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The lights went down low as Leon took the stage for his sultry performance of “Primera Cita.” With his band jamming behind him, Leon allowed his voice to be the main event as it soared. He also changed one of his lyrics to reflect the Latin Grammy Awards taking place in Spain this year. Leon masterfully translated his country-infused Mexican song into a captivating live performance. Towards the end, he shouted out Mexico and his home state of Sonora. Leon showed the future of Música Mexicana through his live soulful moment.

Carin Leon is one of the breakthrough Latin acts of the year, and is among the artists bringing Música Mexicana to a global audience.

The Mexican singer/songwriter racked up multiple on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, including "Que Vuelvas" with norteño band Grupo Frontera and his heartfelt hit "Primera Cita." In the latter song, Leon blended in influences of American country and soul music with his proudly Mexican sound. The genre-bending track was included on his latest LP Colmillo de Leche, which received a nomination for Best Norteño Album at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs.

On Colmillo de Leche, Leon pushed Música Mexicana to new places in "De Piedra a Papel," which mixed in flamenco influences from Spanish singer Pablo Alborán. Colombian pop star Camilo also featured on the hit "Ni Me Debes, Ni Te Debo," which has racked up over 90 million streams on Spotify. 

Earlier this year, Leon launched the "F— Regional" campaign to stop use of the "regional Mexican music" classification since the genre has gone global. Leon also featured on Maluma’s recent hit "Según Quién" on his latest album, Don Juan. 

2023 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Complete Nominations List

One would have expected plenty of pomp and circumstance as the Latin GRAMMYs celebrated their 25th year anniversary. But there were no lengthy speeches or self-congratulatory videos during the Nov. 14 telecast.

This year, the telecast focused on the things that matter: saluting the magic of undying genres like salsa, rock and bossa nova. Honoring the legacies of such Latin American trendsetters as Carlos Vives and Juan Luis Guerra. Giving artists a carefully curated space where to showcase their craft and inspiration.

From the stark cinematic moods of reggaetón to the healing warmth of Afro-Caribbean roots and the bold expansion of música mexicana, here are 10 of the most exciting celebratory moments from the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

The Music Of Carlos Vives Is A Priceless Cultural Treasure

Colombian singer/songwriter Carlos Vives was The Latin Recording Academy's 2024 Person Of The Year — a fitting recognition to his groundbreaking fusion of the accordion-heavy vallenato music of his land with rock, pop and even reggae. Vives' path of innovation began with the 1993 album Clásicos de la Provincia, and, like the Latin GRAMMYs, his career has evolved much over the last 25 years.

The singer kicked off the telecast with a career-spanning medley of hits such as "Fruta Fresca" — a rollicking gem off his 1999 classic El Amor de mi Tierra — and the more recent "La Bicicleta." At the end of his performance, he was joined by an enthusiastic group of fellow singers, including Juanes and Camilo. This brisk summary of his creative genius underscored his innate ability to connect with the essence of Latin American culture.

Read More: Watch: Carlos Vives Performs "La Bicicleta," "Robarte Un Beso" & More At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

The Moody Soundscapes Of Urbano Continue To Expand

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Jagged regaetón beats and ominous trap atmospherics are a natural component of the Latin pop DNA. But the urbano universe continues to grow, experimenting with novel song structures while incorporating references to other genres.

Early on in the telecast, three contemporary stars joined forces for a segment that showcased the ever evolving side of urbano. Eladio Carrión ("Mama's Boy") Quevedo ("Columbia") and Myke Towers ("La Falda") combined their proven commercial appeal with a sophisticated vision.

A True Master Never Stops Learning His Craft

Let's just say that this year's ceremony was a memorable evening for perennial Latin GRAMMY favorite Juan Luis Guerra. The 67-year-old singer/songwriter won the coveted Record Of The Year and Album Of The Year awards, and cherished his Dominican roots in his acceptance speech.

But Guerra also let the music speak for itself in a mesmerizing performance of Record Of The Year winning track "MAMBO 23." A stunning display of craftsmanship, it begins with a dembow beat, incorporates electronic loops, and also switches between the haunting qualities of spiraling bachata lines and the raucous party vibe of traditional merengue — all within the same song. Clearly, Guerra continues to learn and further refine his musical lexicon with each new project.

Read More: Juan Luis Guerra Sweeps The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs With 'Radio Güira'

Three Mexican Legends Are Sorely Missed

Alejandro Fernández | Photo: Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

There was a reflective quality to this year's telecast, which included tributes to classic genres and luminaries of the past. Perhaps the most poignant, though, was the segment dedicated to three late giants of Mexican music: Juan Gabriel, José José and Vicente Fernández.

