Latin Grammy Contenders: Who Will Lead the Pack?
The Latin Recording Academy has repeatedly shown that while it does play favorites, the ultimate winners remain unpredictable. Below are our picks to lead the pack.
ROSALÍA
The bravura LUX (Columbia/Sony Latin) should be in line for nominations in every major category. Though lead single “Berghain,” featuring Björk and Yves Tumor, isn’t on the ballot because its lyrics are not majority Spanish or Portuguese—English and German can be heard as well as Spanish—the global impact of the Spanish artist’s magnum opus gives her the edge for AOTY. ROSALÍA’s resume speaks for itself: Her previous two forays, 2022’s MOTOMAMI and 2018’s El Mal Querer, were both AOTY winners.
KAROL G
So much has happened in the year since the delightfully titled Tropicoqueta (Bichota/Interscope) was released—the Colombian superstar headlined Coachella, launched an ambitious international stadium tour and surprised fans with yet another album, incoming in mere days. Will voters overlook the divine Miss G’s pristine pop effort? Highly unlikely. After all, her 2023 blockbuster MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO was named Album of the Year and Tropicoqueta’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” was 2025 Song of the Year.
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso
The duo set the Latin Grammys ablaze (literally) last year, surprising the biz with a record-setting 10 nominations (the most ever for an Argentine act)—matching the number garnered by no less than Bad Bunny. It’s safe to say the pair has earned the appellation “Grammy darling.” Wellness-inspired concept album FREE SPIRITS (5020 Records) finds the alternative bad boys embracing positivity. “HASTA JESÚS TUVO UN MAL DÍA” f/Sting should be a lock for Record and Song noms.
Carín León
The Mexican powerhouse continues to break new ground creatively and on the road. In September he’ll become the first Latin headliner at Las Vegas’ Sphere, where he’ll perform songs from his most daring album yet, MUDA (Socios/Island/Virgin), with which he’s extended his range to ska, pop, folk and salsa. In a league of his own, León’s going for his third consecutive AOTY nomination.
Your Favorite Living Legend
Latin Grammy voters can’t help themselves—don’t be surprised to see the likes of Carlos Vives, Alejandro Sanz or Juanes on the ballot. The collaboration of Vives and Juan Luis Guerra on “Buscando el Mar,” in particular, seems like a safe bet for major recognition.
