MIAMI, FL – Bad Bunny is set to receive one of the most prestigious honors in Latin music, being named Billboard’s Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards. The global superstar will be recognized for his unprecedented chart dominance and profound impact on the landscape of Latin music throughout the first quarter-century. The announcement was made on October 9, 2025, by Telemundo and Billboard, adding another monumental achievement to the artist’s illustrious career.
A Legacy Built on Chart Dominance
The designation as the Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century is a testament to Bad Bunny’s extraordinary performance on Billboard’s charts. The award specifically recognizes his consistent success on the Top Latin Albums and Hot Latin Songs charts from January 2000 through December 2024. Despite his emergence on the charts in 2016, Bad Bunny has rewritten the rules of success, amassing an unparalleled record of achievements.
He has secured 14 No. 1 hits on the Hot Latin Songs chart and eight No. 1 albums on the Top Latin Albums chart. His 2020 album, “YHLQMDLG” (Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana), set a record by spending an astounding 70 weeks at the No. 1 position on the Top Latin Albums chart between 2021 and 2022. This consistent performance has not only placed him at the pinnacle of Latin music but also led to him being named Billboard’s all-genre Top Artist in 2022 and the Top Latin Artist for five consecutive years, from 2020 to 2024.
Redefining Global Music Influence
Bad Bunny’s impact extends far beyond traditional chart metrics. He has been instrumental in expanding the global reach and perception of Latin music, breaking language barriers and cultural norms. His influence is evident in his historic achievements, including being the first Spanish-language act to headline the Coachella festival.
He has also been Spotify’s most-streamed artist worldwide for three consecutive years and holds records for the highest-grossing tour in a single year. Furthermore, the global livestream of his Puerto Rican residency show, “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí,” became the most-watched single-artist performance in Amazon Music’s history. His cultural footprint has expanded into fashion and film, with roles in major projects and high-profile collaborations, including co-chairing the Met Gala and launching his popular sneaker line with Adidas.
The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards and Week
The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards ceremony is scheduled to broadcast live on Thursday, October 23, from the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida, on Telemundo and will be available to stream on Peacock. This prestigious awards show serves as the grand finale to the annual Billboard Latin Music Week, which will take place in Miami from October 20-24. The week-long event features a comprehensive schedule of exclusive performances, insightful panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, celebrating the dynamism of Latin music.
A Milestone for Latin Music
Bad Bunny’s recognition as the Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century marks a significant milestone not only for the artist but for Latin music as a whole. It signifies the genre’s growing global power and influence, driven by artists who are pushing boundaries and connecting with audiences worldwide. The award highlights his unparalleled command over his artistry, his deep connection to his heritage, and his ability to resonate with both long-time fans and new listeners discovering Latin music. The artist continues to break records and redefine success, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in contemporary music and culture.
Rounding out Billboard’s Top 10 Latin Artists of the 21st Century are Romeo Santos at No. 2, followed by Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, Marco Antonio Solís, J Balvin, Shakira, Aventura, Juanes, and Ozuna.