The delicate sadness of Juan Gabriel's "Hasta Que Te Conocí" (performed by Reik and Leonel García), the apocalyptic balada pathos of José José's "El Triste" as a duet (a duet with Carlos Rivera and David Bisbal), and the unapologetic joy of Vicente Fernández's "No Me Sé Rajar" (fittingly, by his son Alejandro) — illustrated the monumental sway that these masters still hold in the Latin music zeitgeist.

Salsa Lives On — And It Grooves Like Crazy

While it is true that the heyday of salsa took place during the '70s and '80s, this is a genre that simply refuses to grow stale. And to prove it, a parade of stars delivered a dazzling tribute to the tenets of salsa fever.

Venezuela's Oscar D'León offered a swinging reading of his 1974 classic "Llorarás," while Colombia's Grupo Niche had the audience chanting along to the chorus of "Una Aventura." Tito Nieves and young stars Luis Figueroa and Christian Alicea were also present, while the salsa romántica royalty of Marc Anthony and La India revived their '90s mega-hit "Vivir Lo Nuestro" in stunning, dynamic form.

Read More: Watch: Marc Anthony & Salsa All-Stars Tito Nieves, Grupo Niche, Oscar D'Leon & More Celebrate The Genre At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

Latin Pop Thrives On Emotional Connection

After winning three Latin GRAMMYs last year on the strength of the genre defining Mañana Será Bonito — including the coveted Album Of The Year — KAROL G added another award to her collection on the 2024 telecast. The Colombian star's eclectic 2023 mixtape, Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), won in the Best Urban Music Album category, at a moment when KAROL G is celebrated as one of the world's biggest pop stars.

As she collected the Latin GRAMMY, she focused on the things that matter. "This is about the love that I share with my fans," said a visibly moved KAROL. "And my family, which makes my life so much easier. Without them, I wouldn't have my mental health." The same feeling of emotional openness permeates the songs in both Mañana Será Bonito projects.

This Is Not Your Parents' Música Mexicana

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It is definitely not a coincidence that música mexicana is experiencing a massive wave of popularity. The charisma and musical talent of stars like Peso Pluma, Grupo Frontera and Fuerza Régida is augmented by the vision of innovators such as Carín León, who blends effortlessly the folk roots of his native Sonora with cool touches of country and blues.

Introduced by Julieta Venegas and Mon Laferte, León performed "Despídase Bien" — the ending track of his extraordinary 2024 album, Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 — backed by a full band and choir. A thorny electric guitar solo and rousing gospel vocals added gravitas to a song that is Mexican to the core, but does not hesitate to venture out of the box in search of true emotion.

The Old Bossa Nova Classics Are Indestructible

There were no sassy baile funk riddims when Brazilian stars Anitta and Tiago Iorc joined forces for a couple of songs in a dimly lit section of the stage. Instead, the duo launched into a fragile, understated version of Anitta's "Mil Veces," backed only by acoustic guitar and the diva's gorgeous voice.

This intimate moment was followed by "Mas Que Nada" — the whimsical 1963 tune by Jorge Ben that turned Sérgio Mendes and his band Brasil '66 into one of the architects of the bossa nova movement. Mendes passed away in September of this year, and the luminous interpretation by Anitta and Iorc served as the most elegant tribute possible.

Read More: Watch: Anitta & Tiago Iorc Team Up For "Mil Veces" & A Beautiful Tribute To Sérgio Mendes At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

Visceral Rock n Roll Will Never Go Out Of Style

One of the most intense moments of the telecast lasted less than two minutes — but will stay in the mind of anyone who ever prophesied the death of rock.

Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, The Warning — a trio made up by sisters Daniela, Alejandra and Paulina Villarreal Vélez — delivered a welcome jolt of rock 'n'roll with a ferocious version of their hit "Qué Más Quieres." The performance was a reminder of how much raucous fun a trio of guitar, bass, drums, and gutsy vocals can generate. And yes, Latin rock is in excellent health, thank you.

Read More: Watch: The Warning Bring Hard Rock Power To The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs With "Qué Más Quieres"

At The End Of The Day, It's All About The Songs

As is often the case with Latin GRAMMY darling Jorge Drexler, the Uruguayan troubadour had some deep thoughts to share when he received the Song Of The Year honor for the exquisite "Derrumbe" — a non-album single he released in February of this year.

