Additional Scholarships Open for Application Include the Emerging Talent Scholarship from Berklee College of Music, the Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship, the Kany García Scholarship and the Manolo Díaz Scholarship, as well as several Tuition Assistance Scholarships

Deadline to Apply: April 10, 2026

Photo Credit: María Jose Govea

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MIAMI (DECEMBER 16, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced that Latin GRAMMY® winner, and GRAMMY® nominated singer/songwriter Noel Schajris will sponsor its prestigious Prodigy Scholarship, also known as the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, toward a bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music for the 2026 fall semester. The scholarship will include tuition, housing and wrap-around services valued at up to $250,000.

The scholarship further cements Schajris’ commitment to supporting the next generation of music makers. Throughout his career, he has generously contributed his time and resources to supporting aspiring young artists through his mentorship program, and has participated in various GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY programs and events, most recently a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ in Memphis, TN.

“As a kid, I dreamed of making a living from music. Life and the public have given me a career and the chance to express my soul through songs, and that enormous blessing translates into the opportunity for music lovers to enjoy that incredible experience,” said Schajris. “There is nothing more beautiful than learning, nor anything more important than education. I can't wait to hear all that talent, which I have no doubt will move me and fill my heart.”

“We continue to be moved by the generosity of the artists and members of our music community and their commitment to the legacy of Latin music and its future creators,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Each year, the cumulative impact rises creating a ripple effect of service and dreams fulfilled for both donors and creators alike.”

In addition to the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, several scholarships are available for music students between the ages of 17 and 25 years of age with a passion for Latin music and financial limitations, who are starting their studies in the fall of 2026:

For the second consecutive year, Berklee will offer the Berklee & Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Emerging Talent Scholarship, a full tuition presidential scholarship that covers tuition, comprehensive fees, required laptop fee/software bundle (freshman year only), on-campus housing and wrap around services.

As previously announced during the 2025 Latin GRAMMY Week, three (3) Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $120,000 each will be awarded to students to cover tuition and housing costs, as well as wrap around services provided by the Foundation, towards a four-year bachelor's degree at the institution of their choice. They include the following:

• The Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship pays homage to Cruz’s voice, spirit and unwavering pride in her culture that transformed music and inspired generations around the world. As we celebrate the centennial of her birth in 2025, the scholarship honors her extraordinary legacy and the path she paved for future artists.

• The Kany García Scholarship—sponsored by Latin GRAMMY winner, GRAMMY nominee and 2022 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree Kany García—will award one scholarship to benefit a young woman pursuing Latin music.

• The Manolo Díaz Scholarship in honor of one of the founding members of the Foundation, who currently serves on its Board, will be awarded by fellow board member, Mireya Blavia, recognizing Díaz’s contributions and legacy to the industry.

Also, several Tuition Assistance Scholarships, offering between $7,500 to $12,500 each for tuition and wrap around services will be awarded to students commencing their studies or who are already attending the music institution of their choice. Final award amount with details will be provided to those selected. Bulova will sponsor one (1) Tuition Assistance Scholarship of up to $10,000 that will include an experiential educational component during the 27th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® in November 2026.

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is now accepting applications for 2026 scholarships until April 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Click here to review 2026 guidelines and apply. The application includes two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university. Materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® has awarded 477 scholarships, investing more than $12 million over the last 11 years. For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org

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ABOUT NOEL SCHAJRIS:

Noel Schajris has conquered Latin pop as both a singer/songwriter and one-half of the duo Sin Bandera. Thanks to the success of his timeless hits with Sin Bandera, the Argentine-Mexican artist is a Latin GRAMMY® winner and a GRAMMY® nominee. Since launching his solo career in 2009, Schajris has continued to charm audiences around the globe with his romantic ballads. With six studio albums during his solo career, he has sold over 25 million records worldwide and one million concert tickets. Over the last two years, he toured with Leonel García as Sin Bandera for their Frecuencia Tour, and 2026 will reunite them for the Escenas Tour and album. Schajris released his album #SiempreLoSupe on NS Music App, making him the first artist from Latin America to launch his own music application. He also founded his own label, Dynamo Productions, in 2018, where he promotes his advocacy for artists' rights. His latest album, Uno No Es Uno (Noel's Version), was released in May 2025.

