Song Of The Year represents one of the most coveted honors at the Latin GRAMMYs, alongside Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year and Best New Artist. Like the award ceremony itself — which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year — the 10 songs in competition for the title of Song Of The Year form a vibrant portrait of the state of Latin music in this moment.

Among the songs being recognized are several star-studded collaborations: Daymé Arocena & Vicente Garcia's "A Fuego Lento"; Gian Marco & Rubén Blades' "Aún Me Sigo Encontrando"; Elena Rose, Danny Ocean & Jerry Di's "Caracas En El 2000"; Shakira and Grupo Frontera's "(Entre Paréntesis)"; and Residente, Silvia Pérez Cruz & Penélope Cruz's "313." Two songs featuring Carin León made the list, too: his Maluma team-up "Según Quién" and his Kany García duet "Te Lo Agradezco."

The other three contenders are songs by both new and veteran stars. Rising Mexican singer Maura Nava's "A La Mitad (Banda Sonora Original De La Serie "Zorro")" earns a nomination, as well as Karol G's "Mi Ex Tenía Razón" and Jorge Drexler's "Derrumbe."

Of course, Song Of The Year is awarded to the songwriters, which means the nominees in this Category may not actually include the artists themselves. Below, learn more about the songs — and songwriters — that received a Song Of The Year nomination at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. Then be sure to tune into the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 25th Latin GRAMMY Awards, on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT) on on Univision, Galavisión and ViX to see who wins.

Read More: 2024 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Full Nominations List

Daymé Arocena & Vicente García — "A Fuego Lento"

Daymé Arocena & Vicente García, songwriters

At 32 years old, with five solo albums and a long list of accolades attached to her name, Daymé Arocena is one of the leading lights of contemporary Afro-Cuban jazz. As a member of Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, the Havana-born-and-bred singer received a GRAMMY nomination in the Best Latin Jazz Album Category, for her 2016 album Oddara. Her 2024 album, Alkemi, brought her greater attention outside of jazz circles and her native Cuba. The album leans in a more accessible, tropical-pop direction than her previous releases, while still showcasing her astounding vocal range and dynamic singing abilities.

Her fifth solo album takes its name from the Yoruba word for alchemy — and, just as alchemy is concerned with spiritual and material transformation, the music on Alkemi marks a transformative moment for Arocena. She chose to record in Puerto Rico and produce the album with Eduardo Cabra of Calle 13 out of a desire to freely explore a range of Afro-Caribbean sounds. The finished work is a unique and beautiful mix of avant-R&B, funk, Latin sounds with African roots.

The Latin GRAMMY-nominated album single, "A Fuego Lento," is, as the title suggests, a soulful and passionate slow burner that features the vocals of Dominican musician (and four-time Latin GRAMMY winner) Vicente García. This is Arocena’s first Latin GRAMMY nomination.

Maura Nava — "A La Mitad"

Julio Reyes Copello & Mariana Vega, songwriters

Emerging Mexican artist Maura Nava is a classically trained vocalist who first gained the world's attention through a popular TikTok video in which her cat, Maximino, joins in as she hits the operatic high notes in the Enrique Granados tonadilla "El Majo Discreto" ("The Discreet Lover"). The singer is endearingly unable to keep a straight face after being interrupted by her feline friend, who warbles along with the 1910 composition. (Search "opera cat" and you'll find it.)

After the young singer posted the clip online, she was scouted by producer Julio Reyes Copello and invited to attend his pop finishing school, ArtHouse Academy. Shortly after completing the program, the talented newcomer, who is now based in Miami, landed a contract with Universal Music Latin on the basis of her viral break and crystalline soprano.

Nava's debut single is "A La Mitad," an eerily pretty vehicle for her stunning range and subtle vibrato, composed for the soundtrack to the Prime Video series "Zorro." If this is the first you are hearing of Nava, stay tuned — it won't be the last time you hear her voice.

