Latin Grammys 2024
The 2024 Latin Grammys returned to Miami, Fla. for its 25th anniversary, airing live on Thursday (Nov. 14) via Univision, Galavisión, and ViX.
The evening gathered a wave of star-studded guests including Mexican hitmaker Edgar Barrera, who for a second consecutive year topped the list of nominees with nine mentions and won songwriter of the year and producer of the year.
Following Barrera are superstars Karol G and Bad Bunny with eight nominations each. The former was up for album of the year for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), the follow-up to her Latin Grammy-winning set of 2023’s Mañana Será Bonito. The latter had a nomination for record of the year with “Monaco.”
This year, artists like Alejandro Fernández, Ángela Aguilar, Becky G, Carín León, Eladio Carrión, Grupo Niche, Joe Jonas, Juan Luis Guerra, Kali Uchis, Marc Anthony, Pitbull, and Residente took center stage at the awards show.
For its 25th anniversary, the awards also incorporated a new field of electronic music, and two new categories: best Latin electronic music performance, and best contemporary Mexican music album.
“The Latin Grammys have grown in an amazing way to become a fundamental platform for music and culture,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a press release. “We are proud to share this year’s nominees, an international and diverse group of creators representing the richness and vastness of today’s Latin music.”
As memorable speeches, eclectic performances, and coveted awards took place during the live telecast, Billboard was behind the scenes gathering all the action that happened on the red carpet, inside the venue, and in the media center.
Below, check out things you didn’t see on TV at the 2024 Latin Grammys:
Trueno’s Latin Grammy Win from the Sidelines
Image Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Salsa, the unmistakable rhythm that has thrilled generations, was celebrated in grand style at the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday (Nov. 14).
The genre’s most iconic figures, along with new talents, joined forces in a tribute that resonated as a powerful reminder of the genre’s influence on Latin music. Legendary names such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Grupo Niche, Oscar D’León, Marc Anthony, and La India shared the stage with exponents of the new wave, represented by Christian Alicea and Luis Figueroa, in an epic tribute.
The tribute began with the charismatic “Caballero de la Salsa”, Gilberto Santa Rosa, who sang a duet with Christian Alicea “De mí enamórate”, symbolizing the link between the golden age of salsa and the freshness of the new generation.
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From Colombia, Grupo Niche made their appearance with their immortal hit “Una aventura,” wrapped in elegant red suits and representing the vibrant world capital of salsa, Cali. Then, Luis Figueroa performed the Frankie Ruiz classic “Tú me volvíes loco”. Immediately afterwards, Oscar D’León, the Venezuelan “Pharaoh of Salsa”, captivated the public with his eternal “Llorarás”, an anthem that has not lost its power since its release in 1986.
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To close with a flourish, Marc Anthony—who executive produced the performance—and La India reunited on state to perform their legendary duet “Vivir lo nuestro” for the first time in 29 years.
With this masterful tribute and display of musicality, the artists reaffirmed that salsa is not only more alive than ever, but that it is an unquestionable pillar of Latin music that will live on forever. Long live salsa!
The 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammy Awards can be seen on Univision, Galavisión and ViX. The ceremony is set to feature performances from Alejandro Fernández, Becky G, Carín León, Eladio Carrión, Jon Bon Jovi, Kali Uchis and Residente, among others. For a second year in a row, songwriter and producer Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with nine nods. He is followed by superstars Karol G and Bad Bunny, who got eight mentions each. To see the updating list of winners, click here.
For more updates on performances, special awards and behind-the-scenes action from the night, check out Billboard.com.
Now in its third year, the Latin Grammy’s Best New Artist Showcase raised the bar for emerging talent, delivering a spectacular evening on Tuesday (Nov. 12) at Miami Beach’s Faena Forum. Hosted by Catalina García of Monsieur Periné, the event spotlighted this year’s contenders for the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards best new artist category, each proving why they deserved their place on this prestigious platform.
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The event featured a star-studded lineup of nominees, each bringing their own flavor to the stage: Agris, Kevin Aguilar, Darumas, Nicolle Horbath, Cacá Magalhães, Os Garotin, Íñigo Quintero, Sofi Saar, and Ela Taubert.
