con Pierre Hachar Jr., Esq. on AI in Music, presented by The Hachar Law Group. Pierre Hachar Jr. led a timely discussion examining how artificial intelligence is transforming the music industry, from songwriting and production to copyright, ownership, and artists’ rights. His insights offered a critical legal lens on one of the most pressing issues facing creators today: “I would create a song and would use AI, but I would take screenshots. Screenshot everything in the process of creating a song — this is your protection and your evidence.”
Mainstage programming began with The Sony Music Publishing Iconic Songwriter Q&A with Danny Ocean, presented by Sony Music Publishing. In a heartfelt conversation with Leila Cobo, Ocean reflected on crafting his biggest hits, the power of songwriting as a tool for change, and the responsibility that comes with having a global voice. About the hit that catapulted his career to a global level, “Me Rehúso,” Danny Ocean said, “It wasn’t my favorite song, but when it came out, it changed my life. It was very genuine; I made it in about 20 minutes. Sometimes the one you least expect is the one that connects the most.” The Venezuelan artist confessed that while “Me Rehúso” was becoming a hit on all digital platforms, he was working at a pizzeria in Kendall while also creating his music. To the question, “When you want to express something related to Venezuela, how do you avoid getting political?”, Ocean replied: “It’s my personal relationship with Venezuela. What I feel and what I’d like to say to her, I don’t see as a manifesto or something political. We want to put Venezuela on the radar.”
A celebration of rhythm and culture took center stage with The Cumbia and Tropical Music Explosion, presented by Andrea Ramírez PR. Grupo 5, Bebeshito, GUAYNAA, Luck Ra, and Olga Tañón joined moderator Jessica Roiz to explore the genres’ explosive growth, their impact across global markets, and the new wave of artists redefining their sounds for a modern era. With more than 40 years making merengue and taking her music worldwide, Olga Tañón shared: “I didn’t want to do merengue; I started out singing ballads. I was asked to audition, and I said I didn’t know how to sing merengue, and they told me, ‘A good singer can sing anything,’ and they were right.” She also reflected on tropical music in the modern age: “The DNA of a country will never die—not merengue, not salsa, not cumbia.” As part of the new generation of artists, Puerto Rican singer Guaynaa spoke about his motivation to move from urban to tropical sounds: “The feeling we share as a people… we never stop being singers, but we are the people. Most urban artists [who have turned to tropical music], including myself, when we create, we ask, ‘How can we impact culture? And that is what we are doing.’”
The energy continued with a Fireside Chat with Lyor Cohen and Hannah Karp,offering an inside look at global music strategy and the evolving role of platforms like YouTube in shaping the industry.
Power of Podcasters highlighted the growing influence of voices off the stage, as hosts Dimelo King, Leo Rojas from Escuela de Nada, and Molusco came together to discuss how podcasting is reshaping how audiences engage with artists, news, and culture. “Television often abused artist interviews—it stripped them down and only focused on the gossip. Artists got tired of that. On a podcast, the artist chooses who to talk to, sets their own pace, and gives the interview,” Molusco shared about the rise ofpodcasts. Meanwhile, Dímelo King added: “You have to look for opportunities. Some people start podcasts hoping their content will go viral—you have to work for that to happen. There are artists who plan what happens in a concert so it becomes news and then goes viral. We need artists, and artists need us.” Leo Rojas from Escuela de Nada commented: “People are more real on a podcast; they don’t just want to hear the music—they want to know the person.”
In one of the day’s most moving conversations, Selena y Los Dinos, presented by Netflix, Suzette Quintanilla and director Isabel Castro reflected on their new documentary project that unveils never-before-seen footage of Selena and her family’s journey. Moderated by Jessica Roiz, the session celebrated a legacy that continues to inspire generations. On the difference of this new documentary compared to others that have been released, Suzette Quintanilla expressed, “This documentary is completely opposite to the movie with JLo and the Netflix series, it is our family telling the true story. People wanna separate Selena from the band, and it is Selena, family and the band… I just documented everything in life, it is incredible how Isabel gathered those clips that were included in the documentary.” Selena y Los Dinos will premiere in 190 countries worldwide.
