“We continue to be humbled and honored to have Sofia’s ongoing support over these last three years as our Global Ambassador; her generosity truly has no bounds. It is inspiring to see young talent generously paying it forward and paving the way for future creators” said Tanya Ramos-Puig, President, Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation “As we enter our seventh year of providing scholarships and transformational experiential programming, we know that access, and educational equity, is pivotal in supporting future Latin music creators and preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come. It is truly a humbling reality made possible, year after-year, thanks to the gracious support of our partners.”

Each year, the Foundation's Scholarship Committee carefully evaluates applications from a highly competitive pool of aspiring musicians on a variety of skills; rigorous requirements that are both academic and artistic in nature. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $6.5 million in scholarships, grants, musical instrument donations and educational programming, and events, worldwide.

Starting today, Tuesday, January 18, 2022 the application will go live at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.com. As part of the process, students must complete an online application, submit two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university along with two completed essays. The materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.  The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 10, 2022.

For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.com. If you have any questions after reviewing the guidelines or require assistance with your application, please email   LGCF@grammy.com.

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ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 to further international awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of Latin music and its makers to the world’s culture. The Foundation provides college scholarships, educational programs and grants for the research and preservation of its rich musical legacy and heritage, and to date has donated more than $6.5 million with the support of Latin Recording Academy members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.com, Amazon Smile or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Twitter and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook. 

ABOUT SOFIA CARSON:

Sofia Carson is a force of nature, rising to the top of all she endeavors with grace and style in the world of entertainment. She has forged a singular path in music, film, television, and philanthropy. As an award-nominated singer and songwriter, she’s garnered nearly 1 billion streams and 2 billion-plus views, reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200, and launched a dynamic catalog, including two gold-selling albums and four gold-selling singles thus far. As an actress, she has starred in NETFLIX’s Feel The Beat, Michael Bay’s Songbird, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, and Disney’s global phenomenon Descendant’s. Next, Carson will star in and executive produce “Purple Hearts” for NETFLIX. She will also co-write and perform the film’s original soundtrack. Her next single “LOUD,” was released just last Friday, January 14. As a philanthropist, she stands out as UNICEF’s newest US Ambassador, the first-female global ambassador of the Latin GRAMMY®️Cultural Foundation and a member of the first-ever Ambassadors Council for The Music Forward Foundation. As a style icon, Sofia is Global Brand Ambassador for beauty leader REVLON and has launched her own makeup collection. A Teen Vogue cover story by Priyanka Chopra Jonas summed her up best, “Sofia Carson has the grace of a pro.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy
Nathalie Alberto
Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

The Exclusive Agency on behalf of The Latin Recording Academy                                        

Elina Adut                                                                                                                               

Eadut@eadut.com

For additional images, please click here

Credit: Fernando Leon/ Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

KANSAS CITY, KS (DECEMBER 5, 2023) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Latin GRAMMY® winner and founder of the all-woman mariachi band Flor de Toloache Mireya Ramos and Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, invested $40,000 as part of an educational experience that included a donation of musical instruments to J.C. Harmon High School in Kansas City.

This investment in music education marks the 28th time that Ford Motor Company supports a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ educational program. The program featured a conversation and performance with vocalist and composer Mireya Ramos, along with a Q&A session with students moderated by acclaimed journalist Irasema Torres.

“I am truly honored and grateful to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation for inviting me to be a representative of their generous initiative,” said Mireya Ramos. “"We hope that through the gift of these instruments, each student experiences the freedom to dream and create."

The music programs at J.C. Harmon serve underprivileged communities with limited access to resources. In order to continue growing the program and impacting students’ music education, instruments coupled with educational experiences are needed. The school will use these instruments to replace outdated ones that are no longer functional. The music programs at J.C. Harmon consist of six different wind and brass ensembles, three string ensembles, and four different choral ensembles and a mariachi ensemble.

"We are so grateful to receive this donation of instruments! Our students are thankful that foundations like the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation exist to support and uplift our underserved communities,” said Weston Cook, Director of Bands at J.C. Harmon High School in Kansas City, Kansas. “The instruments that were graciously donated will be used for the entire music department.”

