TelevisaUnivision and The Latin Recording Academy® Unveil Official Sponsors For 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®

News

TelevisaUnivision and The Latin Recording Academy® Unveil Official Sponsors For 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®

Latin GRAMMYs/Nov 05, 2025 - 08:00 AM

More Than 20 Brands to Be Part of The Biggest Night in Latin Music® on Thursday, Nov. 13, Beginning at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Univision, UNIMÁS, Galavisión and ViX, live from Las Vegas

MIAMI (NOVEMBER 5, 2025) – TelevisaUnivision, the world’s leading Spanish-language media and content company, and The Latin Recording Academy® today announced the sponsors for the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® that are coming together to celebrate The Biggest Night in Latin Music®. This year’s event includes several partners enlisted by The Latin Recording Academy including AIE, American Airlines, the Regional Government of Andalucía, Bulova, Espolòn, Mastercard and Meta, first time TelevisaUnivision sponsors Microsoft, Hyundai and Universal Pictures, and returning sponsors Procter & Gamble (P&G), Starbucks and Toyota, among others.

The 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® will take place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Thursday, Nov. 13, and will be produced by TelevisaUnivision. The night begins with a one-hour pre-show “Noche de Estrellas,” hosted by Chiqui Delgado, Raúl de Molina, Alejandra Espinoza and Borja Voces, at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6 p.m. Central), on Univision, UNIMÁS, Galavisión and ViX in the U.S., leading into the three-hour telecast of the awards show hosted by Roselyn Sánchez and Maluma, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central) on Univision, UNIMÁS, Galavisión and ViX.

"Latin music continues to define and influence culture around the world, and we’re excited to welcome our partners to the Biggest Night in Latin Music as we celebrate the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards,” said Tim Natividad, President of U.S. Advertising Sales and Marketing at TelevisaUnivision. “The opportunity to engage with Hispanic audiences has never been more powerful. We’re proud to bring marketers into the moments and music that matter most, creating meaningful connections with fans and viewers across every platform."

“Latin music lies at the heart of our culture, and at The Latin Recording Academy we take pride in celebrating its excellence alongside our long-standing partners and the new ones joining us for 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards,” said Enrique Pérez, Head of Partnerships and Client Solutions at The Latin Recording Academy. “We’re excited to be collaborating with these leading brands to deliver fresh and innovative experiences to celebrate Latin GRAMMY Week and The Biggest Night in Latin Music.

Official sponsors for the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® include:

  • AIE (Sociedad de Artistas Intérpretes o Ejecutantes) returns as a third-year sponsor of the Nominee Reception, Latin GRAMMY Premiere® and 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. The innovative, international, and technology-driven organization is committed to defending and professionally managing the intellectual property rights of performing artists. It covers artist internationally and is based in Spain. Currently, AIE manages the rights of over 100,000 members across 59 countries through 112 reciprocity agreements with 82 counterpart organizations. AIE’s mission, in addition to managing artists’ rights, is to provide their members with global services, offering them the talent of their human team and the best technology.

  • American Airlines returns for the second year as the Official Airline Sponsor of the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®. American flies to more destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America than any other major U.S. airline. This winter the airline will offer more than 440 peak daily flights between the U.S. and Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. Throughout Latin GRAMMY Week the airline will celebrate creators shaping the sound of Latin music around the world at the Gift Lounge, Nominee Reception, Latin GRAMMY Premiere®, Latin GRAMMY Red Carpet, and Latin GRAMMY® Official Party. This year, American is offering AAdvantage® Mastercard cardholders an opportunity to bid on a Latin GRAMMY Awards package to see the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in Las Vegas.

  • The Regional Government of Andalucía reaffirms its commitment to Latin music, returning for a third year as an Official Sponsor of the Nominee Reception, the 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™ Gala, Latin GRAMMY Premiere, 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® including the Red Carpet, and the Latin GRAMMY Official Party. Last September, The Latin Recording Academy®, in collaboration with the Regional Government of Andalucía, concluded its calendar of events in the Andalusian community, which began in 2023, with Latin GRAMMY® Celebra: La Musica de Andalucía in Seville, Spain, paying tribute to some of Andalucía’s most influential artists, immortal voices and unique talents that embody the region’s vast musical heritage, from legends and icons to artists representing both the past, present and future.

