Latest news with #JBalvin
USA Today
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
J Balvin talks 'Mixteip' album, fatherhood and taking it easy: 'Let life surprise me'
J Balvin has earned his superstar stripes, and now it's time to vacilar (have fun). The multiplatinum, Grammy-nominated Colombian singer is remapping his musical boundaries on his latest release "Mixteip" (out now). The experimental, 10-track mixtape sees Balvin playfully expand his signature reggaeton sound with fusions of hip-hop, merengue, salsa and drill rap. "I feel confident that I gave my 1,000% on this project. The rest is out of my hands," Balvin tells USA TODAY. "We're taking it more easy now. Of course, you want the mixtape to be successful and the songs to become a smash, but … I'd rather let life surprise me with it." Coming off the release of 2024's "Rayo," an eclectic album that broke sonic boundaries for Balvin, the singer continues to be fueled by a sense of creative freedom. "You suffer less," he explains, because you're not battling "high expectations." "Maybe because I'm more mature now, that helps too," says Balvin, who turned 40 in May. "It makes me feel way more stable, not caring about things that I used to that hurt me a lot." Why J Balvin channeled reggaeton nostalgia on 'Zun Zun' Balvin may be reggaeton royalty now, but he knows he's part of a larger dynasty. The singer, who made his debut with 2013's "La Familia," has scored 38 No. 1 hits on Billboard's Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, won three Latin Grammys for best urban album and was previously dubbed "the undeniable leader of a second-generation reggaeton revolution" by Guinness World Records. On "Mixteip," Balvin pays homage to the genre's roots with sensual banger "Zun Zun." The track, a collaboration with Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez, includes a shoutout to iconic production duo Luny Tunes, while its music video features a racy dance party that evokes the feel-good hedonism of classic reggaeton. "If it wasn't for the 2000s or the late '90s, we wouldn't be (where we are)," Balvin says. "It just takes me to the old times when I dreamed to be an artist, so we wanted to take that sound back." Belinda interview: Princess of Latin pop feels 'powerful' on comeback album 'Indómita' J Balvin gushes about fatherhood, 'amazing' girlfriend Valentina Ferrer When Balvin isn't cranking out the hits, he's a doting papi. The "Mi Gente" singer became a father in 2021 when he and longtime girlfriend Valentina Ferrer welcomed son Rio. "No matter what, my son has a beautiful and amazing mother who is raising him (in) the best way possible," Balvin says. While fatherhood hasn't softened Balvin's artistic edge, the singer reflects that family life has reshaped his experience of making music. "My son makes my life better, happier. And when you feel that you're stable with your emotions, you have that health to go into the studio." And while Rio shares his father's love of singing, Balvin says his parental focus is providing the 4-year-old with a grounded upbringing. "I would never pressure my son to be a part of this industry. I think there's better ways to be happier," Balvin says. But "whatever he wants to do, we're going to support him 1,000%" J Balvin collaborates with childhood idol Gilberto Santa Rosa on 'Mixteip' Balvin can cross off one more item on his musical bucket list. The reggaetonero nabbed a collaboration with Puerto Rican singer and salsa icon Gilberto Santa Rosa for the "Mixteip" track "Misterio," a bold mash-up that seamlessly weaves the singers' tropical and Latin urban styles. Balvin said Santa Rosa, who made history as the first tropical salsa singer to perform at New York City's Carnegie Hall, was a childhood influence, adding that Santa Rosa's live album "blew my mind." "It's one of my happiest moments in the last few years," says Balvin of the organic collaboration. "We were just doing music, and we were like, 'This song would be perfect for Gilberto.'" The two are slated to take the stage together July 24 for a performance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." 'I still have many things left to do': Rock icon Fito Páez isn't looking at legacy yet How J Balvin is using 'the power of music' to uplift the Latino community Balvin will always rep his Latino Gang, an affectionate shout-out to the Hispanic community that has become a lyrical call to arms. The singer, who hails from Medellín, Colombia, had his Latin heritage on full display during his July 13 performance at the FIFA Club World Cup when his ensemble of backup dancers sported brightly colored tops that mirrored the design of the Colombian flag. "It was beautiful that he we had the opportunity and (were able) to embrace and show the Latino culture and Colombia to the whole world," Balvin says. Although Balvin isn't an activist, the singer recognizes the power of his unapologetic cultural pride, especially amid a contentious political climate for the U.S. Latino community following the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. "I don't like politics. I never talk about it; it's just not my thing," Balvin says. "My passion is about human rights and using my platform – the power of music – to speak out about it. … Supporting our brothers and just creating the awareness that they're not alone."
