Latin Grammys 2026: The Best, Worst, and Most Surprising Moments

Highlight: Daddy Yankee Steals the Show

Daddy Yankee cemented his status as the king of reggaeton with one of the most exciting performances of the night. The genre pioneer fully embodied the Artist of the Year honor, performing classics like „Ella Me Levantó” and „Lo Que Pasó, Pasó.” Daddy Yankee attacked „Rompe” and „Gasolina,” reminding the world of his iconic status. He brought a large guest list: LL Cool J, French Montana, Diljit Dosanjh, Feid, Bizarrap, and Bad Gyal. Surprise: Janet Jackson Joins the Latin Grammy Family Daddy Yankee appeared to pay tribute to Michael Jackson, wearing a single white glove. To the audience’s surprise, Janet Jackson appeared later to present the Artist of the Year award.

Daddy Yankee collaborated with Jackson on her 2018 song „Made For Now.” He dedicated a moment in his speech to thanking her. „I want to thank you for being here and I respect you a lot,” he told the icon. Lowlight: Justice for Pablo Alborán Pablo Alborán received a historic 30th nomination. He is the third Spanish artist with the most nominations, after Rosalía and Alejandro Sanz. Unfortunately, the Málaga pop star has never won a single Latin Grammy. His album KM0 lost to a deluxe edition of Sanz’s LP, ¿Y Ahora Qué?. The original version of Sanz’s album won the same category last year. Highlight: Anitta Claims Long-Awaited Victory Brazilian powerhouse Anitta brought immense energy to the stage during her performance from her critically acclaimed album EQUILIBRIVM. She performed „Choka Choka,” „Desgraça,” „Meia Noite,” and „Ouro.” Nominated 12 times, Anitta had never won a trophy until now.

She claimed her first Latin Grammy for Best Contemporary Pop Album in Portuguese

She claimed her first Latin Grammy for Best Contemporary Pop Album in Portuguese. She dedicated the honor to Brazil, noting how often its culture is erased from major media moments. Surprise: Sting Wins a Latin Grammy Yes, the rocker has more Grammys on his belt for his work with The Police. Now, the Latin Recording Academy recognized Sting too. It is less surprising when you consider that Sting won the Best Pop/Rock Song award for his collaboration on Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso’s „Hasta Jesús Tuvo Un Mal Día.” Sting explained on Instagram how he „helped” them face their new fame during a wellness retreat. Lowlight: No One Brought Up the Political Moment Earlier, before the broadcast began, elected U. S. representative Bobby Pulido enjoyed a circular victory, receiving the Best Tejano Album award in person.

However, aside from that unbroadcast moment, there were virtually zero speeches or performances addressing politics in Latin America or the realities of Latino-Americans in the U. S. Last year, Los Tigres del Norte’s performance celebrated immigrants in the middle.