The 2019 Latin Billboard Awards wrapped last night at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The night was a celebration of the dominance that Latin Urban music has demonstrated in recent years. Yet, one man stole the show and made history in the process. Ozuna, fresh off being named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential, won a record 11 awards, including the coveted artist of the year prize, and became the biggest winner in one single year in the history of the award show.
Although it was quite a night for the Puerto Rican-Dominican artist, there were a number of great performances from J. Balvin, Rosalia, Nicky Jam and a video premiere of Marc Anthony’s latest “Parecen Viernes”. Not to be forgotten was bachata icon Juan Luis Guerra who was honored with Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other winners included Shakira for Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Female and Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Solo; J Balvin, took home awards for Airplay Song of the Year and Latin Rhythm Song of the Year for his single “X”; and Romeo Santos, who won Tropical artist of the year, solo, and Tropical song of the year for “Sobredosis.” Santos also performed with Wisin y Yandel to perform “Aullando”.
The ladies made quite the impression as well. It’s no secret Latinas have not only made their mark in Latin Urban music over the past few years, but are poised to take over the game. Last night was no exception, as artists such as Karol G had noteworthy performances and Anitta and Becky G colloborated for a show stopper in the form of “Banana”.