Gian Marco & Rubén Blades — "Aún Me Sigo Encontrando"

Rubén Blades, Gian Marco & Julio Reyes Copello, songwriters

To earn his fourth nomination in the Song Of The Year Category, Peruvian singer/songwriter Gian Marco linked with none other than the legendary Panamanian salsero and songwriter Rubén Blades (who is now a three-time Song Of The Year nominee himself). Their moody ballad, "Aún Me Sigo Encontrando," is the title track from his 2023 album. In it, the two seasoned artists wax philosophical about the complexities of life and finding one's place in the world, backed by a rain of percussion. The unadorned nature of the song adds to its haunting quality.

Aún Me Sigo Encontrando is one of the more rootsy additions to Marco's vast discography. The majority of its tracks are built around Afro-Caribbean percussion and finger-picked, acoustic guitar. The relatively minimalist instrumentation lends itself to the album's pensive mood, and also for thoughtful appreciation of the many collaborations with heavyweight such as Blades and revered Cuban folk singer Silvio Rodriguez.

Marco is one of Peru's foremost musical ambassadors. He has won the Latin GRAMMY for the Best Singer-Songwriter Album three times, and now counts 18 nominations total as of press time.

Watch: Gian Marco Introduces The Instrument That Links Him To His Home Country Of Peru | It Goes To 11

Elena Rose, Danny Ocean & Jerry Di — "Caracas En El 2000"

Marvin Hawkins Rodriguez, Jerry Di, La Pichu, Danny Ocean & Elena Rose, songwriters

Having written hit songs for numerous stars in Latin music, Elena Rose is a driving force behind the scenes in the current wave of Latin pop and reggaeton. The beneficiaries of her lyrical prowess have included Bad Bunny ("Party"), Jennifer Lopez and Maluma jointly ("Pa' Ti"), Selena Gomez ("De Una Vez"), and, prolifically, both Becky G and TINI. (Rose was nominated in the Songwriter Of The Year Category at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs.)

After debuting as an artist in her own right in 2020 with the single "Sandunga," the Venezuelan-American has increasingly focused on her career in front of the mic. Since then, she has released more than a dozen high-performing singles as a solo artist. One of those songs, 2023's "Caracas En El 2000" earned the singer/songwriter another hit and a nomination in the Song Of The Year Category for the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. The song is a breezy earworm featuring fellow Venezuelan artists Danny Ocean and Jerry Di that joyfully celebrates the Caracas that each of the young artists knew as a child.

Including her three nominations this year (Song Of The Year, Best Pop/Rock Song for "Blanco y Negro" and Best Regional Song for "Por El Contrario"), Rose has nine Latin GRAMMY nominations to date. This marks her first in the Song Of The Year Category.

Jorge Drexler — "Derrumbe"

Jorge Drexler, songwriter

Singer/songwriter Jorge Drexler has risen to a position of international renown with tuneful folk pop that draws on the musical traditions of his native Uruguay. His work has garnered repeated recognition from the Latin Recording Academy, with 13 wins, including two awards for Song Of The Year. He is nominated in the Category again this year for his simple, but wrenching ballad "Derrumbe." The standalone single tells the story of a relationship's disintegration in poetic, metaphorical terms, characterizing it as a house of cards that crumbles when one partner removes a single card.

Accompanied only by guitar, the troubadour mourns the loss, lamenting "Nuestro amor cedió por las costuras" ("Our love gave way at the seams"). "Quedamos a la intemperie/ Sin un "tal vez" que nos resguardara," he sings. ("We are left out in the open/ Without a "maybe to protect us.") Though somber, the song reflects Drexler's prodigious skill in songcraft and economy of storytelling in song.

Watch: Jorge Drexler's Favorite Guitar Has A Special Story | It Goes To 11

Shakira & Grupo Frontera — "(Entre Paréntesis)"

Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Manuel Lorente Freire, Lenin Yorney Palacios & Shakira, songwriters

A few of the artists nominated in the Song Of The Year Category also had one of the year's biggest albums. Shakira, for one, is also up for Album Of The Year for her triumphant comeback album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women Don't Cry Anymore). In the category at hand, she received a nod for the 2024 album single with Mexican-American band Grupo Frontera.

