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Get To Know The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs Album Of The Year Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

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We are days away from the Biggest Night in Latin Music. See who's up for one of the most coveted awards of the night
Lucas Villa
GRAMMYs
Nov 6, 2020 - 4:06 pm

The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs are less than two weeks away and that means we are only days away from knowing who will take the coveted Album of the Year honor. While we'll have to wait until the 21st Latin GRAMMY Awards air on Univision on Nov. 19 to find out who will win, let's take a look at which albums have been nominated for one of the most anticipated Latin GRAMMY Awards each year.

YHLQMDLG - Bad Bunny

This is one of two Latin GRAMMY nominations for Bad Bunny in the Album of the Year category. For his second solo album, YHLQMDLG (short-hand for "Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana," or "I Do What I Want"), the Puerto Rican rapper revisited reggaeton's Puerto Rican 2000s breakthrough sound, paying ode to its makers, while also taking the genre to new places. The album's most ambitious song "Safaera" is a party anthem beast that samples and blends Alexis & Fido's 2005 track "El Tiburón" along with Missy Elliott's 2001 massive hit "Get Ur Freak On." The album's Record of the Year nominee, "Yo Perreo Sola," is a perreo-de-résistance tribute to women and their space on the dance floor. Ultimately, Bad Bunny stays true to the album title and the result is a sprawling collection of reggaeton that sound familiar yet fresh.

Oasis - J Balvin & Bad Bunny

A reggaeton equivalent of Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne, J Balvin and Bad Bunny joined forces for their collaborative album Oasis. Two of the most electifying producers of the moment, Marco "Tainy" Masís, one of the genre's pioneers, and Alejandro "Sky" Ramírez, the future of the reggaeton sound, are at the helm of the album. Factor in all those heavy-hitters and you get an album of epic proportions. The rappers from Colombia and Puerto Rico are a dynamic duo throughout the album, whether they are celebrating life without an ex on "Qué Pretendes" or missing that loved one dearly on the haunting "La Canción." Oasis is a refreshing approach to reggaeton by two of the genre's biggest personalities.

Colores - J Balvin

Following Oasis, Colores, or "Colors," marks J Balvin's second nomination in the Album of the Year category this year. For his fifth solo album, J Balvin tackled a chromatic theme with each song reflecting different shades of emotions. On Colores' Record of the Year nominee "Rojo," he longs for a lover who is no longer there while on "Morado," he tells the story of an independent woman who is living her best life in the club. Alongside longtime producer and fellow Colombian Alejandro "Sky" Ramírez, J Balvin also collaborated with DJ Snake, who produced "Amarillo," and Diplo, who produced "Rosa."  Balvin, undoiubtedly the most colorful character in reggaeton, took the genre to the next level with 10 tracks. With 13 overall nominations, Balvin broke the record for the most nominations for an artist in a single year.

Por Primera Vez - Camilo

Camilo took some time away from the industry to pen hits for other artists including Becky G and Natti Natasha on their 13-times platinum "Sin Pijama." This year he found his voice again and marked his return as a singer/songwriting artist with Por Primera Vez, or "For the First Time." Although it's the Colombian singer's third album, he's often remarked that it feels like his debut. In a Latin music scene dominated by reggaeton, Camilo has found his niche, blending that sound with his quirky pop edge. That's apparent on his infectious single "Tutu" with Latin GRAMMY winner Pedro Capó, which is nominated for both Record and Song of the Year. There's no doubt, when Camilo is writing for himself, his honesty shines through. The bright artist is also nominated in the Song of the Year category for a second time in his career for the haunting "El Mismo Aire."

Mesa Para Dos - Kany García

Since winning Best New Artist at the 9th annual Latin GRAMMYs, Kany García has remained a constant force at the awards and in Latin music in general. For her seventh album Mesa Para Dos, or "Table for Two," she shares her moving lyrics in duets with artists like Mexican pop star Carlos Rivera on "Cobardes" and Colombian singer Camilo on "Titanic." The album's most beautiful moment, "Lo Que En Ti Veo" with Argentine musician Nahuel Pennisi, is nominated for both Record and Song of the Year. With five nominations overall, Garcia is the most nominated female artist at this year's Latin GRAMMYs.