  • For nearly a decade, Bulova has been the exclusive timekeeper of the Latin GRAMMY Awards, measuring every beat, every set, and every unforgettable moment of The Biggest Night in Latin Music®. As part of their ongoing commitment, Bulova is an Official Sponsor of the Nominee Reception, 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Gala, Latin GRAMMY Premiere and the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards and Red Carpet, as well as the Official Latin GRAMMY Party. Bulova and The Latin Recording Academy® continue to join forces annually to collaborate on the Latin GRAMMY special edition watch collection, with sales helping to further advance The Latin Academy’s mission of nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators around the world. In addition, their commitment extends into the social sphere, where the brand highlights first-time Latin GRAMMY winners in a digital series, Primeras Veces. In 2025, the series features interviews and performances by the Best New Artist Nominees for the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMYs.

  • Espolòn Tequila returns as the Official Tequila Sponsor of the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, marking its second consecutive year celebrating Hispanic creativity in music and culture. As an Official Sponsor of Latin GRAMMY Week, Espolòn will support the Leading Ladies of Entertainment, Nominee Reception, Best New Artist Showcase, 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Gala, Latin GRAMMY Premiere, Latin GRAMMY Red Carpet, and Latin GRAMMY Official Party. Throughout the week, Espolòn will showcase its bold spirit and signature edge with eye-catching experiences featuring a variety of specialty cocktails including the specialty Espolòn Margarita, Espolòn Paloma, and Espolòn Spicy Margarita. In celebration of this year’s awards, Espolòn also launched and promoted a sweepstakes, offering two fans an unforgettable VIP Latin GRAMMY experience.

  • At the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMYs, Hyundai takes the spotlight featuring the all-new Palisade – activating a dynamic cultural platform that celebrates what’s next in Latin music and design. Owning a Hyundai-branded stage, the brand partners with rising artist, Annasofia who embodies innovation and ambition, capturing their journey from red carpet arrival to an exclusive ride-along experience aboard the Hyundai Palisade. Through dynamic storytelling, social-first content, and high-impact red-carpet moments, the Hyundai Palisade drives the future forward - showcasing how performance, creativity, and cultural progress move in sync.

  • In its ninth consecutive year as a global sponsor, Mastercard returns as the Official Payment Sponsor, and will also sponsor the Official Backstage Talent Gift Lounge, Nominee Reception, 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Gala, Latin GRAMMY Premiere, the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards and Red Carpet and the Latin GRAMMY Official Party. The brand will feature a number of experiences exclusively for Mastercard cardholders on http://www.priceless.com/latingrammys, including private artist Meet & Greets and VIP experiences around Latin GRAMMY Week celebrations. For the fourth year in a row, Mastercard will serve as a Presenting Sponsor for the Best New Artist Showcase, with plans to take the showcase tour to Latin America in 2026. The Latin Recording Academy has also teamed up with Mastercard to offer a first-of-its-kind preferred seating section for nominees, Latin Academy members and select Mastercard holders as well as a special pre-sale to the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards for all Mastercard cardholders. Further building on its partnership, the brand will launch a new Priceless Moments Digital Content Series, where fans will have an opportunity to enjoy the most iconic moments of Latin GRAMMY week celebration, including artists reactions to being a Latin GRAMMY winner and behind-the-scenes access to The Biggest Night in Latin Music. The Priceless Moments Digital Series will be available across Latin GRAMMY and Mastercard social channels.

  • Meta is the Official Platform Partner of Latin GRAMMY Week, which includes a robust partnership spanning all Meta platforms, including exclusive musical and non-musical content available as reels on Facebook and Instagram.

  • Microsoft, in collaboration with Latin GRAMMY nominees Alleh and Yorghaki, are joining forces for an exciting multi-platform campaign debuting at the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®. Together, they introduce a new way to interact with your computer through Copilot on Windows 11 including Voice & Vision. With your permission, Copilot on Windows can listen, answer, and collaborate with you to solve problems or spark ideas. This partnership celebrates how technology and creativity come together to empower human potential, enhance productivity, inspire imagination, and amplify the next generation of voices through powerful, talent-driven storytelling and cultural moments.