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.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Six talented music institutions, nonprofit organizations, musicologists and researchers will receive a total of $30,000 for research and preservation of Latin music

Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® nominee Silvestre Dangond sponsored two grants in support of research and preservation of the vallenato genre

MIAMI (DECEMBER 9, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced the winners of its 2025 Latin Music Research and Preservation Grant Program. This year, the Foundation awarded a total of $30,000 across six grants to support projects dedicated to researching and preserving Latin music. Two of the awarded research and preservation grants were dedicated to the continued growth and development of vallenato, pledged by Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® nominee Silvestre Dangond.

“Research and preservation allow us to keep the heartbeat of Latin music alive by protecting its stories, rhythms and cultural roots for future generations,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We are honored to champion these remarkable projects and grateful to Silvestre Dangond for his commitment to preserving the legacy of the vallenato genre and ensuring the future of Latin music.”

“Vallenato gave me a voice, a purpose and a connection to the world,” said Dangond. “Supporting projects that study and preserve its history is a great responsibility that I carry with pride. If we want this music to continue touching hearts, we must protect the legacy of those who created it.”

Awarded Preservation Grants:

Julia Sánchez, Peru – Conservación y Preservación del Patrimonio Musical del Maestro Cantautor Ernesto Sánchez Fajardo “El Jilguero del Huascarán” (Conservation and Preservation of the Musical Heritage of Singer/Songwriter Ernesto Sánchez Fajardo “El Jilguero del Huascarán”). Julia Sánchez, researcher and cultural manager at the Universidad Nacional de Folklore “José María Arguedas,” leads a project dedicated to preserving and restoring the phonographic archive of Ernesto Sánchez Fajardo, “El Jilguero del Huascarán,” a pioneering Andean artist and symbol of Peru’s 20th-century migration. The initiative aims to restore and digitize 159 rare 78-RPM and vinyl recordings that document four decades of Huayno’s evolution as a form of cultural resilience. The project will produce a complete technical inventory, restored and digitized audio files in high-resolution WAV format, and three documentary podcasts for public and academic dissemination.

Miviam Ruiz Pérez, Mexico – Preservación y Diseminación de la Obra Inédita de Carlo Borbolla (1902-1990): Archivo Vivo de la Música Caribeña (Preservation and Dissemination of the Unpublished Works of Carlo Borbolla (1902–1990): Living Archive of Caribbean Music).

This project aims to preserve and diffuse the unpublished works of Cuban musicologist Carlo Borbolla Téllez, whose extensive personal archive includes compositions, writings and autobiographical documents largely unknown to the public. Led by Dr. Miviam Ruiz Pérez, the initiative will establish an open-access digital repository to promote Borbolla’s legacy across research, performance, and music education in Latin America. Through this effort, the project not only revives Borbolla’s contributions but also deepens the understanding of the musical and cultural roots that connect genres such as jazz and salsa to their Caribbean origins.

Awarded Research Grants:

Luis Alvarado, Peru – La Evolución de la Pandilla Selvática (The Evolution of the Pandilla Selvática). Luis Alvarado’s research explores the evolution of the pandilla selvática, a defining genre of Peruvian Amazonian popular music. The project traces how its transformation — through the incorporation of the electric guitar into cumbia amazónica — forged a unique regional identity. It also examines how the genre continues to thrive in contemporary jazz and experimental electronic scenes, illustrating its ongoing relevance within Peru’s dynamic musical landscape.

Dr. Romy Martínez, Netherlands – Guaranía in Translation: From Paraguay to Europe Through Music and Language. This project celebrates the centenary of Paraguay’s musical genre Guaranía, created in 1925 by José Asunción Flores, and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024. Dr. Romy Martínez seeks to preserve and disseminate the genre internationally through concerts, research and intercultural collaboration across Northern Europe. By engaging new audiences in multilingual and multicultural settings, the initiative ensures that the Guaranía genre remains a living tradition. It bridges cultures while honoring Paraguay’s musical legacy.

Awarded Vallenato Preservation Grant:

Jhojam Rincón, Colombia – Tiempos Idos - Apología a la Amistad (Times Gone By: An Apology to Friendship). Jhojam Rincón’s preservation initiative aims to safeguard an extraordinary sound archive that captures spontaneous parrandas vallenatas recorded between 1974 and 1985, featuring legends such as Leandro Díaz, Rafael Escalona, and the Zuleta brothers. Compiled by collector Juan de Jesús Celedón, the 120 analog cassettes contain unreleased performances, improvisations and verses that mark the golden era of Colombian vallenato. Through professional digitization and secure archiving, the project preserves this invaluable musical record for future generations.

