Italian music icon Laura Pausini recently unveiled the cover art and details for her forthcoming albums, “Yo Canto 2” and “Io Canto 2,” during the Billboard Latin Music Week 2025. These albums will pay tribute to Hispanic and Italian singer-songwriters, with the Spanish-language version featuring covers of noteworthy tracks from Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny and Mexican star Joan Sebastian. Pausini shared this exciting news during a heartfelt Icon Q&A session in Miami on October 21.
During her conversation with Leila Cobo, Billboard’s director of content for Latin/Spanish, Pausini delighted attendees by performing her rendition of “Turista.” She described her connection to Bad Bunny’s music and shared her discovery of Joan Sebastian’s artistry through recommendations on digital music platforms. Her interaction with Bad Bunny dates back to a tribute for Gloria Estefan, and she expressed deep admiration for his work, particularly aligning with the insightful lyrics of “Turista,” featured on Bad Bunny’s acclaimed album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” (2025).
“Benito wrote to me and said he never imagined one day I would sing one of his songs,” Pausini recounted emotionally, highlighting the importance of transforming his work with her unique style. She articulated her appreciation for how Bad Bunny used “turista” to metaphorically capture the fleeting nature of romantic relationships.
Pausini further mentioned that “Yo Canto 2” will consist of 20 tracks, mirrored by 20 tracks in “Io Canto 2.” The first single, “Mi Historia Entre Tus Dedos” (“My Story Between Your Fingers”), is a classic from 1994 by Gianluca Grignani, which gained popularity in both Italy and Latin America through its bilingual versions.
The album covers present Pausini as a fierce warrior clad in silver for the Italian project, while adorning a delicate veiled outfit for the Spanish album. Both designs feature a striking silver sword crafted from three microphones, symbolizing her artistic prowess.
Highlighting her achievements, Pausini will be recognized with the Billboard Icon Award on October 23 during the Billboard Latin Music Awards ceremony. Additionally, she announced plans for a promotional tour kicking off in Spain in March 2026, with a subsequent leg in Latin America lasting until June.
Latin Music Week continues to be the premier event for Latin artists and industry figures, showcasing a diverse lineup that includes talents like Aitana, Anuel AA, and Gloria Estefan, among others. The week will culminate with the prestigious Billboard Latin Music Awards, where Bad Bunny is set to be honored as the Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century.
Pausini’s new projects signify her enduring influence in the music industry and her commitment to bridging cultures through song, creating excitement among her fans as she continues to evolve as an artist.