When Shakira’s "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" was released in January of 2023; its success seemed like a freak incident, explainable as a perfect but isolated storm. 

Their virulently catchy track — which happens to spill scalding tea on her breakup with retired Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué —  set streaming records and took home a Latin GRAMMY for Song Of The Year. Today, the song's success looks more like the first crashing wave of a massive comeback for Shakira. 

The three-time GRAMMY winner followed her Bzrp Session with another hit single, "TQG," collaborating with Karol G. That song went to No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200, and the duo cleaned up at the Latin GRAMMYs. 

In hindsight, all of this was a mere preamble to the announcement of Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women Don't Cry Anymore), due March 22. The album will be her first in seven years, but the sound is very much of the moment, leaning into a high-gloss urban Latin pop sound that delves in reggaeton, bachata and corrido. 

The album is no comeback. With a star as big as Shakira — one who performed at the Super Bowl in 2020 and had her own exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum — it's hard to make the case that she ever left the public eye. Yet the Colombian superstar has put out only a trickle of singles since 2017, when she released her GRAMMY-winning album El Dorado. Prior to the BZRP session, her last major hits were in 2016 with "La Bicicleta," a collaboration with Carlos Vives, and "Chantaje," featuring Maluma, which went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs. 

It’s impossible to talk about this period of retreat, or her new album, without talking about the personal upheavals Shakira has gone through in recent years. In June of 2022, Shakira and Gerard Piqué, with whom she has two sons, publicly announced the end of their 11 year relationship. Starting with 2022’s "Monotonía," featuring Ozuna, nearly every song she has released  since then deals directly with the split and the emotional turmoil she has felt because of it. 

The singer and songwriter herself is not shying away from the fact that her music has been a therapeutic outlet. "I feel like in this moment of my life, which is probably one of the most difficult, darkest hours of my life, music has brought light," she told Elle in 2022. 

Case in point: her Bizarrap session. "Someone should have taken my photo the day I worked on the 'Bizarrap Session 53,' a before and after. Because I went into the studio one way and left in a completely different way," Shakira told Mexican television channel Televisa. "He gave me this space, this opportunity to let it out and it really was a huge release, necessary for my own healing, for my own recovery process."

That feeling of catharsis continued in her work on Las Mujeres. "Making this body of work has been an alchemical process. While writing each song I was rebuilding myself. While singing them, my tears transformed into diamonds, and my vulnerability into strength," the artist said in a statement on Instagram.

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Shakira is styling the album as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, tapping into an understanding that her experiences have a broad resonance. While accepting Billboard’s 2023 Woman Of The Year award, Shakira discussed her "year of seismic change."

"I've felt more than ever — and very personally — what it is to be a woman," she said. "It's been a year where I've realized we women are stronger than we think, braver than we believed, more independent than we were taught to be." 

Indeed, with strength and bravery, Shakira proceeded to channel her individual hurt into a message of universal empowerment. Ahead of her album release, she’s even more explicit about the details of her separation and the impact the relationship had on her career. "For a long time I put my career on hold, to be next to Gerard, so he could play football. There was a lot of sacrifice for love," recently told The Sunday Times.

As she told Billboard for her 2023 cover story, settling down in Barcelona with Piqué and their two children, far from music industry centers, made it difficult for her to work. "It was complicated logistically to get a collaborator there. I had to wait for agendas to coincide or for someone to deign to come," she explained. 

Shakira has since relocated to Miami, a location that played a major role in making her new album possible.

One of the hallmarks of a true pop star is the ability to evolve with the culture without losing their identity. Over decades, and with each release, Shakira has broken a barrier or risen above an obstacle to succeed beyond expectations – whether it’s leading the first Spanish-language broadcast on MTV with her 2000 "Unplugged" concert, or learning English to write her own crossover pop debut. Each move has felt authentic.

It is not an easy task, but Shakira accomplishes this alchemy beautifully every few album cycles, starting with her debut as an alt-leaning, brunette singer/songwriter in the mid '90s. At the turn of the millennium, she made the jump to international fame with a cascade of golden curls and Laundry Service, the English-language album that capitalized on the first wave of crossover Latin pop. She closed out the decade in a whirl of high-gloss dance pop with the Pharell produced She Wolf. Along the way, there was one platinum selling album after another and the No. 1 hit "Hips Don’t Lie," among several Top 10 singles, setting the stage for her to blaze through much of the 2010s. 

Shakira is well-aware of how hard she has had to work even after crossover success. 

In 2019, she told Billboard, "This whole new world had opened up to me, and with it came so many great opportunities, but I continued to pursue impossible goals such as making a song like 'Hips Don’t Lie,' for example—that had a Colombian cumbia and a mention of Barranquilla in the middle of it—play on American radio. I remember I said to [then Sony Music Chairman] Donny Ienner, ‘You have to trust me on this one. This is going to happen, this song is going to blow up.’" 

With El Dorado, she caught the second wave of Latin pop crossover, the one tipped off by Luis Fonsi’s now-infamous 2017 earworm "Despacito." El Dorado, is one of Shakira’s more Latin leaning albums in the long history of her bicultural and bilingual music career. The songs are sung largely in Spanish and her choice of features on the album are almost entirely Latin pop and reggaeton artists: Maluma, Nicky Jam, Prince Royce and Carlos Vives. The album's May 2017 release coincided with a rising global interest in reggaeton.

Shakira wasn’t following a trend; she was just in touch with the moment as usual. She released "Chantaje" months before "Despacito," and "Bicicleta," her song with Carlos Vives, which combines elements of reggaeton and vallenato, came out in 2016. 

With the continued mainstream global success of Latin artists, Shakira may no longer see a need to release an English-language album for every album in her mother tongue. Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran breaks with tradition in that it is her second Spanish-language album in a row. It's also loaded with features from the world of Latin music, including Ozuna, Rauw Alejandro, Manuel Turizo, and Karol G. The moment could not be better for an album that explores forward looking pop reggaeton, assisted by some of the brightest young stars in the genre.