The Colombian singer/songwriter and the regional Mexican group's joint effort, "(Entre Paréntesis)," is a reminder of Shakira's chameleon-like gift for expressing herself in seemingly any language or genre. An emotional cumbia with a distinctly Mexican flavor, the song is one of the most delightful collaborations on an album that saw her duet with Rauw Alejandro, Cardi B, Ozuna, Manuel Turizo, Fuerza Regida, and Karol G.

If Shakira takes home Song Of The Year at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, she will be a back-to-back winner in the Category. Her internet-breaking collab with Bizarrap, "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53," won Song Of The Year at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs.

Listen Now: Every Year Is The Year Of Shakira: 10 Songs That Prove She's Always Been A Superstar

Karol G — "Mi Ex Tenía Razón"

Edgar Barrera, Andres Jael Correa Rios, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, Karol G & MAG, songwriters

Mexican and Mexican-American influences have been omnipresent in Latin music for the past two years. In that light, it comes as little surprise that Karol G's hat tip in this year's Song Of The Year Category is the Tex-Mex flavored pop-cumbia of "Mi Ex Tenía Razón" from Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), the companion mixtape to her 2023 album, also titled Mañana Será Bonito.

Karol has shared that the song's sweet melody and regional accent were inspired by the music of Selena Quintanilla, one of the reggaeton superstar's all-time idols. Recording the mixtape allowed Karol G to try out new musical modes as she did with "Mi Ex Tenía Razón" and the dub reggae of "Me Tengo Que Ir," a collaboration with Kali Uchis.

After a huge night at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs — where Karol G took home three awards, including Album Of The Year — the Colombian star could have an even bigger night at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. She tallies eight nominations this year, including Album Of The Year for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season) and Record Of The Year for "Mi Ex Tenía Razón."

Watch: 2024 GRAMMYs: Karol G Wins The First GRAMMY Award Of Her Career For Best Música Urbana Album

Maluma & Carin León — "Según Quién"

Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Luís Miguel Gómez Castaño, Maluma, Lenin Yorney Palacios & Juan Camilo Vargas, songwriters

In recent years, música Mexicana has become the genre to watch, and dabble with, in the world of Latin music. Maluma could not resist its allure and tried his hand with "Según Quién," an irreverent norteño duet with Mexican regional music standard bearer — and sought after musical collaborator — Carin León. Both Maluma and León took the opportunity to let their respective devil-may-care, bad boy sides out to play on the invective-filled track, which winkingly suggests the Colombian urbano star has found his way to Mexico in order to drown his sorrows and forget a toxic relationship.

The single, which appears on Maluma's successful 2023 album, Don Juan, has been a significant hit for him, reaching No. 5 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart. This is his sixth nomination in the Song Of The Year Category, and his 18th Latin GRAMMY nomination overall.

Learn More: Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: The Magnificent, Magnetic Maluma

Kany García & Carin León — "Te Lo Agradezco"

Rafa Arcaute, Kany García, Carin León & Richi López, songwriters

Kany García's ninth studio album, titled García, is a deeply felt meditation on a personal life and career well spent. Nominated in the Album Of The Year Category, García features more than one hit single for the Puerto Rican singer/songwriter. One of those, a collaboration with regional Mexican music star Carin León, is a candidate for Song Of The Year.

Eloquent and pugnacious, "Te Lo Agradezco" tells off a no-good ex with flourishes of flamenco and country. Opening with a jaunty tuba intro, the smash hit makes no bones about its Mexican influence. When the duo performed the song together live in Mexico, the more than enthusiastic crowd response made it clear that the ballad had connected with fans of both artists.

García has been a mainstay of the Latin GRAMMYs for more than a decade. She has won five Latin GRAMMYs since her first victories for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Album (Cualquier Día) in 2008. This is her fifth Song Of The Year nomination, but could be her first win in the Category.

