When it comes to stellar programming, nothing is more emblematic of the Billboard Latin Music Conference than its in-depth “Star Q&A” sessions.
Beginning with Enrique Iglesias in 1999, the conference is now known as the stage for the top Latin artists of the moment to share their musical stories, business plans and big-picture ideas.
At this year’s Billboard Latin Music Conference, presented by State Farm in association with Pepsi, the three featured speakers–Gloria Estefan, Don Omar and Carlos Vives–are all superstars in their own right.
Carlos Vives (Tuesday, April 23, 11:45 a.m.): After an eight-year absence from recording, Vives returns to the charts with “Corazon Profundo,” his debut for Sony Music, set for release on April 23. The Colombian singer, who has scored two No. 1s on the Hot Latin Songs chart since last fall, will discuss the reasons for his hiatus and return to recording, as well as his new deals and inspiration behind “Corazon Profundo.”
Don Omar (Wednesday, April 24, 10:30 a.m.): Don Omar, who was also a featured speaker in 2012, is an 18-time finalist at this year’s awards, a record tied by only Tito “El Bambino” in 2010. Those nods were earned with an endless string of hits that continue to chart on radio, digital and social charts. Don Omar’s uncanny knack for crafting hits that resonate–and his skill at marketing them with inordinate savvy, resulting in millions of impressions and views worldwide–will be at the core of his presentation with Vevo senior VP of music programming for talent and content Doug McVehil.
Gloria Estefan (Wednesday, April 24, 3:30 p.m.): With a career as a singer, songwriter, producer, author and actress, there may be no other Latina music star with the sheer wattage, depth and history of Estefan, and certainly none that’s been able to balance life and limelight with such grace. For her first appearance at a Billboard Latin Music Conference Star Q&A, Estefan will discuss her upcoming album of standards, her recurrent role in “Glee,” the upcoming Broadway musical based on her life and that of husband Emilio Estefan, her role as a judge on “The Next” and her many business ventures.