The sound of regional Mexican music has endured for centuries, thanks to Mexican crooners and balladeers like the late greats Vicente Fernández and Jenni Rivera. Now, a new generation of artists — from both sides of the Mexico–United States border — are helping the genre continue to evolve, while also reaching bigger global success than ever before.

Regional Mexican music is a catch-all term that encompasses several music styles that are native to Mexico, including norteño, banda, mariachi, and ranchera music. Along with Fernández and Rivera, artists that have defined the genre over the past few decades include Pedro Infante, Juan Gabriel, Selena, and Ariel Camacho. Though all of them are sadly no longer with us, a new crop of artists are reviving and redefining the sound of regional Mexican music — and helping the age-old genre connect with a younger audience.

Mexican singers Christian Nodal and Natanael Cano spearheaded the movement, pushing regional Mexican music up the charts in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Nodal fused mariachi and norteño music, while Cano ushered in corridos tumbados, which put a hip-hop and trap twist on traditional corridos.

In the few years since, many more Gen-Z acts from both the U.S. and Mexico have put their own stamp on the traditional genre, even breaking records in the process. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, GRAMMY.com is spotlighting six acts who are refreshing regional Mexican music.

Christian Nodal

Hailing from the city of Caborca in Sonora, Mexico, Christian Nodal has become one of the biggest artists of today's regional Mexican music since he broke out in 2018. His fusion of mariachi and norteño music (mariacheño, as he coined), along with his vocal range and vaquero charm, has helped him connect with regional Mexican music fans young and old. Those have also gained him wide critical acclaim, including four Latin GRAMMYs and two GRAMMY nominations.

While Nodal is putting a youthful touch on the genre, he's also ushering in new fusions. Alongside Mexican rapper Gera MX, Nodal made history in 2021 with their global hit "Botella Tras Botella," which was the first regional Mexican song to ever reach the Billboard  Hot 100 chart. In 2022, Nodal has brought his unique flair to songs with the King of Bachata, Romeo Santos ("Me Extraño"), and Christina Aguilera ("Cuando Me Dé la Gana").

Ángela Aguilar

Ángela Aguilar is proudly carrying on the legacy of her last name. The Aguilar family legacy runs deep in regional Mexican music: Her grandparents are Mexican legends Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, and her father is icon Pepe Aguilar.

The Mexican-American artist embraces a more traditional sound of the genre, captivating audiences of all ages with her soulful voice that's beyond her years. Along with continuing her family's legacy, she's proving to be a star in her own right — and one that's making waves in a male-dominated genre. She scored her second No. 1 on Billboard's Regional Mexican Airplay chart in May with "Ahí Donde Me Ven," making her just the seventh female act who has had at least one No. 1 in the chart's 28-year history.

Natanael Cano

Natanael Cano spun regional Mexican music on its head by ushering in the corridos tumbados movement. The emerging genre blends the corridos of his Hermosillo, Sonora roots with the hip-hop flow of L.A, where Cano is currently based.

Cano had a breakout year in 2019 thanks to the swaggering hit "El Drip," which first gained popularity on YouTube. His fiery follow-up single "Soy El Diablo" captured the attention of Bad Bunny, who jumped on a remix.

Cano continues to take corridos even farther with cross-genre collabs with the likes of Snoop Dogg ("Feeling Good") and Steve Aoki ("NataAoki"). He took the genre to its biggest stage yet in April, when he performed at Coachella.

Eslabón Armado

Fans of the late Mexican singer Ariel Camacho will love Bay Area-based band Eslabón Armado, who are reviving sierreño music for a new generation of fans. Eslabón Armado's version of the guitar-driven genre reflects their Mexican-American background, also giving the traditional Mexican sound an emo touch.

Since releasing their breakthrough hit, the haunting love song "Con Tus Besos," in 2020, the band have landed six songs in the top 20 of Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart — two of which reached the top 5. And just two years in, Eslabón Armado is making history: The trio's 2022 album, Nostalgia, peaked at No. 9 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart in May, becoming the first regional Mexican album to place within the top 10.

Grupo Firme

Grupo Firme have become mavericks to watch out for in regional Mexican music. Through their brassy banda music anthems, the seven-piece group have amassed millions of fans in and outside of the genre.

