As the Latin Recording Academy revealed its nominations for the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, acclaimed producer-songwriter Édgar Barrera has claimed the top position for the second consecutive year with nine nominations, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the Latin music industry. Barrera’s nominations span multiple categories, reflecting his versatility as both producer and songwriter in a rapidly evolving Latin music landscape.
Following closely behind Barrera are urban music powerhouses Karol G and Bad Bunny, each garnering multiple nominations across pop, urban, and collaborative categories. Karol G’s strong showing, particularly with her hit “Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” signals a significant shift in gender dynamics within Latin urban music, historically dominated by male artists.
Karol G’s groundbreaking success challenges historical gender norms in Latin urban music through compelling artistry and unapologetic authenticity.
The Song of the Year category features an eclectic mix of genres, with “313” by Leo Genovese, Residente, and Sílvia Pérez Cruz standing out for its experimental approach and multilingual lyrics. Jorge Drexler’s “Derrumbe” similarly highlights the continued relevance of poetic songwriting amidst contemporary production trends, demonstrating the Latin Academy’s commitment to honoring both innovation and tradition.
Behind the spotlight, the nominations reveal an increasingly collaborative industry. Songwriting teams frequently feature cross-national partnerships, with creators from Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Spain working together on nominated tracks. This internationalization reflects Latin music’s expanding global influence and its synthesis of diverse cultural traditions. Many of these collaborations have resulted in sync deals that place Latin music prominently in international films and television shows, further expanding the genre’s reach and revenue potential.
Traditional singer-songwriters like Rubén Blades continue to receive recognition alongside newer talents, suggesting that artistic longevity remains valued by the Academy. Meanwhile, producer-songwriters like Julio Reyes Copello and Kevyn Mauricio Cruz appear repeatedly across nominations, underscoring the vital behind-the-scenes roles shaping today’s Latin sounds. The introduction of two new categories for Best Latin Electronic Music Performance and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album reflects the Academy’s responsiveness to evolving musical trends.
The 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will showcase a remarkable breadth of musical expressions, from regional Mexican to alternative experimental works, urban beats to classical compositions.
As these nominations demonstrate, Latin music continues to evolve through both preserving cultural heritage and embracing bold innovation, with collaborations increasingly driving the industry’s creative direction. Many nominated artists have successfully leveraged social media advertising to build their global audiences before receiving Academy recognition.
