meta-scriptKali Uchis On Her Road To 'Orquídeas': How A Bicultural Mindset, Working Alone & Embracing Her "Bitchier Side" Resulted In Her Most Energetic Album | GRAMMY.com
Kali Uchis
Kali Uchis

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Kali Uchis On Her Road To 'Orquídeas': How A Bicultural Mindset, Working Alone & Embracing Her "Bitchier Side" Resulted In Her Most Energetic Album

"I have so much creativity that I need to express all the time," Kali Uchis says of her latest release, 'Orquídeas.' Uchis' fourth studio album is also her second Spanish-language record.

GRAMMYs/Jan 12, 2024 - 03:05 pm

Kali Uchis is experiencing one of her most creatively prolific moments. For the first time, the GRAMMY-winning singer delights her fans with two long-play projects in less than a year: Red Moon in Venus and Orquídeas, the latter out Jan. 12. 

Described by Uchis as her most energetic body of work, Orquídeas is her second Spanish language record and a showcase of Uchis' vocal and musical growth. While Uchis' recent releases typically contrast her soothing vocals with hypnotic, mid-tempo R&B and hip-hop instrumentals, her fourth studio album exists in a distinctly different musical environment.

The 14-track, dance-centric album incorporates a breadth of Latin rhythms with a global influence: Dembow, salsa, hard-hitting merengue, reggaetón, Cuban son, and Latin soul appear alongside alternative, house, and even bolero. Orquídeas' first two tracks, ​​"Como así" and "Me Pongo Loca," set the tone for Uchis diving into house beats. On "Igual Que Un Angel," Uchis pulls Peso Pluma away from his corridos tumbados and into her dance world.

"I feel like others see Latin music or Latin artists as just one thing. That's why I need to demonstrate all the different genres of Latin music," Uchis tells GRAMMY.com. "As an artist, it's always important to push myself to do new things and try different genres. Being bicultural has always been part of my life." 

Expanding the bounds of her creativity has long been part of Uchis' vocabulary. Since releasing her first mixtape, 2012's Drunken Babble, Uchis' career and sound have been characterized by taking chances. Even before she dreamed of being a singer, the artist born Karly-Marina Loaiza defied expectations and dared to be the first in her family to pursue music. The Colombian American singer lived in her car and moved from Virginia to Los Angeles alone, all the while remaining fearless in the dogged pursuit of her dream.

Uchis says following her instinct has long been a vital part of her success. Uchis defended her creative decisions on her first Spanish-language album, 2020's Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otro Demonios), which her record label at the time thought risky. In fact, the most played single from the album, "Telepatía," was on the verge of not being part of the album after the label suggested production changes to make it more radio friendly. 

"I’d rather not go to radio than change my song," she told the New York Times. The single came out as she had imagined; her vision translated into billions of views, driven by virality achieved on TikTok.

The risk-taking didn't stop on Orquídeas, which sees Uchis exploring dance music and a wider variety of Latin music. The singer tells GRAMMY.com that "Labios Mordidos," the album's third single and a duet with Karol G, was one of Orquídeas' biggest risks. 

"I had a reggaetón/perreo song on Isolation, but it didn't do well; it's called 'Nuestro Planeta.' [Doing 'Labios Mordidos'] was definitely a risk; I mean, the whole album is really a risk because it's not one genre; it's a mix of so many different things, and it's not what people are used to hearing from me," she adds. 

Released on Nov. 24, "Labios Mordidos" debuted at No. 75 on Spotify's Global Top Songs charts. Since, it has accumulated over 54 million streams on Spotify and YouTube combined.

Orquídeas also represents Uchis' growth in songwriting; the singer says her storytelling abilities flourished on this album. She also gets incredibly vulnerable: On the melancholic bolero "Te Mata," Uchis mined her childhood experiences of survival and being kicked out of the house as a teenager. 