That's been further proven by their impressive streaming numbers: At press time, the music video for their kiss-off track "Ya Superame" has more than 305 million views on YouTube alone, and the raucous "El Toxico" (featuring fellow Mexican singer Carin Leon) has more than 413 million. Their infectious melodies and free-spirited performances also helped them earn a Latin GRAMMY for Best Banda Album in 2021 and a slot on the Coachella bill this year. Perhaps their 2020 album title said it best: Nos Divertimos Logrando Lo Imposible, which translates to "We Have Fun Achieving the Impossible."

The band has also become a bright spot of LGBTQ+ representation in the genre, as member Jhonny Caz is openly gay. His brother, lead singer Eduin Caz, sings about the band's message of inclusiveness and tells off naysayers in "Cada Quien," which features Colombian superstar Maluma.

Yahritza y Su Esencia

Yahritza y Su Esencia is the latest success story in regional Mexican music. The trio is comprised of Yahritza Martínez and her brothers, Jairo and Mando, who hail from Washington's Yakima Valley.

Yahritza, who is the lead singer, started teasing the band's debut single "Soy El Unico" on TikTok before the group officially released it in March. The heartfelt corrido that showcased Yahritza's soulful voice debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart and No. 20 on the Hot 100. With the latter entry, Yahritza made history as the youngest Latin performer to appear on the all-genre chart at just 15 years old.

The family band continued their chart success with their first EP, Obsessed, which opened at No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart in May, showing that the genre's next generation isn't just resonating — they're dominating.

Listen to GRAMMY.com's Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 Playlist Featuring Anitta, Selena, Bad Bunny, Shakira & More

Becky G and siblings Ángela and Leonardo Aguilar represent a new generation of artists who are connecting with their roots while modernizing Mexican music.

This musical exploration led Becky G to create ESQUEMAS, an album released in September 2023 featuring the powerhouse collaboration "Por El Contrario" with the heirs of the Aguilar dynasty. A year later, the trio took to the Latin GRAMMYs stage to showcase their global hit, which was nominated for Best Regional Mexican Song (the award went to Grupo Frontera and Grupo Firme).

Becky G, Leonardo, and Angela Aguilar opted for a minimalist staging to spotlight the lyrics and deliver an emotion-filled, if not understated, performance. With a play of soft lights, mostly in red, the artists conveyed sweetness, strength, and elegance. A 12-piece mariachi group, an eight-string ensemble, and Edgar Barrera's memorable guitar appearance completed the refined act.

Written by Edgar Barrera — who leads nominations for this year’s awards with nine nods and took home the golden gramophone for Producer Of The Year during the Premiere Ceremony — Kevyn "Keityn" Mauricio Cruz and Elena Rose, this melancholic track became a fan favorite among all three artists' audiences. It amassed over 331 million views on YouTube and exceeded 210 million streams on Spotify as of writing.

"Por El Contrario" marks Becky G's sole name appearance on the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs nomination list, while Ángela Aguilar competes in the coveted Album Of The Year category with Bolero, a collection of Latin romantic classics produced by her father, Ranchera icon Pepe Aguilar, alongside Latin GRAMMY winner Cheche Alara.

Check out the complete list of winners and nominees at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Christian Nodal brought his unique blend of mariacheño music to an select audience at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on Oct. 16, as part of the 2024 Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions. With just his guitar, a few accompanying musicians, and his powerful voice, Nodal delivered a deeply personal performance that celebrated the heart and soul of música Mexicana.

The evening featured a carefully curated setlist, including crowd favorites like "Bandolebrios," "La Intención," and "Quédate." Nodal's stripped-down versions highlighted his masterful storytelling and connection with his roots, making the night truly unforgettable.

"We are grateful to Christian Nodal for his support of our Academy and for sharing his artistry as part of our road to the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMYs," said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. "Christian has played a pivotal role within our community and has contributed to the rise of the Regional Mexican genre."

The Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions are a series of invitation-only events held throughout the U.S. and internationally, offering fans and Academy members an exclusive opportunity to witness performances by some of Latin music's most talented artists. Christian Nodal's performance at the GRAMMY Museum highlighted his dedication to the craft and his connection with his fans, creating an intimate atmosphere where his music could shine.

