This month, the most-viewed YouTube video in the world won’t be recognized at the most famous video-music awards ceremony in the world. Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” music video is not a nominee in any of the 2017 MTV VMA’s nine categories. According to a statement MTV gave to the Associated Press, “Despacito” — the song, not the video — will be acknowledged at the VMAs as a nominee in its song of summer category, which hasn’t been announced yet.
So, why isn’t “Despacito,” the most popular clip on YouTube of all time with more than 3 billion views, up for a music video award?
From the official statements provided to the press by MTV and UMLE (Universal Music Latin Entertainment, the record label that released “Despacito”), the oversight is being attributed to what sounds like a simple miscommunication.
The implications of its absence, however, are more complex. This is especially true at a time when Latinos, the biggest U.S. minority population, are more vocal and relevant than ever. And yet, in pop culture, they continue to be underrepresented.
For the full story, visit Billboard.com/Columns/Latin.
