Seasoned Entertainment Executive Manuel Abud Joins as Chief Operating Officer,
Chief Financial Officer Luis Dousdebes takes a new role,
and Aida Scorza promoted to Senior Vice President of Awards

MIAMI (SEPTEMBER 23, 2019) – As it celebrates its 20th anniversary and make plans for the next decade, The Latin Recording Academy^® has today announced key changes to a leadership team that will continue to drive its remarkable and aggressive growth for the next decade. Changes in the Executive team include appointing former Azteca America President and CEO, Manuel Abud, as the new Chief Operating Officer of The Latin Academy while naming 19-year Latin GRAMMY^® veteran Luis Dousdebes to the new position of Chief Awards, Membership and Preservation Officer. Additionally, Aida Scorza, who has served both the Recording Academy™ and The Latin Recording Academy for more than 30 years, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Awards.

"I'm thrilled about the future of The Latin Recording Academy. As we build on two decades of excellence in Latin music, our organization is stronger than ever," said Latin Recording Academy President/CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr. "We have a terrific team and I am looking forward to continuing to work with Luis and Aida in their new and expanded roles, while welcoming Manuel to the family. Manuel is a world-class entertainment executive with exceptional leadership and operational skills. His addition to our organization will uniquely position us for another decade of sustained international and domestic growth." 

In his new role as COO, Abud will be spearheading several international and local growth initiatives. He will also be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Latin Academy including the areas of business development, production, communications, marketing, and digital. He will report to the President/CEO. Abud's work in U.S. Hispanic television has made him an expert in Latin entertainment. He joins The Latin Academy from Azteca America, where he served as president and CEO since 2014. With an impressive 20-plus year career in the media industry, during which he has held a wide range of high-level executive positions, he has played a pivotal role in the evolution of the news and entertainment landscape in U.S. Hispanic television. At Azteca America, he implemented a full-scale turnaround of the network and spearheaded the November 2017 acquisition by HC2 Holdings, Inc. Before Azteca, he held prominent top leadership positions at NBC Universal where he spent more than 14 years as president of the Telemundo Station Group, TV station president and GM in Los Angeles and Dallas, and president of Telemundo Cable. Prior to that Abud was president of CBS Telenoticias. Earlier in his career he worked for leading Mexican companies Televisa, Medcom, and ICA.

Dousdebes has been part of the Academy since the first Latin GRAMMY Awards^®, and is taking on this new role following nearly two decades with the organization, most recently as its Chief Financial Officer. He has been instrumental in the growth and development of The Latin Recording Academy, which he joined after being an employee of the Recording Academy, where he started as a junior controller later transferring to Miami as Director of Administration before being appointed CFO. In his new role, effective early 2020, Dousdebes will oversee the total revamp of The Latin Academy’s Awards structure, embracing the advantages and efficiencies that the digital world can bring to this important area of The Latin Academy's work. He will also lead a new approach to the Membership department, refreshing The Latin Academy's membership base. In addition, he will be responsible for developing and implementing preservation programs and initiatives with international organizations and the GRAMMY Museum^® in Los Angeles.

Scorza started her career in her native New York, working for Billboard magazine. She moved to Los Angeles to work in radio and at record labels such as Motown Records and Shelter Records, where she assisted in all the production aspects in the careers of global superstars. Soon after that, Scorza joined the Recording Academy to work in its Awards department. She transitioned to The Latin Recording Academy, launching its Awards department.  

ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers, and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community either directly or through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation^®. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
The Lippin Group on behalf of The Latin Recording Academy:
Elina Adut
EAdut@lippingroup.com
323.965.1990

The Latin Recording Academy:
Soledad Estrella
Soledad.estrella@grammy.com
305.576.0036

This event will honor legends such as Rocío Jurado, Lola Flores, Camarón de la Isla, and Enrique Morente; as well as icons like Raphael, Joaquín Sabina, Alejandro Sanz, Manuel Alejandro, and Miguel Ríos

It will also celebrate contemporary artists with special appearances by David Bisbal, Manuel Carrasco, Vanesa Martín and India Martínez, among others

Tickets go on sale today, and the funds raised will support musical development in the region

MIAMI (JULY 28, 2025) — On Wednesday, September 10, The Latin Recording Academy®, in collaboration with la Junta de Andalucía, continues its calendar of events in the Andalusian community—which began in 2023—by hosting Latin GRAMMY® Celebra: La Música de Andalucía, in Sevilla.

The event, which will take place at the Cartuja Center CITE, will honor Andalucía and some of its most influential musical artists. From timeless voices and exceptional artists that reflect the region’s rich musical legacy, like the legends Rocío Jurado, Lola Flores, Camarón de la Isla, or Enrique Morente, to icons like Raphael, Joaquín Sabina, Alejandro Sanz, Manuel Alejandro, and Miguel Ríos. The event will also include special appearances by David Bisbal, Manuel Carrasco, Vanesa Martín and India Martínez, among others.