Aire (Versión Día) - Jesse & Joy

Like García, Mexican sibling act Jesse & Joy are past Best New Artist winners—they won the award at the 8th annual Latin GRAMMYs, just a year prior to Garcia. Not only have they won several Latin GRAMMYs over the years, but the duo also won a GRAMMY at the 59th annual awards for Best Latin Pop Album. Jesse & Joy's fifth album Aire (Versión Día), or "Air (Day Version)," marks their most personal release to date, especially for Joy. In April 2019, Joy revealed that she married her wife, Diana Atri. In May of that year, the couple revealed the birth of their daughter, Noah, who inspired the album's opening song "Noah's Intro." Jesse & Joy celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with the empowering anthem "Love (Es Nuestro Idioma)." They remain a breath of fresh air in Latin pop music.

Un Canto Por México, Vol. 1 - Natalia Lafourcade

Since the first time she was nominated at the 4th annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, alternative singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade has won several Latin GRAMMYs. Lafourcade also has one GRAMMY under her belt after winning Best Latin Rock, Urban, or Alternative Album at the 59th GRAMMY Awards. A Latin music shape-shifter, she has tackled many genres, but embraced the music of her country, Mexico, for her ninth album, Un Canto por México, Vol. 1, or "A Song for Mexico." On the album, she pays tribute to several Mexican sounds, including son jarocho and mariachi—she put her heart in mariachi music for "Mi Religión," a 2020 nominee for Best Regional Song. Lafourcade also put a proud Mexican spin of a few of her classics on the album like "Hasta La Raíz" and "Nunca Es Suficiente." 

Pausa - Ricky Martin

Over his illustrious career, Ricky Martin has won three Latin GRAMMYs and two GRAMMYs. This year, he could earn one more Latin GRAMMY with his first album since 2015's A Quien Quiera Escuchar. After the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the world earlier this year, the Puerto Rican superstar split a project he was working on into two EPs and thus Pausa was born. On Pausa, or "Pause," Martin recorded ballads to inspire hope in these challenging times and he brings huge names in English and Spanish language music. British legend Sting sings in Spanish on their duet "Simple." It's also his most proud Boricua release with the standout "Cántalo" featuring Residente and Bad Bunny that celebrates their homeland. With García, Joy Huerta, and Martin nominated, it's a banner year for artists in the LGBTQ+ community in the Album of the Year category.

La Conquista Del Espacio - Fito Páez

Fito Páez is a Latin music legend whose music career long precedes the inception of the first Latin GRAMMY Awards in 2000. It's only fitting that the Argentine rock star has been recognized by his peers over the years with several Latin GRAMMY awards. La Conquista Del Espacio, or "The Conquest of Space," marks Páez's 20th studio album. This year, Paez is also up for Best Pop/Rock Album. But that's not all, Páez's soaring centerpiece "La Canción De Las Bestias" is nominated for Best Pop/Rock Song.

Cumbiana - Carlos Vives

Carlos Vives is another Latin music legend who has multiple Latin GRAMMYs and two GRAMMYs to his name. For his 14th studio album, Cumbiana, the Colombian singer-songwriter celebrates the cumbia music rooted in his country. He gives the genre a fresh spin on "Hechicera" featuring rising GRAMMY-nominated Canadian-Colombian singer Jessie Reyez. Vives is also up for Song of the Year for "For Sale," his creative collaboration with Spanish GRAMMY-winning singer Alejandro Sanz.

Don't forget to tune in to all the excitement on Univision on Thurs., Nov. 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (7:00 p.m. CT). The broadcast will also air on TNT (cable) at 7:00 p.m. (MEX) / 8:00 p.m. (COL) / 10:00 p.m. (ARG/CHI) and on Televisa on Channel 5.

Learn more about the 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards via the Latin Recording Academy's official website.