The performances spanned a gamut of genres and styles. Many artists — who each had the opportunity to sing two songs — chose to cover iconic renditions, a move that, while risky, paid off in some cases by highlighting their vocal prowess and interpretive skills.
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Kany García, who won the best new artist title in 2008, introduced Monterrey’s Sofi Saar, who captivated the audience with her “popteño” swagger, reflecting a much-needed female perspective in the genre. Her performance included her exciting original work followed by a cover of Selena’s “Si Una Vez,” a personal favorite of mine by the late Tejana legend.
Spanish sensation Íñigo Quintero, who previously topped the Billboard Global Excl. US chart, delivered a poignant performance with his trademark soft piano balladry. Brazil’s Cacá Magalhães and Mexico’s Agris both left strong impressions with their potent singing abilities — the latter artist sang the timeless hit “Paloma Negra” with a haunting but thrilling vocal quality.
US-based trio Darumas — comprising Aldana Aguirre, Ceci León and Vedala Vilmond who hail from Argentina, Cuba, and Haiti, respecively — kicked off with their mix of old-school funk, rock-infused R&B, and a dash of riot grrrl attitude. However, one of the standout moments of the show was when they impeccably sang one of the hardest songs to sing by the legendary Whitney Houston, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
Ceci Leon, Vedala Vilmond and Aldana Aguirre from the band DARUMAS performs during the 25th Latin GRAMMY Awards – 2024 Best New Artist Showcase and CPI on November 12, 2024 in Miami, Florida.
Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy
Hands down, a highlight of the night was Os Garotin’s performance. Composed of Anchietx, Cupertino and Leo Guima, the trio from Rio de Janeiro’s São Gonçalo amped up the vibe with their infectuous mix of funk, soul, and rap, which got the crowd to their feet and received a standing ovation. Their dance moves were also contagious which kept all eyes glued to them.
Though Barranquilla’s Nicolle Horbath delivered a competent rendition of 2024’s Person of the Year Carlos Vives’ “Fruta Fresca,” it was a relatively safe choice that nonetheless succeeded in engaging the audience. Missing in action was Mexico’s experimental rock troupe Latin Mafia — a personal disappointment, as they are one of my favorite emerging stars of the year — although an introductory video managed to cover their absence somewhat.
The showcase closed on a high note with the youngest nominee, 13-year-old Kevin Aguilar, whose old-soul voice and invigorating performance belied his young age. Accompanied by an accordion, he delivered an impassioned performance of the corrido “Cuando Te Cambian Por Alguien,” evoking comparisons to a young Christian Nodal at the onset of his career.
In an exhilarating turn, Aguilar then shifted gears to perform Luis Miguel’s “La Incondicional,” infused with a polka-styled norteña beat. His execution was flawless, hitting each note with precision and intensity that captivated and left the audience in awe, confirming his status as a standout performer of the night.
Kevin Aguilar performs during the 25th Latin GRAMMY Awards – 2024 Best New Artist Showcase and CPI on November 12, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy)
Esteemed past winners and nominees such as Tiago Iorc, Joaquina, Juliana, Manuel Medrano, Nella, Mau y Ricky, and Nicole Zignago also graced the event as presenters of this year’s nominees.
In the words of the Latin Recording Academy’s CEO, Manuel Abud: “The best new artist category is very special for us, because it is a reflection of the mission of The Latin Recording Academy, to support and promote new talent and open doors for them,” he said from the stage. “The guys are surely going to have several nominations and surely many awards, but nominated for best new artist, just this once. That makes it a very special moment and it’s also one in which we can influence and positively affect the artist’s life in a unique way. It is a turning point in their careers.”
Each performance echoed Abud’s sentiments during an evening that not only celebrated the current crop of new talent but also set a high standard for Latin music’s blooming future.
Who will win the top prize at the 2024 Latin Grammys? Every year, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors dissect the top categories — song of the year, record of the year, album of the year, and best new artist — to forecast the winners and spotlight the most deserving artists.