New York Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Putting Stars in the Sky With a Halftime Stage
Visuals by Vincent Alban Text by Emmanuel Morgan When backup dancers in yellow costumes marched up an aisle near the apex of MetLife Stadium, soccer fans were still looking down, watching the FIFA Club World Cup final. Moments later, atop a spiraling stage stitched between the seats, the Colombian artist J Balvin began his hit song 'Mi Gente.' The Nigerian singer Tems and the American rapper Doja Cat followed in a 10-minute halftime spectacle that was also a high-stakes rehearsal. The men's World Cup final next summer, also at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will include a halftime show for the first time. The performers, who are being curated by Chris Martin of the rock band Coldplay, have not been announced, but the global audience will be unrivaled. Argentina's championship win over France in 2022 drew four times as many viewers as this year's Super Bowl. Although the N.F.L. uses the football field for its splashy halftime shows, FIFA wanted to protect the grass playing surface on Sunday. Organizers instead constructed a stage — a 120-foot-wide contraption of railings and panels — high in the stands, which required removing seats and transporting sections without cranes, said the set designer Bruce Rodgers. At a rehearsal the day before the show, crews placed towels on a rail and the stage to keep the surface cool. The stage's unusual location presented particular challenges. Background performers prepared in cramped spaces. Artists and dancers had to climb as many as 40 steps to reach the top of the stage, which lacked elevator access. Cast members whose costumes included high-heeled shoes installed cube-like molds at the tip to secure their grip. To capture video footage, Rodgers's team deployed a motorized camera that was also used when Rihanna performed on floating platforms at the Super Bowl in 2023. Global Citizen, which organizes charity musical festivals and is producing the halftime shows for FIFA, quickly learned some lessons for next summer, when 48 nations compete throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Hugh Evans, Global Citizen's chief executive, said it must keep the performers cooler (temperatures were over 80 degrees) and improve the exposure of cameras because of the sun. But he was pleased overall, shedding a tear after watching the show. Martin selected Sunday's artists to ensure a mix of genres and nationalities for an international sport. During the show, Tems pointed at a camera while singing 'Love Me JeJe,' and Doja Cat performed 'Woman' while balancing one of her legs on a thin railing. 'This tournament is people from all over the globe, and the halftime show should ideally try and reflect that,' Martin said, adding, 'The only criteria for me is, 'Are the songs amazing?'' After the first half between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, a stadium announcer reminded fans about the show in an effort to shorten their bathroom and concessions trips. Large-scale halftime entertainment is unfamiliar to most soccer fans. But although much of the stadium's middle sections remained empty for the first portion of the performance, it filled up toward the end. As Emmanuel Kelly sang Coldplay's hit 'A Sky Full of Stars' alongside the band, fans waved towels and fireworks exploded. Produced by Amanda Webster.
