Premio Lo Nuestro is just around the corner, and Billboard was backstage at rehearsals catching up with some of the artists set to walk the carpet and take center stage live from Miami on Thursday night. 

The 2024 nominations are led by Maluma with 14 nods, followed by Peso Pluma (13), Grupo Frontera (10) and, with nine each, Karol G and Feid. Ana Barbara, Don Omar and Olga Tañon will receive this year’s Premio Lo Nuestro a la Trayectoria, Global Icon and Premio Lo Nuestro a la Excelencia special awards, respectively. 

The 2024 awards ceremony will be co-hosted by Galilea Montijo, Clarissa Moline and Angélica Vale and will air live at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday via Univision.

Below, check out some of the best highlights from the rehearsals on Tuesday and Wednesday (Feb. 21). 

Ana Barbara’s Career Celebration

Ahead of receiving the 2024 Premio Lo Nuestro a la Trayectoria award, Ana Bárbara revealed how she prepared for the exciting medley of hits she will perform Thursday night. “We sat down as a team and asked ourselves what we wanted to share in terms of emotions, in terms of rhythm and songs,” she notes. “After thinking about it a lot, they chose one from each era that was written by different composers […] and came up with that cocktail of songs that will take us to different dimensions.”

Gente de Zona announce new album

Though Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom are releasing solo music, the Cuban artists known as the duo Gente de Zona arrived together to rehearsals promoting their upcoming project and to assure that they are not separating. In fact, an album is in the works, filled with positive and feel-good music. 

“It’s the type of content that made Gente de Zona an international duo,” Malcom notes. “I think there are many problems in the world. Social media has caused well-being but also many problems. It’s about enjoying the moment, enjoying life and time, which is what you can’t buy.”

Delgado adds: “This album is a lot of fun with the Gente de Zona stamp. We are very happy and we hope you all enjoy it.” The duo has yet to reveal the release date but promise that their special performance on Thursday will be a preview of what fans can expect.

Wisin Enters the Música Mexicana Realm

Backstage, Wisin revealed that his new single dropping this week is called “Un Shot” alongside Gabito Ballesteros — further proving that urban and Mexican music are the perfect match. “For us urban artists, it was a dream to enter Mexico and receive the support of all Mexicans,” the reggaeton star says. “More than a fusion with Gabito Ballestero and a rich song, musically speaking, it is a tribute to the people of Mexico and a way to enter their world and let them know that we respect what they do, respect their music.” The music video, Wisin notes, was filmed in Puerto Rico.

Banda MS’ Biggest Tour Secret

Banda MS has paused their tour to attend the 2024 Premio Lo Nuestro, where they are five-time nominees and will also have a special performance. After their Premios commitment, they will hit the road again, which had us wondering: What’s their biggest secret to having so much energy on tour? 

“It’s the discipline, the desire to keep growing, the desire to go ahead, our family, our fans. All of that, and more, injects you with a lot of adrenaline, a lot of energy,” vocalist Alan Ramírez explains. 

“Banda music has something very peculiar…most of the bands were born on the street,” vocalist Oswaldo “Walo” Carreón adds. “We are the bands that go to the restaurants, the cantinas, trying to get clients. I’ve personally performed 20 hours in a day… and all that suits you is giving resistance. So the three-hour show seems like a breeze.”

Los Ilegales celebrate 30 years

Los Ilegales are ready to inject viewers on Thursday with the ultimate throwback performance — and what better timing than on the year of their 30th anniversary? “It’s a gift from God who allows us to live our 30th anniversary,” lead singer Vladimir Dotel tells Billboard. “It’s also the discipline, the love for our career that allows us to be with you. If it weren’t for that, we wouldn’t be here. We’ve been awarded for our unattainable work and that is why we promise to literally rock the stage.” The Dominican group also remembered the first time they attended Premio Lo Nuestro in 1996, where they won new artist of the year.