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As we approach the Latin Grammys on Thursday (Nov. 14), our Latin/Español editorial team has engaged in a spirited analysis, weighing market trends and historical voting behaviors to make educated predictions. This discussion includes insights from Billboard Español‘s deputy editor Sigal Ratner-Arias and associate editor Isabela Raygoza; as well as the Latin team, assistant editor, Jessica Roiz; senior editor, Griselda Flores; and social media manager/staff writer, Ingrid Fajardo.
On its 25th anniversary, the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony will broadcast live from the Kaseya Center in Miami. Produced by TelevisaUnivision, the three-hour event will air on Univision, Galavisión, and ViX starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT).
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Here are our predictions:
Record of the year
“Mil Veces,” Anitta
“Monaco,” Bad Bunny
“Una Vida Pasada,” Camilo & Carín León
“Catalina,” Cimafunk & Monsieur Periné
“Derrumbe,” Jorge Drexler
“Con Dinero y Sin Dinero,” Fonseca & Grupo Niche
“Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” Karol G
“Mambo 23,” Juan Luis Guerra y 4.40
“Tenochtitlán,” Mon Laferte
“Igual Que Un Ángel,” Kali Uchis & Peso Pluma
Sigal Ratner-Arias: I feel strongly about “Igual Que Un Ángel.” I think it’s pun-intended, a heavenly pop song that is so pleasant to the ear with Kali’s vocal style and breathy tones, and Peso shows a softer side that we’ve never heard before. To me, it’s already a winner. I also love Camilo and Carín León’s salsa “Una Vida Pasada,” and I think that would be the runner-up.
Isabela Raygoza: I agree with that. That [“Igual Que Un Ángel”] was my pick, but I quickly want to highlight “Monaco.” I love its moodiness, Charles Aznavour’s references, and the menacing violin riffs; the lyrics are really elegant too. But definitely “Igual que un Ángel.” Not only did it perform extraordinarily well on many Billboard charts, peaking at No. 1, but what Sigal said, hearing Peso sing in an entirely new style really works for him, and Kali’s voice is so angelic and sultry. The production is so supreme that it drips with opulent sensuality. It’s a song you can dance and get frisky to.
Griselda Flores: I think it could be “Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” because it has Edgar Barrera, and it’s a nicely produced song. We’ve already heard Karol G do a more regional Mexican style but this norteño is a side that we haven’t seen from Karol. It softens her. And then there’s Barrera, who’s a [Latin] Grammy darling, and obviously that gives her an extra push. But I also think “Monaco” is very strong, because it’s arranged very nicely. It’s a strong contender because it was so catchy. I just hear it and it takes me back to a moment.
Ingrid Fajardo: For me, I would like “Monaco” to win. It’s such a special song on his album and the whole concept that Bad Bunny created. It’s so elegant in the way the intro with the violins, the lyrics, the concept of what he’s talking about and I would like Bad Bunny to win, he deserves it. I feel like he’s the only one who really experiments. He surprises us more and more.
Jessica Roiz: I agree with Ingrid, because we’re seeing Bad Bunny in a new light. He’s very experimental with everything he does, but just the whole classical aspect of it is beautiful. The first time I heard this song, it immediately set the tone for his album and this new era of maturity and evolution. The lyrics were a look inside of what he was going through professionally and personally. Musically, it also made me feel like I was in one of those Golden Age of Hollywood movies. The route he took with this song makes me feel like it’s worthy of a record of the year.
BAD BUNNY “MONACO”
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Album of the year
Bolero, Ángela Aguilar
Cuatro, Camilo
Xande Canta Caetano, Xande De Pilares
Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), Karol G
García, Kany García
Radio Güira, Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Autopoiética, Mon Laferte
Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, Carín León
Las Letras Ya No Importan, Residente
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Shakira
Flores: I would want Carín León to win because he showcased how versatile he can be. Obviously, we know his palette is diverse but he cemented who he could be outside of regional Mexican without losing his essence. I want him to win because I think it’s a beautiful album, but I think Shakira could possibly take this one because of the momentum around her, the tour and her comeback album. I think she’s the strongest contender here.
Fajardo: It’s the same for me because Carín experimented and took us into his genre, but it also has a little bit of rock and country. It’s like Carín’s world, musically, but it also takes us into what he listens to and what he identifies with. The runner-up for me would be “Cuatro” by Camilo.