If the past is any indicator, this era is going to be another step up for the artist. Beyond the album release, Shakira is teasing another tour. As she told Billboard, "I think this will be the tour of my life. I’m very excited. Just think, I had my foot on the brakes. Now I’m pressing on the accelerator­ — hard."

Every Year Is The Year Of Shakira: 10 Songs That Prove She's Always Been A Superstar

Bizarrap and Shakira won Best Latin Electronic Music Performance for "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 (Tiësto Remix)" at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. While accepting the award, Bizarrap reflected that he was first introduced to electronic music as a child through Tiësto’s work.

Tiësto has a history of collaborating with Latin artists and, for "Vol. 53 (Tiësto remix)," he increased the tempo and added ravey synths. First released in January 2023, the original "Vol. 53" won the coveted Latin GRAMMY Song Of The Year at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs. The track inspired the title of Shakira’s 2024 album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, which includes the Tiësto remix as a bonus track. On stage, Bizarrap called Shakira a queen, and wished her luck on her upcoming tour.  In an Instagram story, the Colombian singer thanked people for their well wishes, adding, "I’m happy to share this with Tiesto and Bizarrap, who I love so much."

Other nominees for Best Latin Electronic Music Performance included Ale Acosta & Valeria Castro's "La Ceniza," Alok's "Drum Machine," Alok & Guarani Nhandewa's "Pedju Kunumigwe," and Vikina & Deorro's "BAMBOLE." 

Best Latin Electronic Music Performance is one of two new categories at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. The category is a reflection of the many DJs, artists and producers who meld the myriad sounds of electronic music with those of their own cultures.

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

In the fall of 2000, the Latin GRAMMY Awards made their television debut live on CBS, making history as the first prime-time bilingual broadcast to air on network TV.

The ceremony arrived right on time: the "Latin Explosion" was just beginning, and everyone was taking notice. Marc Anthony had risen to No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 with his smash hit, "I Need To Know (Dímelo)," Ricky Martin’s 1999 performance at the GRAMMY Awards catapulted him to international success, and Carlos Santana was in the midst of a comeback with his No. 1 collaboration "Smooth," with Rob Thomas. Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, and rising crossover star Shakira were all adding fuel to the fire. 

It was this rising movement that had prompted the establishment of The Latin Recording Academy in 1997 and, by 2000, the idea of having their own ceremony seemed like a no-brainer. Hosted by a rotating cast of stars including Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, Andy García, Jimmy Smits, and Antonio Banderas, the show was broadcast to nearly 9 million viewers. And while it may have been expensive to orchestrate, then-president of The Recording Academy, Micahel Greene, told Billboard that it was "the best investment the academy ever made." 

Since then, the show has become known as the Biggest Night In Latin Music, the ceremony regularly brings together artists and fans all over the world, drawing in 18.9 million viewers in 2024. This year, the Latin GRAMMY Awards will be held on Nov. 14, broadcast from Miami, Florida.

Read more: 2024 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Full Nominations List

Ahead of the 25th Annual ceremony, revisit 25 songs that have defined the Latin GRAMMYs. As you read, press play on the playlists below.

"Oye Cómo Va" — Ricky Martin (2000) 

Just a few months before the Latin GRAMMYs’ inaugural ceremony, the Latin music world suffered the loss of Tito Puente, the legendary Puerto Rican bandleader and composer. To honor his legacy, Ricky Martin kicked off the show with an electric rendition of Puentes’ iconic 1962 cha-cha-chá song, "Oye Cómo Va," (later covered by Santana to great success in 1971), as part of a medley performed alongside Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan.  

It had only been a year since Martin had taken the world by storm with "Livin’ la Vida Loca" — the lead single of his English-language debut, and the track that helped the "Latin explosion" of the 2000s take off. With this performance, Martin proved that while he was chasing down crossover success, he would always celebrate his roots. 

"Fíjate Bien" — Juanes (2001) 

It might be hard to imagine a time before Juanes was an internationally-renowned Latin rockstar. But back in 2001, the Colombian singer was a relatively new solo act, having disbanded his rock band, Ekhymosis in 1998. His debut album, Fíjate Bien, didn’t make waves on the charts outside of Colombia, but it did catch the attention of The Latin Recording Academy. The singer entered the ceremony with seven Latin GRAMMY nominations, and left with three wins, including Best New Artist. 

His success that night prompted him to head straight back into the studio with more than 40 demos for producer Gustavo Santaolalla. These sessions would eventually become Un Día Normal — Juanes’ international breakthrough. To date, Juanes holds the record for second-most Latin GRAMMYs won, with 27 total. 

"La Negra Tiene Tumbao" — Celia Cruz  (2002) 

Sporting a gravity-defying white and blue wig and matching sapphire-sequined gown, Celia Cruz delivered her final performance at the award show in style. That night, the 76-year-old salsa superstar was up for five awards, taking home Best Salsa Album for her release, La Negra Tiene Tumbao. 

Its title track of the same name fused the music she was most known for with reggae and hip-hop, and marked her last major hit before her death the following year in 2003. With a dazzling laugh and a booming voice, Cruz accepted her award saying, "Damas y caballeros, excuse my English, but I love you," exiting the  stage with her signature catchphrase: "¡Azúcar!" 

"En el 2000" — Natalia Lafourcade (2003) 

Though she didn’t take home an award in 2003, Mexican singer/songwriter Natalia Lafourcade left her mark with her imaginative and funky breakout single, "En el 2000." The accompanying album, her self-titled debut, gained critical acclaim for its combination of alternative pop, bossa nova, and Latin rock sounds.

Up for three awards that year, including Best New Artist, Lafourcade went on to become the most-awarded woman in Latin GRAMMYs history, with 17 awards to date. 