“As we celebrate the 28th Latin GRAMMY In The Schools with Ford Motor Company Fund, we are grateful for their ongoing partnership, as well as the continued support from artists such as Mireya who join our effort to support the next generation of Latin music creators through unique educational experiences that teach them about the music industry,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®.

Since the beginning of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®'s partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund in 2014, the program has benefited schools in U.S. cities such as Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York and San Antonio; as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations. The Foundation invites artists and professional musicians to visit middle and high schools, or music education institutions to share their personal stories and experiences with students that highlight the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.

Previous artists who have participated in the program include: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Laura Pausini, Ángel "Cucco" Peña, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.

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ABOUT MIREYA RAMOS:

Mireya Ramos is a Latin GRAMMY® winning and GRAMMY® nominee vocalist, musician, composer, producer, arranger and founder of Flor de Toloache – New York’s only all women mariachi. Mireya embodies all of her musical influences whether classical, mariachi, salsa, merengue or hip-hop, always creating a unique and refreshing sound. Her versatility, natural improvisational skills and beautiful tone has made her one of the top Latin artists in New York City. She is currently promoting her album featuring the Poor Choices, “Sin Fronteras”. Throughout the album, the musicians deftly blend ranchera and country, sprinkling in pop, jazz, and R&B along the way.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. The Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage, and to date has donated more than $9.3 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.

About Ford Motor Company Fund:

As the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund focuses on providing access to essential services, education for the future of work and entrepreneurship opportunities for under-resourced and underrepresented communities. Ford Fund’s partnerships and programming are designed to be responsive to unique community needs, ensuring people have equitable opportunities to move forward. Harnessing Ford’s scale, resources and mobility expertise, Ford Fund drives meaningful impact through grantmaking, Ford Resource and Engagement Centers and employee volunteerism. For more information, visit fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

J.C. Harmon High School

Markl Johnson

Markl.johnson@kckps.org

MIAMI (NOVEMBER 14, 2023) – TelevisaUnivision, the world’s leading Spanish-language media and content company, and The Latin Recording Academy® today announced the complete lineup of sponsors for the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® uniting to celebrate The Biggest Night in Latin Music®. This year’s extensive group of partners enlisted by The Latin Recording Academy include Andalucía, Bulova, El Corte Inglés, Frontera, Fundador, Iberia, INFINITI, iryo, Lanjarón, Mastercard, Sevilla, Uber, Viñas Familia Gil, Walmart and YSL, as well as first time TelevisaUnivision sponsors Ally Financial, Lionsgate, Shark Beauty and Ulta Beauty and returning sponsors INFINITI and Walmart. The Latin GRAMMY Awards will air on Univision, UniMás, and Galavisión on Thursday, November 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT).

“We are so excited to welcome this year’s sponsors to the Latin GRAMMYs, bringing engaging, exciting and unique activations to our audience,” said John Kozack, Executive Vice President of Multimedia Sales at TelevisaUnivision. “With Latin music holding the attention of millions around the world, what better stage than The Biggest Night in Latin Music for our partners to build meaningful and impactful connections with the Hispanic community.”

“The response from marketers to this year’s historic Latin GRAMMYs has been phenomenal. We are thrilled to partner with leading and emblematic brands to celebrate the biggest week and The Biggest Night in Latin Music, “said Enrique Perez, Head of Partnerships and Client Solutions at The Latin Recording Academy. “It’s exciting to see how all of our partners are activating their Latin GRAMMY sponsorship in innovative ways to connect with consumers and Latin music fans in Spain, the U.S. and Latin America.”

Official sponsors for the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards include:

Ally Financial joins the Latin GRAMMYs as an official digital sponsor to present Siempre tu Aliado, a social-first series that showcases rising Latinos in the music industry who are celebrating richness found in being de aqui y de allá. The three-part series tells the story of Valentina García, aka DJ VryWvy, a bilingual and bicultural self-taught DJ making waves in her community with a little help from a great ally.