Nodal also took a moment to thank The Latin Recording Academy for their continuous support of music creators and their contributions to music education. "This acoustic was put together with a lot of love," Nodal shared. "Thank you for this opportunity to do what we love most: music. Long live music!"

A Rising Star Of Música Mexicana

Christian Nodal has emerged as a major force in música Mexicana, blending mariachi and norteño sounds to create his signature style, "mariacheño." At just 25 years old, Nodal has already won six Latin GRAMMY Awards and received three GRAMMY nominations. 

His recent collaborations, such as the urban-infused hit "Botella Tras Botella" with Gera MX, demonstrate his ability to both honor and redefine traditional Mexican music. Throughout his career, Nodal has worked with renowned artists like Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Peso Pluma, and Andrea Bocelli. 

Read more: 6 Regional Mexican Music Acts Redefining The Genre: Christian Nodal, Grupo Firme, Ángela Aguilar & More

More Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions

The Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions have become a cornerstone of The Latin Recording Academy's efforts to elevate Latin music, offering an up-close experience with both established icons and emerging talent. Initially launched as in-person events for small audiences, the sessions have since expanded to include a global digital franchise, ensuring Latin musical excellence is accessible to all.

The Acoustic Sessions celebrate the diversity of Latin genres, and previous sessions have featured artists from a wide range of musical backgrounds. As Christian Nodal took his place among the iconic performers who have graced the stage, it was clear that his voice and vision continue to shape the future of Latin music.

Click here to see more photos or check out the Latin GRAMMYs on Instagram.

At the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, artists will compete in two new Categories this year, including Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album.

The new Category, housed within the Regional Mexican Field, highlights six albums showcasing a rich diversity of Mexican genres. This year’s nominees are Nata Montana by Natanael Cano, DannyLux’s Evoluxion, Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada from Grupo Frontera, Carín León’s Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, Trastornado by Michelle Maciel, and Peso Pluma’s Génesis. The Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album Category reflects the worldwide spread and evolution of Mexican music, and its inaugural nominees embody a generation transforming traditional Mexican sounds and expanding the genre's legacy far and wide.

Learn more about the inaugural nominees in the brand-new Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album Category below, and be sure to tune into the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, Thursday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT) on Univision, Galavisión and ViX to see who wins.

Natanael Cano, originally from Hermosillo, Sonora, revolutionized Mexican music in 2018 by merging traditional corridos' themes and instrumentation with elements of trap and hip-hop. Eight years later, the corridos tumbados pioneer solidified his distinctive and rebellious style by securing his first Latin GRAMMY nomination.

That nomination is for Nata Montana, which opens with "Dirán De Mi" and "Más Altas Que Bajadas." Both songs lay the narrative foundation for Cano's production, anchored in his rise to the pinnacle of Mexican music and the extravagant lifestyle that comes with it.

Nata Montana stands out as Cano's return to the rhythms that propelled his music career: a sound firmly rooted in the Mexican requinto guitar, featuring reflective and raw songs. These tracks chronicle his daily life as well his struggle for industry recognition, alongside common corrido themes: parties, drugs, women, and alcohol.

Out of the 15 tracks, six are solo performances, and the remaining nine showcase renowned figures in contemporary Mexican music, including Luis R. Conriquez on "Viejo Lobo" and Junior H on "Eres."

Learn More: 6 Regional Mexican Music Acts Redefining The Genre: Christian Nodal, Grupo Firme, Ángela Aguilar & More

At just 20 years old, DannyLux stands out as the youngest nominee in this category — a nod achieved with Evoluxion, the deluxe version of his 2023 debut album DLUX. The Palm Springs, California native has revolutionized the subgenre of sierreño, which is characterized by a strong presence of guitars that melodically guide vulnerable and melancholy songs, primarily speaking about love. 

DannyLux solidifies his image as a Gen Z sierreño troubadour in Evoluxion, a lyrically dense 24-track album that explores love, relationships, and vulnerability. DannyLux pushes the boundaries of sierreño by incorporating elements of rock, electronic music, and alternative genres. 