“We are proud to return to Sevilla to honor Andalucía’s musical legacy and the extraordinary artists who have emerged from this land, whose influence has been pivotal in the global impact of Latin music,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.

With over 30 artists on stage, the event—co-financed by the Programa FEDER Andalucía 2021-2027—will showcase the diversity of genres from Andalucía, from traditional flamenco to contemporary Latin music rhythms, and is presented by la Junta de Andalucía and sponsored by the Iberian ham brand Enrique Tomás. Spanning centuries of creativity and innovation, the event will recognize Andalucía’s enduring influence on global music, celebrating both the legends who have passed away and today’s unparalleled icons.

Macarena Moreno and the team from The Latin Recording Academy, led by Ayleen Figueras, oversee executive production; Carlos Narea will handle musical production under the direction of Pablo Cebrián. Tickets go on sale today via the Cartuja Center CITE website, and funds raised will support the region’s musical development.

The Latin Recording Academy and la Junta de Andalucía continue to celebrate Latin music in Andalucía, following the success of last year’s Latin GRAMMY® Celebra: Paco de Lucía event, in Cádiz, and the Latin GRAMMY® Session, in Málaga.

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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 CONTACTS / EQUIPO SINGULAR:

María García: maria.garcia@equiposingular.com

Victoria Alonso: victoria.alonso@equiposingular.com

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® and Fundación Puertas Abiertas joined forces to offer a live educational program

Click here to download image

Credit: Luis González.Heif/Fundación Puertas Abiertas

MIAMI (JULY 22, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® and Fundación Puertas Abiertas, established and presided over by the renowned songwriter Erika Ender—Latin GRAMMY® winner, GRAMMY® nominee, and a member of The Latin Recording Academy®’s Board of Trustees—hosted an educational experience at Panama’s Ciudad de las Artes to inspire a new generation of Latin music creators.

This marked the 43rd Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ program organized by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, which included a donation of musical instruments to young students, performances, and a special appearance by Ender, along with a Q&A session with Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

Ciudad de las Artes is an arts and training facility that is home to the Network of Choirs and Orchestras, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Ballet of Panama, among others, promoting music, inspiration, and learning while uniting art with social engagement.

“It's a pleasure to celebrate the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation event in Panama, joining forces with my foundation, Fundación Puertas Abiertas, and work together, hand in hand to support youth,” said Ender. “Supporting education, music, and Panamanian talent is both a duty and an honor, and I am proud to be able to make this donation of instruments to the Network of Choirs and Orchestras and connect generations through music in a place as magical as Ciudad de las Artes.”

“Creating spaces to provide opportunities to promote Latin music and its culture is key to our mission,” said Egusquiza. “We are grateful to Fundación Puertas Abiertas and Erika Ender for welcoming us to Panama and for allowing us to work together to empower the future generation of Latin music creators.”

Since its inception, the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program has benefited educational institutions in various cities across the United States, including Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Antonio, as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Panama City, Panama, Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, and San Juan in Puerto Rico; and Sevilla, Spain.

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry, supporting educational music departments that face financial limitations. The Foundation invites professional musicians, artists, and sound engineers to visit middle and high schools, universities, or music education institutions and share their personal stories and experiences with students, highlighting 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.

Among the artists who have participated in this program are: 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, Mireya Ramos, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Noel Scharjris, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.

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ABOUT ERIKA ENDER:

A pioneer in the global music industry, Erika Ender stands as one of the most decorated and versatile creators of all time. As a songwriter, artist, producer, communicator, and philanthropist, she has penned over 40 #1 hits across a broad spectrum of genres, including the most globally successful song in history, “Despacito.” With more than 200 albums featuring her compositions and nearly 400 prestigious awards—including Latin GRAMMYs® and Billboard Awards—she ranks among the most honored Latin songwriters of all time. Her catalog has earned 16 Diamond certifications, 177 multi-Platinum, and 181 Gold awards across multiple countries, cementing her legacy as both an artistic and commercial powerhouse. A member of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognized by Forbes as one of Central America's Most Powerful Women, and honored with a Guinness World Record™ for her innovative philanthropic initiative “TALENPRO”—the flagship project of her Fundación Puertas Abiertas, established in 2009—she has transformed over 50,000 lives through educational programs, renovated learning environments, university scholarships, early childhood nutrition programs, and more. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Erika Ender transcends music: she is a visionary who shapes the world with every note, word, and action. For more information: www.erikaender.com.