Ratner-Arias: I agree with Carín, he is my runner-up — but I feel that the competition is really going to be between Residente, who is a darling of the Latin Academy and who presented another innovative masterpiece with his album, and Shakira for her comeback and her heartfelt and personal songs. I would give my vote to her but I think Residente would be deserving and could take it.
Raygoza: I agree that Residente made a masterpiece. He presented himself as a more well-rounded artist, a songwriter who thinks outside the box with production and concept. But I also agree that Carín León could possibly take this one. I love that there is a regional Mexican song in this category; I think he’s the most-fitting darling-esque act for La Academia; however, my actual pick is Mon Laferte. The album opens up with “Tenochtitlán,” singing of the fallen ancient civilizations but the trip-hop-meets-bolero beat, à la Portishead. Then she switches to cumbia rebajada [on “Te Juro Que Volveré”]. I think her sound and voice are so haunting. She’s so poetic. I would love for her to win but I think Carín could win this one.
Roiz: I would like Carín to win as well because I feel that it would make a huge statement for música mexicana music. Yes, he’s experimenting but with what he likes and he’s consuming not with what’s trending. Notably, there’s that song he did with the gospel choir and it’s so passionate. Everything he sings comes out beautiful. I do hope he wins but it could also go to Residente or Kany García — I think those would be my runner-ups.
Carín León.
Jesus Fernando Espinoza
Song of the year
“A Fuego Lento,” Daymé Arocena & Vicente García, songwriters (Daymé Arocena & Vicente García)
“A La Mitad” (Banda Sonora Original De La Serie “Zorro”), Julio Reyes Copello & Mariana Vega, songwriters (Maura Nava)
“Aún Me Sigo Encontrando”, Rubén Blades, Gian Marco & Julio Reyes Copello, songwriters (Gian Marco & Rubén Blades)
“Caracas En El 2000,” Marvin Hawkins Rodriguez, Jerry Di, La Pichu, Danny Ocean & Elena Rose, songwriters (Elena Rose, Danny Ocean & Jerry Di)
“Derrumbe,” Jorge Drexler, songwriters (Jorge Drexler)
“(Entre Paréntesis),” Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Manuel Lorente Freire, Lenin Yorney Palacios & Shakira, songwriters (Shakira, Grupo Frontera)
“Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” Edgar Barrera, Andres Jael Correa Rios, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, Karol G & MAG, songwriters (Karol G)
“Según Quién,” Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Luís Miguel Gómez Castaño, Maluma, Lenin Yorney Palacios & Juan Camilo Vargas, songwriters (Maluma & Carín León)
“Te Lo Agradezco,” Rafa Arcaute, Kany García, Carín León & Richi López, songwriters (Kany García & Carín León)
“313,” Leo Genovese, Residente & Silvia Pérez Cruz, songwriters (Residente, Silvia Pérez Cruz & Penélope Cruz)
Ratner-Arias: As a good Venezuelan I would like to see “Caracas en el 2000” win. It is a happy song, contagious, full of feelings, and nostalgia. It takes you back to a time in your life — it doesn’t matter that you’re not Venezuelan, but it takes you back to your homeland in those teenage years in a way that makes you smile and the chorus is super catchy. However, Residente’s song is very powerful and I think it’s very likely to win.
Flores: I don’t see a clear winner but I think that Jorge Drexler might have more of a chance here because it’s a beautiful song. It’s a spoken word and super poetic. Other than that, “Según Quién” was really catchy and resonated with listeners. Also, Elena Rose and Danny Ocean are beautiful songwriters, so I would like to see them get this recognition as composers.
Fajardo: I would like “Te Lo Agradezco” to win. I feel the lyrics are different. It’s a reminder of self-love from someone else’s point of view. I feel the same way that Jorge Drexler or Rubén Blades could win.
Roiz: I would like to see “Caracas en el 2000” win because it would be one of those statement-making moments. I love what the song represents — especially for Venezuela and for what all these artists have done for their country this year. I also think “Te Lo Agradezco” is a beautifully crafted song and it definitely has song-of-the-year potential. A strong runner-up for me would be “A La Mitad.” Maura Nava is a brand-new artist, coming from Julio Reyes Copello’s ArtHouse Academy, and it’s just surprising to see her in this category. It’s a very haunting and captivating song.