Bulova is the official timepiece and jewelry partner of the Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. Now in its eighth year of partnership, the brand is the official sponsor of the Nominations Reception, Person of the Year Gala and the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. Bulova is partnering with The Latin Recording Academy to gift all first-time Latin GRAMMY winner’s special edition watches, personalized with engraving, to commemorate the milestone – an annual gifting initiative that started in 2019. Bulova is also a proud sponsor of Primeras Veces, the Best New Artist Digital Series, which features a special interview and performance by 2023 Best New Artist Nominees and a special look at their Latin GRAMMY Edition Bulova watch.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Regional Government of Andalucia, with co-financing from European funds, joins as institutional presenting partner, kicking off a three-year partnership with The Latin Recording Academy. The inaugural year of this partnership includes Latin GRAMMY Sessions: Flamenco, Latin GRAMMY Sessions: Urbano, Latin GRAMMY in the Schools and during Latin GRAMMY week a presenting sponsorship of the Nominee Reception, Leading Ladies of Entertainment, Person of the Year Gala and Premiere as well as the official sponsor of Best New Artist Showcase, Special Awards and the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® Official Party.

El Corte Inglés is the official retail sponsor of the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in Spain, in addition to sponsoring the Nominee Reception and Person of the Year Award, and the presenting sponsor of Leading Ladies of Entertainment. From October 6 to November 16, 2023 El Corte Inglés launched a traveling exhibition in various cities throughout Spain including Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla, where iconic items can be seen in their display windows including the renowned Latin GRAMMY gramophone and memorabilia from previous Latin GRAMMY winners. Additionally, during this time, they have also launched pop-up corners in ten of their locations (cities include Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Canarias, Málaga and Sevilla) featuring limited edition merchandise through the end of November.

Frontera Wines returns for the fourth consecutive year as the official wine sponsor of the Latin GRAMMY Awards and will be offering a series of special promotions available at various points of sale across the U.S.

Fundador comes on board as the first official Spanish brandy sponsor, providing and serving brandy and whiskey across all Latin GRAMMY week events. The brand serves as official sponsor of the Nominee Reception, Person of the Year Gala, Official Latin GRAMMY Party, and the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.

Iberia is the official airline sponsor of the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. During Latin GRAMMY Week, the Spanish airline is providing flights to members of The Latin Recording Academy and offering event attendees a special discount code on routes that connect the Americas with the Andalusian capital. Furthermore, in the Premium Lounge Velázquez de Iberia at Madrid-Barajas International Airport, travelers who journey through Iberia’s VIP Lounge can check out a photo gallery featuring past Latin GRAMMY winners. Iberia will serve as the Official Sponsor of the Nominee Reception, Person of the Year, and the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards as well as presenting sponsor of the Premiere Ceremony. The brand will also be present in the talent gift lounge.

INFINITI returns for the second consecutive year as an official digital sponsor in the automotive category. Viewers will get the opportunity to follow the story of Latin GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter Debi Nova through a custom social docu-series highlighting the hard work and dedication that has gotten her to where she is today.

iryo is the official train sponsor of the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. The first Spanish high speed train operator is offering guests traveling to Latin GRAMMY Week a special discount code. Iryo will serve as official sponsors of the Nominee Reception, Person of The Year and the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards as well as presenting Sponsor of Premiere Ceremony.

Lanjarón is the official bottled water sponsor of the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in Spain. To celebrate the Latin GRAMMYs, the mineral water brand from Andalucía has created a limited edition of bottles for the week’s most select events. Lanjarón will also be present on the red carpet and will be serving signature cocktails made with sparkling water to all artists and VIP guests at the Official Celebration. To celebrate Andalucía’s extraordinary origins, it is inviting the duo Mëstiza DJ, who will put on a very special performance for all guests. Lanjarón celebrates its origins in Andalucía and also works hard to preserve it. That’s why it will be collecting and recycling plastic bottles at events throughout the week as part of its sustainability program and commitment.

Lionsgate becomes a first-time official sponsor at this year's Latin GRAMMYs with a 360 campaign for the promotion of the studio’s highly anticipated upcoming movie The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Latin music fans will virtually travel to Sevilla with creator Mariangela to sing one of the new film's centerpiece songs, "The Hanging Tree" in the streets of Sevilla, Ole style! In addition, the creator will also show viewers how she gets ready for the Latin GRAMMYs as she finds herself on a quest to find the perfect Hunger Games-inspired dress for the red carpet, which will be revealed live on social and on linear TV during the Noche de Estrellas pre-show.