  • For the second year in a row, POND’S is the Official Digital Sponsor of the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs, bringing skincare, beauty, and music together to celebrate radiance in all its forms. On the road to Latin music’s biggest night, POND’S joins an emerging nominee/creator for an exclusive ‘Get Ready With Me’ experience that captures the rituals and skincare moments powering her confidence. From cleansing with POND’S Cold Cream to hydrating with POND’S Fresh Hydration Gel Moisturizer, we see how glowing skin becomes her ultimate red-carpet prep. It’s her moment — “Me Toca” — to shine, powered by POND’S.

  • P&G returns to the Latin GRAMMYs for the second year, with six brands activating in a social-first content series showcasing how P&G brands support Latinos’ everyday life and keep homes fresh through the lens of music and the Latin GRAMMYs. Always empowers a dancer’s journey, Dawn makes cleanup quick so you can get back to the rhythm you love, Gain celebrates the art of music-making, Downy delivers scents that inspire confidence and style, and Tide keeps clothes clean and fresh. Finally, Swiffer takes center stage through playful moments with a creative branded activation that turns the product into a mic stand — ensuring Swiffer truly owns the shine of the night. The campaign features cross-platform extensions into the broadcast of the Latin GRAMMYs and TelevisaUnivision’s streaming platform ViX.

  • Starbucks returns to the Latin GRAMMYs as the Official Coffee Sponsor, sharing and crafting holiday joy in the Starbucks Red Carpet Coffee Bar. This year, café y cultura will collide on The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, to spotlight how Starbucks draws us together. Artists will experience the Starbucks holiday magic at the event with the return of the Starbucks Red Carpet Coffee Bar and a new dedicated bar in the Media Center where they will be serving Starbucks holiday beverages. And, the social-first campaign, "En Tus Manos" (In Your Hands), created by artist and creator Sofia Reyes, will highlight Starbucks as a symbol of connection and celebration. This season, Starbucks will draw us together, one café, one canción, and one shared moment at a time.

  • Toyota returns to the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, delivering late-night energy and excitement with the Toyota Crown Signia as the co-star. Featuring Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Trueno, Toyota captures the thrill of the after-party in a custom spot airing during the show, where confidence, style, and spontaneity keep the night alive. Set to one of his latest tracks, the spot showcases unforgettable moments powered by the Crown Signia’s bold style and spirit. Toyota will engage with viewers across social media through Univision, Toyota Latino channels, and on ViX, celebrating the rhythm, passion, and drive of Latin music. Porque cuando la noche pide after…We Got You.

For the first time during the Latin GRAMMYs, Universal Pictures and TelevisaUnivision will join forces in a social-first campaign to create awareness for the release of Wicked: For Good* on November 21. The concept is designed to drive audience excitement leading up to the Latin GRAMMYs by leveraging Noche de Estrellas pre-show hosts Chiqui Delgado and Alejandra Espinoza. The social pieces will seamlessly integrate the film’s themes of sisterhood and transformation, including a special recorded message from Wicked: For Good stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and culminate in a glamourous red-carpet reveal from Chiqui and Alejandra. The night of the Latin GRAMMYs will have a wicked touch.

###

About The Latin Recording Academy

The Latin Recording Academy® is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals, produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

About TelevisaUnivision

TelevisaUnivision is the world’s leading Spanish-language media company. Powered by the largest library of owned Spanish-language content and a prolific production capability, TelevisaUnivision is the top producer of original content in Spanish across news, sports and entertainment verticals. This original content powers all of TelevisaUnivision’s platforms, which include market-leading broadcast networks Univision, Las Estrellas, Canal 5 and UniMás, and a portfolio of 38 cable networks, which include TUDN, Galavisión, Distrito Comedia and TL Novelas. The company also operates the leading Mexican movie studio, Videocine, and owns and operates the largest Spanish-language audio platform in the U.S. across 35 terrestrial stations and the Uforia digital platform. TelevisaUnivision is also the owner of ViX, the largest Spanish-language streaming platform in the world. For more information, please visit televisaunivision.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

