The 2026 Latin Grammy Awards delivered a high-energy celebration of Latin music’s global reach, with Bad Bunny securing album of the year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos. The Puerto Rican star, who opened the night with an early win in música urbana, returned repeatedly to the stage during an event defined by standout performances and generational crossovers.

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, accepted his top honor by thanking his collaborators, family, and home island. His remarks, including “Puerto Rico, I love you, thank you,” underscored the album’s deep cultural roots.

A Defining Night for Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny entered the ceremony as a frontrunner, and the night affirmed his status as one of the most influential figures in Latin music. He collected the first televised trophy for música urbana album and later won música urbana song for “DTmF.” Halfway through the event, he returned once more for a collaboration, performing “Weltita” with Chuwi.

His sweep strengthened a career already marked by international chart success, multiple Grammy nominations, and a growing influence across streaming platforms. Debí Tirar Más Fotos, released in 2025, was widely acclaimed for blending reggaeton, trap, and reflective songwriting rooted in Puerto Rican identity.

Karol G and Alejandro Sanz Claim Major Awards

Other top honors highlighted the diversity of Latin music.
Song of the year went to Karol G, Andrés Jael Correa Ríos, and Édgar Barrera for the pop hit “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.”
Record of the year was awarded to Alejandro Sanz for “¿Y Ahora Qué?”, adding to the Spanish singer’s decades-long legacy in Latin pop.

The wins reflected the Recording Academy’s continued recognition of genre-spanning songwriting, production, and vocal performance.

A High-Energy Night from Las Vegas

Opening Collaborative Tributes
The 26th annual Latin Grammys, broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, opened with a cross-generational tribute to Santana. Maluma performed the guitarist’s 1970 classic “Oye Como Va,” accompanied by Santana himself. The segment continued with Christian Nodal on “Corazón Espinoza” and Grupo Frontera joining for “Me Retiro,” their 2025 collaboration with the iconic musician.

Person of the Year Spotlight
Raphael, named the 2025 Person of the Year, delivered an emotional medley of “Qué Sabe Nadie” and “Mi Gran Noche,” prompting the audience to sing along.

Standout Performances Across Genres

The ceremony maintained a fast pace, highlighting a wide range of styles:

• Aitana showcased her electro-pop sound.

• Alejandro Sanz blended classics with new material through a medley performance.

• Rauw Alejandro brought a Puerto Rican flair with “Khé?,” “Silencio,” “Falsedad,” and “Carita Linda.”

• Danny Lux, Kakalo, and Ivan Cornejo represented the growing influence of contemporary Mexicana music.

• Pepe Aguilar offered traditional mariachi with “El Cihualteco” and “El Fuereño.”

• Elena Rose slowed the tempo with “Me Lo Merezco.”

• Karol G joined Marco Antonio Solís for a duet of “Coleccionando Heridas.”

Regional Mexican music saw a significant spotlight as Grupo Frontera and Fuerza Regida performed their hit “Me Jalo,” with Fuerza Regida later presenting “Marlboro Rojo.” Their performance underscored the genre’s current dominance across streaming platforms.

More Winners Across Latin Genres

Carín León, known for his raspy vocal style, performed “Ahí Estabas Tú” and then sang “Lost in Translation” with Kacey Musgraves. Later, he won contemporary Mexican album for Palabra De To’s (Seca).

Other notable wins included:

• Best new artist: Paloma Morphy

• Traditional tropical album: Raíces by Gloria Estefan, who followed with performances of “La Vecina” and “Chirriqui Chirri” with Nathy Peluso

• Ranchero/mariachi album: ¿Quién + Como Yo? by Christian Nodal

The Argentine duo Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso emerged as the most awarded act of the 2025 cycle, collecting five trophies during the Premiere Ceremony, including wins for short and long-form video, alternative song, alternative music album for Papota, and pop song for “El Día del Amigo.”

Many categories, particularly in technical and genre divisions, were presented earlier in the evening, including Bad Bunny’s win for reggaeton performance with “Voy A Llevarte Pa Pr.”

A Night of Collaboration and Cross-Generational Influence

The broadcast showcased how Latin music continues evolving across regional and international lines. Artists from different countries and musical traditions—pop, urbano, mariachi, bachata, and tropical—united for performances that highlighted both heritage and innovation.

With Bad Bunny anchoring the night and a wide array of artists contributing memorable moments, the 2026 Latin Grammys reaffirmed the global reach and creative breadth of the Latin music industry.