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 $12.5 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 X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Fundación Puertas Abiertas

Ilka Ender

ilka@funpaee.org

Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026 inductees and GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® winners Intocable will donate $1 from every ticket sold on their Antología Tour 2025 to support the Foundation

Miami, FL. (July 17, 2025) — GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® winning band and inductees of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026, Intocable, will be donating $1 from every ticket sold during their North American tour, Antología Tour 2025, to benefit the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. The donation, which will be collected in at least 18 cities across the United States, will support the Foundation's programs dedicated to promoting music education through scholarships, grants, and other programs focused on supporting the next generation of Latin music creators.

"For us, music has been a way of life. If we can help talented young people receive an education and better opportunities, then each concert will have even more meaning," said Ricky Muñoz, lead vocalist and co-founder of Intocable.

“We are grateful to Intocable for their generosity in providing opportunities for future generations of Latin music creators through this donation,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Their support makes educational opportunities, scholarships, and grants possible for students, and serves as an example and inspiration for young musicians following in their footsteps.”

This important announcement comes after the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that Intocable, led by Ricky Muñoz and Rene Martínez, will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as part of the illustrious Class of 2026. This prestigious honor places the iconic Tejano/Norteño group among 35 prominent figures in music, film, television, and sports, including Miley Cyrus, Shaquille O’Neal, Demi Moore, among others.

With over three decades of musical trajectory, Intocable has marked a turning point in Latin music, recognized not only for their musical success and international tours, but also for their unique fusion of traditional Mexican sounds and modern narratives. They have also been recognized with multiple GRAMMYs and Latin GRAMMYs, Billboard awards, as well as lifetime achievement honors, celebrating their influence and role in bringing Tejano and Norteño styles to a global audience.

On July 6th, frontman Ricky Muñoz participated as an Honorary Official at the NASCAR Cup Series Chicago Street Race. The event, held in Grant Park, highlighted Intocable's reach and recognition beyond the music world. As Honorary Official of the event, Muñoz lived the NASCAR experience to the fullest and took the opportunity to connect with Daniel Suárez, a Mexican NASCAR national series winner and Intocable fan.

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About Intocable:

For over three decades, Intocable has revolutionized Latin music, blending Tejano, Norteño, pop, rock, and cumbia into a groundbreaking sound that has inspired generations. With over 55 million albums sold, 50+ chart entries, multiple GRAMMYs and Latin GRAMMYs, Billboard awards, and Lifetime Achievement awards, consolidating them as true icons of Mexican-American identity. Intocable celebrated its 30-year milestone in 2024 with their Modus Operandi album, nominated for a Latin GRAMMY® for “Best Norteño Album”, and their 30th Anniversary Tour captivated sold-out audiences in cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix, featuring classics and new hits like “Mi Castigo”, which marks their 20th No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, a record they’d break in 2025 with their 21st Regional Mexican Airplay No. 1 “Me Gusta Mi Vida”, which made them the second artist with most No. 1s entries on the chart. In 2025, they continue celebrating their legacy through their Antologia Tour 2025, which has seen sold-out performances throughout Mexico and U.S. cities, proving Intocable remains at the forefront of Latin music, continuing to make enduring contributions to music and culture, and inspire fans in Texas and beyond. In 2024, Intocable received a Proclamation for their enduring contributions to music and cultural impact from the Governor’s Office and the House of Representatives in Texas, and were named “Emissary of the Muses” by the city of San Antonio, a distinguished title previously awarded to musical icons Bon Jovi, Journey, and Placido Domingo, among others. In 2025, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce confirmed that Intocable will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as part of the illustrious Class of 2026.

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 $12.5 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 X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The first honoree will be recognized during the Special Awards Presentation at the

26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas

Applications now open, deadline to apply is September 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET

MIAMI (JUNE 26, 2025) — The Latin Recording Academy ®, in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, is proud to announce the launch of the Latin Music Educator Award.

This new distinction will honor one exceptional educator from the global music community who is making a significant impact by incorporating Latin music into their curriculum. Applications are now open to educators worldwide currently teaching kindergarten through high school in a public, private or charter school, who speak Spanish, Portuguese, English or any native dialect.

The inaugural recipient will be honored at the Special Awards Presentation during the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas this November. Additional details will be shared in the coming months.

“Educators are pivotal in nurturing and shaping the future of Latin music and its creators,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Together with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, we are proud to honor those who ensure the enduring legacy of Latin music.”

The honoree will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for themselves and a guest to attend the Special Awards Presentation. Additionally, the recipient’s school music program will receive a $10,000 instrument donation to support continued music education.

To apply and view guidelines, click here. Application materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese. The deadline to apply is September 5, 2025, 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.

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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.

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 $12.5 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 X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com