Read more: Catching Up With Natalia Lafourcade: How Togetherness, Improvisation & The Element Of Surprise Led To Her Most Exquisite Album

"Casi" — Soraya (2004) 

After being diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in 2000, the Colombian American singer made her triumphant return to the music industry with her fourth album. The self-titled record featured two of her biggest hits, "Solo Por Ti" and "Casi." Each of the album’s 12 tracks were written, produced, and arranged by the singer, earning her the first-ever Latin GRAMMY for Best Singer-Songwriter Album, and her first and only Latin GRAMMY. 

After receiving her award, Soraya said, "I’m standing here as a fighter … hopefully paving the way for many other female singer-songwriters." 

"Gasolina" — Daddy Yankee (2005) 

It would be difficult to overstate the global impact of Daddy Yankee’s megahit, "Gasolina" — the first reggaeton song to be nominated for a Latin GRAMMY for Record Of The Year, and the first to be inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. 

While the song ultimately lost out to Alejandro Sanz’s "Tu No Tienes Alma," "Gasolina" became one of the most influential Latin music tracks of all time. The single helped introduce a global audience to reggaeton, kickstarting a larger movement within Latin music, and opening the door to a generation of young musicians who came after it. 

Read more: Songbook: Celebrating Daddy Yankee's Legendary Three-Decade Reggaeton Reign

"La Tortura" — Shakira featuring Alejandro Sanz (2006) 

By 2006, Shakira had already cemented herself as a mainstay in Latin music, so it was only a matter of time before she began to break records at the Latin GRAMMYs. At the 7th Annual awards, she became the first female artist to win in the three major categories: Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, and Song Of The Year.

Building on the success of her English-language debut, Laundry Service, the Colombian singer returned in 2005 with Fijación Oral Vol. 1, which became the highest-selling Latin pop album of the decade in the U.S. She teamed up with Alejandro Sanz to perform their song, "La Tortura," featuring some of her signature hypnotizing belly dancing moves. 

Read more: Every Year Is The Year Of Shakira: 10 Songs That Prove She's Always Been A Superstar

"Espacio Sideral" — Jesse & Joy (2007) 

Mexico City-born sibling duo Jesse & Joy made a splash in 2006 with their debut single, "Espacio Sideral." The guitar-driven pop rock song about being lovesick went gold in Mexico, and broke through the Top 40 of Billboard’s Top Latin Songs Chart. The song gained enough traction to earn the duo a coveted win for Best New Artist. 

"No Llores" — Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, and Carlos Santana (2008) 

Following a rousing performance of her songs, "Mi Tierra" and "Oye Mi Canto," 2008 Person Of The Year Gloria Estefan amped up the energy even more by bringing out fellow Latin icons José Feliciano and Carlos Santana. 

It was a fitting collaboration. Estefan brought the sounds of Cuba and Miami to the rest of the world, following in the footsteps of artists like Feliciano (himself credited with being one of the first Latin American acts to find crossover success in the English-speaking market of the 1960s) and Santana — whose blend of American rock and blues with Latin American jazz made him an international success in the 1970s. 

Juan Gabriel — "El Noa Noa"  (2009) 

Juan Gabriel may have been the one being honored as The Latin Recording Academy’s Person Of TheYear in 2009, but it was "El Divo de Juárez" who gifted the audience with a marathon performance lasting for almost 40 minutes during the ceremony in Las Vegas. 

Celebrating a prolific career spanning three decades, Gabriel strutted around the stage, singing hit after hit alongside mariachis and folklórico dancers donning their colorful skirts. By his final song, "El Noa Noa," the awards ceremony had been transformed into an all-out party that had kept the audience on their feet, and pushed the show nearly 30 minutes past its original three-hour duration. 

"Por Qué No Le Calas / Ya Lo Sé" — Jenni Rivera (2010) 

In what would be Jenni Rivera's final Latin GRAMMYs performance before her tragic death in 2012, the Mexican American "Diva de la Banda" gave it her all with a mashup of "Por Qué No Le Calas" and "Ya Lo Sé," from her 2009 LP, La Gran Señora. After cementing herself as a powerful female voice in the male-dominated world of banda music, Rivera pivoted to mariachi for the album. 

It was a risk, especially considering how few women had managed to break through and reach commercial success in the genre, but it was one that paid off.  The album peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums Chart, and became the best-selling Regional Mexican Album of 2010. 

Read more: Jenni Rivera Essentials: 10 Songs That Embody The Late Banda Music Icon's Rebellious Spirit

"Latinoamérica" — Calle 13  (2011) 

Puerto Rico’s preeminent hip-hop duo Calle 13 walked into the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMYs already having made history with a whopping 10 nominations for their fourth studio album, Entren Los Que Quieran, and its fifth single, "Latinoamérica." Known for their provocative and thoughtful lyrics that often tackle social justice and politics, the track tells the story of Latin America, weaving together stories of corruption, resistance, and pride. 

Supported by the Los Angeles Symphony, Residente and Visitante delivered a stirring version of the song, with Residente dedicating the performance to all of the Latin Americans who were in the room, or watching at home. "Transport yourself to your neighborhoods, to your streets, to your roots, the smell of your countries, and feel it right here in your chest." 

"Déjenme Llorar" — Carla Morrison (2012)

Without the backing of a major label, Mexican singer/songwriter Carla Morrison still managed to nab two wins for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Alternative Song for her debut LP, Déjenme  Llorar and single of the same name. But it was her nomination in two of the major award categories — Album Of The Year and Song Of The Year — that turned heads.

With a plaintive voice that complements Morrison’s simple but emotive lyrics, the song helped propel the album to reach platinum status in Mexico, and signaled a rising shift in the power and influence of indie artists within the Latin music ecosystem. 

"Volví a Nacer" — Carlos Vives (2013)

A decade earlier, the Colombian singer had been on top of the world. His 2001 album, Déjame Entrar, secured him his first GRAMMY Award for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album, reached the peak of Billboard’s Latin Albums chart, and went double platinum in the U.S., propelling him to a steady string of sold-out shows. But after he was unable to reach a new deal with his label in 2004, the singer went on an extended hiatus. 

