Puerto Rico's music icon, Daddy Yankee, crowned Latin Grammys Person of the Year, reaffirmed his status as the undisputed monarch of reggaeton with an electrifying performance at the Latin Grammys on Thursday evening. The stage blazed as he journeyed through his extensive catalog of hits, delighting fans with classics and bringing forth a spectacular lineup of collaborators, including LL Cool J, French Montana, Diljit Dosanjh, Feid, Bizarrap, and Bad Gyal, among others.
The night before the main event, the Latin Recording Academy bestowed upon Daddy Yankee the prestigious Person of the Year honor. Proving that he never rests on his accomplishments, he delivered one of the most memorable and grand performances of the entire ceremony. In a subtle yet powerful homage to Michael Jackson, Daddy Yankee sported a single white-studded glove. The audience was on their feet, fully immersed as he performed seminal tracks like "Ella Me Levantó" and "Lo Que Pasó, Pasó." The energy soared with dynamic duets of "Dura" with Bad Gyal and "Rompe" with Feid. The legendary LL Cool J then made a dramatic entrance, delivering his iconic line, "Don't call it a comeback." Daddy Yankee seamlessly transitioned into a hip-hop rendition of his breakout hit "Gasolina," masterfully blended with LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out." Anticipation for Daddy Yankee's upcoming headlining set at Coachella has never been higher.
In addition to being named Person of the Year, Daddy Yankee was also nominated for Best Urban/Fusion Performance at this year's awards, recognizing his collaborative session with Bizarrap. This nomination underscores his enduring relevance and could potentially mark his eighth career win, further cementing his legacy in Latin music.
February marked a significant milestone for Daddy Yankee as he celebrated his 50th birthday, kicking off an extraordinary year that honors three decades of his profound influence in the music industry. Last month, he unveiled his 10th studio album, "La Postal," a project that beautifully intertwines his Christian convictions with his signature reggaeton flair. Adding to his monumental year, the Puerto Rican rapper was also announced as one of the headliners for Coachella 2027, signifying his highly anticipated debut at the renowned festival.
In a revealing interview with Rolling Stone earlier this year, Daddy Yankee shared his current perspective on life and artistry. He expressed, "I believe that at this juncture of my life, I am profoundly enjoying how I can contribute and how I can continue my evolution as an individual. That is my paramount mission now." He further contemplated, "I think perhaps this constant yearning for improvement in every facet of life is a byproduct of age."
An exclusive excerpt from Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain's new book, "Hello Boys and Girls!," offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of their 1986 album "Somewhere in Time" and the subsequent "Somewhere on Tour." McBrain shares personal anecdotes about band dynamics, creative clashes, and the band's evolving stage show, providing fans with a unique perspective on a pivotal period in their career.
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready has released “Farewell to Seasons,” the lead single from his forthcoming rock opera of the same name. The project, two decades in the making, features 11 new tracks written from the perspective of fictional character David Williams and is accompanied by a graphic novel. It aims to capture the essence and impact of the 1980s and 90s Seattle music scene.
Ron Wood of The Rolling Stones is set to perform a rare solo show in New York on March 22 at the Beacon Theatre, following extensive touring across Europe and South America. He expresses excitement for the upcoming U.S. gig and highlights the dynamic experience of leading his Ammo Band, which includes notable musicians and Stones background vocalist Chanel Haynes. Wood also discusses the diverse setlist and the current sabbatical of The Rolling Stones.
Ella Langley has unveiled her new song, "Here Then We're Gone," featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming film, 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.' This introspective, acoustic country track was co-written by Langley, Aaron Raitiere, and Ernest, with production handled by Dave Cobb. The full soundtrack, which also includes contributions from Noah Kahan, Noah Cyrus, Stevie Nicks, and others, is now available. This release follows a successful year for Langley, who also launched her second album, 'Dandelion,' and is a leading nominee at the 2026 CMA Awards.
Colombian reggaeton sensation Feid delivered a captivating performance at the 2026 Latin Grammys, featuring collaborations with Divino, Lil Supa, Baby Ranks, and DJ Premier, and even previewing a new track with Snoop Dogg. He also secured a Latin Grammy for "Best Reggaeton Performance" for "Verano Rosa," a collaboration with Karol G, marking another significant achievement in his burgeoning career. This follows his previous win in 2023 for a feature on Bad Bunny's "Perro Negro."
Music icon Sting has secured his inaugural Latin Grammy Award for Best Pop/Rock Song, acknowledging his significant contribution to "Hasta Jess Tuvo Un Mal D■a" by Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso. The song is featured on their acclaimed album, *Free Spirits*. Though absent from the ceremony, the Argentine duo extended heartfelt gratitude to Sting, emphasizing his crucial support throughout their creative journey.