CNCO
| Company type | Boy band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Miami, Florida , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
CNCO was a Miami, Florida-based American Latin boy band consisting of Richard Camacho, Erick Brian Colón, Christopher Vélez, and Zabdiel De Jesús. Joel Pimentel departed from the group in May 2021. After winning the inaugural season of La Banda, they secured a five-year deal with Sony Music Latin. Early in their career, CNCO toured alongside Ricky Martin and gained chart recognition with singles such as "Tan Fácil" and "Quisiera". Their first album, Primera Cita, released on August 26, 2016, included the popular track "Reggaetón Lento (Bailemos)".
Their second studio album, self-titled CNCO, came out on April 6, 2018, featuring singles like "Hey DJ", "Mamita", and "Se Vuelve Loca". The debut EP Que Quiénes Somos, released on October 11, 2019, contained songs such as "De Cero" and the collaboration "Pegao" with Manuel Turizo. Both full-length albums reached number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and entered the top 40 of the Billboard 200, while the EP placed within the top 15 on the Latin chart.
In 2020, CNCO introduced the Déjà Vu project, a visual album covering classic Latin pop hits. They released three singles toward the end of that year. The complete album was launched on February 5, 2021, preceded by a fourth single and accompanied by a fifth single on release day.
On July 21, 2022, CNCO revealed their intention to disband to focus on individual careers but agreed to continue as a group for an additional eighteen months. To mark the anniversary of their debut record in August 2022, they unveiled their final studio album XOXO, which included tracks like "Toa La Noche", "La Equivocada", "Party, Humo & Alcohol", and "Pluton" featuring Mexican urban artist Kenia Os. Their last single, "La Ultima Canción", was issued in May 2023. The group officially parted ways on November 17, 2023, in Puerto Rico.
2015: La Banda
Erick Brian Colón, Christopher Vélez, Zabdiel De Jesús, Richard Camacho, and Joel Pimentel all auditioned for the debut season of La Banda, a singing contest broadcast by Univision beginning September 2015. Created by Simon Cowell and produced by Ricky Martin, the show featured public voting where each member received over 75% approval except Colón, who was saved by Martin’s decision. Originating from both Latin America and the United States, they progressed through multiple rounds evaluated by judges Martin, Alejandro Sanz, and Laura Pausini. Initially divided into separate groups—with Camacho and De Jesús forming one unit and Vélez, Colón, and Pimentel another—the final band was assembled during the finale held on December 13, 2015. The group was named CNCO (pronounced as spelled), inspired by the Spanish word for five: “cinco.” They earned a five-year recording contract with Sony Music Latin, with rapper Wisin serving as producer for their debut album. Ricky Martin also took on management duties.
At the finale event, they performed "Devuélveme Mi Corazón" alongside artists including Pitbull, Fifth Harmony, and Wisin. Additionally, they received video messages of congratulations from One Direction. Subsequently, CNCO appeared at Univision’s Feliz 2016 New Year’s celebration held in Times Square.
2016: Primera Cita and Breakthrough Achievement
CNCO launched their debut single, "Tan Fácil," on January 29, 2016. The track entered the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay chart at number 25, climbed to number 23 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, and reached the top position on the U.S. iTunes Latino charts. It eventually secured the number one spot on the Latin Airplay chart. The following day, CNCO held their inaugural concert at The Fillmore Miami Beach.
Beginning February 12, CNCO served as the opening act for Ricky Martin's One World Tour throughout the United States, including stops in Hollywood, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, as well as performances across South America in countries such as Chile and Argentina.
Their sophomore single, "Quisiera," released on May 13, attained a peak position of number 29 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart. In May, CNCO performed the U.S. national anthem at Yankee Stadium. On July 13, they garnered six nominations at Premios Juventud, winning five awards and delivering a performance during the event.
In August, fans known as "CNCOwners" voted CNCO as the top choice in Billboard's "Favorite New Latin Boy Band Poll." On August 23, they introduced 'CNCOGo,' an interactive fan game inspired by Pokémon Go designed to discover songs from their forthcoming album; Ecuadorian supporters were the first to uncover the track "Cometa."
Their debut album, Primera Cita, produced by Wisin, was released on August 26. It includes fourteen songs, featuring an urban remix of "Tan Fácil" with a guest rapper and a ballad rendition of "Quisiera" featuring Spanish vocalist Abraham Mateo. In celebration of the album release, CNCO performed at Miami International Mall while continuing their tour with Ricky Martin.