"This is madness," Drexler said after exchanging a hug with Juanes, who announced the winner. He pointed out that he hails from a very small country, and that "Derrumbe" itself was a sad and short song — una cancioncita, he called it.

He thanked the Latin Recording Academy for healing his chronic imposter syndrome and proving that a delicate, unassuming tune like his could win. Then again, that's one of the main missions of the Latin GRAMMYs: to acknowledge the power of a great song to inspire and transform.

Carin León's genre-bending approach to música Mexicana has filled arenas this past year. The Mexican superstar brought that energy to the Latin GRAMMYs stage with a searing performance of "Despídase Bien," backed by a gospel choir and full band.

León is nominated for four Latin GRAMMY Awards, including Album Of The Year and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album for Boca Chueca, Vol. 1. He's received nods for Record Of The Year for his duet with Camilo, and Song Of The Year for the multi-artist "Te Lo Agradezco." At the beginning of the ceremony, Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 — which includes the single "Despídase Bien" — emerged victorious the inaugural Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album category.

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Watch: Carin León Wins Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album For 'Boca Chueca, Vol. 1' | 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

León's fusion of música Mexicana with elements of country and blues has ushered him onto international stages and festival performances, including Coachella and Stagecoach. Earlier this year, he also proudly represented Mexico at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. 

The multiple Latin GRAMMY winner is no stranger to the stage as a performer at the Biggest Night In Latin Music. At last year's ceremony, León pulled double-duty with live performances of "Primera Cita" and "Según Quién" alongside Maluma. This time around, he delivered one solid performance of "Despídase Bien" with the support of a choir and band that included drums, keys, bass, and an electric guitar solo. With a cowboy hat and suited-up, León belted out heart out while singing the heartbreaking ballad. He brought plenty of soul and blues to the stage with his commanding performance. León’s live multi-genre spin on música Mexicana was mesmerizing. 

León won his first Latin GRAMMY in 2022 for Best Regional Mexican Song for "Como lo Hice Yo" with Matisse. Last year, he took home the award for Best Norteño Album for Colmillo De Leche. 

Check out the complete list of winners and nominees at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

Carin León won Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album (Regional-Mexican Field) for Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

Building on the massive success of his previous album, Colmillo de Leche, which won the Latin GRAMMY for Best Norteño Album in 2023. The singer’s fifth album is a triumphant blend of his own experimental style and the traditional Mexican music he grew up with and has since become known for. The 19-track effort explores pop, country, rock, and R&B, flexing León’s introspective songwriting prowess as the singer’s lyrics dove into the darker sides of his personal life and career.

The inaugural winner of the category, León dedicated the award to the people of his hometown of Hermosillo, Sonora, and all those whose mission is to keep uplifting Mexican music. 

Other nominees for Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album (Regional-Mexican Field) included Natanael Cano's Nata Montana, DannyLux's Evoluxíon, Grupo Frontera's Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada, Michelle Maciel's Trastornado, and Peso Pluma's Génesis.

Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album is one of two new categories at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. This new category highlights albums with a diversity of Mexican genres, and reflects the worldwide spread and evolution of the country's music.

Check out the complete list of winners and nominees at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

The Latin Recording Academy has announced its first roster of performers for the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. The lineup includes current nominees David Bisbal, Alejandro Fernández, Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra, Carín León, Elena Rose and Ela Taubert, as well as the 2024 Person of the Year honoree Carlos Vives.

David Bisbal earned a nomination for Best Pop Song, while Alejandro Fernández scored a nomination for Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album. Luis Fonsi received a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album, and Juan Luis Guerra earned five nominations including Record of the Year, Best Tropical Song, Album of the Year, Best Merengue/Bachata Album and Producer of the Year. Carín León garnered four nominations including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, as well as Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album. Elena Rose nabbed three nominations for Song of the Year, Best Pop/Rock Song and Best Regional Song, while Ela Taubert was nominated for Best New Artist. Also set to perform is the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honoree, Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winner Carlos Vives, who will be recognized for his more than three-decade career as a multifaceted singer and composer at a special star-studded gala the evening prior. 

Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Complete Nominations List

The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs mark the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards, and will air live Thursday, Nov. 14, from Miami. The three-hour telecast, produced by TelevisaUnivision, will air live on Univision, Galavisión and ViX beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT).

Preceding the telecast will be the Latin GRAMMY Premiere Ceremony, a long-established evening full of unforgettable performances and heartfelt acceptance speeches, where the winners in most categories will be announced.