Billboard Latin Music Week 2025, the most prestigious and longest-running celebration of Latin music, continued its momentum on Wednesday, October 22, delivering another powerful day filled with panels, Q&As, and live performances from some of the most influential names in the industry.
From deep discussions on AI and the future of music to emotional tributes, legendary conversations, and genre-defining showcases, Day 3 was a masterclass in creativity, innovation, and Latin cultural pride.
AI, Law, and the Future of Music
The day kicked off with “Cafecito con Pierre Hachar Jr., Esq.”, presented by The Hachar Law Group, where Pierre Hachar Jr. led an insightful discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping songwriting, production, and copyright law.
“I would create a song and would use AI, but I would take screenshots. Screenshot everything in the process of creating a song. This is your protection and your evidence,” Hachar advised, emphasizing the importance of legal awareness in an AI-driven era.
Danny Ocean: The Art of Honest Songwriting
The main stage opened with the Sony Music Publishing Iconic Songwriter Q&A featuring Danny Ocean, moderated by Leila Cobo. The Venezuelan hitmaker shared the story behind his breakout hit “Me Rehúso”, which he revealed was created “in about 20 minutes” while he was still working at a pizzeria in Kendall.
“Sometimes the one you least expect is the one that connects the most,” he reflected. Ocean also discussed his relationship with Venezuela, adding:
“It’s my personal relationship with Venezuela. What I feel and what I’d like to say to her, I don’t see as a manifesto or something political. We just want to put Venezuela on the radar.”
The Cumbia & Tropical Music Explosion
A celebration of rhythm and culture followed with The Cumbia and Tropical Music Explosion, presented by Andrea Ramírez PR, featuring Olga Tañón, GUAYNAA, Luck Ra, Bebeshito, and Grupo 5, moderated by Jessica Roiz.
With over four decades of hits, Olga Tañón shared:
“I didn’t want to do merengue; I started singing ballads. They told me, ‘A good singer can sing anything,’ and they were right… The DNA of a country will never die not merengue, not salsa, not cumbia.”
Representing the new generation, Guaynaa spoke on his move from urban to tropical music:
“We never stop being singers, but we are the people. When we create, we ask ourselves, ‘How can we impact culture?’ And that’s what we’re doing.”
Lyor Cohen & Hannah Karp: The Future of Platforms
A fireside chat with YouTube’s Lyor Cohen and Billboard’s Hannah Karp offered valuable insight into the global evolution of digital platforms and their role in shaping modern music discovery.
The Power of Podcasts
In Power of Podcasters, voices like Dímelo King, Molusco, and Leo Rojas from Escuela de Nada discussed the growing cultural influence of podcasting.
Molusco emphasized:
“Television often abused artist interviews it focused on gossip. Artists got tired of that. On a podcast, they choose who to talk to, and they control their story.”
Dímelo King added:
“You have to create your own opportunities. Going viral isn’t luck it’s work and strategy.”
Selena y Los Dinos: The True Story Behind the Legacy
Presented by Netflix, the panel Selena y Los Dinos reunited Suzette Quintanilla and director Isabel Castro for an emotional look at their upcoming documentary, moderated by Jessica Roiz.
Suzette shared:
“This documentary is completely opposite to the movie with JLo and the Netflix series it’s our family telling the true story. Selena was never separate from the band. It’s Selena, family, and the band.”
The new film will premiere in 190 countries, promising never-before-seen footage and a deeply personal perspective.
The Music of the World Cup
One of the most anticipated sessions of the day, The Music of the World Cup, brought together Carlos Vives, Wisin, Emilia, and Xavi, moderated by Carlota Vizmanos and presented by Telemundo.
The panel revealed details about the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to premiere at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Carlos Vives shared:
“Soccer unites us. You step onto a field and end up hugging people you don’t even know.”
Wisin added:
“More than a song, this is a cultural message. We represent unity and respect.”
Emilia celebrated representing Argentina, calling it “a song of Latin unity,” while Xavi described it as “a blessing to represent Mexico alongside legends.”
Gloria & Emilio Estefan: Icons of Latin Music
An Icon Q&A presented by BMI featured Gloria and Emilio Estefan in conversation with Jesús González, offering a rare and inspiring glimpse into their creative partnership and cultural impact.
Gloria shared advice for young artists:
“Be something that represents who you are. Prepare yourself, learn, and study so you can be you.”
On mentoring Shakira, she revealed:
“At first, she didn’t believe she could make the crossover. I told her she could and we proved it.”
Emilio reflected on Latino representation in the U.S.:
“We came here to work hard. I don’t want any child to think they don’t have a chance in this country.”
Regional Mexican & Global Pop Innovation
The Future of Regional Mexican Music, presented by Walmart, brought together Codiciado, ESTEVIE, Neton Vega, Óscar Maydon, and Xavi, highlighting how young stars are modernizing tradition and taking regional sounds global.
Meanwhile, The Building of Santos Bravos, presented by HYBE Latin America, introduced the label’s new global pop group, with Jaime Escallón-Buraglia and Juan Arenas sharing insight into the group’s formation and vision.
Daddy Yankee: The Return of El Jefe
The day’s most anticipated moment came with Daddy Yankee’s Superstar Q&A with Leila Cobo, his first public appearance in three years. The global legend reflected on his spiritual and artistic rebirth through “Sonríele” and his new album “Lamento en Baile.”
“‘Sonríele’ resonated in people’s hearts it’s like medicine. With Lamento en baile, my Father taught me to turn sadness into celebration. God turned my sorrow into dance.”
He added:
“The Word says: ‘What did you do with the talents I gave you?’ I want to tell Him, ‘Father, I used music and multiplied the talents.’”
Nightlife: Showcases and Celebrations Across Miami
As the sun set, UNO Productions hosted the Artist Showcase at Stardust Lounge, spotlighting Juanito El Millonzuki ft. Chaparro Chuacheneguer, Gerardo Fernández, and Silvia Zepeda.
Zamora presented Regional Mexican Takes Over Miami, featuring performances by Kane Rodríguez, Lisa Sáenz, Los Primos del Este, and Joaquin Guiller.
The night culminated with Billboard En Vivo ft. Rawayana and Corina Smith at M2, closing out Day 3 with a high-energy celebration of creativity, collaboration, and culture.
A Day that Defined Latin Music’s Future
From AI and creative rights to genre innovation, legacy storytelling, and spiritual reinvention, Billboard Latin Music Week Day 3 was a testament to the unstoppable force of Latin music past, present, and future.