Latin music has seen an explosive rise in global popularity, breaking records across streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music and becoming one of the fastest-growing genres in the U.S. The Latin Grammy Awards, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, is a significant contributor to this success, honoring the best in Latin music and bringing artists and fans together to celebrate the genre’s cultural impact. This year, the prestigious event returns to Miami, a city that holds a special place as a hub for Latin culture and music. Here’s what to expect.
The 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will take place on November 14, 2024, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, marking an exciting homecoming. For fans wanting to tune in, the awards will be broadcast live on Univision, UniMás, Galavisión, and ViX starting at 8 p.m. EST. Miami, where the Latin Recording Academy is headquartered, will host an evening of celebration with numerous celebrity guests and highly anticipated performances.
This year, renowned producer and songwriter Édgar Barrera leads the nominations for the second year in a row, with an impressive nine nods. Barrera, known for his collaborations with big names like Madonna, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Shakira, and Grupo Frontera, has become a notable figure in the Latin music industry. Reggaeton stars Karol G and Bad Bunny, who have garnered international fame, are close contenders, each holding eight nominations.
The Latin Grammys wouldn’t be complete without electrifying live performances, and this year’s lineup promises to deliver. Stars taking the stage include Édgar Barrera, Residente, Myke Towers, DJ Khaled, Jon Bon Jovi, Joe Jonas, Anitta, Becky G, and Pitbull. Colombian superstar Carlos Vives, who is being honored as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, will also perform, adding an emotional highlight to the night.
Other artists set to perform include Eladio Carrión, Grupo Frontera, Kali Uchis, Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra, and Carín León. Each of these performers has left a unique mark on the Latin music world, making this lineup a must-see for fans around the world.
To reflect Latin music’s evolving landscape, two new categories have been introduced this year: Best Latin Electronic Music Performance and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album. These additions honor the genre’s diversity, showcasing the growth of electronic music in Latin America and the global reach of contemporary Mexican music.
According to Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud, the Latin Grammys share a close relationship with the Grammy Awards, describing them as “sister organizations” or “even mother and daughter.” Both are membership-based organizations dedicated to celebrating musical excellence, with nearly identical voting processes. The Latin Grammys, however, emphasize a global perspective that accounts for the unique, diverse backgrounds of Latin artists, while the Grammys focus on the U.S. music industry.
While both awards share the iconic gramophone trophy design, the Latin Grammy’s base is burgundy, distinguishing it from the black base of the Grammys. Abud notes that many Latin artists who are U.S.-based are members of both organizations, further strengthening this connection.
The Latin Grammy Awards started in 2000, and Miami was among the first cities to host the event. Since then, it has been held in major cities across the Americas and even made its European debut in 2023 in Seville, Spain. Initially broadcast in English, the awards transitioned to Spanish in 2005 to better represent the Latin community and its artists. This shift allowed fans to connect with the ceremony in their native language, reflecting the growing global demand for Latin music performed in Spanish.
The Latin Recording Academy continues to expand the global footprint of the Latin Grammys, as evidenced by last year’s show in Seville. While the decision to hold the event in Spain stirred some controversy, it ultimately proved successful. Abud hints that more international locations could be on the horizon, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to celebrating Latin music around the world.
As the Latin Grammys reach their 25th year, this milestone event in Miami is expected to be a grand celebration that pays homage to the genre’s roots while looking toward its bright future. Latin music has evolved from a niche interest to a global powerhouse, and the Latin Grammys have played an essential role in this journey, uniting artists, fans, and the industry in a shared love of music.
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