TelevisaUnivision

Anna Negrón, Senior Director of Corporate Communications

anegron@televisaunivision.com

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto, Communications Director, The Latin Recording Academy

nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Paloma Morphy And Reik Perform At An International Edition Of The Best New Artist Showcase In Mexico City, Presented By Mastercard

News

Paloma Morphy And Reik Perform At An International Edition Of The Best New Artist Showcase In Mexico City, Presented By Mastercard

Latin GRAMMYs/Jul 22, 2026 - 01:00 PM

The exclusive event was sponsored by Bacardí and Helados Nestlé

For additional images, please click here

Credit: Eloisa Sánchez de Alba, Arleth López and Manuel Velásquez Figueroa/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy®

MEXICO CITY (JULY 22, 2026) – The Latin Recording Academy®, in partnership with Mastercard, hosted an international edition of the Best New Artist Showcase on July 21, featuring last year’s Latin GRAMMY® Best New Artist winner, Paloma Morphy, and Reik, who were nominated in the same category in 2005.

“Mexico has long been a vibrant center for Latin music, making it the ideal place to once again celebrate our Best New Artist category,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “The Best New Artist Showcase series brings together emerging talent with established artists who were once recognized in this category. Through initiatives like this, The Latin Recording Academy continues to create opportunities to celebrate and showcase the next generation of Latin music creators.”

The Best New Artist Showcase series is the centerpiece of the partnership between Mastercard and The Latin Recording Academy, celebrating the power of emerging talent and artistic excellence. Launched in 2022 during Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas, the series showcases winners and nominees of the Best New Artist category, recognizing the honor is more than an acknowledgment of artistic excellence—it can mark the beginning of an extraordinary career. Since then, international editions have been held in Buenos Aires, Mexico City, San Juan, Sao Paulo and Seville.

"We are thrilled to be back celebrating Mexico's dynamic music culture through our partnership with The Latin Recording Academy. Mastercard is proud to support and elevate emerging artists while connecting fans to the music and Priceless Experiences they are passionate about,” said Andreia Morelli, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, North Division Latin America for Mastercard.

The event brought together two generations of Latin music in Mexico City at the Lunario del Auditorio Nacional. With her distinctive voice and emotionally resonant songwriting, Morphy kicked off the evening with a captivating performance of some of her recent songs, including "(sola)" and "Lo Que Un Día Fue". The celebration continued with an electrifying set by Reik, whose performance took the audience on a journey through some of their most beloved hits, from “Niña” to “Yo Quisiera.” More than two decades after receiving their Best New Artist nomination, the Mexican group demonstrated how that early recognition helped launch one of the most influential careers in Latin pop.

For the latest news, visit the official Latin Recording Academy site at LatinGRAMMY.com. Follow us on Facebook (LatinGRAMMYs), X (@LatinGRAMMYs) or Instagram (@LatinGRAMMYs), and join the conversation using our official hashtag #LatinGRAMMY on all popular social media platforms.

###

ABOUT PALOMA MORPHY:

Paloma Morphy is reshaping Latin pop music with an alternative edge. Last year, the Mexican singer/songwriter won her first Latin GRAMMY® for Best New Artist. Morphy was also nominated for Best Alternative Song for her song "(sola)." She represents the new wave of genre-bending pop acts coming from Mexico. Before pursuing her dream of music, Morphy spent a few years working as a criminal defense attorney. After her song cover performances started going viral on TikTok, she quit her job as a lawyer and pivoted into music full-time. Morphy released her critically acclaimed debut album Au in 2025. With growing international recognition and success, she will embark on her first major tour of the US starting in September.

ABOUT REIK:

Reik is one of the best-selling Latin pop/rock acts of all time. The Mexican band includes singer Jesús Navarro, guitarist Julio Ramírez, and electric guitarist Bibi Marín. Since debuting in 2003, Reik have received six Latin GRAMMY® nominations, including Best New Artist in 2005 and Album of the Year for 2012's Peligro. They won a Latin GRAMMY® in 2009 for Best Pop Album by a Duo or Group with Vocals for Un Día Más. Reik's pop sound has evolved over the years following collaborations with reggaeton acts like Ozuna, Wisin & Yandel, Maluma and J Balvin. The band expanded into K-pop as well with South Korean group Super Junior. Reik also recently collaborated with regional Mexican acts like Carín León and Xavi. The band continues to sell out tours across Latin America and the US.

ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

ABOUT MASTERCARD (NYSE: MA):

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. For more information, please visit mastercard.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Satus Media on behalf of The Latin Recording Academy

Diana Fernández

Diana.Fernandez@satusmedia.com

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Launches Fifth Annual Leading Ladies Of Entertainment Mentorship Program And Virtual Panel

News

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Launches Fifth Annual Leading Ladies Of Entertainment Mentorship Program And Virtual Panel

Latin GRAMMYs/Jul 15, 2026 - 04:00 PM

The program, which focuses on expanding access and inspiring the next generation of female leaders in the entertainment industry, is presented in partnership with Open Society Foundations

MIAMI (JULY 15, 2026) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced the fifth annual Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program and Virtual Panel presented by Open Society Foundations, the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for rights, equity and justice.

Paying-it-forward and creating opportunities for future generations are at the heart of the program. Through the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program, aspiring women in music and entertainment receive three months of one-on-one mentorship from Leading Ladies of Entertainment honorees and other trailblazing industry leaders.

Further expanding access to mentorship, the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Virtual Panel, debuting today, is hosted by Dayanara Torres and moderated by current mentees Michelle Sanz and María Paula Mariño. The panel features in-depth conversations with Marcella Araica, Leslie Grace, Paula Kaminsky and Angela “Angie” Martínez. To tune in visit: https://latingram.my/virtualpanel.

“Since the launch of the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program in 2021, we have seen a significant increase in the number of young women pursuing careers in the music and entertainment industries who are seeking mentorship and guidance,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “In response, the Foundation has remained committed to expanding access to the program and diversifying its roster of mentees to create more one-on-one mentorship opportunities. We have also continued to offer the virtual panel, made possible through the generosity of supporters such as Open Society Foundations. Together, we are helping cultivate the next generation of female leaders in our industry.”

This year’s mentors include:

Leading Ladies of Entertainment Honorees:

  • Marcella Araica, award-winning recording and mixing engineer, co-founder of Dream Asylum Studios, member of the Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees and 2017 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Maricarmen “Tuti” Bou, Vice President of Sony Music Entertainment Puerto Rico and 2025 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Lila Downs, multi-Latin GRAMMY®-winning artist, 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree and 2019 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Goyo, Latin GRAMMY® winner, GRAMMY®-nominated artist and 2020 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Paula Kaminsky, President of PK Consultants and 2025 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Angela “Angie” Martínez, entertainment lawyer at AngieLaw and 2020 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Gabriela Martínez, Senior VP of Marketing at Sony Music Latin-Iberia and 2017 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Mayna Nevarez, founder & CEO of Nevarez Communications and 2021 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Delia Orjuela, Head of Creative Música Mexicana at Warner Chappell and 2018 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Luana Pagani, partner & President at Fairwinds Entertainment and 2019 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Diana Rodríguez, CEO and founder of Criteria Entertainment and 2024 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Rozalén, Latin GRAMMY®-nominated singer/songwriter and 2025 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Ana Rosa Santiago, Senior Vice President of Latin Music & LatAm for Universal Music Publishing Group and 2024 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Dayanara Torres, actress, TV/radio host and 2019 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Simone Torres, GRAMMY®-nominated engineer, artist and vocal producer and 2023 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

  • Mónica Vélez, Latin GRAMMY®-winning music composer and 2021 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree

Trailblazing Women in the Industry:

  • Leslie Grace, Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist

  • Choco Orta, internationally acclaimed actress, percussionist, dancer and singer/songwriter

  • Ginny Peirats, Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

  • Lohana Schalken, artistic director and artist manager

The Leading Ladies of Entertainment initiative was created by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2016 to honor and recognize professional and socially conscious women within the arts and entertainment fields who have made significant contributions and inspired the next generation of female leaders. To see the complete list of previous honorees click here.