Awarded Vallenato Research Grant:

Ángela Marín Niebles, Colombia – Mujeres en el Vallenato: Una Historia Por Contar (Women in Vallenato: A Story Yet to Be Told). Dr. Ángela Martín Niebles leads a multidisciplinary study to document and celebrate the pioneering women of vallenato music in the early 20th century. Through historical, anthropological and musicological research, the project reconstructs the lives and contributions of female composers and performers who have long been overlooked in a male-dominated genre. By producing accessible multimedia materials, the project strengthens Colombia’s cultural memory and promotes gender equity in the nation’s musical heritage.

A committee of experts from Latin America, the Iberian Peninsula and the United States selected the winners among numerous qualified candidates. Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded more than $285,000 in grants to support projects, including one that has received a Latin GRAMMY and a GRAMMY.

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ABOUT SILVESTRE DANGOND:

Silvestre Dangond is a world-renowned artist from Colombia, who is especially known for globalizing the vallenato genre. In his nearly 25 years in the industry, Dangond has won four Latin GRAMMYs®, including Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album this year for his latest LP El Último Baile, and earned a GRAMMY nomination. Dangond also recently announced the U.S. leg of his El Último Baile Tour, a series of concerts that will bring this historic project to major venues across the country in 2026. He has collaborated with artists including Nicky Jam, Natti Natasha, Carín León, Emilia, Sebastián Yatra, Fonseca and Carlos Vives, and he often works with initiatives in support of the next generation of vallenato artists.

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 $13.9 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

For images, click here

MIAMI (NOVEMBER 12, 2025) — The Latin Recording Academy® celebrated its 2025 Person of the Year Gala honoring Raphael, with moving renditions of some of the singer’s renowned repertoire, featuring past and current Latin GRAMMY® nominees including Aitana, Pepe Aguilar, Susana Baca, David Bisbal, Enrique Bunbury, Willy Chirino, Ivan Cornejo, Kany García, Myriam Hernández, Eddy Herrera, Jesse & Joy, Carín León, Pablo López, Víctor Manuelle, Vanesa Martín, Víctor Martínez, Mestrinho, Gaby Moreno, Kiki Morente, Café Quijano, Fito Páez, Silvia Pérez Cruz, Carlos Rivera, Elena Rose, Rozalén, Ángeles Toledano and Néstor Torres.

Raphael was honored for his more than six-decade career as a multifaceted singer and performer, which has established him as a true ambassador of Latin music worldwide. The evening featured tributes from artists who have shaped his repertoire, alongside others who came to honor his lasting impact and celebrate his remarkable career.

The evening opened on a high note with a breathtaking performance by Enrique Bunbury of “Yo Soy Aquél” and was then joined by Carín León, electrifying the stage together with a medley of “Toca Madera” and “Ahora”— the latter a song Bunbury himself wrote for Raphael. Café Quijano and Gaby Moreno followed with a bolero-infused rendition of “Qué Tal Te Va Sin Mí”. David Bisbal raised the energy with a duet alongside Elena Rose on “En Carne Viva,” and then captivated the audience with a heartfelt homage performance of “Como Yo Te Amo.” Jesse & Joy joined Ivan Cornejo for an emotive tribute to “Cierro Mis Ojos.”

Pablo López kept the momentum alive with a passionate delivery of “De Tanta Gente,” followed by his intimate piano rendition of “Lo Saben Mis Zapatos.” Aitana later joined López for a moving performance of “Si No Estuvieras Tú.” Latin rock icon Fito Páez and Rozalén delivered a stirring version of “La Carta,” while Susana Baca and Rozalén offered a folkloric interpretation of “Chabuca, Limeña.” Kiki Morente, Ángeles Toledano and Víctor Martínez on the guitar offered a passionate rendition of “Digan Lo Que Digan,” fusing flamenco textures and thundering Latin percussion. Vanesa Martín and Kany García shared the stage for “Cada Septiembre,” featuring García’s debut solo cello performance, and Martín later returned with Carlos Rivera for an intimate acoustic take on “A Que No Te Vas.”