"I had to get even tougher skin. I had to learn to put myself and my happiness first. It meant a lot for me to write, and I hope it helps anyone else going [through] it find some self-power or some peace," she said in a TikTok video. 

"I love boleros," Uchis says of "Te Mata." "Romantic music, in general, has always fascinated me, as it can feel so timeless. It was a great opportunity to explore this genre and showcase my ability to tell stories in different ways."

Uchis honed her intuition writing alone, creating the entirety of her first EP in her bedroom. Solitude was her best ally in the creative process, she reflects. "[By working alone] I get a lot of my essence in music, which I feel is what people can really take away from it. That's why people listen to [my music]," says Uchis.

For Sin Miedo, Uchis worked with a group of composers who helped her clear up Spanish verbiage doubts and grammatical issues. "I didn't feel completely confident about my writing yet to make fully Spanish songs; that's why I write so much bilingual," Uchis explains.

While Uchis thought the experience cool, she has since moved on. When it came to writing  Orquídeas, "I feel like I didn't need the help; I was using [the process] to better myself, improve my writing, and be open to learning more about different writing processes. I felt ready. 

Just a few months after releasing Sin Miedo in 2021, Uchis embarked on the production of Red Moon in Venus and Orquídeas. For some, carrying out two productions in parallel — creating two different concepts while writing songs in two languages — may seem challenging. For Uchis, it was the perfect setting to expand her creativity.

"It's really easy to work that way because I feel like I have so much creativity that I need to express all the time. It's a little difficult for me to commit to just one sound, project, and language at this stage of my life," Uchis reflects.

Red Moon and Orquídeas are polar opposites, Uchis explains. In her 2023 album, she explores her "higher self, speaking [more] from a place of love; everything is about love. [Orquídeas] is like my bitchier side," the singer told the Brazilian YouTube channel Foquinha.

Kali Uchis’s Road To ‘Orquídeas’ tracklisting

The freedom to express oneself, challenge genres, and forge a unique career path is a virtue Uchis has maintained throughout her productions and collaborations. She has never allowed the pressure to be mainstream to influence how she approaches her art. 

"I've always had the freedom to do what I want. I don't do music [for the numbers]; I never feel pressure," she says. "I do this because it's my creative outlet. Whether I get more mainstream or more success, those are nice things. I'm proud of my accomplishments, but I don't think life should revolve around [the idea] of trying to be the most accomplished, the most successful."

Although Uchis does not lose any sleep over topping popular charts, her albums have done just that. With Isolation, she broke into the Billboard 200 chart, and Sin Miedo led Billboard's Latin Pop chart. In 2021, Uchis won her first GRAMMY for "10%" in the Best Dance Recording category, collaborating with KAYTRANADA.

Released in March 2023, Red Moon in Venus placed fifth on the Billboard 200 chart and was named by TIME magazine as 2023’s album of the year. To add to her success, the Colombian American singer finished the year as one of the most listened-to Latin female artists on Spotify, a distinction she shares with Karol G, Shakira, Rosalía, and Ana Castela.

2024 promises to be equally successful for Kali Uchis; the singer told GRAMMY.com that Orquídeas will be one of two albums she will release this year. That record will be a return to form, Uchis promises. (And she just revealed that she is pregnant, in her music video for “Tu Corazón Es Mío” and “Diosa.”)

"I have another project coming this year, completely different from Orquídeas. I did the whole thing in my house, alone, and never sat in a room with anybody. It's nice to go back to my roots," she says.

Kali Uchis Essentials: 9 Songs That Flaunt Her Soulful Magnetism

Backstage group shot from the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs
(L-R): Alejandro Fernández, Karol G, Elena Rose and Marc Anthony at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

Photo: Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

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10 Meaningful Moments From The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs: Karol G's Heartfelt Speech, Tributes To Late Legends & More

The 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs was a celebration indeed, spotlighting contemporary stars like Carín León and Anitta while paying homage to veterans like Carlos Vives and Juan Luis Guerra who have paved the way. Revisit 10 highlights here.