León is a two-time Latin GRAMMY winner himself. He earned a total of four nominations at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, including Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year ("Una Vida Pasada" with Camilo), Album Of The Year (Boca Chueca, Vol. 1), and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album (Boca Chueca, Vol. 1).

Residente, Silvia Pérez Cruz & Penélope Cruz — "313"

Leo Genovese, Residente & Silvia Pérez Cruz, songwriters

The rollout for Residente's second solo album, Las Letras Ya No Importan, has been a lengthy one — so lengthy, in fact, that one single from the album, "René," has already received an award in the Song Of The Year Category, at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs.

Four years later, Las Letras Ya No Importan earned the politically outspoken Puerto Rican rapper another Song Of The Year nomination, this time for "313." The album single features the voices of actress Penélope Cruz and Spanish singer Silvia Pérez Cruz. In it, the veteran rapper reflects deeply on the past and the experience of time. The riveting and surreal video for the song stars Penélope Cruz and vividly underscores the themes of the song. 

Residente has a significant past with the Latin GRAMMYs. As a member of the seminal hip-hop duo Calle 13, he won 22 awards, starting Best New Artist at the 2006 Latin GRAMMY Awards; since becoming a solo artist, he's added another six wins. With three more nominations at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs (Song Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Best Short Form Music Video), Residente may have even more to celebrate this year.

One would have expected plenty of pomp and circumstance as the Latin GRAMMYs celebrated their 25th year anniversary. But there were no lengthy speeches or self-congratulatory videos during the Nov. 14 telecast.

This year, the telecast focused on the things that matter: saluting the magic of undying genres like salsa, rock and bossa nova. Honoring the legacies of such Latin American trendsetters as Carlos Vives and Juan Luis Guerra. Giving artists a carefully curated space where to showcase their craft and inspiration.

From the stark cinematic moods of reggaetón to the healing warmth of Afro-Caribbean roots and the bold expansion of música mexicana, here are 10 of the most exciting celebratory moments from the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

The Music Of Carlos Vives Is A Priceless Cultural Treasure

Colombian singer/songwriter Carlos Vives was The Latin Recording Academy's 2024 Person Of The Year — a fitting recognition to his groundbreaking fusion of the accordion-heavy vallenato music of his land with rock, pop and even reggae. Vives' path of innovation began with the 1993 album Clásicos de la Provincia, and, like the Latin GRAMMYs, his career has evolved much over the last 25 years.

The singer kicked off the telecast with a career-spanning medley of hits such as "Fruta Fresca" — a rollicking gem off his 1999 classic El Amor de mi Tierra — and the more recent "La Bicicleta." At the end of his performance, he was joined by an enthusiastic group of fellow singers, including Juanes and Camilo. This brisk summary of his creative genius underscored his innate ability to connect with the essence of Latin American culture.

Read More: Watch: Carlos Vives Performs "La Bicicleta," "Robarte Un Beso" & More At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

The Moody Soundscapes Of Urbano Continue To Expand

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Jagged regaetón beats and ominous trap atmospherics are a natural component of the Latin pop DNA. But the urbano universe continues to grow, experimenting with novel song structures while incorporating references to other genres.

Early on in the telecast, three contemporary stars joined forces for a segment that showcased the ever evolving side of urbano. Eladio Carrión ("Mama's Boy") Quevedo ("Columbia") and Myke Towers ("La Falda") combined their proven commercial appeal with a sophisticated vision.

A True Master Never Stops Learning His Craft

Let's just say that this year's ceremony was a memorable evening for perennial Latin GRAMMY favorite Juan Luis Guerra. The 67-year-old singer/songwriter won the coveted Record Of The Year and Album Of The Year awards, and cherished his Dominican roots in his acceptance speech.

But Guerra also let the music speak for itself in a mesmerizing performance of Record Of The Year winning track "MAMBO 23." A stunning display of craftsmanship, it begins with a dembow beat, incorporates electronic loops, and also switches between the haunting qualities of spiraling bachata lines and the raucous party vibe of traditional merengue — all within the same song. Clearly, Guerra continues to learn and further refine his musical lexicon with each new project.