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
J Balvin Leads Creative Direction On New Revo Sunglass Collection NRGY
Styles from the new NRGY by Revo sunglasses collection designed by J Balvin Forty years ago, in the height of the Eighties, a new style of sunglasses was all the rage. These radical new frames borrowed technology from NASA's coatings that protect satellites, thanks to Dr. Mitch Ruda, a NASA Astrophysicist and Optical Engineer. Ruda thought these coatings could also shield human eyes from the sun. Thus, the polarized lens was born. Fast forward four decades, and Revo is still revolutionizing eyewear with a new collaboration with international performing musical artist Colombian singer J Balvin, who serves as the brand's creative director and style beacon. The NRGY launch CNX_01 collection, which features 10 styles, is a mix of sport and fashion styles geared at a fashion-forward customer and distributed through Revo's boutique partners. Unlike other collabs or license deals where a celebrity or brand just adds their logo to a product, J Balvin has been very engaged at every step of the process. NRGY would not be the unique collection it is without J Balvin's involvement and passion, as this is his vision for the eyewear, which is evident in every design and aspect of the marketing," said Revo CEO Cliff Robertson. "With NRGY, that features our world-famous lens, you are getting the best in fashion and sport fashion along with the best performance optics available on the market, "Robertson added. REvo CEO Cliff Robinson and Latin musica artist J Balvin. Robertson gave Balvin criteria to 'make it cool.' For his part, the singer drew upon his own sense of design and style. "Sunglasses are a huge part of my style; I wear them most of the time. NRGY is the first time I've taken on the full role of creative director. So, launching a line of frames felt like the right way to step into this role. It just made sense," he said, noting he has worked on collaborations such as three Air Jordan styles, a limited merchandise collaboration with Takashi Murakami inspired by his "Colores" album, and a special-edition watch with G-Shock. The path from musician to fashion designer has been paved before; to wit Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton, Rihanna with Fenty, and her husband A$AP Rocky with AWGE, to name a few recently. Still, it can be hard to switch hats. "Music will always be my foundation; it's who I am. When the world knows you primarily for one thing, it can be a challenge to show the other sides of who you are. I'm an artist. Whether it's music, fashion, or acting, it's all the same creative place and another way for me to express myself. I'm grateful people are open to discovering those different layers of who I am," Balvin continued. He also thoroughly enjoyed the process. "To take a vision that lived in my head – a vibe, a feeling, a mood – and build an entire world around it, that's exciting. It's storytelling through design. Seeing these ideas come to life, and then seeing people wear them… that's one of the best parts. It's like watching a dream come alive," he reflected. Revo might be a millennial in terms of its age, but it was Gen X that truly popularized the polarized lens look, which also came with some serious function. Today, Revo aims to connect with Gen Z by staying true to its DNA and being authentic in its communication, according to Robinson. "If we do this, we believe every age group and audience will embrace and trust the brand. We also offer the best products, ensuring we do not compromise on our quality and optics. Gen Z gets served up marketing and brands 24/7, so we need to develop trust with the younger audience to believe in what we do. They see through 'marketing' from a mile away," he said, adding, "Anyone can partner with a celebrity. It's not just using a celebrity name. It's partnering with a world-famous singer and offering an authentic, quality product. The key is offering a product that is best in class," the CEO offered. Robinson also notes Revo's unique NASA-designed approach and the reputation that honor has earned them. It remains a distinguishing brand marker and is used in other aspects of development. "Our audio Bluetooth glasses are a recent innovation, but there are many audio products on the market. Revo's angle is to offer the best-in-class audio and visual experience with our fan in mind when designing. We always ask ourselves, 'Would our 40-year Revo fan and a new fan just learning about Revo see our products as unique and special? If we can't answer yes to this question, the design or product doesn't make it to market," he noted. The brand recently issued a 40th-anniversary limited-edition frame, The Forty, priced at $600, which sold out in two days. Robinson noted that after-market sales show the brand's limited-edition styles sell as robustly as sneakers.A style from the new NRGY by Revo sunglasses collection. They have also brought glass lenses back to the design in some cases. "Revo built its brand on technologically advanced glass lenses. Today, many plastic-based materials offer 99% of the optics and quality of glass and are much lighter weight, shatterproof, and less expensive. For the consumer who truly wants the absolute best optics, glass is still the best material available. It's perfect for boating, fishing, and any water activity where glare is an issue," Robinson continued. The brand, which remains independently owned, continues to distribute through its two flagship locations: one in New York's Soho neighborhood and the other in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, and through various points of sale. "We love this ability to showcase the entire brand in one space and have plans for more stores in the future. In terms of distribution, it's a healthy balance between optical stores, specialty stores, golf shops, sporting goods stores, hospitality and ski shops where we sell an amazing google lens style," he said adding, "We mix this with our online business which represents close to 50% of our total business." Wherever sold, Balvin wants wearers to enjoy his designs. "There are no rules. That's up to the wearer. NRGY was born from a place of curiosity, exploration, and pushing past the limits of what we think we know. It's a vulnerability through discovery, and I can't wait to see how people define that and make the frames part of their journey." Robinson assures his consumer that the frames won't disappoint. "The world does not need more sunglasses, but it does need a new collection with a distinct point of view at an accessible price point, and that is what J Balvin has brought to the table here."