For its seventh consecutive year as a global sponsor, Mastercard returns as the official payment sponsor for the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards and sponsor of Nominations Reception, Person of the Year and the Official Celebration. For the second year in a row, Mastercard is presenting sponsor of the Best New Artist Showcase, after having Best New Artist tour stops in Mexico and Brazil. The BNA Showcase will feature performances from all 2023 Best New Artist Award nominees reinforcing Mastercard’s commitment to emerging artists. Mastercard will also bring back for the second year in a row a one-of-a-kind Fellowship Program with The Latin Recording Academy where Latin GRAMMY nominated artists will benefit from a financial opportunity to attend the Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards and enjoy a VIP Mastercard Hospitality experience, while documenting their journey for Latin music fans and aspiring musicians to enjoy across social media. Artists will also participate in the first edition of Mastercard’s Artists Accelerator Program for Latin America which extends support to selected talent, providing tools that serve to grow their music careers such as Web3, Diseño de Imagen, Emprendimiento Musical, among others.

Ayuntamiento de Sevilla is the host city and institutional sponsor for the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards and Latin GRAMMY Week events. The city will provide access to historic landmarks during Latin GRAMMY Week events, creating a one-of-a-kind setting from events held throughout the week with venues including the Real Alcazar, Centro Cultural Magallanes, Casa Pilatos, and Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones (FIBES), the site for the 2023 Person of the Year event and the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.

For the first time ever, Shark Beauty™ joins the Latin GRAMMYs as an official digital sponsor in the United States and Gifting Lounge partner. Together, TelevisaUnivision and Shark Beauty™ will empower Latinas to lead the next chapter in beauty with their "Looks Icónicos at the Latin GRAMMYs." Shark Beauty™ will have a Hair Glam Station at the Latin GRAMMYs Gifting Lounge where guests will have their hair professionally styled using the Shark FlexStyle® and receive this amazing hair tool as a gift. Then on the big night, audiences will join Karla de La Torre's journey to "Get Ready,” with the help of Shark FlexStyle® and the all-new Shark® SmoothStyle™ and be part of her glamorous final look reveal on the Latin GRAMMYs red carpet.

Uber will serve as the official mobility sponsor for the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMYs. Uber will be transporting artists and VIP guests to events and red carpets in a luxury fleet, in addition to the participating talent for the BNA Showcase and 2023 Person of the Year Gala. Attendees will have access to a special promo code for discounted rides in one of Uber’s Latin GRAMMY-branded vehicles that have already hit the streets of Sevilla. In addition, Uber will launch a talent campaign where a branded Hummer will surprise lucky riders throughout Sevilla with the opportunity to participate in a carpool karaoke with a special guest artist for the chance to win tickets to the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. Uber serves as the official sponsor of Nominee Reception, Best New Artist Showcase, 2023 Person of the Year, and the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.

Ulta Beauty joins as an official digital sponsor of the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards for the first time in the United States. With a focus on the glamorous moments of the night, Ulta Beauty is connecting with social fans by showcasing celeb-worthy beauty tricks and tips inspired by trends as seen exclusively on the Latin GRAMMY red carpet.

Viñas Familia Gil joins as the first official Spanish wine sponsor in Spain and Latin America for the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. With 11 family bodegas, Juan Gil, Rosario Vera, Shaya, Tridente, Atalaya, Morca, Ateca, Can Blau, El Nido, Lagar da Condesa, and LLicorella Vins will serve wines at all Latin GRAMMY Week events as well as sponsor the Talent Gift Lounge and Leading Ladies of Entertainment.

For the 14th consecutive year, Walmart – the longest running sponsor of the Latin GRAMMY Awards, will team up with TelevisaUnivision and The Latin Recording Academy to kick off the holiday celebrations at the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY awards. Amplifying Walmart’s “Welcome to Your Walmart” messaging, the campaign positions Walmart as the solution to outsmarting the holiday hustle to do more of what you love. Through custom content, including an original Spanish-language jingle, top Latin artist and talent, consumers will have the chance to add products directly to their Walmart carts through shoppable content across social, ViX streaming, and linear platforms.

YSL is the official make-up and fragrance sponsor, providing full glam for artists attending sponsored events, in addition to providing retouching stations backstage during the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. YSL will collaborate with Uber to provide customers with sample fragrances during their rides, and host a contest for their customers for the opportunity to win two backstage day passes to the Latin GRAMMY Awards. YSL is also the official sponsor of Leading Ladies in Entertainment, Best New Artist Showcase and Person of the Year Gala.