Read More: Juan Luis Guerra Sweeps The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs With 'Radio Güira'

Three Mexican Legends Are Sorely Missed

Alejandro Fernández | Photo: Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

There was a reflective quality to this year's telecast, which included tributes to classic genres and luminaries of the past. Perhaps the most poignant, though, was the segment dedicated to three late giants of Mexican music: Juan Gabriel, José José and Vicente Fernández.

The delicate sadness of Juan Gabriel's "Hasta Que Te Conocí" (performed by Reik and Leonel García), the apocalyptic balada pathos of José José's "El Triste" as a duet (a duet with Carlos Rivera and David Bisbal), and the unapologetic joy of Vicente Fernández's "No Me Sé Rajar" (fittingly, by his son Alejandro) — illustrated the monumental sway that these masters still hold in the Latin music zeitgeist.

Salsa Lives On — And It Grooves Like Crazy

While it is true that the heyday of salsa took place during the '70s and '80s, this is a genre that simply refuses to grow stale. And to prove it, a parade of stars delivered a dazzling tribute to the tenets of salsa fever.

Venezuela's Oscar D'León offered a swinging reading of his 1974 classic "Llorarás," while Colombia's Grupo Niche had the audience chanting along to the chorus of "Una Aventura." Tito Nieves and young stars Luis Figueroa and Christian Alicea were also present, while the salsa romántica royalty of Marc Anthony and La India revived their '90s mega-hit "Vivir Lo Nuestro" in stunning, dynamic form.

Read More: Watch: Marc Anthony & Salsa All-Stars Tito Nieves, Grupo Niche, Oscar D'Leon & More Celebrate The Genre At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

Latin Pop Thrives On Emotional Connection

After winning three Latin GRAMMYs last year on the strength of the genre defining Mañana Será Bonito — including the coveted Album Of The Year — KAROL G added another award to her collection on the 2024 telecast. The Colombian star's eclectic 2023 mixtape, Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), won in the Best Urban Music Album category, at a moment when KAROL G is celebrated as one of the world's biggest pop stars.

As she collected the Latin GRAMMY, she focused on the things that matter. "This is about the love that I share with my fans," said a visibly moved KAROL. "And my family, which makes my life so much easier. Without them, I wouldn't have my mental health." The same feeling of emotional openness permeates the songs in both Mañana Será Bonito projects.

This Is Not Your Parents' Música Mexicana

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It is definitely not a coincidence that música mexicana is experiencing a massive wave of popularity. The charisma and musical talent of stars like Peso Pluma, Grupo Frontera and Fuerza Régida is augmented by the vision of innovators such as Carín León, who blends effortlessly the folk roots of his native Sonora with cool touches of country and blues.

Introduced by Julieta Venegas and Mon Laferte, León performed "Despídase Bien" — the ending track of his extraordinary 2024 album, Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 — backed by a full band and choir. A thorny electric guitar solo and rousing gospel vocals added gravitas to a song that is Mexican to the core, but does not hesitate to venture out of the box in search of true emotion.

The Old Bossa Nova Classics Are Indestructible

There were no sassy baile funk riddims when Brazilian stars Anitta and Tiago Iorc joined forces for a couple of songs in a dimly lit section of the stage. Instead, the duo launched into a fragile, understated version of Anitta's "Mil Veces," backed only by acoustic guitar and the diva's gorgeous voice.

This intimate moment was followed by "Mas Que Nada" — the whimsical 1963 tune by Jorge Ben that turned Sérgio Mendes and his band Brasil '66 into one of the architects of the bossa nova movement. Mendes passed away in September of this year, and the luminous interpretation by Anitta and Iorc served as the most elegant tribute possible.

Read More: Watch: Anitta & Tiago Iorc Team Up For "Mil Veces" & A Beautiful Tribute To Sérgio Mendes At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

Visceral Rock n Roll Will Never Go Out Of Style

One of the most intense moments of the telecast lasted less than two minutes — but will stay in the mind of anyone who ever prophesied the death of rock.

Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, The Warning — a trio made up by sisters Daniela, Alejandra and Paulina Villarreal Vélez — delivered a welcome jolt of rock 'n'roll with a ferocious version of their hit "Qué Más Quieres." The performance was a reminder of how much raucous fun a trio of guitar, bass, drums, and gutsy vocals can generate. And yes, Latin rock is in excellent health, thank you.

Read More: Watch: The Warning Bring Hard Rock Power To The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs With "Qué Más Quieres"

At The End Of The Day, It's All About The Songs

As is often the case with Latin GRAMMY darling Jorge Drexler, the Uruguayan troubadour had some deep thoughts to share when he received the Song Of The Year honor for the exquisite "Derrumbe" — a non-album single he released in February of this year.

"This is madness," Drexler said after exchanging a hug with Juanes, who announced the winner. He pointed out that he hails from a very small country, and that "Derrumbe" itself was a sad and short song — una cancioncita, he called it.

He thanked the Latin Recording Academy for healing his chronic imposter syndrome and proving that a delicate, unassuming tune like his could win. Then again, that's one of the main missions of the Latin GRAMMYs: to acknowledge the power of a great song to inspire and transform.

The Latin music community is buzzing with excitement following a week of events leading up to the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. Held at Miami's Kaseya Center on Nov. 14, the 2024 GRAMMYs showcased the best and the brightest in global Latin sounds.

In the lead-up to The Biggest Night In Latin Music, a series of festivities offered a rare glimpse into the heart of Latin music’s vibrant culture. Latin GRAMMY Week brought artists, producers, and fans together on star-studded red carpets and intimate industry events — each of which was electric with anticipation, celebration, and reflection. 

Read more: 2024 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Full Winners & Nominations List

Continue celebrating 25 years of Latin Music excellence with a glimpse behind the scenes at some of the unforgettable moments that have made this week in Miami one to remember. 

Leading Ladies Got Their Flowers

One of the first events of Latin GRAMMY week was the 8th edition of the Leading Ladies in Entertainment, a heartfelt celebration of women who have made significant contributions to the arts and entertainment world.

The event was hosted by Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Becky G (who also performed at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs) and was held inside inside the Loews Hotel. Portraits of honorees Ana Rosa Santiago, Vivir Quintana, Julieta Venegas and Diana Rodríguez were displayed on elegant arches draped in peach and gold. A warmth and intensity buzzed throughout the room, which was amplified by Becky G's encouragement. 

Each honoree's speech reflected the event's theme of elevating women and inspiring the next generation of female leaders. Quintana's powerful speech shared sage wisdom with aspiring music professionals in the room. “You absolutely do not have to change anything about yourself. Just work on your talent, be who you are, and follow your inner compass always,” she told the crowd, sparking a standing ovation. 

In a sweet touch to the already outstanding celebration, attendees were invited to create personalized bouquets. The gesture left honorees and guests alike feeling empowered and appreciated, with the evening both symbolically and quite literally giving everyone their flowers for their contributions to Latin music and culture.

Nominees "Swam" With The Big Fish

The Latin GRAMMY Awards do more than recognize artistic excellence — they invite nominees into a circle of industry peers who celebrate each other's achievements. At the Latin GRAMMY Nominee Reception, this vibrant community bonded over a deep appreciation for the artistry, dedication, and hard work it takes to earn this peer-voted honor.

The crowd at the Frost Science Museum’s Ocean Gallery was a mix of first-time Latin GRAMMY nominees such as Latin Mafia and Carlos Rivera, international stars such as Alok, and recently-announced nominees for the 2025 GRAMMYs.  Producers and collaborators who work with J Noa, Peso Pluma, Residente, Anitta and Kali Uchis were also in attendance. Guests represented a range of genres and disciplines: violinists, songwriters, DJs, salsa musicians, and even the singing clowns of Payasitas Nifu Nifa, who make children’s music, mingled energetically. 