The album features seven new tracks written and produced by DannyLux, including the sierreño "Maldito Alcohol" and "House of Lux 2," a continuation of the namesake song in which DannyLux delves back into electronic music.

Grupo Frontera's story could be the plot of a Hollywood movie. The group went from playing at family parties and local weddings in Edinburg, Texas, to becoming one of the most recognized bands of a new generation of Mexican music.

Their Bad Bunny collaboration, "Un x100to," propelled the group to international stardom (and earned a Latin GRAMMY nomination for Song Of The Year, and a win for Best Regional Mexican Song) as they fully embraced the cumbia genre, which had already been helping them gain recognition locally and on social media. After a 2023 for the books, the sextet arrives with their sophomore album, Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada, a 12-song production that pays tribute to their roots and the genres that shaped the group's musical taste — from hip-hop to corridos and country. 

On Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada, Grupo Frontera collaborate with an array of diverse artists such as the Colombian reggaeton superstar Maluma on "POR QUÉ SERÁ," Argentine rapper Nicki Nicole on "DESQUITE," the Colombian band Morat on "LOS DOS," and Mexican star Christian Nodal on "YA PEDO QUIÉN SABE." 

Grupo Frontera's magic lies in the simplicity of their sound and lyrics. The group favors live instruments over samples and uses relatable lyrics adapted to modern vernacular, winning over Gen Z, the generation behind the global explosion of Mexican music.

Read more: Grupo Frontera On Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada & Fully Expressing Themselves: "This Album Was Made From The Heart"

In Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Carín León proves that Mexican music has no limits. 

His fifth studio album is perhaps the most transgressive of his career and positions León as one of Mexican music's mavericks. Over 19 tracks, León fearlessly delves into the darkness within as he seeks to reconcile "with aspects that are often considered negative but are also part of me," the singer explained in May through a press release. 

The musical and internal exercise produced a profoundly personal and eclectic album. In Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, the star takes a deep dive into genres that are part of his diverse musical upbringing without neglecting the norteño sound that put him on the music industry's radar. The production features songs like the corrido "Casi Oficial" or "Aviso Importante," where Carin vocally masters the emotionality of blues and soul. 

León also explores the sensuality of R&B in songs like "Despídase Bien," country in "The One (Pero no como yo)" alongside Kane Brown and the pop-rock in the ballad "It was always you (Siempre fuiste tú)" featuring Leon Bridges.

Michelle Maciel is defying Mexican music boundaries in more ways than one. The singer is part of a new generation of performers representing the Latin LGBTQ+ community in música Mexicana. 

Maciel's foray into music happened in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many, the uncertain future led the singer to bet on his passion, music. With TikTok as an ally, Maciel began sharing some of his songs, initially in the Latin urban realm, quickly growing a devoted following. 

Recognition on social media led the singer to expand sonically, choosing Mexican music as the next genre to explore. This experimentation resulted in collaborations like "CCC" with Eden Muñoz, marking Maciel's first global hit. 

The single sets the tone for Trastornado, Maciel’s debut album. On this record, the Mexican artist showcases his rich musical versatility by seamlessly navigating genres such as corrido in "El Susto," cumbia in "QPTP" with Yahritza Y Su Esencia, "ABCDARIO," a song that blends Mexican brass and guitars with EDM beats, or the urban-infused "PVTIVUELTA."

Peso Pluma is at the forefront of the new generation of Mexican music and, unlike his colleagues, arrives on this list with a production already awarded earlier this year — by the GRAMMYs. 

Despite being his third studio album, Peso Pluma considers GÉNESIS his real debut in music. The artist's name is a declaration of purpose, influenced by the first book of the Bible. 

GÉNESIS arrived on the heels of a global breakthrough year for Peso Pluma. The singer burst onto the world scene in 2023 thanks to "Ella Baila Sola," his collaboration with the Mexican group Eslabón Armado, which they brought to life on the Latin GRAMMY stage in 2023.

In GÉNESIS, Peso Pluma takes corridos tumbados to the next level through an exemplary play of fast-paced guitars, strident brass, and a defiant interpretation guided by the singer's unique hoarse vocals. 

