Bad Bunny, Selena Gomez, and Benny Blanco Dominate Billboard’s Inaugural Latin Genre Song Charts

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Inaugural Latin Genre Song Charts: An Overview
4. Bad Bunny: The Unstoppable Force
5. Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, and The Marías: New Heights in Latin Pop
6. Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera: Defining Regional Mexican Hits
7. Implications for the Future of Latin Music
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Billboard launches its first Latin sub-genre charts: Hot Regional Mexican Songs, Hot Latin Pop Songs, Hot Latin Rhythm Songs, and Hot Tropical Songs.
• Bad Bunny scores multiple number ones, including "DTMF" on Hot Latin Rhythm Songs and "Baile Inolvidable" on Hot Tropical Songs.
• Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, and The Marías top the Hot Latin Pop Songs chart with "Ojos Tristes."
• Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera's "Me Jalo" debuts at number one on the Hot Regional Mexican Songs chart.

Introduction

In an exciting unveiling for the Latin music community, Billboard recently introduced four new charts designed to spotlight the rising popularity of Latin artists across various genres. Among the first leaders of these charts are globally recognized names like Bad Bunny, Selena Gomez, and Benny Blanco, marking a significant shift in how Latin music is categorized and ranked. This change reflects not only the growing impact of Latin music on the global stage but also the diverse array of sounds emerging from the genre. What's driving this wave of success in Latin music?

From statistics that underline the popularity of songs to the collaboration of artists breaking genre barriers, this article explores the implications of these new charts, provides detailed insight into the current leaders, and examines how these developments showcase the evolution of Latin music in the mainstream landscape.

The Inaugural Latin Genre Song Charts: An Overview

On April 8, 2025, Billboard debuted its Hot Latin Songs sub-genre charts: Hot Regional Mexican Songs, Hot Latin Pop Songs, Hot Latin Rhythm Songs, and Hot Tropical Songs. Each chart evaluates the accomplishments of Latin artists based on a multimetric methodology, similar to the metrics employed for the pan-genre Hot Latin Songs chart and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Data provided by Luminate ensures accuracy and recency, making these charts a reliable indicator of current trends in the Latin music sphere.

What Led to the Launch?

The decision to create these new charts arises from the meteoric rise of Latin music in the past few years. According to Music Industry Reports, Latin music consumption in the United States has more than doubled over the last five years, with an increasing number of non-Spanish speakers embracing songs in Spanish. The remarkable crossover success of artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Rosalía no longer confines them to niche markets; instead, they have become mainstream staples.

Bad Bunny: The Unstoppable Force

No one embodies the new era of Latin music better than Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar dominated the inaugural charts with two major tracks: "DTMF" and "Baile Inolvidable."

Spotlight on “DTMF”

"DTMF" snagged the number one spot on the Hot Latin Rhythm Songs chart, amassing an impressive 9.6 million streams and securing 5.4 million audience impressions on radio from March 28 to April 3, 2025. For his ongoing run, "DTMF" celebrated its 12th week atop the Hot Latin Songs chart and marked Bad Bunny's 16th number one overall.

Musically, "DTMF" combines traditional Latin rhythms with urban influences, showcasing Bad Bunny's ability to innovate while paying tribute to his roots.

"Baile Inolvidable": The Tropical Hit

Simultaneously, "Baile Inolvidable" gained traction as both a dance anthem and a radio staple. The track landed atop the Hot Tropical Songs chart with 8.3 million streams and 6.1 million in radio reach. The infectious beat and catchy lyrics have contributed to its crossover appeal, making it a frequent feature at parties and gatherings.

This dual success not only solidifies Bad Bunny's status as a leading figure in the Latin music industry but also highlights the effectiveness of his strategy in blending genres and engaging with a broad audience.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, and The Marías: New Heights in Latin Pop

A standout collaboration between Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, and The Marías produced "Ojos Tristes," which climbed to the number one position on the Hot Latin Pop Songs chart.