Nominees proudly donned their medallions, capturing this pivotal career moment on the red carpet and posing in front of a giant, golden GRAMMY. The reception featured a stunning aquarium view, and guests could watch the fish, sharks, and stingrays swimming peacefully above them and snapped more photos. The aquarium was a fitting scene: this year’s class of nominees certainly got here by making waves in the music industry.

The Future Sounded Bright As Rising Stars Hit The Stage 

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Held at Miami Beach’s Faena Forum and presented by Mastercard and Bank of America, the third annual Best New Artist Showcase brought an exciting spotlight to the future of Latin music. Over a performance-filled day, each of the seven Best New Artist nominees brought their unique flavor to the stage.

From Nicolle Horbath’s fresh popteño style to 13-year-old Kevin Aguilar’s heartfelt mariachi and corridos, every performance showcased a captivating fusion of genres. The crowd was especially energized when the three-piece girl group DARUMAS delivered an electrifying rock cover of Whitney Houston’s "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," getting everyone on their feet.

Other standout performances included Agris, Cacá Magalhães, Os Garotins, Íñigo Quintero, Sofi Saar, and Ela Taubert. Ultimately, it was Ela Taubert who took home the Latin GRAMMY on Thursday night, and she closed out the week with an emotional performance of her hit "¿Cómo Pasó?" alongside Joe Jonas at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. 

This showcase not only highlighted the diverse talent shaping the future of Latin music but also gave attendees an unforgettable opportunity to experience the next generation of superstars up close.

Carlos Vives' Life & Influence Was Fêted

The annual Latin GRAMMY Person Of The Year Year celebration honored Colombian artist and philanthropist Carlos Vives. The annual event drew a crowd of about 2,000 attendees to the Miami Beach Convention Center, including legends in Latin music and the next generation of stars.

Guests arrived in ornate attire, enjoying drinks and capturing memories with the Glambot’s interactive photo experience. Among the star-studded crowd were Camilo, Grupo Frontera, Rico Love, Aymee Nuviola, AleMor, and many more. The mayor of Miami also took the stage to offer a few heartfelt words of appreciation for Vives’ contributions. 

Read more: Carlos Vives, The 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year, On The Colombia Music & Culture That Made Him

The evening culminated in a historic moment when six previous Latin GRAMMY Person Of The Year honorees gathered to pay tribute to Vives, a powerful salute to his legacy and impact on the Latin music community. Onstage at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, Carlos Vives was saluted by 2023 MusiCares Person Of The Year Jon Bon Jovi.

Somos Familia

In collaboration with the Recording Academy’s Florida Chapter,BMI and Rebeleon Entertainment, Latin music producers and artists gathered to celebrate in true Miami fashion — with a party. 

At the Los Producers event, attendees filled the venue’s balconies for the best views, while Latin GRAMMY nominees such as Cimafunk, Agris, Latin Mafia, and Trooko were spotted among the crowd. Guests danced and mingled to a mix of '80s classics and rock, all delivered in a Spanglish blend that had the crowd singing along. But the night truly came alive during a series of energetic performances from the likes of five-time Latin GRAMMY winner Luis Fonsi, The Warning, and Bruses.

Prior to taking the stage, Fonsi and his bandmates shared a sweet moment. The group sang "Happy Birthday" and brought out a cake for their guitarist, exemplifying the tight-knit family bond that defines the Latin music community. 

GRAMMY U Gained On The Ground Experience 

Throughout the week, over 75 GRAMMY U members volunteered on the talent team escorting artists such as Gloria Estefan and DARUMAS.

Florida Chapter Member Amy Torres shared her experience: "My dream has always been to work in the Latin music industry so this is a dream come true. This week, I’ve seen a lot of artists I’ve admired growing up and made connections both within GRAMMY U and outside of the organization." 

Patience Murray, a non-student GRAMMY U Member and singer/songwriter based in Florida, described GRAMMY Week as a "mind-blowing experience." "Being able to witness a music event of this caliber and magnitude felt like a once-in-a-lifetime manifestation exercise, and I'm grateful to have seen the stages I dream to one day perform on," she said, adding that her favorite part of the week was connecting with other GRAMMY U members. 