New York Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The Club World Cup entertainment sideshow: Doja Cat, Robbie Williams and a foretaste of 2026
Colombian singer J Balvin sat on the edge of what felt like the world's tallest stage as his song Mi Gente blared through the speakers for 81,118 spectators at the MetLife Stadium. FIFA's first-ever halftime show was officially underway, in all its chaotic and unapologetic glory. The grand finale of the Club World Cup on Sunday — the culmination of a month-long affair — saw Chelsea upend Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in a thrashing that, with head coach Enzo Maresca saying after the match that it was over 'in the first 10 minutes.' The team that felt unbeatable all year long was strategically undone. Advertisement Despite all that happened on the pitch, including Joao Neves' hair pull or Luis Enrique's emotional outburst, one of the main takeaways from the final was the surrounding fanfare: the military flyover, the pre-game celebration and, yes, the president of the United States crashing Chelsea's trophy lift. It's safe to assume most of what we saw at MetLife will be similar to what FIFA, the sport's global governing body, has in store for next year, when the 2026 World Cup finally kicks off across the U.S., Mexico and Canada after nearly a decade of anticipation. That will include a halftime show for the first time ever at the World Cup. As perhaps a preview for what to expect, the Club World Cup halftime show, which co-starred J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and surprise guests Coldplay with Emmanuel Kelly, lasted just under 11 minutes. On television, it was an attractive ensemble of performers with the New York City skyline as a backdrop, juxtaposed with the American Dream mega mall and its Ferris wheel. In person, however, the show wasn't so polished. The stage, as impressive a feat as it was to create, felt too far away. From across the stadium, it was hard to see with the naked eye that Coldplay was on stage with Kelly. It was also hard to ignore the sprinklers dousing the pitch before the second half, employees scrambling to do some quick maintenance, and the steady stream of fans leaving their seats for the concourse mid-performance. Like a lot of the Club World Cup, the halftime show felt made for TV rather than those in the stadium. That's not to say the halftime show was not entertaining. It was. It also seems to have accomplished exactly what FIFA intended: it gave viewers and fans in the stadium entertainment, albeit brief, as FIFA took a page from the NFL and American sports' entertainment playbook. FIFA even announced that Panini America, a collectibles company and one of FIFA's longstanding sponsors, was a late 'partner' for the halftime show just one and a half hours before kickoff. While it's a far cry from the profitability and success of the NFL's Super Bowl halftime show, for FIFA, it seems a small step toward that goal. Advertisement The halftime show was only part of the entertainment FIFA delivered at the final, in its attempts to assimilate with American professional sports culture. The match was prefaced with a 20-minute intro: a performance of FIFA's official anthem Desire by Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini; American announcer Michael Buffer yelling his iconic line 'Let's get ready to rumble!'; and a tribute to America that included the singing of the national anthem, pyrotechnics and a military flyover. There was also a giant, inflatable replica of the Club World Cup trophy pushed around the pitch. Expect things to be even more over-the-top next year at the World Cup. At Sunday's final, On Location, the official hospitality provider of the 2026 World Cup, gave journalists a sample of the kind of extra experiences they will offer fans next year. The preview started with a tour of the pitch then a chance to sit and take photos from PSG's bench a few hours before the team would be there themselves. On Location president Paul Caine said experiences like these are just an example of what they and FIFA have planned for fans in 2026. 