As the leading Spanish-language broadcast network in the United States, Univision has been home to the Latin GRAMMYs for over a decade. To learn more about Univision, visit univision.com.

For more information on the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, visit the official Latin Recording Academy site at LatinGRAMMY.com as well as its official home on Facebook (LatinGRAMMYs), Twitter (@LatinGRAMMYs) and Instagram (@LatinGRAMMYs). Please see #LatinGRAMMY for all content across social media platforms.

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.

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 CONTACTS

TelevisaUnivision

Anna Negrón, Director of Corporate Communications: anegron@univision.net

Laura Paez, Senior Manager, Communications PR and Content Publicity: Lpaez@televisaunivision.com

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto, Communications Director, The Latin Recording Academy:

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

“Acróstico”

Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, L.E.X.V.Z, Luis Fernando Ochoa & Shakira, songwriters (Shakira)

“Acróstico” is a heartfelt love letter from Colombian pop queen Shakira to her young sons Milan and Sasha in the wake of her split with their father Gerard Piqué. It’s a piano-based power pop ballad featuring her kids’ sweet vocals, with vulnerable lyrics describing the strength their love gives her. Shakira co-wrote the song with a gold-star Colombian team: Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno and L.E.X.V.Z, of La Crème collective, and long-time collaborator Luis Fernando Ochoa, with whom she first worked in 1995 on the iconic record Pies Descalzos. Shakira set a record as the first woman to have three nominations in the Song Of The Year category and has seven total nods this year. (Ana Monroy Yglesias)

“Amigos”

Pablo Alborán & Maria Becerra, songwriters (Pablo Alborán featuring Maria Becerra)

Pablo Alborán showed a different side to his pop artistry with “Amigos.” The Spanish singer/songwriter teamed with Argentine star Maria Becerra for the standout song from his La Cu4rta Hoja album, which celebrates the power of friendship. Flamenco influences from Alborán’s home country collide with the reggaeton beats that soundtrack most of Becerra’s past hits. While most Urbano-infused songs these days can feature a full team of songwriters, the magic of “Amigos'' solely relies on the lyrics of Alborán and Becerra, who recommend a fun night out with friends as a remedy for life’s dark moments. (Lucas Villa)

“De Todas Las Flores”

Natalia Lafourcade, songwriter (Natalia Lafourcade)

“De Todas Las Flores,” the title-track off Natalia Lafourcade’s first album of entirely new material since 2015’s Latin GRAMMY winning Hasta La Raiz, was written in 2018 during a painful breakup. Lafourcade, one of Mexico’s leading songstresses, shared on social media that initially the relationship was filled “with passion and fireworks, then deteriorated into agony and self-destruction.” Against the backdrop of a breezy bossa nova groove, lush bolero harmonization, and ruminating piano lines, “De Todas Las Flores” is steeped in nostalgia and melancholy one moment just as it organically re-emerges around themes of rebirth and renewal the next. Straddling the dualities of heartache and hope comes naturally to Lafourcade, whose vocal dexterity and range — from warm, jazz-infused undertones to soaring soprano flights — imprint the song with a cinematic quality that seems suspended between mourning the past and embracing the present. (Lissette Corsa)

“Ella Baila Sola”

Pedro Julián Tovar Oceguera, songwriter (Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma)

On the heels of the global success of “El Belicón,” the song that catapulted the Sinaloa native Peso Pluma, “Ella Baila Sola” bursts onto the scene, a corrido tumbado penned by the singer/songwriter Pedro Julián Tovar Oceguera, lead vocalist of the band Eslabon Armado. “Ella Baila Sola” quickly positioned itself as first among firsts. With nearly 1 billion streams, it was Spotify’s most-streamed song of the summer globally, and the first regional Mexican song to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Ella Baila Sola” has undoubtedly made the regional Mexican genre an essential part of the robust growth of Latin music in 2023. (Néstor Díaz de Villegas)

“NASA”

Édgar Barrera, Camilo & Alejandro Sanz, songwriters (Camilo & Alejandro Sanz)

