Music

The opening set — featuring Christian Nodal, Maluma, Edgar Barrera and Grupo Frontera in a tribute to the legendary Carlos Santana — was off to a somewhat confusing start, as many at home heard nothing but static. A few seconds later it was thankfully fixed. Barrera and Santana joined forces on electric guitars, adding that rockero touch, and it was Maluma who first honored him singing “Oye Como Va.” The medley and tribute continued with Nodal, who sang “Corazón Espinado,” powered by his raspy signature vocals and cheered on by his wife Ángela Aguilar from the audience. Frontera followed with “Me Retiro,” their collab with Santana. While we applaud the powerhouse concept, the rough start and a troupe of 14 dancers that honestly threw us off and felt antiquated, we’re ranking this pretty low on our list. 

The Venezuelan singer-songwriter, who won best new artist in 2023, turned the stage into her own ballerina studio to perform the raw, pop ballad “Quise Quererte.” While the performance felt understated, Joaquina showcased rising star energy in a powerful performance filled with pathos. 

Aitana had a big night, winning her first Latin Grammy for best recording package for Cuarto Azul during the pre-telecast awards ceremony. She also performed “6 de Febrero” in an intimate setting, actually a bedroom-like environment where the Spanish star contemplated a failed relationship. While her musical number started sweet and innocently, toward the end, the bedroom very engulfed in flames, giving it that dramatic touch. 

Alejandro Sanz doesn’t need much to shine or land as one of our favorites of the night. With guitar in hand, and those signature raspy and mature vocals, he performed the stripped-down “El Vino de Tu Boca.” But the ever-surprising Spanish star had more to offer. Fusing tropical rhythms with flamenco sensibility, the Spanish superstar performed “Las Guapas,” a new song that previews his upcoming album, due Nov. 20. Besides his performance, Sanz also took home two awards, including record of the year for “Palmeras en el Jardín.”

You can count on Los Tigres del Norte to offer a poignant message in their performance every single time. It’s what makes them unique, and one of the most iconic bands of all time. The voice of the pueblo, the norteño band performed its Latino power anthem, “La Lotería,” displaying images of marches and protests across the country, demanding a more just treatment of the immigrant community in the United States. Big props to Los Tigres for always using their platform to speak on important issues.

Wearing a contemporary charro outfit, Sonora-born hitmaker Carín León once again showcased his vocal prowess in “Ahí Estabas Tú.” While León shone on his own, with his norteño-banda ensemble in tow, Kacey Musgraves added sparkle to the performance, joining the música Mexicana star for “Lost in Translation.” Their performance not only united country and regional, it was a union of cultures and languages, as the two sang in Spanish and English, a nod to the genre’s expansion. 

Gloria Estefan took the stage to perform “La Vecina” and “Chirriqui Chirri,” off her Latin Grammy-winning album, Raíces. Everyone immediately got on their feet, because if anyone can get a party going, that’s Estefan. While her set was already off to a blast, Argentine star Nathy Peluso then joined Estefan for a collaboration that was not on our bingo card, but resulted in one of the best performances of the night. 

Representing the new generation of Mexican and Mexican American hitmakers, DannyLux, Kakalo and Ivan Cornejo took center stage for back-to-back performances. Their musical numbers were exactly what we needed from each of them, raw, instrumental and emotionally charged. Danny performed “Sirena,” Kakalo sang “Tierra Trágame” and Iván Cornejo “Atención.” These sets were laid back, yes, but powerful and invigorating, showcasing super talented rising young artists.

Elena Rose is pure light, joy and spirituality. She transmitted all of that with her performance of “Me Lo Merezco.” One of the most powerful performances of the night, Elena didn’t need a fancy, over-the-top production for her set, she had her most powerful instrument, her voice, and an equally vibrant piano that captured everyone’s attention, delivering a moving performance. The Venezuelan singer-songwriter ended with a prayer, asking God to fill us with love.

After a number of regional Mexican, pop and tropical numbers, Morat gave us a breather with that rocker essence that powers their music and just overall vibe. The Colombian band performed “Faltas Tú,” powered by guitar, drums and bass. Morat’s dynamic performance was refreshing and electrifying, it followed the group’s first Latin Grammy win for best pop/rock album for Ya Es Mañana.