'We're not just selling tickets. We're selling experiences,' Caine said. Heimo Schirgi, COO for FIFA World Cup 26, said, 'We're transforming from a sports governing body into an entertainment company, and also an experiential company.' On Monday, On Location released hospitality packages for all 16 stadiums in the 2026 World Cup, with prices for single-match options starting at $1,350 per person. An 18-person suite, like the one On Location staged at the Club World Cup final, had a balcony area that directly faced the center of the pitch, with a prime view of the halftime show. The halftime show at the Club World Cup was hosted in the rafters rather than the pitch, which eliminated the need to set up and dismantle a stage on the pitch, as is generally done during Super Bowls. Though even with the show happening in the rafters, the halftime still lasted over 20 minutes. FIFA rules cap halftime at 15 minutes. Despite the new experiences for soccer fans, the halftime show did bring to mind a previous FIFA event, the 2023 Women's World Cup in Sydney, where organizers blasted Coldplay's Sky Full of Stars during halftimes. As the music played, fans shone their cellphone lights and there would be light shows inside the venues that went with the music. Advertisement On Sunday, the voices of Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin, who curated the halftime show, and Kelly echoed through MetLife Stadium in a similar way – but instead of a light show, fans had daytime fireworks and a stage that changed colors to the music. In FIFA's own way, it felt like a slice of its authentic identity hidden between everything else it tried to do.
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
FIFA rule broken in Club World Cup final as Donald Trump gatecrashes Chelsea's trophy lift and tensions boil over after the final whistle
FIFA were willing to break one of their Laws of the Game to accommodate the excesses of the Club World Cup final on Sunday night. An intriguing spectacle and surprise 3-0 result in Chelsea 's favour against Paris Saint-Germain was overshadowed by events off the pitch. Chief among them was the scene-stealing display of United States President Donald Trump, who insisted on taking centre stage for the Blues' trophy lift. But earlier, the Super Bowl-style half-time show attracted attention for all the wrong reasons and necessitated the flouting of one of the game's laws. At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, reggaeton artist J Balvin, rapper Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly performed to the crowd. They were joined on stage by Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin, who made a surprise guest appearance for the show. The only problem - apart from claims of 'utter woke nonsense' by fans - was the duration of the set. At a whopping 24 minutes, the showcase far exceeded the seventh statute in the Laws of the Game. Law 7 of the IFAB's (International Football Association Board) states that 'players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 15 minutes'. It adds: 'A short drinks break (which should not exceed one minute) is permitted at the interval of half-time in extra time. Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval and it may be altered only with the referee's permission.' Reacting to the show on social media, many football were bemused by the spectacle. One wrote: 'Having a halftime show during this Club World Cup final feels so weird'. Another user wrote: 'Too many music shows in this Club World Cup'. The other notable event during the evening came after the final whistle when tensions boiled over and PSG boss Enrique appeared to strike Chelsea striker Joao Pedro in the face during a heated post-match clash between both teams. Pedro was initially embroiled in a confrontation with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi - with Andrey Santos also on the scene - before Enrique marched over towards the situation. But rather than defusing the situation, the Spanish manager made it physical, laying his hands on Pedro before being held back by his own player Presnel Kimpembe. Pedro fell to the floor in dramatic fashion, clutching at his face. Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia stepped in to defend their team-mate, holding back a visibly frustrated Gianluigi Donnarumma, who appeared to berate Pedro for his animated reaction. What followed was pandemonium, with around five Chelsea players swarming Donnarumma in the aftermath. The PSG goalkeeper was shoved by Tosin Adarabioyo, as Kimpembe continued his attempts to defuse tensions alongside Chelsea's Filip Jorgensen. Pedro eventually got back to his feet, only to find himself at the centre of a chaotic melee involving too many bodies to count. On the touchline, a furious Enzo Maresca stormed in to drag his players away, shouting at those involved as he tried to restore order.
