Jay Wheeler, Zhamira, Jessi Uribe and Paola Jara discussed the intersection of their personal and professional lives on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Week. The conversation, moderated by Billboard’s Sigal Ratner-Arias, focused on the challenges of balancing careers as power couples while raising children and collaborating on music.
Touring with children
The artists shared their strategies for managing family life while on the road. Zhamira noted, “My mom went on my entire tour, and my mother-in-law came along too. We always try to bring Aiunii everywhere; that’s why she is the way she is—she’s surrounded by so many adults. It’s challenging, but at the end of the day, they actually have a much better time than we do.”
Paola Jara explained her approach to maintaining stability for her child, saying, “We brought Emilia with us to Miami. She’s staying with my two aunts and my mom. It’s about keeping her in a safe space so that her routine isn’t disrupted when we travel to different cities.”
Collaborating as couples
The panelists also addressed the complexities of working with their partners. Jay Wheeler said, “My wife and I are best friends; we’re always joking around, always together. The only time we’re apart is when I’m playing video games—but the real challenge is when we’re making music. We butt heads a bit, but we always find a middle ground.” Zhamira added, “At the end of the day, I always want what’s best for him—from my perspective, at least—because we both know it comes from a place of trust and love.”
Jessi Uribe highlighted the creative differences he faces with Jara, stating, “The hardest part about making music with Paola is that we’re so different. I really study a song and look for the underlying intention—ranchera music is all about interpretation—but Pao is blessed with a beautiful voice, yet she doesn’t study the songs, and that frustrates me.”
Family and social media
Regarding their children’s presence on social media, Zhamira remarked, “Aiunii is the first baby to be ‘canceled’ on social media because she says a bad word, which is mamahuevo. She has a knack for picking up the last thing her dad says and repeating whatever suits her. The thing is, she enjoys it—and she knows it makes people laugh.”
Jay Wheeler emphasized his commitment to his family, noting, “When my parents got divorced, it was really hard for me. That’s why I make sure to be present. I’d rather look bad in the eyes of the world than let my daughter down.”
Billboard Latin Music Week coincides with the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will be broadcast live on Oct. 22 via Telemundo and Peacock from the James L. Knight Center in Downtown Miami. The event will also be available on Universo, the Telemundo app, and via Telemundo Internacional throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