GRAMMYs/Nov 15, 2024 - 10:57 pm

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

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 Fernandez at 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

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

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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

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

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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.

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Elena Rose, Kali Uchis & Emilia | Latin GRAMMYs
Elena Rose, Kali Uchis, & Emilia

Photo: GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images; Jason Koerner/Getty Images; Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

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Watch: Kali Uchis, Elena Rose & Emilia Deliver Their Hits "Te Mata," "Caracas En El 2000," & "No Se Ve" At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

At the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, three women who've become powerful forces in Latin pop came together for a captivating medley of their nominated hits.

GRAMMYs/Nov 15, 2024 - 02:34 am

Three of the most distinctive and powerful female voices in Latin pop joined forces on the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs stage in Miami on Nov. 14 for a medley of their nominated songs.

First to perform was Columbian-American artist Kali Uchis, with her bolero-inspired song "Te Mata" from her chart-topping Spanish-language album Orquídeas. Nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album, Uchis also boasts nods for Best Pop Song and Record Of The Year for her track "Igual Que Un Ángel," featuring Mexican rapper Peso Pluma, and for Best Reggaeton Performance for "Labios Mordidos," featuring Karol G. This year's Latin GRAMMY nominations mark her first since her 2017 nomination for Record Of The Year for the song "Ratico," with Juanes

Dressed in a strapless, corset-style white satin gown, orchids fittingly adorning her mic stand, Uchis embodied old-school glamor and cool as she crooned the downtempo ballad. 

Next, alone on stage in a floor-sweeping white gown of her own, dance-pop singer/songwriter Elena Rose introduced a different kind of nostalgia with a performance of her upbeat hit "Caracas En El 2000," originally featuring Danny Ocean and Jerry Di. The single, an innocent and breezy ode to her Venezuelan roots, has amassed over 22 million views on YouTube and earned a nomination for Song Of The Year in addition to nominations this year for Best Pop/Rock Song for "Blanco y Negro" and Best Regional Song for "Por El Contrario." 

Known for her behind-the-scenes writing for stars like Bad Bunny and Selena Gomez, Rose has become a rising artist in her own right. Along with her Song Of The Year nomination, she earned nods for Best Pop/Rock Song and Best Regional Song, bringing her career Latin GRAMMY nominations total to nine.

Last but not least, Argentine pop sensation Emilia captivated the audience with a portion of her hit "No Se Ve," a standout from her Y2K-aesthetic 2023 album .mp3, which is nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album alongside Kali Uchis. In rhinestones and ultra-mini skirts, Emilia and her crew of dancers appropriately evoked the early '00s with a faithfulness that would give anyone flashbacks.

Emilia broke into the Argentine music scene with her 2022 debut, Tú Crees En Mí?, a trap and reggaeton-heavy album featuring hits like "Cuatro Viente" and "Intoxicao." With its follow-up, .mp3, she shifted to Latin pop with '90s and 2000s influences, teaming up with Tini and selling out dates across Argentina, Uruguay and Spain for her upcoming tour. 

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

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New music friday 10/18/24 Dean Lewis
Dean Lewis

Photo: Sean Loaney

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New Music Friday: Listen To New Releases By ROSÉ & Bruno Mars, Dean Lewis, SEVENTEEN & More

For the third week in a row, one of BLACKPINK’s members has launched a new solo era. ROSÉ's latest is joined this week by releases from Alana Springsteen, Sevdaliza & Karol G, and Tiwa Savage.

GRAMMYs/Oct 18, 2024 - 04:57 pm

On New Music Fridays, we wear pink! Or black! That’s because, for the third week in a row, one of BLACKPINK’s members has launched a new solo era. This week, ROSÉ recruits Bruno Mars for "APT.," the infectious lead single to her forthcoming debut full-length, Rosie.

Elsewhere, Bishop Briggs unveils Tell My Therapist I’m Fine, American Authors deliver Call Your Mother and Dillon Francis marks the tenth anniversary of his debut album Money Sucks Friends Don’t with a star-studded remix album.

