by Leticia Reyes
I knew writing this blog would be one trip down memory lane that I'd want to repeat over and over and over again! Los Latin Billboards desde San Juan Puerto Rico estuvo ENCENDIDO!! The event took place in the Conrad Hotel in the Condado district of San Juan. Puerto Rico was overjoyed to host one of the biggest award shows honoring some of the world's most illustrious latin musical talents.
Conferencia
Throughout the three day conference that kicked off with a Daddy Yankee listening party, myself, along with media partners My Latino Voice and Latin Trends Magazine viewed numerous star studded panel discussions and one on one exclusive interviews with featured artists. Kevin "Pills" Montano brought together a power house panel of urban music stars including Tito El Bambino, La Caballota, Ivy Queen, A.B. Quintanilla and Chino y Nacho to discuss the future of the urban genre in latin music. Elvis Crespo debuted his new single off his upcoming album while discussing trends in tropical music. Fourteen time nominated bachata kings, Aventura, took to the stage to reminisce of the days before they hit their huge success and how they created their chart topping sound. And perhaps the most highly anticipated one-on-one took place when Puerto Rico's own, Marc Anthony, gave everyone chills as he presented and spoke of his newest album and single, Y quien es el, originally sung by Jose Luis Perales. And if you think that was fun, that's because you weren't at the parties that culminated each day of the conference up until show time!
Fiestas
The waves crashing off the malecon were the perfect setting for the billboard pool party. The lights shown brightly as some of the hottest old school and new school performers took to stage sending the crowd into frenzy. From young super stars En'klave to Bachata Heightz, Elvis Crespo and Victor Manuelle, every hip was swaying as the whole crowd sung the lyrics word for word. The warm air was filled with the celebration of music and artistry and I was certainly in my glory. The festive atmosphere was definitely happening afterwards, in the hotel lobby, as we ran into many conference goers and industry professionals and performers like Danny "El Chulito" Fernandez of the 740 Boyz. The following night's festivities took it to yet another level as the various nominees were honored at a pre-show red carpet bash. Young cutie Prince Royce sang his bachata rendition of Stand By Me that left most of the crowd cooing but Luis Enrique blew everyone away with his blow out performance of Yo No Se Manana! Increible!
Awards Show
En La Escena was center stage to watch the 21st annual billboard awards. We caught every incredible moment from the standing ovation given to Ricky Martin, to a collaboration between Paulina Rubio and Wyclef Jean, to performances by Wisin and Yandell, David Bisbal, Juan Luis Guerra, Thalia, Luis Fonsi and the spirit of hope award given to Marc Anthony following his jaw dropping performance. Aventura took home the most of the awards followed by Tito El Bambino who only managed to walk away with seven!
Words couldn't express the experience of being a part of a night in musical history! Check out our web page for video footage of some of these magical moments as well as exclusive en la escena interviews of the Latin Billboard Awards in Puerto Rico. I'm Leticia Reyes of En La Escena and I love my job! Until next year mi gente!!
