The results were hardly surprising: The 2026 Latin Grammy Awards were dominated by Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican icon earned the prestigious Album of the Year for his impactful release “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” In his acceptance speech, he thanked his loved ones and collaborators, concluding with heartfelt words: “Puerto Rico, I love you, thank you.”

His statement was a touching tribute to an album that serves as an ode to his homeland.

Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Bad Bunny’s triumph felt inevitable. He opened the evening by winning Best Música Urbana Album. Midway through, he was back on stage to receive the Best Música Urbana Song award for “DTmF.” “I never rehearse my speeches,” he admitted in Spanish. Later, he returned once more, this time to perform “Weltita” alongside Chuwi.

But the night featured more than just Bad Bunny. Karol G, along with Andrés Jael Correa Ríos and Édgar Barrera, earned Song of the Year for “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Meanwhile, Alejandro Sanz secured Record of the Year with “¿Y Ahora Qué?”

Broadcast live from Las Vegas, the 26th Latin Grammy Awards captured a vibrant and diverse celebration of Latin music. Raphael, the 2025 Person of the Year, delivered stirring performances of “Qué Sabe Nadie” and “Mi Gran Noche,” prompting audience participation.

Before Raphael took the stage, Santana helped open the ceremony with his classic hit “Oye Como Va,” joined by Maluma on vocals and his signature guitar in hand.

This tribute continued with performances by today's stars: Christian Nodal lent his voice to “Corazón Espinoza,” while Grupo Frontera joined Santana for their 2025 collaboration “Me Retiro.”

High-impact performances came one after another. Aitana captivated with her ethereal electro-pop, Sanz delivered a medley of “El Vino De Tu Boca” and “Las Guapas,” Rauw Alejandro brought Puerto Rican flavor with “Khé?” and tracks like “Silencio,” “Falsedad,” and “Carita Linda.” Later, Danny Lux, Kakalo, and Ivan Cornejo added a modern Mexicana vibe. Then came Pepe Aguilar, performing mariachi classics like “El Cihualteco” and “El Fuereño.”

Elena Rose provided a tender moment with “Me Lo Merezco.” Karol G shared the stage with Mexican legend Marco Antonio Solís for a heartfelt duet of “Coleccionando Heridas.”

Two leading voices in regional Mexican music, Grupo Frontera and Fuerza Regida, energized the stage with their hit “Me Jalo,” followed by Fuerza Regida’s performance of “Marlboro Rojo,” a track from their record-breaking 2025 album “111xpantia.” Carín León impressed with his distinct raspy tone on “Ahí Estabas Tú,” later joining Kacey Musgraves on “Lost in Translation.” León eventually took the award for Best Contemporary Mexican Album for “Palabra De To’s (Seca).”

Morat brought their pop-rock sound with “Faltas Tú,” while Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso showcased a bold, offbeat artistic flair. Joaquina delivered a passionate performance of “Quise Quererte.” Brazilian singer Liniker delighted with the infectious energy of “Negona Dos Olhos Terríveis,” one of the evening’s highlights — a sentiment equally true for the enduring norteño group Los Tigres del Norte.

Paloma Morphy was named Best New Artist, marking an important milestone in her career.

Gloria Estefan took home the award for Traditional Tropical Album with “Raíces,” and followed it with a performance of “La Vecina” and “Chirriqui Chirri,” the latter joined by Nathy Peluso.

Christian Nodal earned the prize for Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album for his project “¿Quién + Como Yo?”

Many of the awards were presented during the non-televised Premiere Ceremony earlier in the day. Among those wins, Bad Bunny’s “Voy A Llevarte Pa Pr” picked up Best Reggaeton Performance. Argentine duo Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso swept several categories, including short and long-form music videos, Alternative Song, Alternative Album for “Papota,” and Pop Song for “El dia del amigo.” Their five victories made them the top winners of the 2025 Latin Grammy ceremony.

The nearly three-hour broadcast was aired live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and was co-hosted by the charismatic team of Maluma and actress and musician Roselyn Sánchez.

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Correction: This article has been updated to clarify that Maluma helped kick off the Latin Grammys, not Miguel.