Plus, Tyler, The Creator heralded the arrival of his eighth album CHROMAKOPIA later this month, and hotly anticipated singles arriving this week include JADE’s "Fantasy," Bailey Zimmerman’s "Holding On," Tiwa Savage’s "Forgiveness," and Estelle’s "Fire."

Below, dive into nine new releases worth checking out from the worlds of K-pop, country, hip-hop, Latin and more.

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars — "APT."

"Game, start!" Taking its title from the popular Korean drinking game "Apartment," the giddy first taste of Rosie ingeniously meshes ROSÉ’s K-pop polish with everything from surf rock and bubblegum pop, to the kind of suave vintage soul favored by duet partner Mars. Together, the duo creates an earworm that feels both wholly original and instantly unforgettable. Try getting the peppy, chant-ready hook out of your head by the time Mars cheekily asks, "Geonbae, geonbae, girl, what’s up?"

Using an appropriately rosy backdrop, matching leather jackets and just a few instruments at their disposal, ROSÉ and Mars show off their new friendship — and electrifying musical chemistry —  on the track’s goofy music video, which racked up nearly seven million views within just a few hours of its release. While "APT." may be a left turn from what BLINKs and Number Ones expected, it’s clear ROSÉ is swinging for the fences and so far, everything’s coming up rosy.

Read more: Breaking Down Every Solo Act From BLACKPINK: From Jennie's "Solo" To Jisoo's 'Me'

Joy Oladokun — 'OBSERVATIONS FROM A CROWDED ROOM'

Joy Oladokun flexes her talents for introspection and insight on her fifth album, OBSERVATIONS FROM A CROWDED ROOM

Songs like "AM I?," "NO COUNTRY" and "DUST/DIVINITY" are thoughtfully punctuated by a number of spoken word interludes. "Where is the safe space for me?" Oladokun muses before launching into apocalyptic daydreams on "STRONG ONES," while she questions the cost of near-constant vulnerability in service of the career of her dreams ahead of standout "I’D MISS THE BIRDS."

Read more: Joy Oladokun's 'Proof Of Life' Honors Her Own Experience — And Encourages Others To Do The Same

SEVENTEEN — 'SPILL THE FEELS'

The title of SEVENTEEN’s 12th mini album comes with a hidden message. An anagram for "I FELT HELPLESS," the six-track project promises a new level of emotional vulnerability from the 13 idols and contains DJ Khaled-assisted single "LOVE, MONEY, FAME," plus highlights like "Eyes on you," "1 TO 13," and "Candy."

Released on Monday,Oct. 13, SPILL THE FEELS arrives just in time for the K-pop boy band’s latest world tour, which shows up stateside on Oct. 22 after opening earlier this week with back-to-back shows at South Korea’s Goyang Stadium. After kicking off the American leg in Rosemont, Illinois, the tour will make stops in Belmont Park, New York; San Antonio, Texas; Oakland, California and Los Angeles through Nov. 10.

Read more: 5 Songs To Get Into Seventeen

BRELAND — 'Project 2024'

Project 2024 is more than just a new release for BRELAND, it’s an intensely personal musical examination of the singer’s roots. Following his 2022 debut album Cross Country, as well as his recent duet with Shania Twain on the Twisters soundtrack, the pioneering country artist decided to return to Selma, Alabama — home to generations of his family tree as well as defining moments that helped turn the tide of the Civil Rights movement. 

The result is a powerful and inherently political celebration of life told in BRELAND’s inimitable voice across six tracks — from the proud resilience of opener "Grandmaman’em" and flirty lead single "Icing" to the dancehall-tinged "Motion" and uplifting closer "Same Work" featuring The War & Treaty.

Dean Lewis — 'The Epilogue'

After rocketing to streaming numbers that shot past the billion mark with his 2019 hit "Be Alright," Dean Lewis is back with his third full-length album The Epilogue. As its title suggests, the new body of work purposely adds a postscript to the viral success the shaggy-haired Australian troubadour experienced in the late 2010s while also crafting a soundtrack to hint at his next move.