Ten years later, thanks to a new record deal with Sony Music Latin, Vives staged an impressive comeback with Corazón Profundo in 2013. The album’s lead single, "Volvi a Nacer," (Born Again) shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart. When he made his return to the Latin GRAMMYs, he left with three awards, including Song Of The Year and Best Tropical Song. 

"Bailando" —Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona (2014)

A truly global hit, Spanish crossover success Enrique Iglesias released no less than four versions of "Bailando" in three different languages, charting in more than 50 countries, going triple platinum, and beating out Shakira’s record for the longest-running single to top the Hot Latin Songs Chart by staying at No. 1 for 41 weeks.  

Unable to accept the award in person while he was touring in Paris, the singer released a pre-taped performance of the song to close the show, during which he won three awards, including Song Of The Year. 

Read more: Enrique Iglesias Forever: 10 Songs That Prove He's A Latin Pop Hero

"Somos Más Americanos" — Maná and Los Tigres Del Norte (2015)

Two of Mexico’s most celebrated acts joined forces during the 16th Annual Latin GRAMMYs to remind the Latino community of the importance of using their voices ahead of the upcoming 2016 election. 

Performing Los Tigres Del Norte’s "Somos Más Americanos," an immigrant anthem that includes lyrics like "Ya me gritaron mil veces que me regrese a mi tierra …Yo no crucé la frontera, la frontera me cruzó." ("They’ve shouted at me a thousand times to go back to my country … I didn’t cross the border, the border crossed me." Met with rousing applause, the groups rounded out their performance by raising up a sign that read, "Latinos unidos no voten por los racistas" (Latinos united don’t vote for racists).  

"Olvídame y Pega la Vuelta" — Marc Anthony and Jennifer López (2016) 

Two years after the couple divorced, Marc Anthony and Jennifer López surprised their fans by announcing their reunion — their musical reunion. In 2016, the two came together to record a cover of the 1982 song, "Olvídame y Pega la Vuelta" by Argentinian sibling duo Pimpinela. 

The duo performed their fourth duet together live for the first time at the 17th Annual Latin GRAMMYs, and their palpable chemistry as performers made it difficult to remember their split. Fiery, dramatic, and full of passion, the former lovers drove the crowd into a frenzy with their theatrical rendition of the song, which earned the praise of Pimpinela. 

"Despacito" — Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee (2017) 

Just a little over a decade after Daddy Yankee ushered in a new era of Latin music with "Gasolina," Luis Fonsi and "Despacito" put him back on top of the world again. The hit that wouldn’t quit, "Despacito" tied with Mariah Carey for the longest-running No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, became the first Latin song to achieve diamond status, and for three years remained the most-viewed YouTube video of all time. 

Thanks to a remix version with Justin Bieber (giving the artist his first Latin GRAMMY), the song led to a new wave of investment in Spanish-language music and sparked a massive rise in collaborations with Latin artists. Its success brought reggaeton and Latin pop to the forefront of the U.S., raising the profile of other Latin acts like Maluma, Ozuna, and Bad Bunny. 

Read more: Watch Luis Fonsi accept the Latin GRAMMY for Record Of The Year

"Malamente" — Rosalía (2018) 

A concept album centered around a tragic 13th Century Occitan romance novel might not sound like the classic makings of a hit record, but with the avant-garde creativity and skillful flamenco-trained vocals of Spanish popstar Rosalía, El mal querer was destined for greatness. 

The album’s lead single, "Malamente," blended flamenco, hip-hop, and música urbana, going viral on social media and catching the world’s attention. Unpredictable and innovative, Rosalía emerged as a new, exciting voice in Latin music, earning five nominations at her first appearance at the Latin GRAMMYs. 

Watch: Run The World: How Rosalía Became An International Superstar And Production Powerhouse

"Volver, Volver" — Vicente, Alejandro, and Alex Fernández (2019)

A masterclass performance delivered by three generations of talent, the Fernández family took over the Latin GRAMMYs in 2019 with a medley of ranchera and mariachi music. Joined by his son Alejandro Fernández, and his grandson, Alex Fernández, Vicente Fernández demonstrated exactly why he earned the title "El Ídolo de México" (The Idol of Mexico). 

Capping off their set with Vicente’s "Volver Volver," the song that made him a household name across Latin America, the trio’s voices blended beautifully. The audience roared with applause, chanting "otra, otra" as Vicente accepted the President’s Award. 

Read more: Vicente, Alejandro And Alex Fernández Steal the Latin GRAMMYs With Three-Generational Performance

"Yo Perreo Sola" — Bad Bunny (2020)

Amid the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, the nominees and performers at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs had to get creative with their sets. With each of them performing remotely from different locations across the world, Bad Bunny — nominated for the second-most awards that night, behind Rosalía — took viewers on a joy ride through the streets of San Juan. 

While most of the world was shut down, the Puerto Rican rapper reminded everyone why he deserved his newfound title as the "King of Latin Trap," breaking through language barriers to release the highest-charting Spanish album on the Billboard 200 with YHLMDLG and becoming Spotify’s most-streamed artist in 2020. "Yo Perreo Sola" became one of the defining songs of the summer, an inescapable reggaeton bop that won a Latin GRAMMY Award for Best Reggaeton Performance. 

Read more: How Bad Bunny Took Over The World: From Urbano Upstart To History-Making GRAMMY Nominee

"Patria Y Vida" — Descemer Bueno, Yotuel, Maykel Osorbo, Beatriz Luengo, El Funky, and Gente de Zona (2021)

In a category dominated by major hitmakers like Tainy, Ricky Martin, Carlos Vives, Maluma, and Rauw Alejandro, 2021’s Song Of The Year award went to a track that spoke to something much bigger than chart success. Throughout protests in Cuba in the summer of 2021, "Patria y Vida" gave voice to the people’s frustrations with their government, becoming a rallying cry for their cause. 

