As the Latin Recording Academy gears up for the 26th Annual Latin Grammy Awards on November 13, 2025, all eyes are on the artists who defined this past eligibility year (June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025). The season was stacked with blockbuster albums, powerhouse comebacks, and genre-defying collabs, setting the stage for one of the most competitive years yet.
From reggaetón giants to regional Mexican innovators and timeless legends, the race is wide open. Here’s a look at the top contenders, category by category, plus the major trends shaping Latin music’s biggest night.
© GIORGIO VIERAAlbum of the Year: Icons vs. Innovators
Bad Bunny – "Debí Tirar Más Fotos"
© Eric RojasBad Bunny’s sixth solo album dropped in January and instantly rewrote the rulebook. Fusing Puerto Rican folk traditions like plena, salsa, and jíbaro with house, reggaetón, and trap, the album is both a love letter and a battle cry for his island. Critics hailed it as his most intimate work yet, and it debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. With a track record of dominating nominations, Bad Bunny feels like the frontrunner here.
Gloria Estefan – "Raíces"
© Getty ImagesEighteen years since her last Spanish-language album, Gloria Estefan returned with "Raíces," a family-crafted celebration of Cuban rhythms. With her husband Emilio Estefan by her side, she blended classic instrumentation and personal storytelling, creating what many call her “timeless comeback.” Like Juan Luis Guerra last year, Estefan could be the sentimental favorite who sweeps hearts and votes.
Peso Pluma – "Éxodo"
© Baja Beach Fest / @okaynicolitaRegional Mexican music is leading. Peso Pluma’s double album "Éxodo" pushed boundaries with one disc rooted in corridos and the other diving into hip-hop, EDM, and reggaetón. It smashed streaming records and hit the Billboard 200’s top 5, making him the first Mexican artist to debut so high. His versatility and massive fanbase make him a strong dark horse for Album of the Year.
Other potential nominees may include Brazilian stars or critical darlings in alternative pop. But so far, the buzz centers on this heavyweight trio.
Record & Song of the Year: Big Hits, Big Messages
Bad Bunny – “DTMF”
© Kevin MazurAlready a global anthem, “DTMF” blends infectious beats with heartfelt lyrics about memory and nostalgia. Sitting at #1 on the Global 200, it has both commercial clout and emotional resonance. Expect it to snag Record of the Year and possibly Song of the Year for its writing.
Kali Uchis and Peso Pluma – “Igual Que Un Ángel”
© CourtesyA dreamy bolero-pop duet that critics couldn’t stop raving about, this one feels Grammy-bait in the best way. Its lush production and cross-cultural appeal could place it in both Record and Song categories.
Beyond hits, don’t count out empowerment anthems or socially charged tracks. Shakira, Karol G, and other storytellers continue to channel personal and political firepower into chart-toppers.
Best New Artist: Fresh Voices, Bold Futures
This category is always a wild card. Expect nominees to span genres and generations. Grupo Frontera and Yahritza y Su Esencia could ride the regional Mexican boom straight into nominations. Young Miko and Villano Antillano represent the new guard of Puerto Rican urban, pushing boundaries in trap and hip-hop. A viral TikTok breakthrough, much like Íñigo Quintero last year, could slip in unexpectedly.
© Frazer HarrisonExpect at least one Brazilian newcomer and one Latin alternative act, keeping the field as eclectic as ever. The beauty of this category is its unpredictability, proof that Latin music is discovering talent at every edge of the spectrum.
Trends to Watch
The 2025 Latin Grammys will likely spotlight three big trends:
- Genre-Bending Albums: From Bad Bunny to Peso Pluma, artists are refusing to stay in one lane. Expect voters to reward that experimentation.
- Cross-Genre Collabs: Reggaetón meets corridos, salsa meets pop, indie meets urbano. These pairings dominate charts and nominations alike.
- Producers as Stars: Tainy, Édgar Barrera, Bizarrap, behind-the-scenes hitmakers are now front and center, shaping the sound of Latin music more than ever.
The 2025 Latin Grammys
The 2025 Latin Grammys will be more than an awards show; it’s a snapshot of Latin music’s global takeover. From Puerto Rico’s pride to Mexico’s revolution in sound and Cuba’s living legacy, the night will reflect a culture both honoring its past and reinventing its future.
Bad Bunny may enter as the leader, Gloria Estefan as the legend, and Peso Pluma as the disruptor, but the magic of the Latin Grammys is that it always surprises.