Source: AP News – Bad Bunny wins album of the year at the 2025 Latin Grammys, capping an electric night

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After last year’s 25th-anniversary celebration in Miami, the 26th Annual Latin Grammy Awards return to Las Vegas, bringing Latin music’s biggest night back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The ceremony, set for Thursday evening, promises a spectacular showcase of top talent, new categories, and milestone performances.

Bad Bunny Dominates the 2025 Nominations

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny once again takes center stage, leading this year’s Latin Grammy nominations with 12 nods, solidifying his position as one of the most influential artists in global music. His record-breaking nominations surpass those of Édgar Barrera, the prolific Mexican-American producer and songwriter known for his collaborations with artists like Madonna, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Shakira, and Grupo Frontera.

Barrera, who topped the list in both 2023 and 2024, follows closely this year with 10 nominations, sharing the second spot with Argentine hip-hop duo CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, whose genre-bending sound continues to push boundaries in Latin urban music.

How and When to Watch

The 2025 Latin Grammy Awards will broadcast live from Las Vegas on TelevisaUnivision’s U.S. platforms at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with an hourlong pre-show beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern.

For fans eager to catch the glamour before the ceremony, The Associated Press will host a red carpet livestream on YouTube and APNews.com starting at 5 p.m. Eastern, offering behind-the-scenes interviews and celebrity arrivals.

New Categories Spotlight Visual Media and Cultural Roots

This year, the Latin Recording Academy has introduced two new categories to reflect the evolving landscape of Latin music and culture.

The first, Best Music for Visual Media, will recognize original compositions created for films, television, video games, and other visual platforms. Eligible works must either feature Latin rhythms or be composed by an artist of Ibero-American descent.

The second, Best Roots Song, honors songwriters behind new, unpublished recordings that preserve and reinterpret traditional music styles from Hispanic, Portuguese, or Indigenous origins. The award celebrates songs that represent the social, cultural, and linguistic diversity of Latin communities worldwide.

A Night of Global Latin Performances

The 2025 ceremony boasts a powerhouse performance lineup that captures the richness of Latin music’s many genres. Confirmed acts include Bad Bunny, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Karol G, Marco Antonio Solís, Chuwi, Fuerza Regida and its lead singer Jesús Ortiz Paz, Pepe Aguilar, Aitana, Ivan Cornejo, DannyLux, Gloria Estefan, Kakalo, Carín León, Liniker, Morat, and Los Tigres del Norte.

One of the evening’s highlights will be a special tribute performance honoring the 2025 Latin Grammy Person of the Year, Spanish icon Raphael, whose six-decade career has left an indelible mark on the Latin music world.

Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

The Latin Grammy Person of the Year honor has previously gone to legends such as Carlos Vives (2024), Juanes, Laura Pausini, Marco Antonio Solís, and Rubén Blades, each celebrated for their artistic contributions and humanitarian work.

This year’s ceremony aims not only to celebrate the best of contemporary Latin music but also to highlight the enduring cultural impact of artists who continue to shape its global reach.

As the lights go up in Las Vegas, the 2025 Latin Grammys are set to deliver a mix of nostalgia, innovation, and international flair — a fitting tribute to the diversity and creativity that define Latin music today.

Source: AP News – The 2025 Latin Grammy Awards are almost here. Here’s what to expect and how to watch

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Kendrick Lamar has once again topped the Grammy nominations, leading the 2026 list with nine nods. The Recording Academy announced the contenders on Friday, marking another milestone in Lamar’s acclaimed career.

The rapper earned nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. It is his third time competing in all three major categories at once. Lamar also received nominations for Pop Duo/Group Performance, Melodic Rap Performance, Rap Song, Rap Album, and twice in Rap Performance.

Lamar’s latest studio album, GNX, built on the success of his past releases. He now has 22 Grammy wins and 66 total nominations. The album is also his fifth in a row to receive a nomination for Album of the Year — a record unmatched by any other artist. If GNX wins, it would be his first victory in that category and only the third rap album ever to take the top prize. Outkast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below won in 2004, and Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill did in 1999.

Lady Gaga, Antonoff, and Cirkut Earn Seven Nods Each

Lady Gaga, producer Jack Antonoff, and Canadian hitmaker Cirkut follow Lamar with seven nominations apiece.

