Stars of Latin Music

The Billboard Latin Music Awards, airing on April 28, is one of the most hotly anticipated galas to celebrate the fantastic variety of Latin music. This mega-networking event for industry artists charts blockbuster performances of diverse Latino artists throughout the world. This year, the winners will introduce new players in the market, and showcase familiar names that continue to inspire around the world.

Leading the nominations are mainstays such as Enrique Iglesias (14 slots) and Shakira (13 slots). Meanwhile, Lady Gaga and Rihanna got a nod for the Crossover Artist of the Year category, once again proving Latinos’ love for pop-dance music. Here, some lesser-known names to add to your playlist:

Venezuelan reggaetón duo Chino y Nacho are nominated for nine awards, including Best Album of the Year. It’s no surprise that their sonic blend of reggaetón, merengue and salsa tunes are getting massive international airplay.

With the release of his eponymously titled album, Prince Royce steamed up dance floors with his debut this year. He’s nominated for six awards for his soulful urban bachata, including Male Artist of the Year.

L.A. quintet Voz de Mando may be relatively unknown, but their Mexican knowledge runs deep. So deep, in fact, that they’ve been touring around the country. They are now nominated for the new Latin Artist of the Year award.

Up for a solo Regional Mexican Airplay Artist of the Year award is singer-songwriter Espinoza Paz, an exciting newcomer whose tales of heartbreak earned him an impressive track of album sales and digital downloads. He’s nominated for eight awards, including Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year.

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