On September 25, 2025, the city of Panama pulsed with excitement as it played host to the Premios Juventud, Latin entertainment’s annual celebration of music, film, television, and social media. For the first time in its history, the awards ceremony—long a Miami staple—crossed borders to take place at Panama’s Figali Convention Center, a move that, according to Univision, was designed to honor Latin heritage and give a platform to new voices in the industry.
The event, often dubbed the “hottest party of the year,” brought together 231 nominees across a staggering 41 categories, spotlighting a dazzling array of talent from across the Spanish-speaking world. As the night unfolded, it became clear that this was not just an awards show—it was a showcase of Latin culture’s vibrancy and influence, both regionally and globally.
The show’s relocation to Panama was more than symbolic. As Univision put it, “Bringing Premios Juventud to Panama was about honoring Latin heritage and giving space to new voices.” The opening moments paid tribute to Panama’s rich musical tradition, with salsa legend Willie Colón delivering a stirring rendition of “La Murga de Panamá.” He was joined by reggaeton pioneer Nando Boom, folk duo Samy & Sandra Sandoval, rock group Los Rabanes, and Dominican superstar Natti Natasha, who was also recognized as one of the night’s major winners and drew attention for her sparkling black gown—especially as she’s expecting her second child.
Panama City’s mayor, Mayer Mizrachi Matalon, appeared in a special video celebrating the event, declaring, “Panama ta brillando”—"Panama is shining." The sentiment was echoed throughout the night, as local pride and international stardom blended seamlessly under the bright lights of the convention center.
Among the evening’s most anticipated prizes, Colombian superstar Karol G emerged as a dominant force. She took home two of the night’s most coveted trophies: Artist of the Year and Tropical Hit for her song “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” whose music video has already surpassed a staggering 1 billion views on YouTube, according to UPI. Karol G was nominated in four categories, including Best Urban Track for “+57” and Best Pop/Urban Song for “Latina Foreva”—a testament to her versatility in both reggaeton and tropical genres.
Karol G’s wins were far from the only highlights. Puerto Rican icon Bad Bunny was the night’s biggest winner, walking away with three trophies out of six nominations. He clinched Best Urban Track for “DTMF,” Best Urban Collaboration for “Adivino” with Myke Towers, and Best Urban Album for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” The excitement around Bad Bunny was further amplified by news of his upcoming world tour—spanning 57 shows, none of which will take place in the United States—a move that’s already making headlines in the music world.
The diversity of winners reflected the evolving landscape of Latin music. De La Rose & Omar Courtz triumphed in the Best Alternative Urban Song category with “Nubes,” while the New Male Generation award went to rising urban artist ROA. In the realm of Mexican music, Majo Aguilar & Alex Fernández’s “Cuéntame” took home Best Mariachi Mexican Music Song, and Belinda with Tito Double P scored The Perfect Mix for “La Cuadrada.” Regional Mexican genres remained robust, as Clave Especial & Fuerza Regida’s “Como Capo” and Grupo Firme’s “El Beneficio de la Duda” won Best Alternative Mexican Song and Best Banda Mexican Song, respectively.
Women’s influence in the industry was celebrated with the Girl Power category, which crowned Kenia Os and Anitta for their daring collaboration “En 4.” Natti Natasha, already a winner for Best Tropical Album with “Natti Natasha En Amargue,” further cemented her place in the spotlight—both as a performer and as a symbol of the genre’s continued evolution.
The awards didn’t just honor established superstars. The night offered a platform for emerging talent and digital creators. De La Rose was recognized as New Female Artist of the Year, while social media influencer Jessica Judith and YouTube creator Luisito Comunica were honored for their impact in the digital sphere. Karime Kooler took home the “Stream That Hit Us” award, a nod to the growing influence of online platforms in shaping musical tastes and trends.
Pop and fusion genres also had their moment. Piso 21, Marc Anthony, and Beéle won Best Pop/Rhythmic Song for “Volver,” while Morat & Camilo were honored in the Best Pop Rock Song category with “Me Toca a Mí.” The Colombian pop band Morat was also named Favorite Group or Duo of the Year, underscoring their popularity across Latin America. Meanwhile, Belinda & Natanael Cano’s “300 Noches” won Best Mexican Fusion, and Tito Double P was recognized as the revelation in New Generation Mexican Music.
Behind-the-scenes talent and humor were not forgotten. Berenice Castro received the #GettingReadyWith award for her work in production, Los Chicaneros won Best LOL for their comedic chops, and the podcast “Date Cuenta” was named Podcast of the Year. Jesse & Joy’s “Lo Que Nos Faltó Decir” took home Best Pop Ballad Song, and the social impact award, Creator With a Cause, went to Alexis Omman.
Soap operas and television also featured, with El Extraño Retorno de Diana Salazar starring Angelique Boyer and Sebastián Rulli winning the “Me Enamoran” category. Rulli and Boyer were also chosen as My Favorite Actor and Actress, respectively, highlighting the crossover between music and screen in Latin pop culture.
The blue carpet, as always, was a spectacle in itself. Hosted by Alejandra Espinoza, Paraguayan model Nadia Ferreira, and Dominican TV personality Clarissa Molina, the event was as much about fashion and personality as it was about music. Natti Natasha, in particular, went viral for her maternity style, proving that the Premios Juventud is as much about cultural moments as it is about awards.
The night’s grand finale saw Karol G receive the Artist of the Year honor, a recognition that cements her leadership in Latin music and underscores her impact on new generations. Shakira, another Colombian powerhouse, won Best Pop/Urban Song with “Soltera,” reaffirming her enduring relevance. Other notable winners included Bad Bunny, whose album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” continues to break records, and Selena Gomez, benny blanco, and The Marías, who won the OMG Collaboration award for “Ojos Tristes.”
As the applause faded and celebrations spilled into the streets of Panama City, it was clear that the 2025 Premios Juventud had not only honored the brightest stars of Latin entertainment but had also spotlighted the region’s cultural dynamism. The event’s move to Panama signaled a new era—one where Latin music, in all its diversity, continues to shine on an ever-expanding global stage.