Analyzing "Ojos Tristes"

"Ojos Tristes" is described as a modern reinterpretation of Jeanette’s classic "El Muchacho De Los Ojos Tristes." This new version garnered 8.7 million official U.S. streams and has made significant strides in radio play with 506,000 audience impressions.

Selena Gomez's rising influence in Latin music cannot be understated. After capturing the attention of both English and Spanish-speaking audiences, her collaboration with accomplished producers like Blanco and promising bands like The Marías signals a progressive fusion of diverse musical styles, broadening the spectrum of possibilities in contemporary Latin pop.

Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera: Defining Regional Mexican Hits

Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera made headlines with their hit "Me Jalo," which debuted at number one on the Hot Regional Mexican Songs chart.

Data-Driven Success

"Me Jalo" attracted 8.1 million streams and an audience of 7.5 million on radio, underscoring the entrenched popularity of Regional Mexican music in the North American landscape. The collaboration dovetails with a steady rise in interest from both traditional audiences and newer listeners eager for fresh content within the genre.

Rooted in traditional styles yet marked by contemporary flair, "Me Jalo" offers a definitive example of how artists are reinventing Regional Mexican music. Their fresh approach, combined with the techniques used in pop, demonstrates the evolving tastes of Latin music fans.

The Cultural Significance of Regional Mexican Music

The popularity of Regional Mexican music has historical roots, tracing back to the cultural and social movements in Mexico. Songs often tell stories of life and struggle, celebrating a rich tapestry of identity. As these genres gain recognition in mainstream media, artists like Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera play a pivotal role in bringing these narratives to broader audiences.

Implications for the Future of Latin Music

The establishment of these charts is likely to have significant long-term implications for Latin music's representation in the mainstream. By categorizing songs more effectively, Billboard not only recognizes the individuality of various sub-genres but also incentivizes artists to explore diverse styles.

Rising Competition and New Trends

With new charts come new contenders, as many local and independent Latin artists seek to make their mark. Music industry experts expect to see a considerable increase in competition regarding production quality, lyricism, and creative collaborations.

At the same time, as listeners grow more familiar with Latin nuances, there could be an interesting rise in pan-genre sounds, expanding upon how Latin artists collaborate with creators from other genres, including R&B, hip-hop, and electronic rhythms.

Conclusion

With Billboard's introduction of its inaugural Latin Genre Song Charts, the music landscape is witnessing a transformative moment. The success of artists such as Bad Bunny, Selena Gomez, and Fuerza Regida reflects the dynamism and diversity of Latin music, further emphasizing its impact on global music culture. The recognition of sub-genres allows for nuanced growth within the industry and presents new opportunities for a range of artists to shine in a space that has traditionally been less visible.

As these charts evolve, they could provide essential insights into listener preferences and shifting trends, paving the way for future explorations within Latin music.

FAQ

What are Billboard's new Latin Genre Song Charts?

Billboard's new charts include Hot Regional Mexican Songs, Hot Latin Pop Songs, Hot Latin Rhythm Songs, and Hot Tropical Songs to better recognize and categorize various sub-genres of Latin music.

Who topped these new charts in their first week?

Bad Bunny topped the Hot Latin Rhythm Songs with "DTMF" and Hot Tropical Songs with "Baile Inolvidable." Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, and The Marías led the Hot Latin Pop Songs chart with "Ojos Tristes," while Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera claimed the top spot on Hot Regional Mexican Songs with "Me Jalo."

Why are these charts significant?

These charts provide better insights into the diverse landscape of Latin music and help track the popularity of various sub-genres, potentially influencing trends and listener engagement.

How did streaming contribute to these rankings?

The charts use a multimetric methodology that includes official U.S. audio and video streaming, radio airplay, and sales to create an accurate ranking of song performance.

Are these new charts expected to change the music industry landscape?

Yes, they may influence music production, marketing strategies, and cross-genre collaborations, as well as increasing visibility for regional and sub-genres of Latin music.