As one of only nine artists with seven or more Billboard Music Awards this year, Bad Bunny won big at the 2021 BBMAs on Sunday (May 23) where he collected top Latin artist, top Latin male artist, top Latin Song (“Dákiti”) and top Latin album (YHLQMDLG).
Bunny, who performed “Te Deseo Lo Mejor” after accepting his top Latin artist award, presented by Lena Waithe, holds the record for the most top 40 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart with 104. He also holds the record for the most hits in total on that chart: 111. The Puerto Rican superstar’s chart-topping YHLQMDLG won him his first Grammy on March 14, when it was named best Latin pop or urban album.
In the top Latin artist category at the BBMAs, Bunny was up against Anuel AA, J Balvin, Maluma and Ozuna. “I share this [award] with all of my colleagues nominated who are doing big things for the genre,” he said in Spanish during his speech.
El Conejo Malo wasn’t the only one representing Latin music at the BBMAs. Colombian hitmaker Karol G also took center stage performing “Bichota” and “El Makinon” after being announced winner of the top Latin female artist award, beating out Becky G and Rosalía.
Karol G, whose most recent album KG0516 debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums, becoming her first No. 1 on that chart, has amassed 25 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including three No. 1s. She has had 10 No. 1s on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart.
She performed a medley of her hits “Bichota” and “El Makinon,” both from her latest album KG0516. She also flaunted her “next level” dance moves that she rehearsed “very hard” for, as she told Billboard’s Leila Cobo.
“I’m happy and I’m nervous,” she said ahead of her big night. “A lot of power…with this performance, I want to express that I feel like a woman and a business girl. I feel so happy and grateful for everything that’s happening in my career and my life, and to have the opportunity to inspire girls all over the world.”
Finally, representing the regional Mexican realm, Eslabon Armado took home the top Latin duo/group award. The teenage trio was up against Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga and Los Dos Carnales in that category.
Known for their sierreño ballads, Eslabon Armado – comprised of brothers Pedro (lead vocalist) and Brian Tovar (bass and bajoloche), along with friend Gabriel Hidalgo (harmony and background vocals) – scored three consecutive chart-topping albums in 2020: Tu Veneno Mortal, Vibras de Noche and Corta Venas.
“Always grateful to God, our parents, our label and our fans,” Eslabon Armado posted on their social media after they won the award. “This award is for all of you.”
The Billboard Music Awards are produced by dick clark productions, which is owned by MRC. MRC and Penske Media are co-parent companies of Billboard.
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