"An Epilogue typically sums up a book, answers any unanswered questions, and hints at what’s to come," Lewis said in a statement of the LP, which contains heart-wrenching fare like "Empire," "All I Ever Wanted," and "Trust Me Mate." "This is a new chapter. It feels like the ending of the last few years of my life and the beginning of the next. I really tried to define my own style. For me, the music wraps up the past and shines a light on what to expect going forward."

Jean Dawson — 'Glimmer of God'

Jean Dawson continues to push the boundaries of experimental pop on Glimmer of God, his fourth full-length studio release. The follow-up to 2022’s Chaos Now (as well as EP Boohoo from earlier this year) takes sonic cues from influences like Prince, Stevie Wonder and Zapp & Roger — all artists he found himself inspired by while growing up between the U.S. and Mexico. 

Led by "Die For Me," a collab with tourmate Lil Yachty, and second single "Houston," Dawson’s album taps into his inner feminine on tracks like "Darlin’," "Black Sugar" and "Murciélago" and also features a guest turn from BONES on album cut "P4IN."

Alana Springsteen — "cowboy" / "hold my beer"

It’s sheer coincidence that Alana Springsteen shares a last name with a living musical legend (no, she’s not related to the Boss). But the rising country phenom has carved her own path through the music industry since she was a child, earning a publishing deal in the mid-2010s at just 14 years old.

The TWENTY SOMETHING singer’s latest singles come two-for-one after she decided on a whim to drop "cowboy" and "hold my beer" simultaneously at midnight on Friday. The former finds Springsteen looking back with regret after getting lassoed by a particularly disappointing cowboy ("He roped me in like no one could/ And in the end, he really broke me good"), while on the latter, the Virginia Beach, Virginia native dusts herself off, gets back on the proverbial horse, and commits to making some delightfully rowdy choices that would make her mama proud. 

Read more: Alana Springsteen Isn't Just Living Her Teenage Dream. She's Speaking To An Entire Generation.

Jordan Adetunji feat. Lil Baby — "Options"

Jordan Adetunji has "Options" on his new single with Lil Baby. Fresh off his viral hit "KEHLANI", the Belfast native remains unthreatened at the prospect that his lover would go off and choose another man, confidently declaring, "I got options/ Baby, you got options/ If you with me, not an option/ Baby, it’s the weekend/ Need it often/ Girl you know that I’m the one to solve your problems."

On the track’s accompanying music video, Adetunji boards a luxurious yacht teeming with bikini-clad video girls, only to later be joined by Lil Baby, who confesses, "Four, five times a day, I check your page/ I’m your lil stalker" at the top of his own, sexually charged verse.

Sevdaliza & Karol G — "No Me Cansaré"

Sevdaliza and Karol G join forces for their new collaboration "No Me Cansaré." The mid-tempo bilingual ballad opens with the Iranian Dutch singer intoning, "Don’t have fear, I won’t let go/ You protect my inner child" before sharing the spotlight with the Latin pop sensation on the breathy second verse. 

"No Me Cansaré" — which translates to "I Won’t Get Tired" in English — also comes with a sultry black-and-white music video depicting the two songstresses as winged angels watching placidly over younger versions of themselves.

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Latin GRAMMYs on display at the GRAMMY Museum's commemorative exhibit.

Photo: Rebecca Sapp

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Inside The Latin GRAMMYs Exhibit At The GRAMMY Museum: Karol G’s History-Making Moments, Rosalia’s Iconic First Red Carpet Look & More

Get a glimpse of one of the Latin Recording Academy’s three exhibits celebrating the Latin GRAMMYs’ 25th anniversary — and highlighting the biggest onstage, backstage and red carpet moments.

