Gloria Estefan is making history with Raices! Credit to Gato Rivera.
Los Angeles, California (May 9, 2025)- Gloria Estefan is once again proving that true artistry transcends time. Her latest single, “Raíces,” has made a historic triple-chart conquest, landing at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay, Tropical Airplay, and Latin Pop Airplay charts dated May 10, 2025.
This landmark achievement not only reaffirms Estefan’s legendary status but also cements her as one of the few artists with No. 1 hits spanning four consecutive decades — the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. With “Raíces,” she becomes the seventh artist overall and third woman—joining Shakira and Jennifer Lopez—to claim this rare feat on the Latin Airplay chart.
“To see ‘Raíces’ reach No. 1 across the Latin Airplay, Tropical Airplay and Latin Pop Airplay charts is both humbling and incredibly emotional for me,” Estefan tells Billboard. “It’s been over a decade since I’ve had a song connect on this level, and I’m beyond grateful.”
Estefan’s reign on Latin Airplay began nearly 30 years ago, when “Abriendo Puertas” topped the chart in October 1995. With “Raíces” now at No. 1, she boasts a chart-topping span of 29 years, six months, and three weeks—the longest of any artist on the Latin Airplay chart.
“Raíces,” meaning roots in Spanish, resonates deeply for Estefan on both a personal and professional level. “This song is a tribute to where I come from — to my heritage, my culture and the rhythms that shaped me,” she says. “It’s a reminder that music truly has no expiration date when it comes from the heart.”
Released on March 20 via Crescent Moon/Sony Music Latin, “Raíces” surged from No. 11 to No. 1 on Latin Airplay with the Greatest Gainer honors, thanks to a 123% increase in radio audience impressions, totaling 13 million, according to Luminate. Major radio support came from stations in Puerto Rico and Florida, including WZNT, WODA, WRXD, WMEG, WCMQ in Miami, WPYO in Orlando, and WSUN in Tampa.
This marks Estefan’s 12th Latin Airplay No. 1, joining her long list of prior hits such as “No Llores” (2007) and “Hotel Nacional” (2012). In topping the Tropical Airplay and Latin Pop Airplay charts alongside Latin Airplay, “Raíces” becomes the first track to dominate all three since Carlos Vives and Camilo’s “Baloncito Viejo” in June 2022.
On Tropical Airplay, Estefan celebrates her first No. 1 since 2012’s “Hotel Nacional,” while on Latin Pop Airplay, she returns to the summit for the first time since 2000’s “No Me Dejes de Querer.” Adding to her accolades, “Raíces” debuts at No. 37 on Hot Latin Songs, powered almost entirely by its radio momentum. It’s Estefan’s 31st entry on that chart, including 15 No. 1s and 23 top 10s.
“Thank you to the fans, radio and everyone who’s embraced ‘Raíces’,” Estefan says. “You’ve made this journey back to my musical roots so meaningful and unforgettable.”
Gloria Estefan’s continued relevance and ability to bridge generations with heartfelt, culturally rich music speak volumes. “Raíces” is not just a chart-topper — it’s a celebration of heritage, longevity, and the enduring power of music to unite and inspire.
About the Author