The magic continued as Pepe Aguilar and Myriam Hernández united their powerhouse vocals in a sweeping version of “Procuro Olvidarte.” Spanish songstress Silvia Pérez Cruz offered a mesmerizing “Somos” with Brazilian accordion virtuoso Mestrinho, weaving Iberian and tropical tones into one. The celebration reached its peak as Eddy Herrera, Víctor Manuelle, Néstor Torres, and Willy Chirino — who wrote the song for Raphael — took the stage with all the infectious rhythms of the Caribbean, filling the room with “Escándalo.”

The evening wouldn’t be complete without the 2025 Person of the Year stepping on stage; he wowed the audience with a medley of “Que Sabe Nadie,” “Mi Gran Noche,” and “Como Yo Te Amo.”

The highly anticipated gala preceded the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, which will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 13. The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish-language media company in the world, airing across TelevisaUnivision’s U.S. platforms, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6 p.m. Central).

Latin Academy head of Production Ayleen Figueras, along with Macarena Moreno, served as executive producers of the gala. Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY® winner Carlos Fernando López served as musical director, and the musical production was led by Danny Flores, also a Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY nominee. The Philharmonic Orchestra Project (“POP”) accompanied all artists.

Live Nation served as presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year, as part of the first multi-year presenting sponsor partnership for the Person of the Year Gala.

Net proceeds from the 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, whose mission is to be a global champion of music education and empower communities through Latin music and culture. 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, and to date has donated more than $13.9 million with the support of Latin Recording Academy members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors.

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.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

Ive@grammy.com

The exclusive event, hosted by 2019 Best New Artist Nominee, Aitana, was held in partnership with Mastercard during

Latin GRAMMY® Week in Las Vegas

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Credit: Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

MIAMI (NOVEMBER 11, 2025) — The Latin Recording Academy®, in partnership with Mastercard, presents the 2025 Best New Artist Showcase, an initiative that provides exposure for the new generation of music creators during the prestigious Latin GRAMMY® Week.

“Three years ago, we held the first Best New Artist Showcase, and we are proud to continue opening doors for the next generation of Latin music creators,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Year after year, this showcase has become an important platform for our Best New Artist nominees to share their talent and creativity with our Academy members, industry leaders and special guests.”

The private event took place on Tuesday, November 11, at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, and was hosted by 2019 Best New Artist nominee Aitana. The evening featured performances from Best New Artist nominees for the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®: Alleh, Annasofia, Yerai Cortés, Juliane Gamboa, Camila Guevara, Isadora, Alex Luna, Paloma Morphy, Sued Nunes and Ruzzi.

Multiple Latin GRAMMY winner and GRAMMY winner Edgar Barrera, Latin GRAMMY winner Lena Burke, previous Latin GRAMMY winners in the Best New Artist category Joaquina (2023), Gaby Moreno (2013), Monsieur Periné (2015), as well as previous nominees in the category Natascha Falcão (2021), Zoe Gotusso (2021), Beto Montenegro (Rawayana 2017), Raquel Sofia (2015), also joined the showcase as presenters.

The Best New Artist Showcase kicked off in 2022 during Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas. Over the last three years, the initiative has hosted showcases in several cities around the world, in collaboration with Mastercard, including Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Miami, San Juan, São Paulo and Seville. This year, Espolòn® Tequila joined the celebration as the Official Sponsor.

The Best New Artist Showcase was produced by The Latin Academy’s production team, led by Ayleen Figueras, with Ana Maria Daza as executive producer and Gisela Gonzalez as producer. Musical production was led by Roberto Trujillo, forming a nine-piece band of musicians who are members of The Latin Recording Academy.

With over twenty years of experience, Trujillo has collaborated with some of Latin music’s top artists and has served as the musical director for some of the world’s most renowned shows, including the GRAMMYs and the Latin GRAMMY Person of the Year.

The 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 13. The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish-language media company in the world, airing across TelevisaUnivision’s U.S. platforms, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6 p.m. Central).

For the latest news, visit the official Latin Recording Academy site at LatinGRAMMY.com. Follow us on Facebook (LatinGRAMMYs), Instagram (@LatinGRAMMYs), the Latin GRAMMYs WhatsApp Channel, and use #LatinGRAMMY on all popular social media platforms. The official Latin GRAMMY app is also available on iOS (Apple) and Android (Google Play).

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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.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

ive@grammy.com