GRAMMYs/Sep 23, 2024 - 11:18 pm

To celebrate 25 years of the Latin GRAMMY Awards, the Latin Recording Academy opened a new exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on Sept. 19. The entire second floor of the museum is dedicated to capturing the growth of Latin music that has gone hand-in-hand with the Latin GRAMMYs through awards, artifacts, outfits, and instruments from previous winners and nominees like Shakira, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Juan Luis Guerra, Celia Cruz, and many more.

"Today, Latin artists are crafting pop culture, influencing everything, and breaking all the charts," Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud tells GRAMMY.com. "For the Latin Recording Academy, it's been a privilege to be with them on this journey, and this exhibit tries to bring this journey closer to the people. For us, this is an attempt to bring this journey and this legacy closer to the audience." 

The newly opened exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum, officially named Latin GRAMMYs 25: A Legacy of Musical Excellence, is one of three that the Latin Recording Academy is presenting as part of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs celebration happening throughout this year, all of which will highlight the magic of the Latin GRAMMYs. The Paley Museum in New York City will host its exhibit, which opened Sept. 13, and runs through Nov. 3; the exhibit at Miami's Gary Nader Art Centre will open Sept. 26 and run through Dec. 20. The GRAMMY Museum's exhibit closes Dec. 18.

The series of multi-city exhibits leads up to the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, which officially mark the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards. Taking place Thursday, Nov. 14, in Miami, the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs will debut of a new field and two new categories: Best Latin Electronic Music Performance, housed within the new Electronic Music field, and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album. Ahead of the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, the Latin Recording Academy will host the official Latin GRAMMY Week 2024, which includes multiple events throughout Miami-Dade County including the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year gala, which this year honors 18-time Latin GRAMMYs winner and two-time GRAMMY winner Carlos Vives, and the 2024 Special Awards Presentation.

Ahead of the GRAMMY Museum’s exhibit opening, Abud and Jasen Emmons, Chief Curator and Vice President of Curatorial Affairs of the GRAMMY Museum, took GRAMMY.com on a tour. Below, learn more about the GRAMMY Museum's monumental, history-filled display.

Learn more about the Latin Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum’s Latin GRAMMYs 25: A Legacy of Musical Excellence exhibit.

All photos by Rebecca Sapp.

Latin GRAMMYs Museum Exhibit Timeline

A Timeline Of Latin GRAMMY Milestones

When entering the second floor of the GRAMMY Museum, one of the walls is covered with a giant timeline of major moments and milestones from the Latin GRAMMYs. The timeline starts with the 1st Annual ceremony in 2000, where Ricky Martin, Celia Cruz, and Gloria Estefan paid tribute to mambo legend Tito Puente, who had passed away a few months prior. 

From there, moments highlighted include Luis Fonsi's performance of "Despacito" in 2017 with Diplo, Bomba Estéreo and Victor Manuelle, and Bad Bunny's win for Best Urban Album in 2019 where he advocated for more respect for reggaeton music and its artists. Edgar Barrera, who won the first Songwriter Of The Year award at last year's ceremony, also has his history-making Latin GRAMMY on display. The timeline not only shows the growth of the awards, but its impact on Latin music going mainstream. 

"We created a platform for new artists to evolve and to present their craft, but also a way to celebrate established artists," Abud says as he looks at the timeline. "I think the beauty here is that we celebrate both at the same time that we are nurturing the next generation [or artists]. I love to see an artist like Karol G be Best New Artist in 2018 and winning Album Of The Year in 2023 and breaking all the records. It's the concept of how we bring it all full circle."

Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs: Karol G Wins Album Of The Year For 'Mañana Será Bonito'

The Latin GRAMMY Awards By the Numbers

There's also a few more giant graphics on the other walls of the exhibit that are informational and educational. One graphic — which could be useful for either the GRAMMYs or Latin GRAMMY Awards — explains the difference between the Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year categories; another graphic shows the legacy of the Latin GRAMMYs by the numbers. The number 18 is shown next to Eduardo Cabra, who has the most wins for a producer, while his former Calle 13 associate, Residente, is highlighted for the most wins by a male artist with 28. Meanwhile, 2006 is shown next to Shakira's name for the ceremony where she made history as the first woman to win Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Album Of The Year. 