Subverting Fidel Castro’s slogan, "Patria o muerte" ("Country or death"), the song speaks to food shortages, authoritarianism, and human rights abuses. Banned in Cuba, the song led to the arrest of Osorbo, who Romero shouted out during his acceptance speech, dedicating the award to a free Cuba, and to all Latina mothers who fight for the dreams of their children. 

"Un Nuevo Amanecer" — Angela Álvarez (2022) 

There was more than one reason why the Best New Artist race made history at the Latin GRAMMYs in 2022. Not only was it declared a tie between Mexican musician Silvana Estrada and Cuban American songwriter Angela Álvarez, but, at 95 years old, Álvarez marked the oldest nominee to be considered in the category. 

After years of writing and performing music for her friends and family, Álvarez didn’t begin playing in public until she was 90 years old at the Avalon nightclub in Hollywood. Encouraged by her grandson to finally record her songs, Álvarez released her debut album of Cuban standards and original songs in 2021. In her emotional acceptance speech, dedicating her award to those who haven’t yet realized their dreams, saying, "While life is difficult, there’s always a way, and with faith and love, you can achieve it, I promise you. It’s never too late."

"Un x100to" — Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny (2023) 

While Shakira and Bizarrap’s viral music session may have taken the world by storm in 2023, the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMYs belonged to Edgar Barrera. Working behind-the-scenes as a songwriter and producer, the Mexican American talent has been the architect behind countless hits, working with some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Peso Pluma, Karol G, Bad Bunny, Christian Nodal, Shakira, Marc Anthony, Fuerza Regina, and more. 

In 2023, he helped build on the budding Regional Mexican boom by orchestrating the chart-topping collaboration between Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny, "Un x100to," which marked the group’s first top five hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Leading the night with an impressive 13 nominations, Barrera picked up the award for Best Regional Mexican Song, Producer Of The Year, and snagged the first Songwriter Of The Year award.  

Read more: Edgar Barrera, The Songwriter Behind 2023's Top Latin Hits, Shares How He Remains Grounded Amidst Success

"Mi Ex Tenía Razón" — Karol G (2024)

Six years after winning Best New Artist at the Latin GRAMMYs in 2018, there’s no denying that Karol G is the head "Bichota" in charge. She’s taken the reins as one of the leading voices in a rising tide of young female artists dominating reggaeton and Latin pop. Her 2024 mixtape, Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), built on the success of her Latin GRAMMY Award-winning album, Mañana Será Bonito — the first all-Spanish language album by a female artist to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 — which earned her a historic win as the first woman to win Best Música Urbana Album at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards. 

The mixtape’s second single, "Mi Ex Tenía Razón," is an homage to one of the Colombian singer’s biggest musical inspirations: the "Queen of Tejano," Selena Quintanilla. Delivering her own version of Selena’s trademark Tejano-cumbia fusion, Karol G sings about an ex who told her she would never find someone like him, only to end up with someone much better. The song is up for two Latin GRAMMY Awards, including Song Of The Year.

To celebrate 25 years of the Latin GRAMMY Awards, the Latin Recording Academy opened a new exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on Sept. 19. The entire second floor of the museum is dedicated to capturing the growth of Latin music that has gone hand-in-hand with the Latin GRAMMYs through awards, artifacts, outfits, and instruments from previous winners and nominees like Shakira, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Juan Luis Guerra, Celia Cruz, and many more.

"Today, Latin artists are crafting pop culture, influencing everything, and breaking all the charts," Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud tells GRAMMY.com. "For the Latin Recording Academy, it's been a privilege to be with them on this journey, and this exhibit tries to bring this journey closer to the people. For us, this is an attempt to bring this journey and this legacy closer to the audience." 

The newly opened exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum, officially named Latin GRAMMYs 25: A Legacy of Musical Excellence, is one of three that the Latin Recording Academy is presenting as part of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs celebration happening throughout this year, all of which will highlight the magic of the Latin GRAMMYs. The Paley Museum in New York City will host its exhibit, which opened Sept. 13, and runs through Nov. 3; the exhibit at Miami's Gary Nader Art Centre will open Sept. 26 and run through Dec. 20. The GRAMMY Museum's exhibit closes Dec. 18.

The series of multi-city exhibits leads up to the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, which officially mark the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards. Taking place Thursday, Nov. 14, in Miami, the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs will debut of a new field and two new categories: Best Latin Electronic Music Performance, housed within the new Electronic Music field, and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album. Ahead of the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, the Latin Recording Academy will host the official Latin GRAMMY Week 2024, which includes multiple events throughout Miami-Dade County including the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year gala, which this year honors 18-time Latin GRAMMYs winner and two-time GRAMMY winner Carlos Vives, and the 2024 Special Awards Presentation.

Ahead of the GRAMMY Museum’s exhibit opening, Abud and Jasen Emmons, Chief Curator and Vice President of Curatorial Affairs of the GRAMMY Museum, took GRAMMY.com on a tour. Below, learn more about the GRAMMY Museum's monumental, history-filled display.

Learn more about the Latin Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum’s Latin GRAMMYs 25: A Legacy of Musical Excellence exhibit.

All photos by Rebecca Sapp.

A Timeline Of Latin GRAMMY Milestones

When entering the second floor of the GRAMMY Museum, one of the walls is covered with a giant timeline of major moments and milestones from the Latin GRAMMYs. The timeline starts with the 1st Annual ceremony in 2000, where Ricky Martin, Celia Cruz, and Gloria Estefan paid tribute to mambo legend Tito Puente, who had passed away a few months prior. 

From there, moments highlighted include Luis Fonsi's performance of "Despacito" in 2017 with Diplo, Bomba Estéreo and Victor Manuelle, and Bad Bunny's win for Best Urban Album in 2019 where he advocated for more respect for reggaeton music and its artists. Edgar Barrera, who won the first Songwriter Of The Year award at last year's ceremony, also has his history-making Latin GRAMMY on display. The timeline not only shows the growth of the awards, but its impact on Latin music going mainstream. 

