The 2013 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which aired April 25 on Telemundo, had its share of uptempo reggaeton and dance, regional Mexican music, daring duets and song premieres, most featuring major Latin stars. In the midst of that was Il Volo, a trio of operatic tenors, singing "El Triste," an homage to Mexican crooner Jose Jose accompanied by a full string orchestra. The performance was as surprising as it was successful, delivering some of the highest minute-by-minute ratings for the show.
It was the latest big TV move for the Italian teens whose brand of classical crossover music has struck a chord with mainstream buyers and, increasingly, with Latin fans.
Following the Billboard performance, "Mas Que Amor," the Spanish-language version of We Are Love, jumped 4-2 on Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart, where it stays this week.