2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards Nominees Announced: See The Complete List

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa

Photo: Hugo Comte

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'Future Nostalgia': How Dua Lipa Rose From Best New Artist To Massive Pop Star

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Nominated for six GRAMMYs at the 2021 GRAMMY Awards show, Dua Lipa leaped into powerhouse territory with her 2020 sophomore album, 'Future Nostalgia,' becoming pop's newest reigning queen in the process
Ilana Kaplan
GRAMMYs
Mar 12, 2021 - 1:04 pm

For Women's History Month 2021, GRAMMY.com is celebrating some of the women artists nominated at the 2021 GRAMMY Awards show. Today, we honor Dua Lipa, who's currently nominated for six GRAMMYs.

There was so much to mourn in 2020: The last time we hugged our families, traveled to new places and swayed among sweaty strangers on a dance floor. But that didn't stop Dua Lipa.

Since last March, the English pop star has released not one, but three albums. The first of the trilogy, her defiant dance pop sophomore record, Future Nostalgia, released last March just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to take hold over the world, quickly became a nu-disco-tinged masterpiece. It was a bold move for Lipa to release a record in a pandemic, with the major-label pop album rollout upended and international touring put on pause. 

The risk paid off: Future Nostalgia became her first album to enter the Top 5 on Billboard's Hot 200 chart. And if Future Nostalgia was any indication, the thrill of taking risks was far from over. 

Backstage At The 63rd GRAMMYs: Dua Lipa

Last August, the singer released Club Future Nostalgia, an adrenaline-filled remix album for the digital dance floor, made with DJ/producer the Blessed Madonna. For the album, she enlisted collaborators Blackpink, Mark Ronson, Madonna, Missy Elliott and Gwen Stefani.

Related: Dua Lipa Talks 'Club Future Nostalgia,' Working With Madonna And How She's Navigating The Music Industry In The COVID-19 Era

But she still wasn't done expanding the Future Nostalgia universe. Just last month, she shared another version of the album, The Moonlight Edition, which included three new singles as well as Lipa's "Prisoner" collaboration with Miley Cyrus; "Un Día" with J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Tainy, for which she's currently nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance; and "Not My Problem" with J.I.D.

It's clear Lipa put in the work to get here. With the release of her 2017 self-titled debut album, the singer became crystallized as a feminist force in the pop world. Singles like the beguiling synth-pop anthem "Be the One" and the club-ready "Blow Your Mind (Mwah)" captivated listeners. But it was the empowering smash "New Rules" that ignited a viral craze for its infectious lyrics and GIF-able music video, which is filled with women holding and uplifting each other while dancing sleepover-themed choreography. 

Watch: Dua Lipa Wins Best New Artist

Dua Lipa and the subsequent success of "New Rules" helped Lipa nab a Best New Artist GRAMMY in 2019—plus an internet nickname ("Dula Peep")—and primed her for pop superstardom. While her self-titled album established her as a headlining pop contender, Lipa continued to push herself.

Read: Taylor Swift's Road To 'Folklore': How The Superstar Evolved From 'Diaristic' Country Tunes To Her Most Progressive Music Yet

Part of challenging herself came in the fallout of the pandemic. The pop album release cycle is generally highly orchestrated, teeming with the careful planning of single releases, music videos and tour dates. But one cannot prepare for unprecedented times: Per The New York Times, as Lipa's 85-date arena tour was pushed back, there were talks in her camp of postponing the drop of Future Nostalgia—then days before her livestream of the album leaked—and an imminent release became necessary. This was all happening in parallel with the collective trauma and grief the world was facing with COVID. 

Future Nostalgia delivered exactly the escapism people around the world sought.

The anthemic single "Don't Start Now," currently nominated for Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2021 GRAMMY Awards show, was the kind of carefree, disco-inflected number you'd hear while skating backward at a '70s roller rink. What followed was the candy-coated, dance pop track "Physical," which delivered '80s aerobics touchstones, and "Break My Heart," a glittery, disco funk jaunt with swaggering guitar riffs. (The album's retro-futuristic slant touched everything: from the songs themselves to the neon leotards in the music videos.)

Lipa saw how cathartic the music had become for her fans. The album hailed quarantine anthems and received the meme treatment: "Don't Start Now" for its refrain ("Don't show up/Don't come out") and "Break My Heart" for its very timely chorus ("I should have stayed home").