Raygoza: I’m gonna go with “Caracas en el 2000” because Venezuela had a huge year with its artists, and this song beautifully encapsulates that. It’s a powerful Venezuelan trio and the song is a youth nostalgia to their years living in Venezuela. I like the songwriting, enjoying a “cheese empanada,” it’s really cute! It reflects their life amid the country’s dramatic political shift. For my runner-up, I’m also going to go with Residente. I think it’s a very vulnerable song, especially after dedicating the song to a friend of his who passed away. The song navigates between mourning and remembrance, the nature of life, and how we cherish connections. I think it’s a beautiful orchestral ballad that touches on existence.
Jerry Di, Elena Rose & Danny Ocean
Warner Music Latina
Best new artist
Agris
Kevin Aguilar
Darumas
Nicolle Horbath
Latin Mafia
Cacá Magalhães
Os Garotin
Iñigo Quintero
Sofi Saar
Ela Taubert
Flores: Latin Mafia. I think they’re everywhere and everyone is talking about them. During Billboard Latin Music Week, I heard an executive say that they are the future of Latin music, and I kind of agree. They come with a different proposal, very unique, very real. They are brothers from Mexico doing avant-garde pop music, and it’s something refreshing for me. They excite me a lot, and I think they should and could win. A runner-up for me could be either Inigo Quintero or Ela Taubert — I think they have a good chance.
Raygoza: I want to echo what Griselda said because I feel similarly about Latin Mafia. They are groundbreaking in terms of their sonic configurations. Their sound is nostalgic but noisy. The production in their debut album is impeccable, they have rock, grunge, trip-hop, and skater punk, and it’s so unpredictable. Obviously, they had a huge year because they debuted at Coachella, and they signed to Rimas. They’re so unique in their presentation and it’s refreshing to see a group like them because it adds more versatility. They’re not pop nor urbano, they’re producers and they’re rockers, and I love that about them.
Fajardo: I agree. I feel that Latin Mafia represents an indie, conceptual, and creative side of music that we don’t hear a lot of in the United States. For me, they are super creative and I’m glad there is a space for them. My runner-up would be Ela, we have seen her very active this year and she has a lot of support.
Ratner-Arias: Each nominee in this category has their charm but my favorites here are Ela and Darumas. In fact, I would love for Darumas to win! Ela has a lot of beautiful pop songs that are relatable lyrics but I feel like we’ve seen a lot of singers like that already. Darumas represents something exciting and special by bringing funk, R&B, and Latin flavor. My vote is for Darumas, but the runner-up could be Latin Mafia.
Roiz: Personally, I would have loved to see Noreh in this category, but I agree with Sigal. I would love to see one of the girls win again. I was shocked when I saw Darumas here. They just kicked off their career this year, so this is pretty exciting. Their concept is super cool and they are very talented. I would love to see either Darumas or Ela Taubert win this one. Ela is a very well-rounded pop star.
Latin Mafia
@directony
The Latin Recording Academy revealed the final batch of performers for the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards on Monday morning (Nov. 11), Billboard Español can exclusively announce. The concluding acts set to perform on Thursday (Nov. 14), include a stellar lineup of salsa icons and budding acts, including Christian Alicea, Grupo Niche, Luis Figueroa, Oscar […]
Ten tracks are contenders for the coveted Song of the Year category at the 25th annual Latin Grammy Awards. The nominees include Daymé Arocena and Vicente García’s “A Fuego Lento”; Maura Nava’s “A La Mitad”; Elena Rose, Danny Ocean, and Jerry Di’s “Caracas En El 2000”; Jorge Drexler‘s “Derrumbe”; Shakira and Grupo Frontera‘s “(Entre Paréntesis)”; Gian Marco […]
There was a whole lot of glamour on the red carpet at the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday (Nov. 16). In their first staging outside the United States, the 24th annual Latin Grammys went to Seville, and the Spanish city’s vibrant atmosphere was reflected in the bright colors worn by the artists present. Karol […]
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