The 2021 Latin American Music Awards took place Thursday, with Bad Bunny becoming the biggest winner of the night as he collectded five awards. He was followed by nine-time nominee Karol G, who nabbed three prizes for her Nicki Minaj-assisted “Tusa,” including song of the year.
In addition to the big wins, heartfelt speeches and memorable performances — including special tributes to Jose Luis “El Puma” Rodriguez and the late Joan Sebastian — a lot of action happened backstage and on the red carpet.
Below, check out seven things you didn’t see on TV.
Kali Uchis
On the red carpet, Kali Uchis talked all about her hit “Telepatía,” revealing how she found out it had gone viral. “It happened little by little. After Valentine’s Day was the first time I saw someone tweet that the song had over 1 million streams overnight. Then it was 2 million, then 3 million, then 4, and so every day it kept growing and growing,” she says. “It really happened over time, so it’s nice to watch.” In addition, the Colombian crooner revealed she’s working on more music, fashion and even film. “I’m just a creative person and I like to stay busy.”
Myke Towers
Three-time nominee Myke Towers unveiled details of his upcoming studio album Lyke Mike, slated for April 23. “Those are my musical interests, so I’m going back to that,” he says on the red carpet of returning to his signature hip-hop sound as heard in singles “Burberry” and “Cuenta.” “Now I’m going back to my roots, to the fans who made me.” At the event, Towers says he’s enjoying his hard work and that he would like to collaborate with Natti Natasha next.
Behind-the-Scenes Reunions
One of the best parts of the awards show was all the action happening backstage. Chayanne met two of his biggest admirers, Manuel Turizo and Joss Favela, behind the scenes. Mr. 305 Records artists Lenier, IamChino and Omar Courtz were hanging out at a private suite before their performance with Pitbull and El Alfa. And many artists crashed each other’s interviews on the red carpet, such as Camilo bombarding Los 2 Carnales and Myke Towers surprising Piso 21.
Juanes
Before jumping onstage to perform his rocking cover of Fito Paez’s “El Amor Despues del Amor,” Juanes stopped by Billboard to talk all about his upcoming tribute album Origen. “It’s an album that I made inspired by songs that have influenced my career since I was young,” he says. The album includes songs from emblematic artists such as Julio Jaramillo and Fito Paez. “I produced it with Sebastian Krys and it will come out at the end of April,” he teases.
Yandel & Sour
Yandel walked the red carpet with his son and now, aspiring music producer Sour. The father-and-son duo was ecstatic to be at the awards show together and along the way, Yandel introduced Sour to the media. “I feel proud to be here with him on this carpet. It’s his first time he’s walking as a producer. I’m happy with how he’s working,” Yandel says. Sour, who has co-producing credits on Lele Pons and Yandel’s “Bubblegum,” notes he’s working really hard to share his music and thoughts with other artists. “I already worked with the artists I wanted to and I dreamed of, but so far, I’d like to work with Myke Towers,” he says. As for the best advice his dad can share? “Don’t stop working. This is what it’s all about. Waking up every day and fighting for your dreams.”
