Romeo Santos and Prince Royce just pulled off one of the best musical plot twists of the year. What started as a Halloween prank turned into a full-blown bachata bombshell: a joint album titled Better Late Than Never, released November 28 under Sony Music Latin.

The chaos began on October 31, when Romeo showed up on Instagram dressed as Ace Ventura, teasing “new album November 28.” Fans assumed another solo project was coming. What they didn’t know? The “King of Bachata” and the “Prince of Bachata” had been secretly putting together a full 13-track collaboration.

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Years in the Making — Literally

This wasn’t a quick link-up. The duo first tested the waters in 2017, recording songs they later scrapped. Over the years, they kept trying to find the right moment… and the right sound. They finally locked in during private writing sessions held everywhere — Santos’ home studio in New York, Royce’s place, and even rented villas while on vacation.

Musicians came in separately and had no idea both artists were involved. Even some family members were left in the dark until the very end. The whole thing was planned like a musical heist.

A Bachata Universe of Two Icons

Better Late Than Never blends everything fans love from both artists:

• Classic bachata signatures

• Modern experiments with R&B and Afrobeat

• Dominican palo influences on “Ay San Miguel”

• Romantic heartbreak anthems that define the genre

Tracks like “Dardos” and “Jezebel” stretch into new sounds, while “Mi Plan” — the first song they created during a 2023 trip to St. Barts — sets the emotional tone. Rising artist Dalvin La Melodía appears on “Menor,” recording his part without knowing Royce was even involved.

Four songs were co-written by both Santos and Royce, but the entire album feels like a true 50/50 partnership — no song leans too heavily toward one or the other.

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The Rollout: No Singles, Just Shock Value

Instead of the usual promo cycle, the duo stayed silent. No lead single. No teasers. Nothing.

Fans got their first real taste only on release day with a two-song video for “Estocolmo” and “Dardos.” On set, the bachata stars even used code names:
Romeo = Batman, Royce = Robin.
A perfect metaphor for the dynamic fans always dreamed of seeing come to life.

A Win for Bachata

Better Late Than Never is more than a joint album — it’s a generational moment. Two icons, two eras, one project that bridges everything bachata has been and where it’s going next.

For fans who’ve spent years asking for a full collaboration, the wait is finally over… and the title couldn’t be more accurate.