Gaga’s album Mayhem brought her nominations in Record, Song, and Album of the Year for the first time together. She also appears in Pop Solo Performance, Pop Vocal Album, Dance Pop Recording, and Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

Antonoff scored double nominations in several top categories through his work with Lamar and Sabrina Carpenter. He also earned his first Rap Song nomination for tv off, featuring Lamar and Lefty Gunplay.

Both Antonoff and Cirkut are up for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical). A win for Antonoff would tie Babyface’s record of four career victories in the category. Cirkut also gained nominations for Record and Song of the Year twice — for Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra and Rosé and Bruno Mars’ APT — along with Album of the Year and Best Dance Pop Recording.

Album of the Year Features a Global Mix

The 2026 Album of the Year nominees represent a wide range of music styles and artists. Along with Lamar’s GNX and Gaga’s Mayhem, the list includes Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend, Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Justin Bieber’s Swag, Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out, Leon Thomas’ Mutt, and Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia.

This is the first time three albums — GNX, Let God Sort Em Out, and Chromakopia — have been recognized in both the Rap Album and Album of the Year categories. The trend highlights rap’s growing influence across mainstream music.

Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos also made history. It is only the second all-Spanish album to earn a nomination for Album of the Year, following his 2023 hit Un Verano Sin Ti. That year, Harry Styles’ Harry’s House took the top prize.

Rising Artists and Global Representation

Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Leon Thomas, and Serban Ghenea each collected six nominations. Andrew Watt, Clipse, Doechii, Sounwave, SZA, Turnstile, and Tyler, the Creator followed with five.

This year’s Best New Artist category includes Katseye, Olivia Dean, The Marias, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and Lola Young — a mix of global and online-era performers.

The Record of the Year nominees are Bad Bunny’s DtMF, Carpenter’s Manchild, Doechii’s Anxiety, Billie Eilish’s Wildflower, Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra, Lamar and SZA’s luther, Chappell Roan’s The Subway, and Rosé and Bruno Mars’ APT.

Rosé, known as a member of BLACKPINK, became the first K-pop artist ever nominated in this category. Her inclusion marks a milestone for Korean representation in major Western awards.

Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower” Qualifies Under Academy Rules

Billie Eilish’s Wildflower drew attention for being released before the eligibility window. The song appeared on her 2024 album Hit Me Hard and Soft. However, the Recording Academy allows entries from the previous year if they were not submitted before and did not win a Grammy. Because Wildflower was never entered, it qualified this year.

Song of the Year Mirrors Record Category

The Song of the Year list mirrors the Record of the Year field, with one exception: Chappell Roan’s The Subway is replaced by Golden from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack. This award honors songwriters, which can include but does not always mean the performer.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the nominations highlight the music community’s creativity. “The Grammy Awards honor the people who make this community vibrant,” he said. “From emerging talent to influential icons, these nominees reflect today’s diverse musical landscape.”

First-Time Nominees and Next Steps

Several artists received their first Grammy nominations this year, including Tate McRae, Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, rapper JID, and actor Timothée Chalamet — a surprise name in the lineup that underscores the Academy’s broader artistic recognition.

To qualify, music had to be released commercially in the United States between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025. Final voting begins December 12 and ends January 5.

The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live on February 1 on CBS and Paramount+, broadcasting from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena.

Source: AP News – Kendrick Lamar leads 2026 Grammy nominations, followed by Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff and Cirkut

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NEW YORK — “Saturday Night Live” wrapped up its landmark 50th season not with a bang, but with a warm, reflective, and slightly chaotic finale led by none other than Scarlett Johansson.

Marking her seventh time hosting — the most ever for a female host — Johansson brought a sentimental flair to the show’s closing moments, blending classic sketch comedy with heartfelt tributes, musical parodies, and a few wild surprises.

A Musical Monologue to Mark the Moment

Opening the show, Johansson delivered a standout monologue — not in the form of a typical stand-up routine, but through a group performance parodying Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” Joined by cast members Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, Mikey Day, and Heidi Gardner, she sang:

“Sing us a song, it’s your monologue, the 50th season is through. It’s lasting forever, we did it together, and we got to spend it with you.”

The song looked back on the season’s biggest moments: an election year, an anniversary special, and a star-packed celebration. True to form, Johansson even teased a surprise guest, dramatically declaring, “Ladies and gentlemen, Billy Joel!” — before quickly walking it back with, “…wrote this song.”

No Departures, Just Jokes — Or So We Thought

Unlike past finales, this one didn’t include tearful goodbyes — no cast departures were officially announced. But that didn’t stop the team from poking fun. The musical number jokingly claimed that cast member Sarah Sherman was leaving, catching even her off guard.