As fans found new ways to connect with Future Nostalgia, so did Lipa—and innovation took the lead. Doing late-night TV performances required a newfound sense of creativity.

Then there was the idea of trying to recreate concerts. While a garden variety of livestreams had been sprinkled throughout 2020, the absence of flashy arena performances was an obvious void. But despite live shows being canceled indefinitely, Lipa led the charge behind one of the year's most highly anticipated—and polished—virtual concerts with Studio 2054, which paid homage to the Future Nostalgia universe. Filmed in a sprawling London warehouse, the livestream concert saw Lipa command the stage of custom-built sets with sleek choreography, glitter, glam, raves and roller discos, along with special appearances from Elton John, FKA twigs, Kylie Minogue, Bad Bunny and more.

Future Nostalgia was indeed a game-changer for Lipa's musical arc and aesthetic; it was a transformation for her career, too. She didn't just create an album—she created an era. "Her voice changes a song the same way her presence lights up a room," Future Nostalgia producer Ian Kirkpatrick tells GRAMMY.com. 

Future Nostalgia took Lipa into powerhouse territory, with the singer making the massive leap from Best New Artist to pop's newest reigning queen. Most of all, it showed that Lipa could seamlessly redefine herself. Sarah Hudson, who co-wrote songs on her debut album as well as "Levitating" and "Physical" off Future Nostalgia, had "no doubt" that Lipa "would take over the world." "[Dua] had a very specific vision for Future Nostalgia, and she executed it flawlessly," she tells GRAMMY.com. "It comes genuinely from her heart, and you can feel that in every single song."

It also helped that Lipa had a top-tier team behind her. Chris Gehringer, who mastered Future Nostalgia, says that the album's success stemmed from the fact that Lipa enlisted producers and engineers who all "worked on a No. 1 song and album before." "I mastered three songs from her debut album, 'Lost In Your Light,' 'Blow Your Mind' and 'New Rules,' so I knew this new album was going to be big," he tells GRAMMY.com. Ali Tamposi, who co-wrote "Break My Heart," describes Lipa as a "force to be reckoned with." "We're lucky to have someone like her at the forefront of music who [continuously] raises the bar."

And the 2021 GRAMMYs reflect that. With six GRAMMY nominations, including Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, Lipa is one of the most nominated artists this year.

Following this year's GRAMMYs, it'll be interesting to watch how Dua Lipa continues to evolve as an artist. Future Nostalgia was such a sonic departure from her first album—how will she push the boundaries of pop next? 

How Harry Styles Emerged From Teen Pop Sensation To First-Time GRAMMY Nominee

Grammys Newsletter

J Balvin performs at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs

J Balvin performs at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs

 

Photo: Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for the Latin Recording Academy

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J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Anitta & More: 10 Unforgettable Moments From The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs

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GRAMMY.com relives the Biggest Night in Latin Music by revisiting the special surprises and memorable performances from the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs.
Iván Fernández
Latin GRAMMYs
Nov 20, 2020 - 9:56 pm

In the face of an ongoing pandemic, global quarantines and facemasks everywhere, the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs remained the Biggest Night in Latin Music. 

The Latin Recording Academy hosted the 21st Latin GRAMMY Awards, held Thursday (Nov. 19) in Miami, this year without a live audience or the usual red carpet due to the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Actress Yalitza Aparicio joined Ana Brenda Contreras and Carlos Rivera on hosting duties. One large change to the awards show was the shift to having a few of the night's performances streamed from different cities in Latin America, including Guadalajara, Madrid, Buenos Aires, San Juan and Rio de Janeiro. One thing that didn't change, however, were the surprises and memorable performances throughout the history-making night. 

GRAMMY.com relives the Biggest Night in Latin Music with 10 unforgettable moments from the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs.

The Show Opened With A Powerful Tribute To Salsa Legend Héctor Lavoe

The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs began with a bang as Sergio George led his band into the opening notes of Héctor Lavoe's "El Cantante," as singer Ricardo Montaner sang the famous first four words of the song: "Yo, soy el cantante" ("I am the singer"). Jesus Navarro and Victor Manuelle joined in to accompany him soon after. The trio of singers were clearly in their element, but the party truly began once the band reached the chorus as Best New Artist nominee Rauw Alejandro walked out with the Original Rude Girl herself, Ivy Queen. The end result was a loving and moving tribute that set the tone for the rest of the night.

