The Latin Recording Academy has officially announced the special awards that will be presented ahead of the 2026 Latin Grammys, set to take place on November 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. While the general nominations are led by producer Edgar Barrera, the spotlight this year falls on the legends whose careers have shaped the sound of Latin music across generations.
Among the honorees, Daddy Yankee stands out as the 2026 Person of the Year, a recognition that celebrates nearly three decades of his groundbreaking work in reggaeton and his role in taking the genre global. The Puerto Rican artist, whose hits like “Gasolina” and “Despacito” became anthems worldwide, will be celebrated for his cultural impact that goes far beyond charts.
Musical Excellence Award and other honors
The academy also announced the recipients of the Musical Excellence Award, which recognizes artists for their outstanding creative contributions to Ibero-American culture. This year’s honorees include Mexican singer Lila Downs, Spanish-Mexican icon Alaska, Brazilian star Daniela Mercury, Cuban-Mexican singer Francisco Céspedes, and Dominican percussionist Chichí Peralta. Each has left an indelible mark on their respective genres, from folk and rock to samba and merengue.
Additionally, Panamanian songwriter Omar Alfanno will receive the Board of Directors Award for his exceptional career as a composer. Alfanno is the mastermind behind timeless classics performed by artists like Marc Anthony and Gilberto Santa Rosa, solidifying his place as one of Latin music’s most influential writers.
These special awards are a prelude to the main ceremony, which will be broadcast live on Univision starting at 8 PM Eastern Time. Viewers can also enjoy red carpet coverage and preliminary programs that will capture all the excitement leading up to the big night.
The 2026 Latin Grammys promise to be a celebration of the rich diversity of Latin music, honoring both the legends who paved the way and the contemporary artists who continue to push boundaries. As the industry evolves, these recognitions remind us of the enduring power of music to unite people across borders and generations.
For those interested in other major music events, the Peso Pluma's 17 nominations at the Latin Billboard Awards show the continued rise of regional Mexican music. And with the Rolling Stone en Español Awards expanding in Mexico City, it’s clear that Latin music’s influence is only growing.
As the countdown to November 12 begins, fans across the Americas and the diaspora are gearing up to celebrate the artists who have given us so much. The Latin Grammys are more than just an awards show; they are a testament to the cultural pride and artistic excellence that define our community.
