Shakira, Usher & Rauw Alejandro Take Over Billboard Live Music Summit | Billboard News

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The Billboard Live Music Summit & Awards was full of enlightening panels and the hottest stars. Usher & Rauw Alejandro spoke about their experiences while touring, and Shakira won big. Keep watching for all the details!

Usher:

Live music and live entertainment is really the source, and I’m happy to be able to say that I built a career that I have, but it is primarily because of my live performance that I have rebounded my hardest times. 

Tetris Kelly:

The one and only Usher was honored as Touring Artist of the Year at the 2025 Billboard Live Music Summit and Awards. The annual event, which was held at One hotel West Hollywood, brings together the biggest names and innovators in the live music industry. The eight-time Grammy winner reflected on his live performance legacy and how it brings him closer to his fans.

Usher:

To have that intimacy is a dedication, it’s a commitment between me and an audience member, one they spent their hard-earned money to come and see me. And I want to, I want to impress them, but I would like to be as theatrical and use my imagination as much as I possibly can.

Tetris Kelly:

Billboard cover star Rauw Alejandro spoke at the event and shared what his experience was like touring while on the rise in Latin music.

Rauw Alejandro:

When I saw everybody singing my songs in Spanish, I was like, “What the h*ll is going on in here? Okay, we’re here.” 

Tetris Kelly:

The Billboard Live Music Summit was a day of conversation, spotlighting emerging industry topics, including sustainable touring, mindfulness and music, and fan first ticketing, among others. 

Keep watching for more!