Latin Grammy Awards 2026 Predictions: Who Will Win the Top Honors?

Who will win the top prize at the 2026 Latin Grammys? Every year, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors dissect the top categories — album of the year, song of the year, record of the year and best new artist — to forecast the winners and spotlight the most deserving artists.

With the ceremony just around the corner this Thursday (Nov. 12), our editorial team has engaged in an analysis, considering market trends and historical voting patterns to make informed predictions. This discussion includes insights from Sigal Ratner-Arias, deputy editor of Billboard Español; Jessica Roiz, associate editor for Latin; and Ingrid Fajardo, senior social media manager and staff writer.

On its 26th annual edition, the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision and air across the network’s U.S. platforms, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. It will be preceded by the Latin Grammy Premiere, where the majority of the categories are awarded.

To refresh your memory, here’s this year’s full list of nominees. Below are our predictions for the general categories:

Album of the year

Jessica Roiz: All are great works, but the clear winner in my book is Milo J’s La Vida Era Más Corta. In 15 songs, the then 18-year-old bridged the past, present and future, most notably with his star-studded collaborations that include Trueno, Akriila, Silvio Rodríguez and the late Mercedes Sosa. Showcasing the maturity beyond his years, the Argentine artist — who’s one of the youngest to be nominated in this coveted category — beautifully captures Latin America’s rich folk traditions, where chacareras, zambas, chamamés and tangos effortlessly coexist.

Sigal Ratner-Arias: I agree that all of these are excellent and that Milo — despite his young age — has created a truly extraordinary album. However, I don’t see any other winner here besides Rosalía for LUX, a complex, one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra and featuring songs musically and lyrically rich — in 13 different languages! — Rosalía not only expanded the meaning of what a pop album can be, she also reached new vocal heights with an impressive operatic work.

Ingrid Fajardo: I agree with Jessica and Sigal; we definitely saw masterpieces in this category, including Milo J’s La Vida Era Más Corta and Carín León’s MUDA. But Rosalía took us into her world with LUX. For me, it’s a work of art; it feels like reaching the deepest part of her musical thoughts, her knowledge and the art she carries inside, captured in this 18-track album combining a masterful symphony orchestra perfectly intertwined with pop that makes you feel the performance of each song.

Song of the year

Jessica Roiz: Traditionally, the song of the year honors the musical and lyrical composition of a song, which is why I would love to see “Coleccionando Heridas” by Karol G and Marco Antonio Solís nab the award this year. There’s something about the nostalgia aspect of this song that has me in a chokehold, from its grupero love ballad melody to its heartfelt and relatable lyrics. “Coleccionando Heridas” (collecting wounds) puts on the forefront the modern-day dating life that can be quite challenging.

Sigal Ratner-Arias: “Coleccionando Heridas” is also one of my favorites on this list, and if it wins, it would be well-deserved, no doubt. However, I think Rosalía could easily take home this award with “La Perla” alongside Yahritza y Su Esencia. The song, with its brilliantly ironic lyrics about a manipulative ex-partner, has become an anthem of catharsis, also driven by an exhilarating orchestral arrangement and the powerful voices of Rosi and Yahritza.

Ingrid Fajardo: This is a tough category, as many nominees tackle more traditional themes in their lyrics. For example, Karol G’s “Coleccionando Heridas” delivers a direct message about love and heartbreak, while Rosalía’s “La Perla”, which could be described as “communal therapy,” brilliantly captures the characteristics of a narcissistic person. Milo J’s “Solifican12″ stands out with its folk-inspired sound and introspective verses, using metaphor to explore personal transformation. For its depth and originality, I’d love to see “Solifican12” take home the Latin Grammy.

Record of the year

Roiz: Every song in this category is a true masterpiece, but I’m personally torn between two songs that are complete opposites, but impactful in their own right. The very motivational “Alma” not only introduced an edgy, confident and fearless side to Elena Rose, but its acoustic and minimalist soundscape truly redefined today’s Latin pop music scene. Meanwhile, Rosalía’s “La Perla” featuring Yahritza y Su Esencia is an elegant melting pot that laces ranchera, classical symphony and waltz music, backed by the power vocals of the Spanish singer-songwriter and the Mexican band’s lead Yahrtiza Martinez. Now, given the fact that the record of the year recognizes the overall audio recording and sonic performance of a track, I highly believe “La Perla” can take the Latin Grammy award this year.

Ratner-Arias: I love all the songs and artists in this category, but again, I feel that the award here will come down to “La Perla” and “Coleccionando Heridas.” For the same reasons I explained before, I’m leaning toward Rosalía taking this one as well.

Ingrid Fajardo: For me, it’s definitely Rosalía’s “La Perla,” featuring Yahritza y Su Esencia. The song opens with a gentle, traditional guitar, setting an intimate atmosphere that draws the listener in. As the track unfolds, violins gradually layer in, their melodies weaving around the vocals and deepening the emotional resonance. Initially, there’s a light, playful energy to the arrangement, but as the song progresses, the orchestration projects, and a full symphony emerges, infusing the piece with an unexpected intensity and dramatic power.

Best new artist

Roiz: Macario Martínez. There’s something so heartwarming and honest in his artistry that I would be very excited if he won best new artist. At 25 years old, the Mexican folk artist is an old-soul whose music is rooted in intimate lyrics and acoustic melodies, backed by his tender-yet-soulful vocals. What makes Martínez an even more charming and compelling artist is his success story from working as a street sweeper in Mexico to landing his first Latin Grammy nomination. Winning would only give more power to the viral track that got him here today: “Sueña Lindo, Corazón.” Talk about a full-circle moment.

Ratner-Arias: I agree that it would be wonderful if Macario won — and well-deserved, too. That said, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen this much excitement in the industry surrounding one new artist — and that is Aria Vega. Our Latin Up-And-Comer for the month of July has stood out this year in a way few debut artists do, connecting with audiences not only through her refreshing fusion of urban and Caribbean rhythms but also through her infectious joy and unmatched charisma. I believe this costeñita from Barranquilla is well on her way to becoming a true superstar, and is the one to beat here.

Ingrid Fajardo: Aria is truly having a remarkable year. In February 2026, I featured her on Billboard‘s On the Radar Latin, and just five months later she was named our Latin Up-And-Comer. Audiences have genuinely connected to her essence and the fresh perspective she brings to Latin music. But I also want to highlight Macario Martínez, whose journey is a true testament to the power of dreams. He began with a viral video, just him, his music, and a heartfelt plea for listeners’ support. What started as a simple, authentic moment blossomed into a story with a happy ending. Throughout his rise, Macario has stayed true to his roots, maintaining a sound that feels like that of an old soul, someone who has returned to share his music and allow others to see the world through his eyes. In many ways, he reminds me of Juan Gabriel through his music, carrying his Mexican heritage with a very nostalgic sound.