The songwriter, composer and producer Édgar Barrera once again propels us to the edge of his musical cosmos with “NASA”, a theme not often found in pop songs, that presents the man asking for forgiveness when he realizes the betrayal he suspected is non-existent. With a sweet and tortured plea, Barrera brings the sensibility of his listeners to the point of tenderness when they hear the beat of the arpeggio in the rhythmic ballad: “I’m sorry for thinking things that aren’t/Before you, my heart was turned to shit/I don’t want our future destroyed by my past…”. “NASA” is yet another of the thousands of ways that this great composer, along with the talents of Camilo and Alejandro Sanz, takes us into his universe, hanging on every verse he composes. (Ana Santiago)

“Ojos Marrones”

Luis Jiménez, Lasso & Augustín Zubillaga, songwriters (Lasso)

“Ojos Marrones” is perhaps the catchiest ode to brown-eyed girls since Van Morrison sang their praises back in the ’60s. Since it first went viral on TikTok in the summer of 2022, the song has taken Venezuelan singer/songwriter Lasso on a whirlwind of fame. But beyond its infectious chorus and vocal charisma, there’s a universal quality about the song’s message: even a perfect date doesn’t compare to a flawed soulmate. As Lasso confessed in an interview recently, “The fact that you’re trying to forget an \[ex\] by dating someone new, but there are times that you can’t forget them — I feel that there’s something very human about \[that\].” And really, is there anything more human than listening to your heart above everything else? (Andrew Casillas)

“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”

Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, Shakira & ZECCA, songwriters (Bizarrap featuring Shakira)

In the electropop track “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” the songwriters’ explicit and unapologetic storytelling marks a significant departure from the usual veiled references in breakup songs. The 11-time Latin GRAMMY winner provides intimate details of her highly publicized breakup with Spanish soccer star Gerard Piqué, leaving no room for ambiguity by naming names and addressing personal drama head-on. With lines like “Women don’t cry anymore, women cash in”, the self-proclaimed “She Wolf” pens a new manifesto of female empowerment, challenging the prevalent double standards imposed on women in the music industry. “…Vol. 53”’s directness and willingness to confront tabloid-fueled gossip set it apart, making it a fearless and compelling exploration of love and loss in the public eye. (Isabela Raygoza)

“Si Tú Me Quieres”

Fonseca, Yadam González & Yoel Henríquez, songwriters (Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra)

Yadam González and Fonseca, who together with Omar Alfanno won Best Tropical Song at the 17th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in 2016, partner this time with Yoel Henríquez on the song “Si Tú Me Quieres,” a fusion of tropical styles that brings together Fonseca’s vallenato and Juan Luis Guerra's bachata in a surprising mix that exceeds the sum of its parts. Dominican popular music and urban pop are skillfully harmonized in a piece tailored for the stellar twosome. With this single, the team of musicians and composers offer a new generation of fans the opportunity to consider the artistic legacy of Juan Luis Guerra, a maestro who has contributed decisively to expanding the frontiers of Latin American music. (Néstor Díaz de Villegas)

“Tqg”

Kevyn Maurico Cruz Moreno, Karol G, Ovy On The Drums & Shakira, songwriters (Karol G featuring Shakira)

Karol G teams up with Shakira on the explosive track from the former’s Mañana Será Bonito album to create “Tqg,” a girl power anthem from two of Colombia’s biggest pop artists. Having both gone through public breakups, Karol G and Shakira channel their emotions into a global kiss-o! chant. Along with their frequent collaborator Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, and Karol G’s producer, Ovy On The Drums, the two women write about success and thriving as the best revenge against an ex. “You forgot I’m doing my thing and that La Bichota was too good for you,” Karol G sings, while Shakira adds gasoline to the ex-bonfire with, “You left and I got triple M/Hotter, stronger, leveled-up.” (Lucas Villa)

“Un X100to”

Bad Bunny, Édgar Barrera, Marco Daniel Borrero & Andrés Jael Correa Ríos, songwriters (Grupo Frontera featuring Bad Bunny)

