Puerto Rico to Host 2010 Billboard Latin Music Awards

The news that the 2010 Billboard Latin Music Awards will be taking place in Puerto Rico was greeted with much enthusiasm by organizers, performers and music lovers alike. Recognized as the single most important Latin music industry event in the world, for more than twenty years these prestigious awards have been presented from its home-base in Miami. Now as it hits the road, this entertaining event showcasing the tremendous talent displayed by Latin artists, is headed for Puerto Rico to be broadcast live by the Telemundo network on April 29, 2010. This joint initiative, with prizes sponsored by State Farm Insurance, will be staged at the new Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan.

Leading up to the 2010 Billboard Latin Music Awards will be the 21st edition of Billboard’s Latin Music Conference from April 26 to 29. This gathering of more than 1,000 influential music executives, composers, artists, sponsors and the press features four days of educational workshops, performances, programming, parties and events to promote networking between delegates. The jam-packed program includes the Billboard Bash, featuring live performances by renowned artists, as well as the Star Q&A with Leila Cobo, Billboard’s executive director of Latin content.

Latin music stars asked to comment on the move had only positive remarks to make, with Columbian singer Juanes referring to Puerto Rico as “the island of music”, while Paulina Rubio of Mexico gave the move the thumbs-up by calling it an “inspiring decision”. Enrique Iglesias declared the move to be “great news”, and Ricky Martin has been quoted as saying “My island has always been witness to important musical events and for it to be the location for the 2010 Billboard Latin Music Awards brings great pride to our culture.” Pop star Chayanne noted that Puerto Rico will “try to be the best hosts so that artists, as well as the industry and the media alike feel right at home.”

Reinforcing its long standing commitment to Latin music, Billboard plans to host a magnificent event, complete with red carpet and live performances by number one artists. This move to the island of Puerto Rico is seen as an endorsement to the growing appeal of this vibrant genre of music. Having started out in Puerto Rico, for the contracted broadcaster Telemundo, it is like coming home.