As performers from across Latin America gathered at the prestigious Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for the 24th annual Latin Grammy Awards, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The November 16, 2023 ceremony promised an electrifying lineup of cross-cultural performances that would showcase the vibrant diversity of Latin music on the global stage.
Organizers announced yesterday that Puerto Rican urban music sensation Rauw Alejandro would lead the star-studded roster of performers, fresh off the success of his chart-topping album “Saturno.” Alejandro, nominated in three major categories this year, expressed enthusiasm about his upcoming performance. “Bringing my music to the Latin Grammy stage is always a homecoming celebration,” he noted during the pre-show press conference.
In a surprising cross-genre collaboration, American country star Kacey Musgraves will join Mexican regional music icon Peso Pluma for a boundary-defying duet. This partnership reflects the Latin Recording Academy’s ongoing efforts to bridge musical traditions across borders, a strategy that has boosted viewership by 18% since 2021.
Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, will deliver what promises to be a memorable performance alongside Colombian sensation Feid. The 76-year-old rock icon’s participation underscores the multigenerational appeal of the ceremony, which will broadcast live on Univision beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Many performers are looking to leverage their appearances into sync deals that could provide substantial income through licensing their music for visual media.
Behind the scenes, production designer Miguel Rodriguez has transformed the Mandalay Bay Events Center into a visual spectacle featuring over 240 lighting fixtures and a revolutionary 360-degree stage that allows for unprecedented audience engagement. While this year’s event captivates audiences, next year’s ceremony is already generating excitement as the MGM Grand Garden Arena will host the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards on November 13, 2025. “We’ve created a space where artists and viewers will feel equally immersed in the experience,” Rodriguez explained.
The ceremony comes as Latin music continues its unprecedented global expansion, with streaming numbers increasing 35% year-over-year according to industry metrics. Many rising performers see this showcase as an opportunity to expand their personal brand while connecting with potential collaborators and industry professionals. Fans can look forward to an extensive lineup of Latin GRAMMY Week events leading up to the awards show, including special presentations and community celebrations.
For the first time, three Latin artists—Bad Bunny, Karol G, and Peso Pluma—simultaneously occupied spots in Billboard’s top 10 global chart last month, signaling the genre’s growing worldwide influence ahead of this milestone celebration.
