The vibrant heart of Miami pulsed with unparalleled energy last Wednesday evening as the 38th annual Premio Lo Nuestro awards ceremony unfolded, celebrating the rich tapestry and dynamic evolution of Latin music. As the longest-running Latin Music awards show in the U.S., Premio Lo Nuestro once again delivered a spectacular night of unforgettable performances, emotional tributes, and well-deserved recognition for the artists shaping today’s global soundscape. Guiding the star-studded affair with grace, humor, and undeniable stage presence was a formidable trio of accomplished women: the iconic Thalia, the radiant Nadia Ferreira, and the charismatic Clarissa Molina, whose collective charm set a celebratory tone for the entire evening.
The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the enduring power and increasing global influence of Latin music. From the red carpet’s dazzling fashion statements to the final, emotional acceptance speech, the night served as a powerful reminder of the genre’s innovation and cultural impact. The choice of Thalia, a legendary figure who has navigated music, acting, and fashion with unparalleled success for decades, alongside Nadia Ferreira, a model and beauty queen who embodies modern Latin elegance, and Clarissa Molina, a beloved television personality known for her vibrant energy, underscored the show’s commitment to showcasing multi-talented, inspiring women at its helm. Their synergy created an engaging and fluid experience, effortlessly transitioning between high-stakes award presentations and electrifying musical numbers, all while reflecting the diverse and dynamic spirit of the Latin community.
Emerging as the night’s undeniable king, just weeks after his electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance, was the global phenomenon Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar solidified his reign, taking home an astounding six awards, a testament to his groundbreaking year and unparalleled connection with fans worldwide. His wins included the coveted Premio Lo Nuestro Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for the infectious "DTMF," and Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed "Debí Tirar Más Fotos." Beyond these top honors, Bad Bunny also secured accolades for Urban Male Artist of the Year, Pop/Urban Song of the Year (again for "DTMF"), and a Tropical Collaboration of the Year for "Café Con Ron" with Los Pleneros de la Cresta. His continued dominance highlights not only his artistic versatility but also his ability to consistently push boundaries, blending genres and lyrical themes that resonate deeply with a vast, diverse audience. His acceptance speeches, often a mix of gratitude and his signature understated cool, further cemented his status as a relatable yet revolutionary figure in music.
Hot on Bad Bunny’s heels was the rising star of Regional Mexican music, Carín León, who captivated audiences and critics alike, earning five trophies. His significant victory in the "Crossover" Collaboration of the Year category for "Lost in Translation" with country music darling Kacey Musgraves underscored the growing appetite for genre-bending collaborations and the global reach of Regional Mexican sounds. This groundbreaking partnership not only celebrated musical fusion but also signaled a powerful moment for Latin artists breaking into broader mainstream markets. León’s other wins included Pop/Rock Song of the Year for "Vivir Sin Aire" with the legendary Maná, Mexican Music Male Artist of the Year, Mexican Music Song of the Year for "El Amor de Mi Herida," and Mexican Music Collaboration of the Year for "Si Tú Me Vieras" with Maluma. His success illustrates the vibrant evolution of Mexican music, moving beyond traditional boundaries and attracting new listeners with its authentic storytelling and innovative collaborations.
Beyond the competitive categories, Premio Lo Nuestro took time to honor several luminaries whose contributions have profoundly shaped the landscape of Latin music. These special awards were a powerful segment of the evening, recognizing enduring legacies and visionary impacts. Colombian rock icon Juanes was celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to a career spanning decades, marked by poignant songwriting, powerful vocals, and unwavering commitment to social causes. His presence reminded everyone of the enduring power of rock en español. Arcángel, a foundational figure in the urban genre, received the Premio Lo Nuestro Urban Icon Award, acknowledging his significant influence on reggaeton and trap music and his sustained relevance in a constantly evolving soundscape.
The legendary Mexican group Los Bukis were honored with the Musical Legacy Award, a heartfelt recognition of their timeless ballads and profound impact on generations of fans, solidifying their place in the pantheon of Latin music greats. Manolo Díaz, a behind-the-scenes force, was presented with the Visionary Award, celebrating his innovative spirit and significant contributions to the industry that have helped shape its future.
Perhaps one of the most poignant moments for a women-focused audience was the recognition of Paloma San Basilio, who received the Premio Lo Nuestro Award for Excellence. The Spanish singer, known for her powerful voice and elegant interpretations across pop, ballad, and musical theater, was celebrated for her illustrious career, her enduring artistry, and her trailblazing path as a female artist who has consistently defied categorization. Her acceptance speech, delivered with characteristic grace, served as an inspiring message of perseverance and passion for music.
The night was also a feast for the senses, featuring an array of show-stopping performances that highlighted the diversity and dynamism of Latin music. The stage came alive with a blend of established legends and contemporary hitmakers. Carlos Vives, the Colombian vallenato king, charmed the audience with a performance of his new single "Te Dedico," a testament to his enduring appeal and ability to infuse traditional sounds with modern flair. Bachata royalty Romeo Santos and Prince Royce joined forces for an anticipated medley of their recent singles, their combined charisma and smooth vocals creating a moment of pure musical magic for fans of the genre.
