J Balvin Shares Who Still Leaves Him Starstruck Despite Their Conversations
J Balvin Remains Starstruck by Jay-Z Ahead of 2026 Grammys
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Colombian reggaeton superstar J Balvin shared insights into his experiences with fellow artists ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards. Despite his own celebrity status, Balvin revealed that he continues to be starstruck by artists he admires, particularly Jay-Z.
Balvin, nominated for the Best Música Urbana Album category for his project Mixteip, explained, “At the beginning, of course I was starstruck. I still get starstruck from artists because I love them and I admire them even though they’re my friends.”
J Balvin at the Grammys in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026.
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Balvin noted that even casual conversations with Jay-Z instill a sense of awe in him. “When I see him I still get starstruck,” he said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining respect for artists across all genres.
Throughout the interview, Balvin also reflected on his approach to awards shows, mentioning that he feels "always relaxed" before such events. He recalled a piece of advice from Jay-Z: “You gotta keep showing up.” For Balvin, this commitment is not merely about personal presence; it represents a broader cultural movement. “This is not just one artist, this is a movement,” he stated.
Balvin’s admiration for Jay-Z has been a recurring theme in his interviews. In a previous conversation with Rolling Stone in 2022, he described meeting Jay-Z as a dream come true, praising him as “the most powerful artist” in terms of business and cultural influence.
Jay-Z and J Balvin in Phoenix, Arizona in February 2023.
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He expressed a desire to emulate Jay-Z’s success by creating businesses that uplift Latino culture. “I want to be that guy representing Latinos around the world,” Balvin asserted.
As the Grammys approach, Balvin also acknowledged the growing recognition of Latin music in mainstream culture. “People used to hear us… Now, they see us,” he remarked, highlighting collaboration with fellow artists like Karol G, Bad Bunny, and Feid as pivotal to this cultural shift.