This important initiative, which began as a recognition program, has evolved into a meaningful platform for raising awareness about gender disparities in the industry while fostering mentorship opportunities for future generations of female leaders through the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program and the Leading Ladies Symposium. For more information on both programs click here.

###

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade, it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $15 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is an international nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

The Latin Recording Academy® Announces Its 2026 Special Awards Recipients

News

The Latin Recording Academy® Announces Its 2026 Special Awards Recipients

Latin GRAMMYs/Jun 30, 2026 - 01:00 PM

This year’s honorees are Alaska, Omar Alfanno, Francisco Céspedes, Lila Downs, Daniela Mercury and Chichí Peralta

Click here for additional images

MIAMI (JUNE 30, 2026) — The Latin Recording Academy® announced today that Alaska, Francisco Céspedes, Lila Downs, Daniela Mercury and Chichí Peralta will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Omar Alfanno will be awarded the Trustees Award, as part of this year’s Special Awards ceremony.

“It is a great privilege to honor these living legends—an exceptional group whose influence transcends generations and genres—who continue to enrich and redefine our musical heritage,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We are delighted to celebrate their extraordinary careers, along with the recipient of the Latin Music Educator Award, during the 27th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Week.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors performers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and its communities. The Trustees Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to Latin music over their careers, in ways other than performance. Both distinctions are voted on by The Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees. The honorees will be celebrated on November 9 during Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas.

For the second consecutive year, the Latin Music Educator Award winner will be honored at the ceremony. This award, presented in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, honors an exceptional educator in the global music community who has made a significant impact by integrating Latin music into their curriculum. As part of the award, the recipient’s school music program will receive a musical instrument donation valued at up to $10,000 to support music education. Submissions for this award are open until August 3, 2026. To apply and view guidelines, click here.

2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees:

Alaska

The bewitching strain of electronic pop anchored on majestic melodies and provocative lyrics found in Alaska one of its most iconic trendsetters. As part of the bands Alaska y Dinarama and Fangoria, the singer was always ahead of her time. Born in Mexico City in 1963, Olvido Gara Jova moved to Spain at a young age and began her musical career with Kaka de Luxe, one of the first bands of the Spanish punk movement. In 1979, she founded Alaska y los Pegamoides, which four years later evolved into Alaska y Dinarama. Hits such as “Ni Tú Ni Nadie” (1984) and “A Quién Le Importa” (1986) made history with their extraordinary melodic sophistication – an element that would also appear in the sumptuous synth-pop of Fangoria. Alaska remains active in recording studios and concert halls across Spain and Latin America.

Francisco Céspedes

To discover the musical worldview of Francisco Céspedes entails venturing into a nocturnal soundscape where the elegance of jazz walks hand in hand with the warmth of bolero. Born in Cuba and established in Mexico, Francisco Fabián Céspedes Rodríguez transcends his Latin roots with a cosmopolitan sound that found devoted followers all over the world. He abandoned his initial vocation as a doctor to devote himself to music, and moved to Mexico City in 1992, where he wrote songs for artists like Luis Miguel, and collaborated with Alejandro Sanz and Plácido Domingo. In 1997, his debut album, Vida Loca, established him as an icon of romantic balladry with the melancholy mood of the title track. Since then, he has been nominated for a Latin GRAMMY® several times, and released many albums, including one with Armando Manzanero. He tours regularly in Europe and Latin America, and released an album earlier this year on which he collaborated with the late Pablo Milanés.

Lila Downs

One of the most transcendent ambassadors of Mexican culture, Lila Downs has spent the past thirty years exploring the fertile creative bridge that unites her identity and roots. The daughter of a Mixteca mother and an American father, Ana Lila Downs Sánchez was born in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, in 1968. From her very first album, Ofrenda, she showcased a restless creative personality and visionary talent for experimentation and daring musical fusions. In Downs’ creative universe, her stunning vocal range moves comfortably among the velvety textures of jazz, healing cumbia grooves, and the emotional exuberance of bolero. The winner of six Latin GRAMMYs® and a GRAMMY®, Downs released Cambias Mi Mundo in 2026, an album that finds her at a transformative creative peak.