With a mere 1 percent of phone battery remaining, Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera embark on a poignant journey of yearning and remorse in “Un X100to.” Penned by Bad Bunny, Édgar Barrera, Marco Daniel Borrero (aka MAG) and Andrés Jael Correa Ríos, the protagonists grapple with the aftermath of a breakup and utilize their dwindling battery to express regret and nostalgia. This irresistible Cumbia-Tejano fusion sees the Puerto Rican exploring further into the realm of Mexican music, while the Texan band’s signature borderland swag ascends to new heights. “Un X100to” not only showcases the enduring power of love (while juxtaposing the short-lived battery life of a cell phone) but also underscores Bad Bunny’s versatility and Frontera’s position as trailblazers of the rustic genre. (Isabela Raygoza)

La Cu4rta Hoja

Pablo Alborán

In a marked departure from the brooding love songs that precipitated Pablo Alborán’s ascent, in La Cua4rta Hoja, his sixth studio album, the Spaniard delivers mostly feel-good bops and pop ballads that seem to confirm that he is living his best life. The 24-time Latin GRAMMY and three-time GRAMMY nominee broadens his flamenco pop palette, incorporating Mexican regional music and Latin urban, while exploring themes that celebrate his journey of self-discovery, unconditional friends and the power of love. Alborán benefits from several genre-spanning collaborations — reggaeton y flamenco on “Amigos,” with María Becerra, Mexican regional music with Carin León on “Viaje a Ningún Lado,” and hybrid ballads like “Ave de Paso,” with fellow Spanish songstress Ana Mena. Undoubtedly, La Cua4rta Hoja’s sonic bright spots brim with post-pandemic optimism. (Lissette Corsa)

A Ciegas

Paula Arenas

Paula Arenas’ sophomore album A Ciegas is a heartfelt proclamation to living life to the fullest and a beautiful showcase of her powerhouse voice. She dedicated it to her husband and young son, calling it music that she hopes inspires listeners to keep fighting for their dreams. “It’s an invitation for you to find yourself again, to remember who you are and to be loyal to yourself, to your love,” Arenas said in an interview. Amidst the vocal-driven ballads, the middle of the album o!ers a tempo shift: Best Pop Song-nominated “Déjame Llorarte” is a duet with Jesús Navarro of Reik about longing for a love that never was, “Árboles” is an upbeat synth-pop anthem, and “Puro Sentimiento” is a groovy, honey-drenched love song with fellow Colombian Manuel Medrano. (Ana Monroy Yglesias)

De Adentro Pa Afuera

Camilo

Camilo is pushing the limits of Latin pop with his third studio album De Adentro Pa Afuera. Across 11 tracks, the Colombian singer/songwriter explores and expands the sounds of various genres. Camilo crafts a reggaeton heartbreak anthem “Bebiendo Sola,” featuring Puerto Rican rapper Myke Towers. In the racy “Ambulancia,” Camilo embraces elements of bachata music with Cuban pop star Camila Cabello. He continues to display his enthusiasm for regional Mexican music in the banda-infused song “Alaska” alongside Grupo Firme. Camilo also teams up with Spanish icon Alejandro Sanz for the dreamy duet “NASA.” The record wraps up masterfully with “Índigo”, a duet with Evaluna Montaner dedicated to their first-born daughter. (Lucas Villa)

Décimo Cuarto

Andrés Cepeda

Décimo Cuarto is an album with a romantic flair in which the Colombian troubadour Andrés Cepeda delivers themes that range from sentiments of unbridled passion to disappointment and heartache. The record had the technical support of a team of renowned hitmakers — like Andrés Torres, Mauricio Rengifo, George Noriega and Gio Fernández — and incorporates with equal ease romantic ballads and the bambuco, so the reflective tone does not prevent the body from swinging to the dembow of “Le Viene Bien,” featuring vocalist Greeicy Rendón. The single “Lo Que Se Va,” in collaboration with Mexican songstress Ximena Sariñana, matched this LP’s rapid climb in the charts, and the multitalented Cepeda acts as composer, producer and instrumentalist throughout. (Néstor Díaz de Villegas)

Vida Cotidiana

Juanes

Vida Cotidiana reflects, as Juanes has said, a “return home.” But this time, the 11 tracks are enriched by fresh harmonies, poetry and singing techniques Juanes has not previously employed. With 24 Latin GRAMMYs under his belt, the Colombian singer/songwriter analyzes life’s daily ups and downs with loved ones and in his country. “Canción Desaparecida” o!ers in its lyrics, harmony and arrangement a level of visceral pain for the all-too-common violence in his home country. Juanes’ electric guitar makes a resurgence, though mixed with acoustic as well as strings, adding heft to his message. “Cecilia,” is about the love between two people on which Juanes pairs with the great Juan Luis Guerra, and together they offer much more than the sum of two great voices and styles. (Ana Santiago)