Susana Baca Dedicates GRAMMY Win To Young People And Workers Fighting For Change In Peru

Susana Baca is a legend in her own right, and her name is synonymous with her homeland of Perú along with the Incas and Machu Picchu. With her homeland currently living through politically tumultuous times, it's no surprise that the folk singer, who twice moonlighted in an official political capacity, had something to say about the current events in her country. Baca, who served as Perú's Minister of Culture in 2011 and as the President of the Commission for Culture (2011 - 2013) for the Organization of American States, dedicated her Latin GRAMMY award for Best Folk Album to the youth and all working-class people fighting for change in Perú. "I dedicate this to all the young people, especially the young people and all the workers who, each day, build this country we call Perú," she said via video.

Mon Laferte Becomes The Chilean Artist With The Most Latin GRAMMY Wins

Mon Laferte's Latin GRAMMY win this year, for Best Rock Song for her song "Biutiful," cemented her status as one of her country's leading musical artists. The award marked her third Latin GRAMMY win, making her the Chilean artist with the most Latin GRAMMY awards. That title once belonged to La Ley, who won a Latin GRAMMY for Best Rock Album in 2000 and again in 2004. Laferte previously won the Best Alternative Album award in 2019 and Best Alternative Song in 2017, when she was nominated for five different awards. 

Bad Bunny And Residente Make Latin GRAMMY History

This year's awards ceremony welcomed the debut of three new categories: Best Reggaeton Performance, Best Rap/Hip Hop Song and Best Pop/Rock Song. Superstars Bad Bunny and Residente were the first to take two of these honors. El Conejito Malo took home the Best Reggaeton Performance award for his celebrated anthem, "Yo Perreo Sola." Residente, no stranger to the Latin GRAMMYS thanks to a record-breaking list of 27 awards, added his 28th Latin GRAMMY to his trophy case as the first winner in the Best Rap/Hip Hop Song category for "Antes Que El Mundo Se Acabe." Meanwhile, Argentine singer and film director Fito Páez took home the first-ever prize in the brand-new Best Pop/Rock Song category for his song, "La Canción De Las Bestias."

Carla Morrison Shares Stage With Ricky Martin For "Recuerdo" Duet

Carla Morrison told GRAMMY.com about her excitement about dueting with Ricky Martin during the Latin GRAMMYs broadcast. As promised, the duo delivered a moving rendition of their duet, "Recuerdo," which is featured on Martin's latest EP, Pausa. Martin, dressed in black, sat next to Morrison, clad in a white dress, as the duo crooned their way through a shorter, though no less emotionally heart-wrenching, version of the song. Martin won the Latin GRAMMY for Best Pop Album that night.

J Balvin's Bleeding Heart

J Balvin really took the show's theme, "Music makes us human," to heart during his performance of his hit song, "Rojo." Balvin took to the stage in a white three-piece suit and stepped out under a large prop designed to look like a pair of arms and hands clasped together in a prayer position. The Colombian artist opened the song by wearing his heart on his sleeve and proclaiming to the world how his "heart breaks and I pray for the world." 

The video screens around him flashed scenes of protestors marching for equal rights when, halfway through the song, Balvin spoke to viewers again. This time, the bleeding heart wasn't just metaphorical as fake blood poured out from the left side of his suit's chest into the shape of a heart and ran down his coat. "Even though the world feels bleak," he said during the performance breakdown, "and our fears can overtake us, this is the moment that our hearts, which are bleeding, can feel again, that we can come together and fight for our dreams and a better future."

Bad Bunny Reminds Us Why He's One Of The Best Performers Today

Bad Bunny went above and beyond with his performance at the Latin GRAMMYs as he unveiled what felt like more of a short music video production of a live show. El Conejito Malo started his set behind the wheel of a white Bugatti. He stops to perform "Bichiyal" while flanked by women on motorcycles and four-wheel ATVs. The scene shifts to Bad Bunny on a small stage where an all-woman band with guitars, violins and a drum kit perform a stripped-down version of "Si Veo a Tu Mamá." It all ended with a fireworks show as the cameras pulled back to reveal that the stage he was on was set on top of the second base diamond of Hiram Bithorn Stadium in his native Puerto Rico. Can anyone do it better?!

