The 23rd edition of Premios Juventud is making history before a single award is handed out. For the first time ever, the ceremony leaves the Americas and heads to the Mediterranean coast, broadcasting live from the Starlite Marbella Auditorium in Andalusia, Spain, on September 3. The first wave of confirmed performers promises a cross-genre celebration that reflects the breadth of Latin music today.
Leading the charge are Marc Anthony, Christian Nodal, Farruko, and Quevedo, with more names expected in the coming weeks. The lineup spans salsa, regional Mexican, urban, and pop, a reminder that Latin music is not a monolith but a constellation of distinct sounds and scenes.
A grand opening and a tribute to change-makers
The broadcast kicks off with a high-energy medley featuring Farruko, who will debut “Marbella Nights,” the official anthem of Premios Juventud 2026, alongside Spanish producer Juan Magán and Cuban DJ Rous. Farruko will also join Colombian singer Greeicy for a performance of “Yapaque,” blending reggaetón and pop in a set designed to set the tone for the evening.
Marc Anthony, the undisputed king of salsa, will deliver a career-spanning medley that includes classics like “Aguanile,” “Valió la pena,” “Pa’ ya voy,” and “Vivir mi vida.” The New York-born Puerto Rican icon will also be honored, along with Yandel, with the “Agent of Change” award, recognizing their longstanding commitment to social causes. It’s a fitting tribute for artists who have used their platforms far beyond the stage.
World premieres and unexpected collaborations
The Marbella stage will host several television premieres. Merengue legend Elvis Crespo teams up with Spanish sensation Quevedo for “La graciosa,” a viral collaboration that blends tropical rhythms with modern urban production. Mexican singer-songwriter Christian Nodal returns to the awards show to perform his single “Amé,” bringing his signature mariachi-infused sound to the Andalusian night.
Venezuelan duo Mau y Ricky will showcase “Aiaiaiaiai” from their latest album, while Spanish pop star Ana Mena makes her official Premios Juventud debut. Mena, who has been building a loyal following across Europe and Latin America, arrives with multiple nominations and a sound that bridges Spanish pop and Latin rhythms.
The lineup reflects a broader trend of Latin artists crossing borders and genres, something we’ve seen at festivals like Hard Summer 2026, where Latino acts turned a California festival into a cultural crossroads.
PJ Fest: a weeklong celebration in Marbella
Beyond the main ceremony, Premios Juventud expands into PJ Fest, a weeklong celebration featuring six days of live music, exclusive fan interactions, and artist meet-and-greets in Marbella. The festival component underscores the growing ambition of the awards show, which has evolved from a televised event into a full-fledged cultural gathering.
Fans have already cast their votes, with the voting window closing on August 11. The winners will be revealed during the live broadcast, which airs coast to coast on Univision, UNIMÁS, Galavisión, YouTube, and ViX at 7P/6C.
For those who can’t make it to Spain, the broadcast promises to bring the energy of Marbella straight to living rooms across the Americas. And for those who want to dive deeper into the nominees and the voting process, our guide to Premios Juventud 2026 has you covered.
The move to Spain is a bold statement about the global reach of Latin music. It’s also a homecoming of sorts, given the deep cultural ties between Spain and Latin America. As Premios Juventud crosses the Atlantic, it brings with it a celebration of identity, rhythm, and the shared language that unites us.
Marc Anthony’s presence is particularly resonant. His recent family news and his ongoing philanthropic work, including the Unidos por Venezuela benefit concert, show an artist who remains deeply engaged with the community. The “Agent of Change” honor feels well-earned.
As the countdown to September 3 begins, one thing is clear: Premios Juventud is no longer just an awards show. It’s a global celebration of Latin culture, and this year, it’s making a statement from the shores of Marbella.