Drawing inspiration from the hip-hop collaboration spirit, in GÉNESIS Peso Pluma teams up with genre heavy-hitters such as Junior H in "LUNA," Natanael Cano in "PRC," Gabito Ballesteros in the global-smasher "Lady Gaga" (alongside Cano), or Luis R Conriquez in "SU CASA."

Learn More: 5 Takeaways From Peso Pluma's New Album GÉNESIS

Latin GRAMMYs season is now officially upon us! Ahead of the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs on Thursday, Nov. 14, the nominations have arrived — and the Album Of The Year Category is stacked.

This year's telecast, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs, will see 10 albums compete for one of the night's biggest honors. Among them are a few previous winners, including four-time Album Of The Year recipient Juan Luis Guerra, whose nomination for Radio Güira marks his eighth in the Category. Two-time Album Of The Year winner Residente, whose wins were both with his group Calle 13, receives his sixth nomination in the Category with Las Letras Ya No Importan. 

Shakira — who won Album Of The Year at the 7th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in 2006 for Fijación Oral Vol. 1 — receives her first nomination in the Category since 2017 with her acclaimed 12th studio album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. And after Karol G took home Album Of The Year at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs for Mañana Será Bonito, the five-time Latin GRAMMY winner is back in the Category in 2024 thanks to its mixtape follow-up, Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season). 

Those four are up against fellow past Album Of The Year nominees Mon Laferte, Kany García and Camílo, as well as first-time Album Of The Year nominees Ángela Aguilar, Carin León and Xande de Pilares.

Below, find out more about all of the Album Of The Year nominees at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. Then, be sure to tune into the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, airing live on Univision, Galavisión and ViX on Thursday, Nov. 14, starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT) to see who wins.

Ángela Aguilar — Bolero

Though only 20, Ángela Aguilar is no newcomer to the scene. She made her Latin GRAMMYS debut in 2019 with a memorable performance of "La Llorona." That year, she was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album for her debut Primero Soy Mexicana. She was nominated again in 2022 in the latter category for her follow-up, Mexicana Enamorada, making this her fourth Latin GRAMMY nomination.  

As the child of singer Pepe Aguilar and the granddaughter of ranchera legend Antonio Aguilar, the younger Aguilar is the scion of Mexican musical royalty. In her career thus far, she has dedicated herself to the preservation of música Mexicana and established herself as a standard bearer for the youthquake in traditional Mexican music. 

On her latest album Bolero, she breathes vivid life into romantic Latin ballads, singing such quintessential boleros as "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás" and "Solamente Una Vez" with absolute conviction, as though they had been written for her. As part of her process in making the album, she traveled to Cuba, where the genre was born, to be immersed in the history and culture of the music. Her serious and impassioned approach has led to a celebration of the bolero that is as fresh as it is timeless.

Watch: How Ángela Aguilar Became One Of The Youngest GRAMMY Nominees Ever | Run The World

Camilo — cuatro

At 30, singer, songwriter and producer Camilo is a decorated veteran of Latin pop. Prior to the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, he had six Latin GRAMMYs and 29 nominations to his name, including three nods for Album Of The Year. 

He adds a fourth Album Of The Year nomination to his résumé with his fourth album, the simply titled cuatro, a rootsy, 12-song collection of tropical music. The self-produced, acoustic album marks a departure for the Colombian musician, as he forays into salsa, merengue and similar genres. However, exploration and experimentation is integral to Camílo's identity as an artist — so, while it is intriguing, it isn't exactly surprising. 

Growing up in Medellín, Colombia, Camílo was surrounded by a cacophony of musical styles, including the aforementioned salsa and merengue, as well as guaguancó and others. He's also displayed tremendous versatility in the past. While he is best known for pop with reggaeton leanings, his Latin GRAMMY-nominated 2022 project, De Adentro Pa Afuera, saw him take on a variety of sounds, including regional Mexican music in collaboration with Grupo Firme. It's all par for Camilo's ever-eccentric course.

Learn More: Meet the First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: Camilo Talks Road To Latin Pop Stardom, Career Highlights & Working With Wife Evaluna

Karol G — Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season)

As the reigning Latin GRAMMY Album Of The Year winner, Karol G is back to take either a victory lap or a second such award with Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season). Bichota Season is a companion and part two to the Colombian reggaeton superstar's smash studio album Mañana Será Bonito, which took home both Album Of The Year and Best Urban Music Album at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs. The mixtape has a different tone and style from her other 2023 album and, despite its similar name, is a completely different record.