Daniela Mercury

Daniela Mercury began her career revolutionizing the Brazilian music scene. During her inaugural performance in São Paulo in 1992, she literally shook the foundation of the building, forcing the event to be momentarily interrupted. A pioneer of the new Brazilian genre of axé, the singer and dancer from Salvador, Bahia, brought her powerful voice and precise movements to stages all over the world. Her song “O Canto Da Cidade” became a Brazilian music anthem that has endured for over three decades. With more than 20 million records sold and 26 albums – including the masterpiece Feijão Com Arroz (1998) – her innovative fusion of styles is informed by an expansive mosaic of rhythms and colors. Throughout her career she has continued to expand the limits of her sound while offering memorable concerts, including the live album Balé Mulato, which garnered a Latin GRAMMY in 2007.

Chichí Peralta

Chichí Peralta — musician, singer/songwriter, composer, arranger and producer — is one of the most influential figures in contemporary music from the Dominican Republic. Born in Santo Domingo, he discovered percussion at the age of four, beginning a career that has spanned over four decades, marked by innovation and artist versatility. The founder of Chichí Peralta & Son Familia, he developed a unique sound that blends tradition, modernity and Caribbean identity, enriching Latin American music and showcasing Dominican culture on international stages across the Americas, Europe and Asia. The winner of a Latin GRAMMY in 2001, Peralta has recorded two of his productions with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road and amassed a discography that reflects his ongoing artistic quest, while contributing to shaping future generations of musicians.

2026 Trustees Award Honoree:

Omar Alfanno

The composer of timeless classics of Latin music such as “El Gran Varón,” “A Puro Dolor,” “Y Hubo Alguien” and “Amores Como El Nuestro,” Omar Alfanno transformed deeply human narratives into songs that are an essential part of the Latin American songbook. Born in Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, in 1957, his songs have been recorded by more than 500 artists, including Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivera, Marc Anthony and Shakira. His work contributed to defining the sound of contemporary tropical music, while his narratives and melodic sensibility have served as a reference point for many composers over the past five decades. A member of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, and winner of a Latin GRAMMY, Alfanno continues to hone his craft, guiding new talent and promoting musical education among young people with limited financial means in Panama through the Fundación Omar Alfanno.

Alex Hadad will serve as executive producer of the event, working under the direction of The Latin Recording Academy’s production team led by Ayleen Figueras.

For the latest news, visit the official Latin Recording Academy site at LatinGRAMMY.com. Follow us on Facebook (LatinGRAMMYs), X (@LatinGRAMMYs) or Instagram (@LatinGRAMMYs), and join the conversation using our official hashtag #LatinGRAMMY on all popular social media platforms.

###

ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is an international nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

ive@grammy.com

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Opens Applications For Its 2026 Latin Music Research And Preservation Grant Program

News

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Opens Applications For Its 2026 Latin Music Research And Preservation Grant Program

Latin GRAMMYs/Jun 18, 2026 - 01:00 PM

Four talented music institutions, nonprofit organizations, musicologists and researchers will receive a total of $20,000 for research and preservation of Latin music

Deadline to apply is August 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

MIAMI (JUNE 18, 2026) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced that applications are now open for its 2026 Latin Music Research and Preservation Grant Program. This program provides grants to support music institutions, nonprofit organizations, musicologists and researchers worldwide who are committed to preserving and advancing the legacy of Latin music through research and archival initiatives.

This year, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation will award a total of four grants as follows:

  • Two (2) Research Grants for a maximum amount of $5,000 each, funding one project focused on historical research, folklore and anthropology of a Latin music genre.

  • Two (2) Preservation Grants for a maximum of $5,000 each, supporting one project aiming to archive and preserve Latin music heritage.

“The research and preservation of Latin music is essential to honoring its cultural impact and these grants ensure future generations remain connected to the stories, traditions and communities that shaped it,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded more than $285,000 in grants to support projects, one of which received both a Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY®.

To apply, view guidelines, and learn about past project winners please click here (the materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese). The deadline to apply is Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. If you have any additional questions, please email LGCF@grammy.com and/or visit http://www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org/en.

###

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. For over a decade, the Foundation has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $15 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com