"We created a platform for new artists to evolve and to present their craft, but also a way to celebrate established artists," Abud says as he looks at the timeline. "I think the beauty here is that we celebrate both at the same time that we are nurturing the next generation [or artists]. I love to see an artist like Karol G be Best New Artist in 2018 and winning Album Of The Year in 2023 and breaking all the records. It's the concept of how we bring it all full circle."

Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs: Karol G Wins Album Of The Year For 'Mañana Será Bonito'

The Latin GRAMMY Awards By the Numbers

There's also a few more giant graphics on the other walls of the exhibit that are informational and educational. One graphic — which could be useful for either the GRAMMYs or Latin GRAMMY Awards — explains the difference between the Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year categories; another graphic shows the legacy of the Latin GRAMMYs by the numbers. The number 18 is shown next to Eduardo Cabra, who has the most wins for a producer, while his former Calle 13 associate, Residente, is highlighted for the most wins by a male artist with 28. Meanwhile, 2006 is shown next to Shakira's name for the ceremony where she made history as the first woman to win Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Album Of The Year. 

"I would like for visitors to feel the emotions because music is all about the emotions," Abud says. "I would like for them to go through the journey and remember what they were doing in 2006 or 2016, for example. I hope this exhibit brings them memories and gets them excited about the future. It's a combination of celebrating our past, but also enjoying the present, and preparing for the future."

The Diversity Of Latin Music Through Instruments

Another way the GRAMMY Museum's Latin GRAMMYs exhibit is hoping to educate visitors is through the instruments on display. Mexican group Intocable loaned a series of instruments that highlight the sounds of música Mexicana, including the bajo sexto guitar, the accordion, and a Djembe drums. 

To highlight other genres in Latin music as well, Juan Luis Guerra loaned a güira, which is used in his merengue with "Punta Cana" written across it. The drums that Sheila E. played during her performance with Guerra at the 8th Annual Latin GRAMMYs are also present. The instruments exemplify not only different genres, but also different Latin cultures and countries. 

"We really wanted to show a number of different instruments that we used in Latin music, like timbales or bajo sexto because for many people they may have heard them, but they haven't seen them before," Emmons says. "It's fun for people to be able to go, 'Oh! That's what that looks like, so it's making that sound.' We're really always trying to have that educational element to what we do."

Iconic Performances Revisited

The history of career-defining performances at the Latin GRAMMYs is captured in the fashion at the exhibit.

The colorful spirit of Celia Cruz, who passed away in 2003, is captured in a white and blue wig at the exhibit. The Cuban legend wore the wig during the 2002 Latin GRAMMYs — her last televised performance. 

The outfits on display also further exemplify the diversity of Latin music. Mexican icon Pepe Aguilar's traditional charro suit is next to Peso Pluma's Givenchy and Alexander McQueen outfit from last year's ceremony that exemplifies his more urban approach to música Mexicana. Rauw Alejandro, who has gone from reggaeton hit-maker to global pop star, mixed both worlds with his red-hot Enfants Riches Déprimés look at last year's ceremony. Rosalía's white bodysuit from her flamenco-infused debut on the Latin GRAMMYs stage in 2018 is also on display. 

"It's fun to see the growth of both Latin music, but also the Latin GRAMMYs," Emmons says. "It's extraordinary when you think in just 25 years how massive it's become and incredibly exciting. It was really fun to go through that [legacy of the Latin GRAMMYs] and figure out what were those moments that helped expand awareness of this and celebrate it."

Red Carpet Fashion At The Latin GRAMMYs

The iconic fashion of the Latin GRAMMY Awards isn't only limited to the performances. On the red carpet, many nominees and winners have made statements with their outfits. 

One standout fashion moment in particular at the exhibit is Mon Laferte's purple suit at the 2021, where she proudly flaunted her pregnancy at the time. Karol G's metallic Balmain dress from last year's ceremony — where she later won Album Of The Year — is another stunning highlight among the outfits. 

Barrera's fashion-forward suit that he wore during his historic Songwriter Of The Year win in 2023 is also on display. Beatriz Luengo, who won Song Of The Year for the Cuban protest anthem "Patria o Vida" in 2021, paid tribute to Celia Cruz with a blue gown that had the late legend's face emblazoned on it. 

"The biggest thing I want is for visitors to go away saying, 'I want to listen to these artists,' if they haven't already," Emmons says. "Also, to have more appreciation for the artistry, and the showmanship because a lot of what we have on display are some of the performance outfits, red carpet outfits, and amazing style. At the heart of this exhibit is to inspire people to go discover artists that maybe they haven't listened to in awhile, or they never heard of before."

Song Of The Year represents one of the most coveted honors at the Latin GRAMMYs, alongside Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year and Best New Artist. Like the award ceremony itself — which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year — the 10 songs in competition for the title of Song Of The Year form a vibrant portrait of the state of Latin music in this moment.

Among the songs being recognized are several star-studded collaborations: Daymé Arocena & Vicente Garcia's "A Fuego Lento"; Gian Marco & Rubén Blades' "Aún Me Sigo Encontrando"; Elena Rose, Danny Ocean & Jerry Di's "Caracas En El 2000"; Shakira and Grupo Frontera's "(Entre Paréntesis)"; and Residente, Silvia Pérez Cruz & Penélope Cruz's "313." Two songs featuring Carin León made the list, too: his Maluma team-up "Según Quién" and his Kany García duet "Te Lo Agradezco."

The other three contenders are songs by both new and veteran stars. Rising Mexican singer Maura Nava's "A La Mitad (Banda Sonora Original De La Serie "Zorro")" earns a nomination, as well as Karol G's "Mi Ex Tenía Razón" and Jorge Drexler's "Derrumbe."