Though shorter than its predecessor by seven songs, Bichota is long on big, bad diva energy. It contains the hit single "Mi Ex Tenía Razón," a mellifluous, Tejano-flavored cumbia-pop tune that the singer/songwriter has said was inspired by the music of Selena. 

The mixtape also comprises some standout collaborations, including "QLONA" with Mexican star Peso Pluma, "Dispo" with Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko, and Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis. Truly, Bichota Season is the definition of a good thing in a small package, which now gets its own moment to shine.

Watch: 2024 GRAMMYs: Karol G Wins The First GRAMMY Award Of Her Career For Best Música Urbana Album

Kany García — García

In 2024, Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Kany García released García, her ninth studio album, which is her seventh to be nominated for a Latin GRAMMY and her third to be nominated for a Album Of The Year. As of press time, the musician's storied career has brought her five Latin GRAMMY wins and 26 career nominations. 

García opens with the reflective title track in which the musician tells herself to look back on a life well lived, and to give thanks for everything that has happened. It sets the tone for a bravura performance on the rest of the recording. 

The album is as diverse as they come, including bold collaborations on regional Mexican songs with Carin León, Edén Muñoz, and Christian Nodal; her turns with León and Nodal both became massive hits. García also features the searing "En Esta Boca," her bachata hit with friend Young Miko, which has become a queer anthem for its overt theme of Lesbian romance. 

Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 — Radio Güira

An unerring ability to make international pop hits from tropical genres such as bachata and merengue has made Juan Luis Guerra an icon. Album Of The Year has long been the genre-blending artist's domain at the Latin GRAMMYs; he won the award as an artist in 2007, 2010 and 2014, as well as a producer on Juanes' MTV Unplugged album in 2012. This year, he re-enters the competition with Radio Güira, his lively 2023 concept EP, which presents each song as part of a broadcast on the fictional radio station "4:40 FM." 

Radio Güira has a nostalgic 1970s feel, but also a progressive nature. Lead single "Mambo 23" is an experiment in mambo-infused merengue de la calle, while "Cositas de Amor," dedicated to his wife, Nora, is a dreamy, pop take on reggaeton. The eclectic radio station also stirs a bit of jazz, blues and rock into the effervescent tropical mix, taking Guerra's Caribbean roots on a global journey. While he has described the album as a gift to longtime fans, Guerra also invites the younger generation to tune in and discover what has made him a legend.

Watch: Watch Juan Luis Guerra Latin GRAMMY Win For Best Tropical Song For "Las Avispas" In 2005 | GRAMMY Rewind

Mon Laferte — Autopoiética

Alternative pop singer/songwriter Mon Laferte reinvented herself after eight albums with 2023's Autopoiética, a rhythmically driven and musically inventive album built around the concept of self-creation and self-renewal. The Chile-born and Mexico-based star used electronic beats, hip-hop, cumbia, and avant reggaeton to uncover new aspects of herself as a creative force, and received resounding acclaim for her efforts — including three nominations at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs (Album Of The Year and Best Alternative Music Album, as well as Record Of The Year for lead single "Tenochtitlán"). 

Emotionally intense and artistically fearless, Autopoiética simultaneously represents everything that Laferte is as an artist and is like nothing she has done before. It documents an artist at the peak of her development, still curious about what she can do as a musician. Ever a groundbreaker, in pushing her own limits, she also pushed the boundaries of Latin music.

No stranger to the Latin GRAMMYs stage, Laferte was last nominated for Album Of The Year in 2017 for La Trenza, whose single "Amárrame" (feat. Juanes) won Best Alternative Song that year. As of press time, Laferte has won four Latin GRAMMYs and received 20 nominations.

Carin León — Boca Chueca, Vol. 1

Música Mexicana star Carin León has built a massive following in his native Mexico and beyond with his updated approach to genres such as sierreño, which he infuses with rock 'n' roll swagger and Millennial irreverence. His career has been marked by a string of hits, culminating in two Latin GRAMMYs, one in 2022 for "Como Lo Hice Yo" (Best Regional Mexican Song) and one in 2023 for his third album Colmillo de Leche (Best Norteño Album). 

