Karol G Creates Tropicoqueta-Themed Cocktail for her Tour

From career milestones to new 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.

Karol G gives TropiTour fans a new way to toast

Karol G is giving fans another way to step into the world of her Viajando Por El Mundo TropiTour. On Thursday (July 9), the Colombian superstar and 200 Copas by Casa Dragones unveiled the Chellita Sunrise as the official cocktail of the tour, designed as a sensory extension of its tropical, colorful energy. Inspired by the macaw — “a powerful symbol of Latin America’s cultural richness and the vibrant tropical bird featured in the tour’s logo,” says the press release — the drink will be featured in VIP lounges, select afterparties and Casa Dragones activations throughout the run.

The launch also comes with the Chellita Challenge, a social media contest inviting U.S.-based fans of legal drinking age to recreate the cocktail and dedicate a toast to someone special for a chance to win tickets to the tour. Rooted in the same spirit as Karol’s corridos hit “200 Copas,” the initiative extends the TropiTour universe beyond the stage and into something fans can quite literally raise a glass to.

‘Todos por Venezuela’ Mediathon Unites Artists for Earthquake Relief

A new media effort is rallying support for Venezuela. On Saturday (July 11), the “Todos por Venezuela” Mediathon will bring together artists, journalists, TV personalities, athletes, community leaders and volunteers for a 14-hour live broadcast from Mega TV’s studios in Miami, all aimed at raising humanitarian aid for communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. The initiative, created by UNO Productions founder Luis Medina, will air on La Música TV on Roku from 10 a.m. to midnight ET, with Mega TV joining from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET, while SBS Radio and AIRE Radio Networks support the campaign throughout the day.

“What started as a simple idea quickly became a reality thanks to the generosity of incredible partners who believed in this mission,” Medina said in a statement. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) for opening the doors of its national media platforms and becoming the exclusive broadcast and promotional partner of this humanitarian initiative.” The televised fundraiser will support All For Venezuela and Help For Venezuela Foundation (HEVENF), helping provide medical supplies, medicines, hospital equipment and other essential aid. The star-studded effort will feature appearances from Daniel Sarcos, Alicia Machado, Luis Enrique, José Luis Rodríguez “El Puma,” Karina, C4 Trío, Rodner Figueroa and more, while also launching “Hands & Hope – Sanaré,” an original UNO Productions song created as a tribute to the resilience of the Venezuelan people. 

Shakira Surpasses Taylor Swift on Spotify

Shakira continues to break global streaming barriers. According to a press release, the Colombian superstar has surpassed Taylor Swift to become the sixth-most-streamed artist in the world on Spotify, with more than 101.8 million monthly listeners. The milestone comes amid the worldwide success of “Dai Dai,” her FIFA World Cup anthem with Burna Boy, and just ahead of her scheduled performance at the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey.

Fabiola Roudha becomes South Korea’s FOR:REST LIVE’s first Latin performer

Guatemalan soul-bolero singer, and Billboard‘s On The Radar Latin alum, Fabiola Roudha has become the first non-Asian artist invited to FOR:REST LIVE, the South Korean live-session platform that has previously featured only Korean and K-pop acts such as SUPER JUNIOR’s Ryeowook, 2AM’s Jo Kwon, Younha and Heize. The session premiered Wednesday (July 8) on FOR:REST LIVE and Roudha’s YouTube channels.

The recognition builds on a relationship Roudha has steadily developed in the country in recent years, including appearances at Seoul Music Week and the Taehwariver Jazz Festival in Ulsan. Her FOR:REST LIVE set also offers an exclusive preview of music from her upcoming project, further signaling her international expansion as she also gears up for her first Canadian tour. Watch the performance below.

Andy García to Receive Imagen Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award

Andy García is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 41st annual Imagen Awards on Aug. 21 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The celebrated Cuban actor, filmmaker, musician and producer is being honored for a four-decade career defined by iconic performances and a lasting commitment to authentic Latino representation in entertainment.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Imagen Foundation, an organization that has championed Latino talent and authentic representation for more than forty years,” said García in a statement. “This award is especially meaningful because it celebrates not only my career, but also the many artists, mentors, and audiences who have been part of it and who have inspired me. Our shared Hispanic culture is home to many important and inspiring stories that reflect the richness of our identity and our contributions to the world.”