“It’s been a great season and Sarah is leaving, we’re all gonna miss you next year!” the cast sang. “Wait, what? Did you guys hear something?” a shocked Sherman replied.

Jost and Che Keep the Tradition — and the Roasts — Alive

As always, “Weekend Update” brought the edgy humor fans expect. Co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che continued their season-finale tradition: writing inappropriate jokes for each other to read live on air.

Che couldn’t escape one of his past gags about Johansson, Jost’s wife. This year, Jost got payback — forcing Che to bring Johansson out on stage and apologize for once comparing a part of her anatomy to “Costco roast beef.”

Jost, meanwhile, had to tackle one of the hot questions surrounding SNL’s future — whether he might succeed 80-year-old creator Lorne Michaels someday.

“Lorne, retire, bitch! Let me run the show,” Jost joked, reading a line Che had written for him.

Behind-the-Scenes Skits Go Off the Rails

The night also featured a couple of wild pre-recorded sketches.

In one of the more risqué digital shorts, Johansson’s character confesses her crush on Bowen Yang — only to discover he’s not gay after all, but has been pretending “for the clout.” Things spiral as she finds out he’s also been hooking up with Nwodim, Gardner, and surprise guest Emily Ratajkowski.

Another sketch, produced by the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy, placed Johansson on a luxurious first-class flight with the group — a parody that quickly devolved into hip-hop video absurdity. The fun comes crashing down when they realize they’re landing at Newark Airport, prompting panic.

Adding to the chaos? Musical guest Bad Bunny, making a hilarious cameo as a lone air traffic controller on his first day.

Trump Finds Love in the Cold Open

As expected, James Austin Johnson opened the show with his fan-favorite Donald Trump impression. This time, Trump’s bizarre quest led him to “find love” — with none other than Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Johnson’s Trump even broke the fourth wall, addressing the audience directly:

“It’s the ‘SNL’ finale, season 50 — worst one yet! See you again in the fall if we still have a country. It’s a coin toss.”

A Season Full of Nostalgia, Guest Stars, and Future Questions

The 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” was a nostalgic ride that celebrated the show’s long legacy while navigating today’s chaotic cultural and political climate. It brought in big-name hosts, musical guests, and even speculation about the show’s future leadership.

Scarlett Johansson’s hosting — blending heartfelt reflection with her trademark comedic timing — was the perfect capstone for a season that often felt like a love letter to the show’s history, chaos and all.

As the cast sang their final notes and the studio lights dimmed, one thing was clear: after 50 seasons, SNL still knows how to surprise us — and leave us wanting more.

Source: AP News – Scarlett Johansson brings 50th season of ‘SNL’ to a low-key close

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Donald Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City saw a series of inflammatory remarks targeting Democratic leaders, Puerto Rico, and migrants. Several local supporters, speaking before Trump, voiced grievances against some of the former president’s frequent political targets. One speaker, a former Republican congressional candidate, labeled Vice President Kamala Harris as “the antichrist.”

The event opened with comedian Tony Hinchcliffe making derogatory comments about Puerto Rico, despite New York City having the largest population of Puerto Ricans in the mainland United States. “There’s a floating island of garbage in the ocean,” he joked. “I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” The remark was met with laughter and applause from Trump supporters in the audience.

Harris’ team quickly responded, posting a video of Hinchcliffe’s comments on social media. Harris herself visited a Puerto Rican restaurant in Philadelphia the same day, discussing her plans to support Puerto Rican communities in the U.S. and address the island’s needs. Popular musician Bad Bunny, a prominent voice for Puerto Rican issues, shared Harris’ remarks with his 45 million Instagram followers, amplifying her response.

Florida Senator Rick Scott, whose political success relies on Puerto Rican support, condemned the joke, tweeting, “It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans.” Hinchcliffe later defended himself on social media, insisting he intended his remarks as humor and claimed he had affection for Puerto Rico.

Other speakers at the rally included radio host Sid Rosenberg, who harshly criticized Hillary Clinton, calling her “a sick son of a b*tch,” and directed frustration toward New York City’s assistance to migrants. “Homeless veterans are left on benches in Central Park, while illegals get everything they want,” Rosenberg claimed, adding to the event’s focus on criticizing immigration policies.

The rally underscored the tensions and polarized perspectives leading up to the upcoming election, with Trump and his supporters invoking provocative language against political opponents and migrants.

Source

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