Let’s face it, 2020 has impacted our lives in so many ways, mentally and physically. Living in a worldwide pandemic was something none of us ever imagined. However, it has allowed us to reflect on how we live life and accept things we can’t control. With everything being so different, I had to take a pause to reflect on what I have to be thankful for. Yes, with a year like 2020 it can be hard to find joy and thankfulness in our hearts. But when you look at it, despite the pandemic, we have so much to be thankful for.

So, in honor of Thanksgiving, I want to take a look back at some Latinx music-cultural moments that I’m most thankful for this year. And of course, let me know some of the things you’re thankful for this 2020!

Gentefield Premieres on Netflix

Gentefied aired on Netflix in February 2020. The comedy-drama TV series was created by Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, which follows three Mexican-American cousins chasing the American Dream in Boyle Heights, a Latinx neighborhood east of downtown Los Angeles, and an epicenter of Mexican culture and community in the United States.




Shakira and J.Lo Headline Superbowl 2020 Halftime Show

J.Lo and Shakira made history as the first two Latinx women to co-headline the Super Bowl 2020 Halftime Show. The two pop stars performed some of their best hits and even had a special appearance from J.Lo’s daughter Emme. Latin hitmakers, Bad Bunny and J Balvin also joined Shakira and J.Lo going all-in on their Latinx representation.

Tainy vs Lunny Instagram Live Battle

Throughout the pandemic, one of the best things we’ve had is music. Whether it’s been listening to new music and watching some of our favorites battle it out on Instagram Live. One of those battles was the between Reggaeton Urban producers Luny (formerly part of Luny Tunes) and Tainy. Both made history (virtually) as they embarked on a three-hour Instagram Live battle playing some of their most memorable songs.

Joan Smalls, J Balvin and Bad Buddy Grace the Cover of Vogue Mexico
Top model, Joan Smalls landed multiple covers for Vogue Mexico and Latin America in April. Photographed by Gorka Postigo, Smalls posed alongside Latin superstars Bad Bunny and J Balvin. All three Latinx phenomenals broke the internet and made it a first for Smalls, Bunny, and Balvin.

 

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Bad Bunny Becomes First Latinx Artist to Cover Rolling Stone

Grammy-nominated Reggaeton singer Bad Bunny made history in May by becoming the first Latinx Urban music artist to grace the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. But the two Latinx behind the historic cover story also broke ground. Former Rolling Stone’s Latinx music editor Suzy Exposito became the first Latina to ever write a cover story for the magazine and Gabriela Berlingeri, a jewelry designer and Bad Bunny’s girlfriend, became the first Latina to shoot a cover photo for Rolling Stone.

 

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J Balvin First Latino Artist to Partner with McDonalds

In October, McDonalds and J Balvin teamed up to create the signature “J Balvin Meal” meal. The limited-edition meal consisted of a Big Mac, fries with ketchup and an Oreo McFlurry. Balvin also became the first Latinx award-winning artist to team up with the fast-food restaurant.

 

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Latinx Voters Become Largest Voting Group in 2020

For the first time in history, the 2020 Presidential Election was largely dominated by the Latinx vote. According to the Pew Research Center, a record 31.6 million people who identify as Latinx were eligible to vote in this presidential election.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Graces the December Issue of Variety and Gets Re-Elected For Congress in New York

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez graced the cover of Variety December edition where she opened up about her future in and out of politics, addressed her biggest critics, and the poder “power” she finds in her iconic red lip. Plus, the United States Representative was recently re-elected for a second term in the US House of Representatives.

 

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Mexican Pop Band RBD Announces Virtual Global Reunion

12 years after their last concert, the Mexican Pop band RBD is getting back together for a one-night virtual reunion show. Anahí, Maite Perroni, Christian Chávez, and Christopher Von Uckermann announced the virtual reunion “Ser o Parecer: The Global Virtual Reunion” on December 26th.

 

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All in all, with so much negativity surrounding 2020, I think these Latinx music-entertainment moments really allowed us to live in the moment and enjoy the little things in life. It can be refreshing to indulge in some gratitude every now and then so let’s be thankful for some of the good things that happened this year.