"I would like for visitors to feel the emotions because music is all about the emotions," Abud says. "I would like for them to go through the journey and remember what they were doing in 2006 or 2016, for example. I hope this exhibit brings them memories and gets them excited about the future. It's a combination of celebrating our past, but also enjoying the present, and preparing for the future."

Latin GRAMMYs Museum Exhibit Instruments

The Diversity Of Latin Music Through Instruments

Another way the GRAMMY Museum's Latin GRAMMYs exhibit is hoping to educate visitors is through the instruments on display. Mexican group Intocable loaned a series of instruments that highlight the sounds of música Mexicana, including the bajo sexto guitar, the accordion, and a Djembe drums. 

To highlight other genres in Latin music as well, Juan Luis Guerra loaned a güira, which is used in his merengue with "Punta Cana" written across it. The drums that Sheila E. played during her performance with Guerra at the 8th Annual Latin GRAMMYs are also present. The instruments exemplify not only different genres, but also different Latin cultures and countries. 

"We really wanted to show a number of different instruments that we used in Latin music, like timbales or bajo sexto because for many people they may have heard them, but they haven't seen them before," Emmons says. "It's fun for people to be able to go, 'Oh! That's what that looks like, so it's making that sound.' We're really always trying to have that educational element to what we do."

Iconic Performances Revisited

The history of career-defining performances at the Latin GRAMMYs is captured in the fashion at the exhibit.

The colorful spirit of Celia Cruz, who passed away in 2003, is captured in a white and blue wig at the exhibit. The Cuban legend wore the wig during the 2002 Latin GRAMMYs — her last televised performance. 

The outfits on display also further exemplify the diversity of Latin music. Mexican icon Pepe Aguilar's traditional charro suit is next to Peso Pluma's Givenchy and Alexander McQueen outfit from last year's ceremony that exemplifies his more urban approach to música Mexicana. Rauw Alejandro, who has gone from reggaeton hit-maker to global pop star, mixed both worlds with his red-hot Enfants Riches Déprimés look at last year's ceremony. Rosalía's white bodysuit from her flamenco-infused debut on the Latin GRAMMYs stage in 2018 is also on display. 

"It's fun to see the growth of both Latin music, but also the Latin GRAMMYs," Emmons says. "It's extraordinary when you think in just 25 years how massive it's become and incredibly exciting. It was really fun to go through that [legacy of the Latin GRAMMYs] and figure out what were those moments that helped expand awareness of this and celebrate it."

Latin GRAMMYs Museum Exhibit Red Carpet Looks

Red Carpet Fashion At The Latin GRAMMYs

The iconic fashion of the Latin GRAMMY Awards isn't only limited to the performances. On the red carpet, many nominees and winners have made statements with their outfits. 

One standout fashion moment in particular at the exhibit is Mon Laferte's purple suit at the 2021, where she proudly flaunted her pregnancy at the time. Karol G's metallic Balmain dress from last year's ceremony — where she later won Album Of The Year — is another stunning highlight among the outfits. 

Barrera's fashion-forward suit that he wore during his historic Songwriter Of The Year win in 2023 is also on display. Beatriz Luengo, who won Song Of The Year for the Cuban protest anthem "Patria o Vida" in 2021, paid tribute to Celia Cruz with a blue gown that had the late legend's face emblazoned on it. 

"The biggest thing I want is for visitors to go away saying, 'I want to listen to these artists,' if they haven't already," Emmons says. "Also, to have more appreciation for the artistry, and the showmanship because a lot of what we have on display are some of the performance outfits, red carpet outfits, and amazing style. At the heart of this exhibit is to inspire people to go discover artists that maybe they haven't listened to in awhile, or they never heard of before."

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