His nomination for Album Of The Year for 2024's Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 is a major milestone in his career, and one for regional Mexican music as well. If he were to win, it would not only be his first in the Category, but it would also be the first time the award went to an album in the genre. 

Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 underscores León's status as an artist who builds cultural bridges. The album features duets with regional Mexican singer Pepe Aguilar, as well as Mexican rock band Panteon Rococo, country star Kane Brown and alternative singer/songwriter Leon Bridges. Drawing in R&B, country and other influences, León's music crosses genre borders with ease as he himself crosses national borders. He's already made history this year, too, as León became the first Música Mexicana artist to perform at Stagecoach, one of the largest country music festivals in the U.S. 

Xande de Pilares — Xande Canta Caetano

A star of modern samba, Xande de Pilares is used to big stages, high-profile duets and multi-layered rhythms. But his 2023 studio album, Xande Canta Caetano — a celebration of fellow Brazilian singer and songwriter Caetano Veloso — is a quieter outing that reveals a softer side to his artistry. 

Xande de Pilares' interpretations of the Bahian legend's beloved songs display the depth of emotion he can convey, the richness of his voice alone, and the profound reverence the Carioca artist has for Brazilian music. Making the songs his own, the Rio artist teases the samba influences in Veloso's songwriting, highlighting the roots of MPB. 

The album and the nomination signify a capstone moment in the musician's career. Xande Canta Caetano helped Xande de Pilares earn his first Latin GRAMMY nominations as a solo artist; along with the Album Of The Year nomination, the set also received a nod for Best Samba/Pagode Album. His last nomination came in the latter category in 2010, when his former band Grupo Revelação was nominated for their album Ao Vivo No Morro. 

Residente — Las Letras Ya No Importan

As one half of the politically incisive rap duo Calle 13, Puerto Rico's Residente has won Album Of The Year at the Latin GRAMMYs twice — first in 2009 with Los de Atrás Vienen Conmigo and again in 2011 with Entren Los Que Quieran. This time around, he's in the running on his own with the epic Las Letras Ya No Importan, the rapper's first full album since the release of his self-titled solo debut in 2017.

Sonically spare and restrained, the ironically titled Las Letras Ya No Importan, which translates to Lyrics Don't Matter Now, finds the Latin rap godfather as lyrically trenchant as ever. He holds forth mightily on society, the music industry, Puerto Rico, death, loss, and his own life and history. The album further benefits from the support of collaborators, which range from Rauw Alejandro and Arcángel to Big Daddy Kane and Carin León. The single "This is Not America," featuring the ethereal vocals of French duo Ibeyi, marks a musical high point on the album. 

The album hits many such highs before the deeply personal single "René," which features the voices of both Residente's mother, Flor Joglar de García, and Panamanian singer Rubén Blades, and in turn brings the album to an emotional close. Originally released in 2020, "René" helped Residente win the Song Of The Year award at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs; to date, he has a remarkable 28 Latin GRAMMY wins. 

Read More: Inside Residente's Las Letras Ya No Importan: How His New Album Shows The Rapper In Transition

Shakira — Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran'

Shakira had a big night at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, taking home three trophies and delivering an unforgettable performance alongside Bizarrap, Milo J, Agarrate Catalina, Quinteto Ástor Piazzolla, and Ariel Ardit. 

Four months later, Shakira continued the momentum with her empowering 12th album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. Translating to Women Don't Cry Anymore, the break-up album written on a seismic scale marked her first full-length release in seven years. The 16-track project features several star-studded collabs, including reggaeton stars Ozuna, Rauw Alejandro and Manuel Turizo, regional Mexican bands Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera, and even chart-topping rapper Cardi B. 

Along with her Album Of The Year nomination, the Colombian superstar tallies two more Latin GRAMMY nominations this year: Song Of The Year for her Grupo Frontera team-up "(Entre Paréntesis)" and Best Latin Electronic Music Performance for the Tiësto remix of "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53," her Bizarrap collab that won Best Pop Song and Song Of The Year at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs. What's in store for her this year, and what might she have in store for us? Don't miss the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs on Nov. 14 to find out! 

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