Milo J Makes Premios Gardel History With 13 Wins & More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music
Categoria: Musica
Plus, Nicky Jam returns to Puerto Rico for two sold-out homecoming shows, and Rosie Perez spotlights salsa’s roots in a new Fania podcast.
Por Billboard | 30/05/2026
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week. Milo J Earns Top Prize at Argentina’s Premios Gardel At just 19, Milo J made history at the 2026 Premios Gardel on Tuesday (May 26), becoming the most awarded artist ever in a single edition after taking home 13 trophies, including the coveted Gardel de Oro. His wins included album of the year for ( La Vida Era Más Corta ), song of the year and record of the Year for “Niño,” plus trophies spanning urban, folklore, hip-hop/rap and music video categories. Accepting the night’s top prize, the artist said, “I want to thank everyone — especially those I don’t always have time to thank for everything they’ve done for me. I want you to know that, in one way or another, you saved my life. And to music, which saved me from not being happy.” The Argentine star opened the night with a moving performance of “Niño” and “Luciérnagas,” backed by a children’s choir. He also added, “ La Vida Era Más Corta was an album that, beyond what it may have generated in people, changed my life; mine and a lot of other people’s. I want to thank everyone, those I don’t always have the time to thank for everything they did for me. I want you to know that you saved my life in one way or another. And to music, which saved me from not being happy.” Milo J wins 13 Premios Gardel, including the coveted Gardel de Oro. Credit: Agustín R. Dusserre J Balvin Receives Special Honor from New York’s Museo del Barrio J Balvin was honored in New York on Thursday (May 28) with a special recognition from El Museo del Barrio for his “impact as a global artist and for his contribution to promoting and raising the profile of Latin culture worldwide,” says the statement. The tribute took place during a ceremony in the city, where the Colombian star attended with his partner, Valentina Ferrer. Founded in 1969 in East Harlem, El Museo del Barrio has long served as a key cultural institution for Latin communities in the U.S. Balvin was honored alongside Agustín and Isabel Coppel and Uruguayan art historian Estrellita Brodsky, with the recognition presented after remarks from Vogue México and Latinoamérica editorial director Karla Martínez de Salas. J Balvin and Valentina Ferrer at El Museo del Barrio’s 2026 Gala. Credit: Peter Zwolinski / Courtesy of El Museo del Barrio. Shakira and Carlos Vives’ “La Bicicleta” Turns 10 One of the biggest Colombian pop hits of the past decade turned 10 this week. Released in 2016, Carlos Vives and Shakira’s “La Bicicleta” became a major crossover success, reaching No. 1 on Latin Airplay and Latin Pop Airplay, among other chart achievements. “10 years ago we made this song that we called ‘A desperate vallenato,’ but when Afo Verde had the idea of sending it to Shakira … ‘La Bi