"I have gained so much respect for the talent teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every show looks effortless and enjoyable for the fans," Murray added.

2024 Latin GRAMMY Week was the definitive celebration of music's power to connect and inspire. As Latin music cements its place on the global stage, it’s clear that these artists are not only shaping the future of the industry but also fostering a greater sense of shared identity that transcends borders. 

The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs marked 25 years of Latin music excellence with a gala evening in Miami, one of the world capitals for the Latin music industry. Replete with dazzling performances from legends and rising acts, tributes and tearful acceptance speeches, the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMYs was certainly one for the books.

In an evening with many leading lights, onelegend stood out as the night’s star: singer, songwriter and musician Juan Luis Guerra.

Guerra already had two dozen Latin GRAMMYs on his CV — as well as three GRAMMYs — but his run at this year’s Latin GRAMMYs netted several new pieces of hardware. His honors included the award Album Of The Year for Radio Güira, the inventive 2023 concept EP released with his band 4.40, and Record Of The Year for "Mambo 23," a hyper-speed merengue epic from the EP. Radio Güira also took the prize for Best Merengue/Bachata Album, while "Mambo 23" also won for Best Tropical Song.

These were Guerra's first wins in a major category since 2015, when he won Album Of The Year for Todo Tiene Su Hora at the 16th Annual Latin GRAMMY awards. Guerra has won Album Of The Year as an artist in 2007, 2010 and 2014, and in 2012 he won for his production work on Juanes' MTV Unplugged album. 

Despite his familiarity with the Latin GRAMMYs stage, Guerra appeared emotional when he walked up to the stage for the last time to accept the award for Album Of The Year from Carlos Vives. Holding his Latin GRAMMY, Guerra praised God and credited Jesus with inspiring the album.

Earlier in the night, Guerra delighted the crowd at Miami’s Kaseya Center with a performance of "Mambo 23," featuring the full band. Dressed in his iconic newsboy cap and neckerchief, he launched into the dance floor burner on a stage illuminated in flashing neon. Boiler Suit-clad dancers completed a scene that was somehow both unassuming and spectacular.

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Guerra has had a four-decade long career of innovating in Caribbean music, while bringing genres such bachata to international fame. Radio Güira continues the theme of boundary pushing. It has been praised for its experiments in combining old and new genres, from merengue to reggaeton, with dashes of jazz and blues. 

Check out the complete list of winners and nominees at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

The legacy of Luis Fonsi's career practically goes hand-in-hand with the history of the Latin GRAMMY Awards. Fresh off his win for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, the Puerto Rican pop icon performed a medley of his greatest hits.

The career-spanning performance began with his beloved 2008 ballad, "No Me Doy Por Vencido." In a sparkling orange suit, Fonsi belted his heart out to the song that's become an anthem of hope. 

Dancers then joined him onstage for a sultry performance of his 2017 global smash, "Despacito," which had the whole audience — including Marc Anthony and his wife Nadia Ferreira — dancing along. Fonsi then closed out his live medley with the upbeat "Santa Marta" from his latest album, El Viaje; he danced into the audience where this year's Person Of The Year honoree, Carlos Vives, sang along with him.

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The ambitious El Viaje, which was recorded in several different countries around the world, earned Fonsi a Latin GRAMMY win for Best Pop Vocal Album. It marks his 11th Latin GRAMMY nomination to date; he has won six Latin GRAMMYs, four of those thanks to "Despacito," which won Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year in 2017.

"What I'm most proud of is just that — it's a song that represents my heritage, my language, and the love of my island, Puerto Rico," Fonsi told GRAMMY.com about "Despacito" back in 2022. "It has that swag, that thing, that sabor that we carry in our blood. It's a celebration of all of that."

Just after the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, Fonsi will add an exciting first to his resume: his film debut. The singer will star in the rom-com Say A Little Prayer, which opens in theaters on Nov. 22. 

Check out the complete list of winners and nominees at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.