CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso Bring ‘Free Spirits’ to Life at NYC Spotify Show & More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music
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.
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso Usher in Wellness Session, Channel ‘Free Spirits’ in NYC
It’s not every day you see a conga line break out at a concert, much less one led by two musicians who seem like they fell out of a fever dream. But that’s exactly how the night climaxed on Friday (March 27) when the uncanny Argentine duo CA7RIEL y Paco Amoroso took over Canvas on 10th in Chelsea, New York to perform their electrifying new album, Free Spirits, for the first time. It was chaotic. It was cathartic. It was everything — and somehow even more.
Presented by Spotify, the event welcomed 200 fans lucky enough to snag a spot in the intimate venue. The evening kicked off with a low-lit, wellness-inspired setup — there was a sound bath meant to “cleanse energy,” a station for aura photography with glowing polaroids, and juice options that felt exported straight from Erewhon (beet, green, and some mysterious orange concoction that probably had turmeric in it). Everyone sipped, meditated, reset — and then CA7RIEL and Paco tore the cover off the chill and delivered a high-octane performance that will not soon be forgotten.
Paco, decked in runner’s gear — spandex and a lightweight vest — looked marathon-ready with a touch of intentional absurdity, while CA7RIEL flaunted his rock-star bravado in a bleached mullet, oversized sleeveless tee, tattood arms and retro ’70s sunglasses. Together, they were pure chaos and charisma, their vibe as irreverent as their music.
They opened with the explosive energy of “Nada Nuevo,” followed by Paco’s raspy vocals on the absurdist “Goo Goo Ga Ga” and the euphoric pop-rock hooks of “Soy Increíble,” which had the crowd in overdrive. By “Hasta Jesús Tuvo Un Mal Día,” the Sting-assisted fan favorite, the room was in a frenzy. CA7RIEL’s blistering Fender guitar riffs added a raw edge to tracks like “Ay Ay Ay” — he also pulled out a ’70s Gibson. In true Free Spirits style, the duo jumped into the crowd, leading an impromptu conga line before they started crowd surfing. Unhinged and fearless, the show embodied the album’s spirit. If you missed it, well… hasta Jesús tuvo un mal día.
Karol G Shares Emotional Duet with Alicia Keys
Karol G experienced a dream-come-true moment alongside Alicia Keys at her Con Cora Foundation’s Benefit Gala in Miami on March 20. The two powerhouse singers performed “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart,” the same song Karol covered 16 years ago as a fan. Sharing their emotional duet on Instagram on Wednesday (March 25), Keys wrote, “When I found out how much this song meant to her, it was sooooo sweet!” Meanwhile, Karol expressed, I’ve spent my whole life preparing to experience moments that used to seem like nothing more than dreams in my head, and today, after all this time, they’ve come true! I watch this video and the one from 16 years ago, and I can’t believe it.” Watch their duet below.
Nicky Jam Sells Out the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, Announces Second Show
Nicky Jam’s May 23 concert at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico — his first performance in Puerto Rico in a decade — sold out in under an hour. The event, titled El Regreso a Casa (The Return Home). Over 20,000 fans attempted to purchase tickets when sales opened on March 27 at 10:00 a.m., local time. A second show has been added for May 24 at 8:00 p.m during Memorial Day weekend, announced Friday (March 27).
“The response from the public has been extraordinary, and both Nicky and our team are deeply grateful,” said event organizers at VRDG Entertainment in press release. This sold-out show is a testament to the fans in Puerto Rico, and we are thrilled to open a second date so more people can experience Nicky Jam’s return home.” Tickets for the second show are available via ticketera.com.
Bizarrap Made His Ultra Music Festival Debut on the Main Stage, Featuring Skrillex and Daddy Yankee
Bizarrap debuted at Ultra Music Festival in Miami on Friday (March 27), performing on the main stage alongside artists like Martin Garrix, Major Lazer and Armin van Buuren. His performance included a reworked electronic version of his infamous “Music Sessions” and featured guest appearances by Daddy Yankee (for their hit “Music Session #/66”) and Skrillex, following their prior collaboration at Lollapalooza Argentina.
Courtesy of The Exclusive Agency
Shelly Berg’s Legacy at Frost School of Music, $175M Raised at Event
Shelton G. “Shelly” Berg, Dean of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, celebrated his nearly 20-year tenure during a star-studded event on March 21, at the Knight Center for Music Innovation. Under his leadership, the school raising over $175 million in donations. The evening featured performances by Frost alumni and notable artists Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada, Trent Saunders and Jenna Rubaii, alongside faculty members like John Daversa and Dafnis Prieto. To honor his impact, the university unveiled “Shelly Berg Way,” “a marked pathway on campus which represents his impact on the school and the music world at large,” says the statement.
Frost School of Music Alumni Gloria and Emilio Estefan celebrated Frost School of Music Dean Shelly Berg’s nearly 20-year tenure at one of the top music schools in the world on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Knight Center for Music Innovation in Coral Gables, Fla. | Credit: Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images.