In November, CNCO shot the music video for "Para Enamorarte" in Los Angeles in collaboration with Toyota; fans contributed by choosing the video's ending. The video premiered during the finale of La Banda and was also featured on Toyota's Latino Facebook page. Additionally, they announced their first headlining tour scheduled for February 2017 across Latin America. On October 7, they released "Reggaetón Lento (Bailemos)," which reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and number 11 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
2017–2018: Más Allá Tour and CNCO
On February 7, 2017, CNCO was named a finalist for "Artist of the Year, New" at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. Their inaugural headlining Más Allá tour commenced on February 26 in Cochabamba, Bolivia, featuring 40 concerts across 15 countries including regions in Central and South America, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and the United States. During this touring period, they recorded their second studio album.
On March 24, they appeared on Becky G's remix of "Todo Cambió." April 4 marked the release of their second album’s lead single, "Hey DJ," featuring Yandel along with a solo pop version. In May, they contributed to Enrique Iglesias' remix of "Súbeme la Radio" and later collaborated with Río Roma on "Princesa."
August 18 saw a remixed version of "Reggaetón Lento" featuring British girl group Little Mix released as the album’s second single. The third single from the project, "Mamita," followed on October 20. Early in 2018, singles including "Mi Medicina," "Bonita," and "Fiesta en Mi Casa" were launched ahead of the album drop; each was accompanied by a music video.
Their self-titled sophomore album CNCO was released on April 6, 2018. It debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart and reached number 33 on the Billboard 200. To mark its release, they issued "Sólo Yo" along with a music video. On May 16, CNCO signed a new management contract with Walter Kolm Entertainment after nearly three years under Ricky Martin’s guidance.
The fifth single from this era, "Se Vuelve Loca," was issued with a music video and a Spanglish version in July; by October it topped the Latin Pop Songs Chart. Their first U.S. tour leg began as part of the CNCO World Tour starting in Guatemala. On October 26, they collaborated with Prince Royce on "Llegaste Tú." On November 8, a remix of "Hey DJ" featuring Meghan Trainor and Sean Paul was released to broaden their crossover reach.
2019: Que Quiénes Somos
On February 15, 2019, CNCO unveiled "Pretend," their first official solo Spanglish single which samples DeBarge's classic "Rhythm of the Night." June 24 brought forth another single titled "De Cero," accompanied by a music video. They performed a snippet of “Pretend” during the Teen Choice Awards that year where they also won Choice Latin Artist and received a nomination for Choice Group. In July, Spanish singer-songwriter Abraham Mateo joined them for “Me Vuelvo Loco.”
August marked the release of their debut extended play (EP), Que Quiénes Somos, which they co-wrote to express their artistic identity. The EP’s promotional single “Ya Tú Sabes,” released August 23, incorporates samples from Cuban salsa icon Celia Cruz alongside Latin Trap influences. On August 26 at the MTV Video Music Awards pre-show, they performed “De Cero.” Another promotional track titled “La Ley” was made available for free download on September 27.
Upon its October 11 release date, the EP debuted atop Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums chart featuring seven tracks total. That same day saw release of its second single “Pegao,” which features Colombian artist Manuel Turizo. CNCO also collaborated with boy band PRETTYMUCH on “Me Necesita.” At the Latin American Music Awards later that year, they performed “Ya Tú Sabes” and “Me Vuelvo Loco” alongside Mateo and won two awards.
On November 7, CNCO appeared on Argentine singer Lali Espósito’s song “Como Así” from her album Libra. Later in November they partnered with Forever 21 for their first clothing line campaign.
2020–2021: Déjà Vu Era and Pimentel's Exit
The group announced their Press Start tour on January 21, 2020; it was planned to begin May 30 in San Juan, Puerto Rico and conclude June 21 in Chicago but was postponed until 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Their self-penned third studio album was similarly delayed. Nevertheless, they released “Honey Boo” featuring Dominican artist Natti Natasha on April 2 alongside an official video. At the MTV Video Music Awards that year they earned nominations for Best Quarantine Performance (MTV Unplugged at Home) and Best Choreography for “Honey Boo,” later receiving a Best Group nomination as well. “Beso” was released August 28 with an accompanying VMA performance where CNCO won Best Quarantine Performance — becoming the first Latin boy band to receive a Moonman.