A compelling collaboration saw the thoughtful lyricism of Kany García blend seamlessly with the global appeal of Maluma as they performed their hit "1+1," showcasing the beauty of their combined artistry. The show kicked off with an explosive television premiere featuring Marc Anthony and the electrifying Nathy Peluso, performing their new duet "Como en el Idilio." Peluso, a rising star known for her genre-bending approach and powerful stage presence, proved to be the perfect counterpoint to Anthony’s seasoned showmanship, setting an incredibly high bar for the rest of the evening. These performances were not merely musical acts but cultural statements, demonstrating the vibrant collaborations and artistic fusions that define contemporary Latin music.
Established by Univision in 1989, Premio Lo Nuestro has grown into a cornerstone event for the Latin music industry, serving as a vital platform for celebrating artistic excellence and connecting artists with their dedicated fan base across the Americas. The 2026 ceremony, broadcast live across the United States on Univision, Unimas, and Galavisión, and streamed extensively on ViX in most Latin American countries, showcased its unparalleled reach and its role as a cultural unifier. The widespread broadcast ensured that millions of households could partake in the excitement, fostering a collective celebration of Latin heritage and musical innovation.
A deeper look into the full list of winners reveals compelling narratives of female empowerment and the continued rise of diverse voices within Latin music. Karol G, the undisputed "Bichota," continued her remarkable trajectory, securing Urban Female Artist of the Year and Urban Song of the Year for "Latina Foreva," a powerful anthem celebrating her identity. Her collaboration on "+57" also earned her a win, solidifying her status as a collaborative force and a trailblazer for women in the urban genre. Yuridia, a powerhouse vocalist, claimed three awards, including Best Female Combination for "Brujería" with Majo Aguilar, Mariachi/Ranchera Song of the Year for "Sin Llorar," and Mexican Music Album of the Year for "Sin Llorar." Her success speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of powerful female voices in traditional Mexican music, resonating with deep emotional authenticity.
Cazzu, the Argentinian trap queen, made her mark by winning Pop Female Artist of the Year and Pop Song of the Year for "Con Otra," demonstrating her crossover appeal and influence beyond the urban scene. Majo Aguilar, recognized as Mexican Music Female Artist of the Year and for her collaboration with Yuridia, represents a new generation of talent honoring and evolving traditional sounds. Natti Natasha, a global urban and tropical sensation, secured Best Dembow Song for "Dem Bow" and Tropical Album of the Year for "Natti Natasha en Amargue," showcasing her versatility and ability to dominate multiple vibrant genres.
Shakira, the global icon, continued to impress, winning Tour of the Year for "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour," a testament to her enduring power as a live performer and her ability to connect with fans on a massive scale. Her Pop Collaboration of the Year for "Bésame" with Alejandro Sanz further underscored her collaborative genius. Aitana, the Spanish pop sensation, garnered attention with Best "EuroSong" for "6 de Febrero," highlighting the growing influence of European artists within the broader Latin music landscape. Becky G, a multifaceted artist, won Pop/Urban Collaboration of the Year for "Que Haces" with Manuel Turizo, showcasing her ability to seamlessly blend genres and appeal to a wide audience. Camila Fernández was deservedly named Female New Artist of the Year, signaling a bright future for this emerging talent. The collective achievements of these women paint a vivid picture of strength, creativity, and resilience within the industry, inspiring countless others.
The awards also highlighted exciting trends in genre fusion and collaborations. Beyond Carín León’s "Crossover" win, Grupo Frontera and Xavi’s "No Capea" took home the Mexican Music Fusion of the Year, demonstrating the innovative blending of traditional and modern sounds. The highly collaborative Urban track "+57," featuring Karol G, Feid, DFZM, Ovy on the Drums, J Balvin, Maluma, Ryan Castro, and Blessd, won Urban Collaboration of the Year, emphasizing the collective spirit and creative synergy that defines the urban genre. Myke Towers and Quevedo’s "Soleao" won AfroBeat of the Year, pointing to the expanding sonic palette of Latin music.
Other notable winners included Feid, who secured Urban Album of the Year for "Ferxxo Vol X: Sagrado," and Julián Álvarez y su Norteño Banda, who won Mexican Music Group or Duo of the Year and Norteño Song of the Year for "Rey Sin Reina." Ha*Ash, the beloved pop/rock duo, were named Pop/Rock Group or Duo of the Year, celebrating their consistent success and loyal fanbase. Camilo and Yami Safdie’s "Querida Yo" won Pop/Ballad Song of the Year, showcasing the enduring power of heartfelt songwriting. Daddy Yankee’s "Sonríele" took home Christian Music Song of the Year, reflecting the genre’s diverse spiritual expressions. Marc Anthony and Wisin’s "Que Me Quiera Más" was crowned The Perfect Mix of the Year, a testament to their combined star power. Morat’s "Ya Es Mañana" won Pop Album of the Year, while Rauw Alejandro’s "Tú Con Él" earned Tropical Song of the Year. Roa was recognized as Male New Artist of the Year, promising exciting new talent on the horizon.
The 38th Premio Lo Nuestro was more than just an awards show; it was a vibrant affirmation of Latin music’s global ascendancy, its rich diversity, and its capacity for constant evolution. It celebrated not just the hits, but the artists behind them, their stories, their dedication, and their profound impact on culture worldwide. As the lights dimmed in Miami, the echoes of music and celebration lingered, leaving an indelible mark and setting the stage for another year of groundbreaking artistry from the world of Latin music.
