The award ceremony celebrates 25 years

The 2024 Latin Grammy Awards are here – and it’s a milestone day. This year, the event celebrates 25 years of honoring the best of Latin music in Spanish and Portuguese.

Taking place Thursday night at the Kaseya Center in Miami, considered the epicenter of Latin culture in the U.S., the show will be packed with star-studded performances that highlight the explosive growth of Latin music in recent years — it’s now the nation’s fastest growing streaming genre.

More than 700 artists were nominated across 58 categories this year, according to Manuel Abud, executive director of the Latin Recording Academy.

Shakira, Bad rabbit, Anita and Karol G is among the more than two dozen artists nominated for the night’s biggest awards – record of the year, album of the year and song of the year.

According to the Latin Recording Academy, more than 30 artists are confirmed to perform and make special appearances, including “Despacito” singer Luis Fonsi, rapper and producer Pitbullmerengue and bachata musician Juan Luis Guerra and many others.

Colombian singer-songwriter Carlos Vives is recognized as the one Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year and will deliver a special performance to honor his 30-year career, which has focused on reinterpreting the folkloric sounds of his homeland for mainstream audiences globally.

Latin music icon Marc Anthony will also produce a special segment where salsa is amazing Sergio Georgeto pay tribute to the tropical music genre.

With nine nominations, producer and songwriter Edgar Barrera is the most nominated artist. That’s it its second year in a row led the nominations. Barrera is responsible for hits like “Un x100to” by Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny, as well as “Mi Ex Tenía Razón” by Karol G, to name just a few.

While winners in the top categories will receive their awards during the televised show, most winners have already received their gramophone-shaped trophies at Latin Grammy Premiere Event Thursday afternoon at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Barrera won three awards: Songwriter of the Year, Best Regional Song and Producer of the Year.

“I can’t believe this,” Barrera, who is Mexican-American, said after winning the third prize. “Because all the producers with whom I am nominated are an inspiration to me.”

Spanish Argentinian singer Nathy Peluso, known for her powerful vocals and genre-bending music, also won three awards during the pre-show. Her song “El Día Que Perdí Mi Juventud” earned her an award for Best Alternative Song, “Aprender A Amar” won for Best Rap/Hip Song, and her album “Grasa” earned her a win for Best Long Form Music Video.

“Art is about putting your heart and believing into it,” Peluso said upon accepting the final award. “Thanks to the music and ‘Grasa’ for giving me so many blessings. It made me find myself and create something I’m proud of.”

Puerto Rican artist Kany García performed during the pre-show and won best singer-songwriter song with “García.” She is also nominated for album of the year and song of the year.

The Latin Grammys live show will be shown on Univision, Galavisión and ViX at 8 p.m. ET.