The nostalgic essence of Jeanette’s classic ’80s track “El Muchacho de los Ojos Tristes” has echoed through the ages. Recently, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco enlisted The Marías for a fresh take on the ballad called “Ojos Tristes,” featured on their collaborative album, I Said I Love You First.
“I feel a great sense of pride in this song,” Gomez — who will receive the Woman of the Year accolade at the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music — shares with Billboard regarding the bilingual piece, which features the soothing and luxurious vocals of the Grammy-nominated artist along with the ethereal tones of María Zardoya (from The Marías). “Last summer, Benny and I attended a concert by The Marías, and I was in awe of their performance, realizing I wanted them to be part of our album.”
Although the original song, crafted by renowned Spanish composer Manuel Alejandro, did not chart, “Ojos Tristes” has granted Gomez her fifth entry in the top 10 of Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, currently ranking at No. 5 as of the chart dated April 26.
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“’El Muchacho De Los Ojos Tristes’ resonates as one of those timeless songs that unites people across different generations, regardless of age,” Gomez reflects. “Whether you experienced it as an adult or it was something your mother or abuela played, it evokes powerful nostalgic emotions. I loved witnessing all the reactions to the song and the memories it brings back for people. I must admit, I got a bit teary-eyed on a few occasions.”
The 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music will be held on Thursday (April 24) in Miami.
The third annual Billboard Latin Women in Music special will be broadcast live at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 24 exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, as well as throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.
Explore Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executive list here.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
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