Mañana Será Bonito

Karol G

After becoming one of pop music’s most reliable hitmakers during the last decade, Mañana Será Bonito is the sound of her ascension to global superstardom. Focusing inward for inspiration, the Colombian singer/songwriter has produced an album exuding the cleverness and charm that have been staples of her career thus far. True to its title, everything about Mañana Será Bonito, from the cover art to its opening interpolation of Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” conveys positivity and warmth. And while the album is packed with renowned guest spots from the likes of Shakira, Romeo Santos and Carla Morrison, this undoubtedly remains the Karol G show: cool and adventurous but with enough bite to always keep the listener on their toes. (Andrew Casillas)

De Todas Las Flores

Natalia Lafourcade

Natalia Lafourcade’s De Todas Las Flores is a profound musical journey that unfolds like a sequence of life’s moments. Recorded live on analog tape, her 10th studio album marks her return to original material since 2015’s Latin GRAMMY winning Hasta La Raíz. From the classical strings of “Vine Solita” to the jazzy playfulness of the title track and the poetic prowess displayed on “El Lugar Correcto” — about letting go of the past and finding fulfillment in the now — each song is a revelation. “Muerte” is a triumphant anthem of overcoming existential anxieties, while the tender lullaby “Que Te Vaya Bonito Nicolas” provides a soothing conclusion. Co-produced by Lafourcade and Adán Jodorowsky, the Mexican singer/songwriter’s latest release is a sophisticated tapestry of vulnerability, femininity, nature, mysticism and love. (Isabela Raygoza)

Play

Ricky Martin

Play comes two years after Pausa, the EP that won Best Pop Vocal Album at the 21st Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. Ricky Martin, an emblematic figure of the urban repertoire, a balladist with an ear tuned to “street poetry,” moves with ease between bomba and worldbeat. Play is the sequel to Pausa, which was released during the pandemic, and serves as a perfect complement to the raw energy of its predecessor. There are tracks on Play with strong autobiographical content such as “Reina de Corazones” and “Otra Noche en L.A.,” written in collaboration with Colombian songwriter Kevyn Cruz Moreno. The latest record from the Puerto Rican icon vibrates with a mix of playful fantasies and bitter truths, unveiling an artist who alternates between showing off and concealing himself in another of his masterstrokes. (Néstor Díaz de Villegas)

EADDA9223

Fito Páez

On EADDA9223, celebrated Argentinian rocker Fito Páez revisits his iconic 1992 album El Amor Después Del Amor. With this new musical production, the 11-time Latin GRAMMY and one-time GRAMMY winner radically reimagines the classic tracks with a diverse and star-studded group of collaborators including Nathy Peluso, Elvis Costello, Mon Laferte and Ángela Aguilar. “Sasha, Sissi y el Círculo de Baba” becomes a sultry bolero enhanced by Mon Laferte’s piercing voice, “La Balada de Donna Helena” goes punk with fiery bars from WOS and CA7RIEL, and “Detrás del Muro de los Lamentos” is transformed into a powerful flamenco/tango with Spanish flamenco greats Estrella Morente and Antonio Carmona. (Ana Monroy Yglesias)

Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así

Carlos Vives

On Carlos Vives’ heartfelt homage to the legendary Colombian composer Rafael Escalona, the vallenato revivalist breathes new life into Escalona’s classics. Comprising 13 tracks, the album journeys through the soul of the Caribbean coast, combining vallenato rhythms with a dash of pop-rock sensibility. “La Historia” stands out as a melancholic gem, and “El Carro Ford” takes listeners on a nostalgic ride through the Colombian countryside. Song title aside, “Mala Suerte” is a joyful celebration of life, with accordion riffs courtesy of Egidio Cuadrado; and “Contestación A La Brasilera” is a touching tribute to Vives’ father that bridges past and present. The Santa Marta native both successfully reimagines the brilliant work of the late composer and preserves the beauty of his own musical heritage reinvented for a new era. (Isabela Raygoza)