The magenta carpet at Miami’s Kaseya Center pulsed with excitement on February 19, 2026, as the 38th annual Premio Lo Nuestro unfolded in a dazzling display of Latin music’s best and brightest. This year’s ceremony, themed “Honrando lo que Somos” (“Honoring Who We Are”), not only celebrated the genre’s vibrant past and present but also spotlighted the artists and songs shaping its future. From chart-topping superstars to breakthrough newcomers, the night was a resounding testament to the power and diversity of Latin music.
According to Billboard, the star-studded evening saw a parade of celebrities—Thalia, Maluma, Xavi, Tokischa, Ryan Castro, and many more—strutting their stuff on the magenta carpet, fielding questions about their latest projects and posing for the cameras. The energy was palpable, with fans and media alike eager to see who would take home the night’s top honors.
Leading the pack in nominations were Bad Bunny, Carín León, Myke Towers, and Rauw Alejandro, each earning an impressive ten nods. Not far behind were Beéle, Fuerza Regida, and Karol G with eight nominations apiece, while Xavi racked up seven. Heavyweights such as Alejandro Fernández, Elena Rose, J Balvin, Maluma, Morat, and Shakira each secured six nominations, highlighting the fierce competition and sheer talent present in today’s Latin music scene.
The night, however, belonged to a handful of artists who managed to transform nominations into victories. Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny emerged as one of the evening’s biggest winners, clinching Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed Debí Tirar Más Fotos and Song of the Year for the chart-dominating “DtMF.” As reported by Billboard, these wins not only reaffirmed Bad Bunny’s status as a global force but also showcased his ongoing evolution as an artist. His ability to blend commercial appeal with creative growth continues to set him apart, and this dual triumph cements his place among the ceremony’s elite performers.
Colombian icon Shakira also made headlines, winning Pop Collaboration of the Year for her romantic duet “Bésame” with Alejandro Sanz. The track, celebrated for its vocal chemistry and emotional resonance, was one of the night’s most talked-about moments. Earlier in the same week, Shakira had already secured Tour of the Year for her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, a testament to her enduring popularity and the massive global impact of her live performances.
The awards weren’t limited to established superstars. Karol G was named Urban Female Artist of the Year, while Cazzu took home Pop Female Artist of the Year. Rising talent Camila Fernández was recognized as Female New Artist of the Year, providing a glimpse into the next wave of Latin music stars. Meanwhile, Becky G and Manuel Turizo won Pop/Urban Collaboration of the Year for “Que Haces,” underscoring the genre’s collaborative spirit and cross-genre innovation.
Special honors and tributes added gravitas to the celebratory atmosphere. Juanes was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his enduring global legacy and profound influence on generations of musicians. Paloma San Basilio received the Award for Excellence, honoring her distinguished career and contributions to the genre. Arcángel was celebrated with the Urban Icon Award, a nod to his profound impact on reggaeton and urban music. Legendary Mexican group Los Bukis accepted the Musical Legacy Award, while Manolo Díaz was presented with the Visionary Award for his role in expanding Spanish-language music’s reach around the world.
The official theme statement for the gala, as reported by the Billboard Music Awards, encapsulated the spirit of the evening: “The 38th annual gala will honor pride in where we come from and the cultural force that unites generations, genres and borders, paying tribute to our roots, our essence and the cultural identity that defines us.” This sentiment echoed throughout the night, from the performances to the acceptance speeches, weaving a narrative of unity, heritage, and artistic innovation.
Of course, the spectacle wasn’t limited to awards. The evening featured electrifying performances from a diverse lineup, including Gloria Trevi, Rawayana, Sech, Maria Becerra, Marc Anthony, and Nathy Peluso, among others. Each act brought its own flavor to the stage, ensuring that the celebration was as much about live music as it was about accolades.
Co-hosts Thalia, Clarissa Molina, and Nadia Ferreira kept the proceedings lively, guiding viewers through a packed schedule that aired live on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión, and streamed on ViX across the U.S. and most Latin American countries. The broadcast reached millions, amplifying the global influence of Latin music and its stars.
Behind the scenes, the competition was intense. With 44 categories spanning pop, urban, tropical, and Mexican music traditions, the breadth of talent on display was staggering. The winners’ list reflected this diversity, with established icons and fresh faces alike sharing the spotlight. As Billboard noted, the balance between legacy and innovation is what gives Latin music its unique strength and enduring appeal.
The magenta carpet itself was a spectacle, with artists showcasing bold fashion choices and personal style. Prince Royce, Maluma, Gloria Trevi, Arcángel, Natti Natasha, Sebastián Yatra, Carlos Vives, and many others turned heads and set social media abuzz. The visual feast was a reminder that Latin music is as much about culture and identity as it is about sound.
For many, the 2026 Premio Lo Nuestro was more than just an awards show—it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community. The event honored the artists who have paved the way, the innovators pushing boundaries, and the fans whose passion fuels the industry. As the final notes faded and the lights dimmed on the Kaseya Center, one thing was clear: Latin music’s future is as bright and boundless as its past.