Later, The Music of the World Cup brought together Carlos Vives, Emilia, Wisin,and Xavi to discuss creating the anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the power of music to unite fans around the world. Sports anchor Carlota Vizmanos led the conversation, capturing the global excitement. Presented by Telemundo, the anthem will debut at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
On the power of sports to bring people together, Carlos Vives said: “I believe soccer unites us. Hispanic America and Ibero-America move for soccer. You step onto a field to play, and you end up hugging people you don’t even know. Soccer unites us all.”Wisin added: “It’s an honor to keep dreaming with people I love and respect. First of all, I’m happy doing what I love. More than a great song, it’s a cultural message. We represent the flag of unity and respect.” Emilia also spoke about what it means to be part of the project: “For me, it’s an honor to be here with these amazing artists, to represent Argentina, to represent this song for the World Cup… Soccer is part of my culture… It’s a song of Latin unity. This is something huge.” And last but not least, Xavi said: “I couldn’t believe it. It’s a blessing to represent Mexico alongside these artists. I feel that, even though we come from different worlds, we all share something in common. That’s soccer: unity.”
An Icon Q&A with Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan, presented by BMI and moderated by Jesús González, offered an intimate look at their extraordinary careers, lasting cultural impact, and ongoing legacy as architects of Latin pop’s global rise. On their creative relationship, Gloria Estefan said: “We always feel we’re on the same page when it comes to songs, but sometimes we’re not. Although he knows that if we disagree, we go with my opinion because I’m the one who faces the public. But when it comes to production, it’s him—there’s mutual respect.” Emilio Estefan, who received an award from Leila Cobo earlier in the session for being the producer with the most #1 hits on the charts during the first 25 years of the century, said: “I always tell artists: if there’s a song you don’t like, don’t do it. You must always have respect.”
Gloria advised the new generation of artists and spoke about the beginnings of Shakira’s successful career: “You have to be something that represents you—who you are. Prepare yourself, learn, study, so you can be you… Shakira, at first, didn’t believe she could make the crossover, and I always told her she could. I started singing her songs in English, and we could see it.” On Latino representation in the United States, Emilio expressed: “The most important thing to me is the value of Latinos who came here to contribute to this country. We came here to work hard. I don’t want any child to think they don’t have a chance in this country.”
The Future of Regional Mexican Music, presented by Walmart, spotlighted the genre’s new vanguard. Codiciado, ESTEVIE, Neton Vega, Óscar Maydon, and Xavi joined moderator Isabela Raygoza to discuss how they’re evolving tradition while taking Regional Mexican music to new audiences worldwide.
In The Building of Santos Bravos, presented by HYBE Latin America, the newly formed global pop group shared their journey from concept to debut, joined by Hybe’s Jaime Escallón-Buraglia and Juan Arenas. Their conversation underscored how Latin pop continues to innovate on a global stage.
The afternoon reached a crescendo with a Superstar Q&A featuring Daddy Yankee in conversation with Leila Cobo. The global artist reflected on his trailblazing career, cultural legacy, new purpose-driven music, and much more during his first public appearance in three years. About his new beginning and music with purpose, Daddy Yankee expressed: “‘Sonríele’ resonated in people’s hearts — it’s like medicine, it’s about celebrating life. Every day we have an opportunity… With ‘Lamento en baile,’ my Father taught me to turn my sadness into celebration. God turned my sorrow into dance.” He also clarified: “I’ve always had faith since I was a child. At ten years old, I would go to church alone. I feel that God has been working with me since I was little. I know that one day I will see my Father face to face. The Word says: ‘What did you do with the talents I gave you?’ I want to tell Him: ‘Father, I used music and multiplied the talents.’”
The evening came alive with the Artist Showcase presented by UNO Productions at Stardust Lounge, featuring Juanito El Millonzuki ft. Chaparro Chuacheneguer, Gerardo Fernández, and Silvia Zepeda. The intimate setting gave attendees a chance to discover emerging voices up close.
Miami’s nightlife lit up with Regional Mexican Takes Over Miami, presented by Zamora, with performances by Kane Rodríguez, Lisa Sáenz, Los Primos del Este,and Joaquin Guiller.
The night capped off with Billboard En Vivo ft. Rawayana with special guest Corina Smith at M2 — an electrifying performance that brought together artists, fans, and industry leaders to celebrate Latin music’s unstoppable momentum.
Day Three of Billboard Latin Music Week was a testament to the genre’s boundless creativity, cultural power, and global reach — blending legal insight, genre innovation, and iconic storytelling with unforgettable live experiences.