Of course, Song Of The Year is awarded to the songwriters, which means the nominees in this Category may not actually include the artists themselves. Below, learn more about the songs — and songwriters — that received a Song Of The Year nomination at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. Then be sure to tune into the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 25th Latin GRAMMY Awards, on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT) on on Univision, Galavisión and ViX to see who wins.

Read More: 2024 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Full Nominations List

Daymé Arocena & Vicente García — "A Fuego Lento"

Daymé Arocena & Vicente García, songwriters

At 32 years old, with five solo albums and a long list of accolades attached to her name, Daymé Arocena is one of the leading lights of contemporary Afro-Cuban jazz. As a member of Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, the Havana-born-and-bred singer received a GRAMMY nomination in the Best Latin Jazz Album Category, for her 2016 album Oddara. Her 2024 album, Alkemi, brought her greater attention outside of jazz circles and her native Cuba. The album leans in a more accessible, tropical-pop direction than her previous releases, while still showcasing her astounding vocal range and dynamic singing abilities.

Her fifth solo album takes its name from the Yoruba word for alchemy — and, just as alchemy is concerned with spiritual and material transformation, the music on Alkemi marks a transformative moment for Arocena. She chose to record in Puerto Rico and produce the album with Eduardo Cabra of Calle 13 out of a desire to freely explore a range of Afro-Caribbean sounds. The finished work is a unique and beautiful mix of avant-R&B, funk, Latin sounds with African roots.

The Latin GRAMMY-nominated album single, "A Fuego Lento," is, as the title suggests, a soulful and passionate slow burner that features the vocals of Dominican musician (and four-time Latin GRAMMY winner) Vicente García. This is Arocena’s first Latin GRAMMY nomination.

Maura Nava — "A La Mitad"

Julio Reyes Copello & Mariana Vega, songwriters

Emerging Mexican artist Maura Nava is a classically trained vocalist who first gained the world's attention through a popular TikTok video in which her cat, Maximino, joins in as she hits the operatic high notes in the Enrique Granados tonadilla "El Majo Discreto" ("The Discreet Lover"). The singer is endearingly unable to keep a straight face after being interrupted by her feline friend, who warbles along with the 1910 composition. (Search "opera cat" and you'll find it.)

After the young singer posted the clip online, she was scouted by producer Julio Reyes Copello and invited to attend his pop finishing school, ArtHouse Academy. Shortly after completing the program, the talented newcomer, who is now based in Miami, landed a contract with Universal Music Latin on the basis of her viral break and crystalline soprano.

Nava's debut single is "A La Mitad," an eerily pretty vehicle for her stunning range and subtle vibrato, composed for the soundtrack to the Prime Video series "Zorro." If this is the first you are hearing of Nava, stay tuned — it won't be the last time you hear her voice.

Gian Marco & Rubén Blades — "Aún Me Sigo Encontrando"

Rubén Blades, Gian Marco & Julio Reyes Copello, songwriters

To earn his fourth nomination in the Song Of The Year Category, Peruvian singer/songwriter Gian Marco linked with none other than the legendary Panamanian salsero and songwriter Rubén Blades (who is now a three-time Song Of The Year nominee himself). Their moody ballad, "Aún Me Sigo Encontrando," is the title track from his 2023 album. In it, the two seasoned artists wax philosophical about the complexities of life and finding one's place in the world, backed by a rain of percussion. The unadorned nature of the song adds to its haunting quality.

Aún Me Sigo Encontrando is one of the more rootsy additions to Marco's vast discography. The majority of its tracks are built around Afro-Caribbean percussion and finger-picked, acoustic guitar. The relatively minimalist instrumentation lends itself to the album's pensive mood, and also for thoughtful appreciation of the many collaborations with heavyweight such as Blades and revered Cuban folk singer Silvio Rodriguez.

Marco is one of Peru's foremost musical ambassadors. He has won the Latin GRAMMY for the Best Singer-Songwriter Album three times, and now counts 18 nominations total as of press time.

Watch: Gian Marco Introduces The Instrument That Links Him To His Home Country Of Peru | It Goes To 11

Elena Rose, Danny Ocean & Jerry Di — "Caracas En El 2000"

Marvin Hawkins Rodriguez, Jerry Di, La Pichu, Danny Ocean & Elena Rose, songwriters

Having written hit songs for numerous stars in Latin music, Elena Rose is a driving force behind the scenes in the current wave of Latin pop and reggaeton. The beneficiaries of her lyrical prowess have included Bad Bunny ("Party"), Jennifer Lopez and Maluma jointly ("Pa' Ti"), Selena Gomez ("De Una Vez"), and, prolifically, both Becky G and TINI. (Rose was nominated in the Songwriter Of The Year Category at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs.)

After debuting as an artist in her own right in 2020 with the single "Sandunga," the Venezuelan-American has increasingly focused on her career in front of the mic. Since then, she has released more than a dozen high-performing singles as a solo artist. One of those songs, 2023's "Caracas En El 2000" earned the singer/songwriter another hit and a nomination in the Song Of The Year Category for the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. The song is a breezy earworm featuring fellow Venezuelan artists Danny Ocean and Jerry Di that joyfully celebrates the Caracas that each of the young artists knew as a child.

Including her three nominations this year (Song Of The Year, Best Pop/Rock Song for "Blanco y Negro" and Best Regional Song for "Por El Contrario"), Rose has nine Latin GRAMMY nominations to date. This marks her first in the Song Of The Year Category.

Jorge Drexler — "Derrumbe"

Jorge Drexler, songwriter

Singer/songwriter Jorge Drexler has risen to a position of international renown with tuneful folk pop that draws on the musical traditions of his native Uruguay. His work has garnered repeated recognition from the Latin Recording Academy, with 13 wins, including two awards for Song Of The Year. He is nominated in the Category again this year for his simple, but wrenching ballad "Derrumbe." The standalone single tells the story of a relationship's disintegration in poetic, metaphorical terms, characterizing it as a house of cards that crumbles when one partner removes a single card.