In November 2020 CNCO indefinitely postponed their third studio album in favor of releasing a cover collection titled Déjà Vu, consisting of classic Latin pop hits from 1988 onwards. They previewed several covers including “Tan Enamorados” (Ricardo Montaner) paired with a New Kids on the Block-inspired video; followed by “Mis Ojos Lloran Por Ti” (Big Boy) featuring an NSYNC-reminiscent visual which they performed during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; December saw them cover Enrique Iglesias’ “Hero” accompanied by Backstreet Boys-inspired imagery.
On January 31, 2021 CNCO released their rendition of Franco De Vita’s “Solo Importas Tú.” The full Déjà Vu album dropped February 5 along with “Dejaría Todo,” a Chayanne cover serving as its lead single. On May 9 Joel Pimentel announced his departure to pursue solo artistic endeavors; CNCO confirmed continuation as a quartet thereafter. Their final performance as five members occurred during the virtual “Déjà Vu Global Streaming” concert held May 14. June 22 marked release of “Toa La Noche,” their first single as four members; it was performed at Premios Juventud that year. They teamed up with Alex Rose for “Pa’ Que Guaye,” released September 16.
2022–2023: XOXO, 4 Ever, and Farewell
On January 13, 2022 CNCO dropped “Party, Humo & Alcohol,” their second single post-Pimentel departure which quickly amassed over ten million views on YouTube. February 3 brought announcement of their acting debut starring in Disney+’s musical miniseries 4 Ever, originally slated for fall release but eventually premiering October 11, 2023.
Throughout early-mid-2022 they continued releasing singles such as “La Equivocada” (April 8); collaborations including “Teteo” with Maffio and Kiko el Crazy (May 13); and “Suelta, Sola y Tranquila (Remix)” featuring Fabro and Mya (June17). June also saw simultaneous releases of “No Apagues la Luz” and “La Equivocada (Versión Tumbao)” featuring Adriel Favela.
July featured release of “Plutón” alongside Mexican artist Kenia OS; despite Kenia OS missing her performance at Premios Juventud due to COVID-19 infection that same month where CNCO performed it live while accepting Best Fandom award—during which they revealed plans to disband within eighteen months. August brought forth singles like “Miami” featuring Beele (August24), followed by their final studio album XOXO two days later (August26). Collaborations continued with Venezuelan singer Nacho on “Ferrari” (September30), Reggi El Autentico on “MUSIKITA” (November25), Alejo on “Estrella” (December8), plus standalone single “Ay Dios” (December16).
In early 2023 CNCO partnered with DJ Steve Aoki for “Diferente,” released February3 from his album HiROQUEST: Double Helix. Additional singles included “Borrachita” featuring Symon Dice (February9) and “Extraños” with Gera Demara (February16). Their final solo single prior to disbandment was “La Ultima Canción,” issued May3 ahead of their farewell tour La Ultima Cita which commenced May9 in La Paz Bolivia; shortly after came release of “Tu Me Elevas” featuring Aron Luix (May12).
July saw launch of soundtrack lead single from 4 Ever, titled “Para Siempre.” Venezuelan duo Mau y Ricky included collaboration “Vivir Sin Ti” with CNCO on their mixtape Desgenerados Mixtape released July20. The second soundtrack single from 4 Ever, called “Fuego,” arrived October8 along with its music video; followed by premiere of miniseries itself October11 exclusively via Disney+.
CNCO’s concluding live performance took place November17,2023 in Puerto Rico attended by family members marking official closure of their career as a group.
Former members
- Christopher Vélez (born November23,1995) originated from Newark New Jersey but grew up in Ecuador.
- Richard Camacho (born January22,1997) is Dominican-American raised in New York City.
- Zabdiel De Jesús (born December13,1997) comes from Bayamón Puerto Rico.
- Erick Brian Colón (born January3,2001) hails from Havana Cuba.
- Joel Pimentel (born February28,1999) was born in Hesperia California.
Reception
Griselda Flores writing for Billboard praised CNCO as torchbearers ushering in a new generation of boy bands following in footsteps established by earlier Latino groups such as Magneto, Menudo, Uff!, and Salserín.
Discography
Studio albums
- Primera Cita (2016)
- CNCO (2018)
- Déjà Vu (2021)
- XOXO (2022)
Extended plays
- Que Quiénes Somos (2019)
Concert tours
Headline performances
- 2016–2017: Más Allá Tour
- 2019: CNCO World Tour
- 2020: Press Start Tour (cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic)
- 2021: Toa La Noche: Club Tour
- 2023: La Última Cita Tour
Supporting act
- 2016: Ricky Martin – One World Tour
- 2017: Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman Tour
- 2017: Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull – Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull Live
- 2022: Tini – Tini Tour 2022