Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Christian Nodal brought his unique blend of mariacheño music to an select audience at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on Oct. 16, as part of the 2024 Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions. With just his guitar, a few accompanying musicians, and his powerful voice, Nodal delivered a deeply personal performance that celebrated the heart and soul of música Mexicana.

The evening featured a carefully curated setlist, including crowd favorites like "Bandolebrios," "La Intención," and "Quédate." Nodal's stripped-down versions highlighted his masterful storytelling and connection with his roots, making the night truly unforgettable.

"We are grateful to Christian Nodal for his support of our Academy and for sharing his artistry as part of our road to the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMYs," said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. "Christian has played a pivotal role within our community and has contributed to the rise of the Regional Mexican genre."

The Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions are a series of invitation-only events held throughout the U.S. and internationally, offering fans and Academy members an exclusive opportunity to witness performances by some of Latin music's most talented artists. Christian Nodal's performance at the GRAMMY Museum highlighted his dedication to the craft and his connection with his fans, creating an intimate atmosphere where his music could shine.

Nodal also took a moment to thank The Latin Recording Academy for their continuous support of music creators and their contributions to music education. "This acoustic was put together with a lot of love," Nodal shared. "Thank you for this opportunity to do what we love most: music. Long live music!"

A Rising Star Of Música Mexicana

Christian Nodal has emerged as a major force in música Mexicana, blending mariachi and norteño sounds to create his signature style, "mariacheño." At just 25 years old, Nodal has already won six Latin GRAMMY Awards and received three GRAMMY nominations. 

His recent collaborations, such as the urban-infused hit "Botella Tras Botella" with Gera MX, demonstrate his ability to both honor and redefine traditional Mexican music. Throughout his career, Nodal has worked with renowned artists like Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Peso Pluma, and Andrea Bocelli. 

Read more: 6 Regional Mexican Music Acts Redefining The Genre: Christian Nodal, Grupo Firme, Ángela Aguilar & More

More Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions

The Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions have become a cornerstone of The Latin Recording Academy's efforts to elevate Latin music, offering an up-close experience with both established icons and emerging talent. Initially launched as in-person events for small audiences, the sessions have since expanded to include a global digital franchise, ensuring Latin musical excellence is accessible to all.

The Acoustic Sessions celebrate the diversity of Latin genres, and previous sessions have featured artists from a wide range of musical backgrounds. As Christian Nodal took his place among the iconic performers who have graced the stage, it was clear that his voice and vision continue to shape the future of Latin music.

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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 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.

The Warning have four albums in their discography, but the sibling trio's latest LP, Keep Me Fed, helped them earn their first Latin GRAMMY nomination. And to celebrate, the three sisters from Monterrey, Mexico, delivered a charged-up performance of their Best Rock Song-nominated track "Qué Más Quieres."

Following a warm introduction from rock legend Juanes, Daniela, Paulina and Alejandra Villarreal Vélez turned the full-force of their rock firepower on the audience with the Spanish-language power ballad, making for an exhilarating Latin GRAMMYs debut. 

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The trio sing in English more often than Spanish, but performing this single allowed them to show off just how expressive they can be in their first language. It was an incendiary moment in a night already packed with unforgettable performances.

Keep Me Fed marked a watershed moment in the band's career. Along with spawning their first Latin GRAMMY nomination, it was their first album to appear on multiple charts internationally, even rising to No. 1 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart.

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

Grupo Frontera has helped globalize the música Mexicana movement and proudly represented the genre and norteño music with a heartfelt performance during The Biggest Night In Latin Music. 

Fresh off their first U.S. arena tour, the Mexican American band hit the stage at the 2024 Latin GRAMMY Awards to perform "El Amor De Su Vida." The track won Best Regional Song during the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony. 

Grupo Frontera showcased their regional flair — complete with Tejano style-suits and cowboy hats — bringing life on the border between the US and Mexico to the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs stage. Lead singer Adelaido "Payo" Solís III belted out the band’s love song “El Amor De Su Vida” in a soulful performance, and shouted out the group's roots in Mexico and Texas.

The performance was a continuation of the momentum of their 2023 debut album El Comienzo, which included the genre-bending "Un x100to" featuring Bad Bunny and took home the golden gramophone for Best Norteño Album. Grupo Frontera pushed their cumbia and norteño sound to new places with this year's Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada, which was nominated in the inaugural Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album category (that award ultimately went to Carin León).

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Read more: Grupo Frontera On 'Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada' & Fully Expressing Themselves: "This Album Was Made From The Heart"

"Each member of Grupo Frontera listens and plays different styles, so starting from that, we each had a big say in the genres we wanted to play and styles we wanted to record on this album," Solís III told GRAMMY.com in May about the band's latest album. 

Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada included collaborations with artists from around the world. Colombia's Maluma featured on "Por Qué Será," Argentina' s Nicki Nicole was tapped for "Desquite," and fellow Mexican singer Christian Nodal featured on "Ya Pedo Quién Sabe." "(Entre Paréntesis)," their collaboration with Shakira, was also nominated for Song Of The Year, but ultimately lost to Jorge Drexler. 

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