Accompanied only by guitar, the troubadour mourns the loss, lamenting "Nuestro amor cedió por las costuras" ("Our love gave way at the seams"). "Quedamos a la intemperie/ Sin un "tal vez" que nos resguardara," he sings. ("We are left out in the open/ Without a "maybe to protect us.") Though somber, the song reflects Drexler's prodigious skill in songcraft and economy of storytelling in song.

Watch: Jorge Drexler's Favorite Guitar Has A Special Story | It Goes To 11

Shakira & Grupo Frontera — "(Entre Paréntesis)"

Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Manuel Lorente Freire, Lenin Yorney Palacios & Shakira, songwriters

A few of the artists nominated in the Song Of The Year Category also had one of the year's biggest albums. Shakira, for one, is also up for Album Of The Year for her triumphant comeback album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women Don't Cry Anymore). In the category at hand, she received a nod for the 2024 album single with Mexican-American band Grupo Frontera.

The Colombian singer/songwriter and the regional Mexican group's joint effort, "(Entre Paréntesis)," is a reminder of Shakira's chameleon-like gift for expressing herself in seemingly any language or genre. An emotional cumbia with a distinctly Mexican flavor, the song is one of the most delightful collaborations on an album that saw her duet with Rauw Alejandro, Cardi B, Ozuna, Manuel Turizo, Fuerza Regida, and Karol G.

If Shakira takes home Song Of The Year at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, she will be a back-to-back winner in the Category. Her internet-breaking collab with Bizarrap, "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53," won Song Of The Year at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs.

Listen Now: Every Year Is The Year Of Shakira: 10 Songs That Prove She's Always Been A Superstar

Karol G — "Mi Ex Tenía Razón"

Edgar Barrera, Andres Jael Correa Rios, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, Karol G & MAG, songwriters

Mexican and Mexican-American influences have been omnipresent in Latin music for the past two years. In that light, it comes as little surprise that Karol G's hat tip in this year's Song Of The Year Category is the Tex-Mex flavored pop-cumbia of "Mi Ex Tenía Razón" from Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), the companion mixtape to her 2023 album, also titled Mañana Será Bonito.

Karol has shared that the song's sweet melody and regional accent were inspired by the music of Selena Quintanilla, one of the reggaeton superstar's all-time idols. Recording the mixtape allowed Karol G to try out new musical modes as she did with "Mi Ex Tenía Razón" and the dub reggae of "Me Tengo Que Ir," a collaboration with Kali Uchis.

After a huge night at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs — where Karol G took home three awards, including Album Of The Year — the Colombian star could have an even bigger night at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. She tallies eight nominations this year, including Album Of The Year for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season) and Record Of The Year for "Mi Ex Tenía Razón."

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

Maluma & Carin León — "Según Quién"

Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Luís Miguel Gómez Castaño, Maluma, Lenin Yorney Palacios & Juan Camilo Vargas, songwriters

In recent years, música Mexicana has become the genre to watch, and dabble with, in the world of Latin music. Maluma could not resist its allure and tried his hand with "Según Quién," an irreverent norteño duet with Mexican regional music standard bearer — and sought after musical collaborator — Carin León. Both Maluma and León took the opportunity to let their respective devil-may-care, bad boy sides out to play on the invective-filled track, which winkingly suggests the Colombian urbano star has found his way to Mexico in order to drown his sorrows and forget a toxic relationship.

The single, which appears on Maluma's successful 2023 album, Don Juan, has been a significant hit for him, reaching No. 5 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart. This is his sixth nomination in the Song Of The Year Category, and his 18th Latin GRAMMY nomination overall.

Learn More: Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: The Magnificent, Magnetic Maluma

Kany García & Carin León — "Te Lo Agradezco"

Rafa Arcaute, Kany García, Carin León & Richi López, songwriters

Kany García's ninth studio album, titled García, is a deeply felt meditation on a personal life and career well spent. Nominated in the Album Of The Year Category, García features more than one hit single for the Puerto Rican singer/songwriter. One of those, a collaboration with regional Mexican music star Carin León, is a candidate for Song Of The Year.

Eloquent and pugnacious, "Te Lo Agradezco" tells off a no-good ex with flourishes of flamenco and country. Opening with a jaunty tuba intro, the smash hit makes no bones about its Mexican influence. When the duo performed the song together live in Mexico, the more than enthusiastic crowd response made it clear that the ballad had connected with fans of both artists.

García has been a mainstay of the Latin GRAMMYs for more than a decade. She has won five Latin GRAMMYs since her first victories for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Album (Cualquier Día) in 2008. This is her fifth Song Of The Year nomination, but could be her first win in the Category.

León is a two-time Latin GRAMMY winner himself. He earned a total of four nominations at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, including Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year ("Una Vida Pasada" with Camilo), Album Of The Year (Boca Chueca, Vol. 1), and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album (Boca Chueca, Vol. 1).

Residente, Silvia Pérez Cruz & Penélope Cruz — "313"

Leo Genovese, Residente & Silvia Pérez Cruz, songwriters

The rollout for Residente's second solo album, Las Letras Ya No Importan, has been a lengthy one — so lengthy, in fact, that one single from the album, "René," has already received an award in the Song Of The Year Category, at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs.

Four years later, Las Letras Ya No Importan earned the politically outspoken Puerto Rican rapper another Song Of The Year nomination, this time for "313." The album single features the voices of actress Penélope Cruz and Spanish singer Silvia Pérez Cruz. In it, the veteran rapper reflects deeply on the past and the experience of time. The riveting and surreal video for the song stars Penélope Cruz and vividly underscores the themes of the song. 

Residente has a significant past with the Latin GRAMMYs. As a member of the seminal hip-hop duo Calle 13, he won 22 awards, starting Best New Artist at the 2006 Latin GRAMMY Awards; since becoming a solo artist, he's added another six wins. With three more nominations at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs (Song Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Best Short Form Music Video), Residente may have even more to celebrate this year.