The dynamic duo of Romeo Santos and Prince Royce has once again captured the top spot on Billboard’s prestigious Latin Airplay chart with their latest hit, "Ay! San Miguel." This marks their third No. 1 single from their highly anticipated collaborative album, Better Late Than Never, solidifying their status as powerhouses in the Latin music industry. The song’s ascent to the pinnacle of the chart, dated September 26, is a testament to its widespread appeal and the enduring popularity of these two bachata titans.
This latest achievement is particularly significant for both artists. For Romeo Santos, "Ay! San Miguel" represents his 25th career No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart, further extending his record as the tropical artist with the most chart-toppers in the nearly 32-year history of the ranking. Prince Royce, not to be outdone, celebrates his 22nd No. 1, positioning him as the second most successful tropical artist on the chart. While these figures are remarkable within the tropical genre, they are part of a broader landscape where J Balvin currently holds the record for the most No. 1s overall, with an impressive 40 chart-topping hits.
The journey of "Ay! San Miguel" to the No. 1 position has been a steady climb. The track impressively moved from the second position to claim the top spot after spending six weeks within the top 10 of the Latin Airplay chart. In the tracking week ending September 17, the song garnered approximately 7.2 million audience impressions in the United States, experiencing a substantial 16% increase. This surge in popularity led to ARIA VEGA and Ryan Castro’s former No. 1, "Chévere," dropping to the tenth position after just one week at the helm, with a reported 26% decrease in impressions during the same tracking period.
A Collaborative Masterpiece: The Genesis of Better Late Than Never
The Better Late Than Never album, released in November 2025, has proven to be a fertile ground for chart-topping singles. "Ay! San Miguel" follows in the successful footsteps of two previous singles from the project: "Lokita Por Mí" and "Dardos." These earlier tracks also enjoyed significant chart success, with "Lokita Por Mí" topping the charts for 13 weeks and "Dardos" reigning for nine weeks between 2025 and 2026. This consistent performance underscores the potent synergy between Santos and Royce, a collaboration that fans have eagerly embraced.
Upon its release, the Better Late Than Never album made a strong debut on Billboard’s album charts. It entered at No. 2 on the Top Latin Albums chart and secured the No. 1 position on the Top Tropical Albums chart in December 2025, signaling immediate critical and commercial acclaim. The album’s success is a testament to the artists’ ability to connect with their audience through a blend of classic bachata sensibilities and contemporary musical influences.
Chart Dominance and Genre Recognition
The dominance of "Ay! San Miguel" is not confined to the overall Latin Airplay chart. The track has also maintained its stronghold on the Tropical Airplay chart, marking its seventh consecutive week at No. 1. This sustained leadership on the genre-specific chart further highlights the song’s deep roots and resonance within the bachata and tropical music community. The consistent success of these singles from Better Late Than Never positions the album as a landmark release in the careers of both artists and a significant moment for Latin music.
Beyond its radio airplay success, "Ay! San Miguel" has also demonstrated its multi-metric appeal by reaching a new peak on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart. While the specific new position was not detailed in the original report, the song’s climb reflects its strong performance across radio airplay, digital sales, and streaming activity. The Hot Latin Songs chart, which ranks songs based on a combination of these metrics, offers a comprehensive view of a song’s overall popularity and impact within the Latin music landscape.
The Legacy of Bachata Royalty
Romeo Santos, often hailed as the "King of Bachata," has built an unparalleled career on his emotive songwriting and distinctive vocal style. His transition from leading the iconic group Aventura to a solo artist has been met with continuous success, with each of his albums achieving significant commercial milestones. His ability to evolve the bachata sound while staying true to its core elements has earned him a devoted global fanbase and a place among the most influential figures in Latin music history.
Prince Royce, a Grammy-winning artist, has also carved out a remarkable career, known for his smooth vocal delivery and his knack for crafting infectious bachata anthems. His music often blends traditional bachata with R&B and pop influences, appealing to a broad demographic. Royce’s collaborations with other artists, including this significant pairing with Santos, have consistently produced hit records and further cemented his position as a leading artist in the genre.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The continued success of "Ay! San Miguel" and the Better Late Than Never album has several implications for the Latin music industry. It underscores the immense power of collaboration between established artists, demonstrating how such partnerships can amplify reach and introduce their music to new audiences. The sustained popularity of bachata and tropical music on mainstream charts like Latin Airplay and Hot Latin Songs also signals a vibrant and evolving market, receptive to both traditional sounds and contemporary interpretations.
The artists’ consistent ability to produce chart-topping hits speaks to their enduring relevance and their deep understanding of their audience’s preferences. As "Ay! San Miguel" continues its reign, it serves as a reminder of the rich musical heritage and the dynamic future of Latin music, with Romeo Santos and Prince Royce at the forefront of this ongoing evolution. Their collective achievements on the Billboard charts not only celebrate their individual talents but also highlight the growing global appeal and influence of Latin rhythms. The music video for "Ay! San Miguel," featured prominently, likely contributed to its widespread popularity, offering a visual complement to the song’s infectious melody and romantic lyrics. The synergy between audio and visual content continues to be a crucial element in driving song performance in the digital age, and this collaboration has effectively leveraged both.
The ongoing success of bachata on the charts is a positive indicator for the genre, which has seen a resurgence in global popularity over the past decade. The ability of artists like Santos and Royce to consistently deliver hits that resonate with a wide audience suggests that bachata is more than just a fleeting trend; it is a robust and enduring musical force. Their continued collaboration and chart dominance are likely to inspire a new generation of artists to explore and innovate within the genre, further enriching the landscape of Latin music. The anticipation for future projects from these artists, and indeed from the broader bachata and tropical music scene, remains high, fueled by the undeniable success of "Ay! San Miguel."
