From career milestones to new music 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.

The 2025 Maestro Cares Gala

The Maestro Cares Foundation, co‑founded by Marc Anthony and Henry Cárdenas, celebrated its 12th Annual “Changing Lives, Building Dreams” Gala this week at the Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. Key leaders, philanthropists, and entertainment figures — including Eva Longoria and J Balvin — were present at the ceremony. Longoria was honored with the Maestro Cares Community Hero Award for educating and empowering Latin women through Eva Longoria Foundation (ELF), and Balvin received the Trailblazer of Cultural Empowerment Award for his commitment to raising awareness about mental health.

“For Henry and me, tonight is not just a gala; it’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when talent and generosity come together,” Anthony said in a press statement. “Thanks to their leadership, and to the commitment of every person in this room, we are fostering opportunities and support for girls and boys in need. What we are celebrating today is not an award; it’s a collective momentum that changes destinies.”

Funds raised during the gala will benefit Maestro Cares Foundation programs, focused on housing, education, and health for vulnerable communities in Latin America and the United States.

Chiquis’ New Studio Album

Chiquis has released her new album, Flores En Mi Alma, the first under her own record label Sweet Sound Records. Steering away from the Banda music that has characterized her sound and biggest hits, the Mexican-American singer experiments with reggae, R&B, and folk cumbia on this eight-track set that also includes powerful audio affirmations by the singer. The album, which Chiquis describes as “healing music that comes from the soul,” has a very low frequency to hit the chakras of each person, according to a press statement. 

“I took a little bit of soul space to reconnect with myself and what I wanted to write about,” Chiquis previously told Billboard of her new music. “I think it’s very important to get passionate and fall in love all over again with my art. […] I had my creativity blocked, and I didn’t know what was happening, but then I realized that I needed to look inward. I did a spiritual retreat for three weeks, and it helped me tremendously, to the point that I want to sing things I never sang about.” Stream and listen to Flores En Mi Alma below.

Juan Luis Guerra Will Conquer Aruba

This week, the “Live in Paradise” concert set to take place in Aruba announced Juan Luis Guerra as its iconic headliner. The news was shared during a press conference held from Pier 5 at Bayside Marketplace in Miami on Wednesday (Nov. 5) featuring renowned DJ Alex Sensation and representatives from the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and the Ministry of Tourism of Aruba. The “Live in Paradise” concert, which will bring together music, travel, and the Caribbean culture in a tropical island, will take place Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Harbour Arena in Aruba. 

Gloria Estefan’s Homecoming

Earlier this week, the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and Sony Music Group’s Beyond the Instrument initiative hosted an event with Gloria Estefan at James H. Bright / JW Johnson Elementary School in Miami. The school, which received a grant for new musical equipment, is where Estefan’s late mother, Gloria Fajardo, was a teacher for more than 20 years, marking a special full-circle moment for the artist.

“Returning to James H. Bright/JW Johnson Elementary School is deeply personal for me,” the artist expressed in a statement. “This is where my mother, Gloria Fajardo, dedicated more than two decades of her life as an educator — inspiring generations of students to dream, learn, and believe in themselves. Music was always a central part of our home and our family, and I know she would be so proud to see the next generation of young minds being nurtured through it. Supporting music education is not just about fostering future artists; it’s about giving children the tools to express themselves, to build confidence, and to connect with their culture and community. To be able to honor my mother’s legacy in this very special way means the world to me.” The celebration also included students from the school performing a special tribute of “Mi Tierra” and “Conga.”