Leave it to Pepe Aguilar to bring charro and Mexican pride to the Latin Grammys. The towering figure of música mexicana was accompanied by his 16-piece mariachi to sing “El Cihualteco” and “El Fuereño,” from Mi Suerte Es Ser Mexicano, a troupe of folkloric dancers, two Aztec dancers and even a charro with his wide-brim embroidered sombrero, which he wore while casting his rope into the air. No one can replicate the craft that Aguilar brings on stage, from the production of it all to his potent vocal delivery, and for that, we’re qualifying his set as one of the most impressive of the night.

Good things come when Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera join forces, and their set at the Latin Grammys did not disappoint. Their musical number kicked off with their hit song “Me Jalo,” each taking turns to shine onstage — showcasing both signature styles, Fuerza’s swaggering corridos and Frontera’s hip-swiveling cumbia norteña. Then, Fuerza took over to sing “Marlboro Rojo,” off its history-making 111XPANTIA. JOP, Fuerza’s frontman, jumped out of a pickup truck to deliver his corrido, and stepped off the stage to personally say hello to fellow hitmakers, including Bad Bunny, who sat front row and swayed from side to side, obviously enjoying JOP’s performance.

Dressed in a shimmery gold dress, and matching sparkly gold boots, Brazilian rising star Liniker got everyone on their feet with “Negona Dos Olhos Terriveis,” a delicious blend of música popular brasileira and funk. Taking home three Latin Grammys tonight, Liniker proved to be one heck of an entertainer, dancing up a storm and enjoying every second of that performance.

Singing “Coleccionando Heridas” for the first time on television, Karol G took the stage in a casual look — bootcut jeans and a loose blouse — accompanied by the one and only Marco Antonio Solís, who opted for a more formal look wearing a suit. The pair’s chemistry was unmatched, they danced bachata together, sang side-by-side and she put her head on his shoulder after ending the performance. With a live band on stage — acoustic guitars, bass, percussions, drums and keys — Karol and Solís defied a generational divide, joining forces for an epic and emotional delivery of their heartfelt ballad, part of Karol’s Tropicoqueta. 

It wasn’t easy to follow Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso’s riveting performance but only Bad Bunny could step up to the challenge. Before the superstar, the most nominated artist of the night, took the stage, rising Puerto Rican act Chuwi opened with “Tikiri.” The man of the hour then joined the Puerto Rican band to sing their collab “Weltita,” from Debí Tirar Más Fotos. Wearing shorts and a long-sleeve sweater with the hoodie on, the artists performed in a box-like setting that later turned into an island, offering that cool, tropical vibe that powers Bad Bunny’s latest album. It wasn’t an over-the-top performance, but it was perfect.

The Latin Recording Academy’s 2025 Person of the Year was a total masterclass. The Spanish star showed up and showed out, performing “Que Sabe Nadie” and “Mi Gran Noche,” accompanied by a large house band. At one point, attendees couldn’t help but join in on the fun, sining along to Raphael’s “Gran Noche.” It was indeed a great night for Raphael, whose energy was infectious, received a standing ovation and a heartfelt tribute from Gloria Estefan and Marco Antonio Solís, who presented him with the special award.

The hits, unmatched dance moves, high-energy, Rauw brought it all and then some. Taking inspiration from his Broadway-like Cosa Nuestra Tour, Rauw not only performed, he told a story and beamed Puerto Rican pride in the few minutes he had on stage, proving why today, he is the ultimate showman. Fusing a number of genres, including tropical, bachata, pop and salsa, Rauw sang “Khe?,” “Silencio,” “Falsedad” and “Carita Linda” from his LP Cosa Nuestra, which was up for album of the year, he also brought along his excellent team of dancers that complemented his jaw-dropping choreography. Rauw was a matador on stage, delivering the top two showcase of the night. 

Behold nearly naked muscular bodybuilders at the Latin Grammys, courtesy of Ca7triel & Paco Amoroso. The Argentine duo stand out in any room, in a good way. And they did just that at the Latin Grammys stage. Offering something completely different, edgy and refreshing, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso showed everyone why they were among the biggest winners of the night, taking home five awards out of 10 nominations. They performed back-to-back hits, including “El Impostor,” “#Tetas” and “La Que Puede, Puede.” Take note, future Latin Grammys performers, embracing eccentricity and originality pays off. This landed the pair the No. 1 spot on our list.