Anitta's Medley Of Skills

Anitta's rise to stardom was quick, but certainly not a fluke, and she proved why during her two-song performance of "Mas Que Nada" and "Me Gusta," all while making it all look easy. In under three minutes, the Lapa Arches of Rio de Janeiro bore witness as Anitta danced, sung in Portuguese, Spanish and English, and even played a bit of percussion to boot. She was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY in the Best Urban Song category for "Rave De Favela," a banger that features Major Lazer, BEAM and MC Lan.

Lupita Infante's Moving Tribute To Her Grandfather

Like grandfather, like granddaughter. Lupita Infante was one of a few singers at this year's Latin GRAMMYs who carries a family history of legacy. One wouldn't know it, however, from watching her perform a song made classic by her grandfather, Pedro Infante. Lupita paid tribute to her late grandfather, a man who set many benchmarks in Mexican music and film, by performing his classic song, "Amorcito Corazón," backed by the Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández.

Alejandro Fernández, Calibre 50 And Christian Nodal Unite For A Generation-Spanning Performance Of Regional Mexican Music

The past, present and future of regional Mexican music came together under the light of fireworks in the skies of Guadalajara. With Vicente Fernández formally retired (though that didn't keep him from performing at last year's Latin GRAMMYs), his son, Alejandro "El Potrillo" Fernández, has continued his father's tradition of keeping the charro alive. A grand mariachi singer in his own right, Alejandro joined two artists leading the new generation in norteño, banda, ranchera and mariachi music. He and Calibre 50 performed their song, "Decepciones," backed by a mariachi group. Christian Nodal then appeared with his own backing band to perform his mariacheño hit, "AYAYAY!" It all came together when Fernández joined forces with Nodal for a duet performance of their track, "Más No Puedo." 

2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards: Complete Winners & Nominees List

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Residente, Ricky Martin & Bad Bunny perform at the 2019 Latin GRAMMYs

L-R: Residente, Ricky Martin & Bad Bunny perform at the 2019 Latin GRAMMYs

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for LARAS

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2020 Latin GRAMMYs Viewer's Guide: Here's How, When & Where To Watch The Biggest Night In Latin Music Live!

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Here's everything you need to know about who is performing, where you can watch the main awards show and both Premiere ceremonies, and more
Ana Monroy Yglesias
Latin GRAMMYs
Nov 17, 2020 - 5:22 pm

We're just two days away from the 21st Latin GRAMMY Awards, airing Thurs., Nov. 19, a night guaranteed to be filled with great music, big wins and touching speeches. Just like everything in 2020, things will look a little different at this year's awards show in order to ensure the safety of the artists and everyone involved. With the theme "Music Makes Us Human," the reimagined show will primarily take place in Miami, along with performances from multiple cities around the world

And even without a red carpet and live audience, there are a lot of exciting things ahead. GRAMMY.com has you covered on how and when to tune into the Biggest Night in Latin Music and what special moments to watch.

Latin GRAMMY Premiere Ceremony & First-Ever Brazilian Premiere Ceremony

You can tune into the 2020 Latin GRAMMY Premiere ceremony, where the majority of the awards are handed out, live at 3 p.m. EST / 12 p.m. PST on the Latin GRAMMYs Facebook page.

It will be hosted by actress, singer and entrepreneur Jackie Cruz and will feature performances by 2020 Latin GRAMMY nominees Gina Chavez, Kurt, Naike Ponce and Daniel Santacruz. Gaby Moreno and Lupita Infante, also nominated this year, will be among the award presenters. 

Related: The Latin GRAMMYs Add New Categories, Including Reggaeton, For 2020 Show

For the first time ever, the Brazilian premiere ceremony, presented in Portuguese, will award all of the Portuguese-language categories. This exciting new Brazilian ceremony, which will livestream at 5 p.m. EST / 2 p.m. PST / 7 p.m. (Brasília) on the Latin GRAMMYs Facebook page, follows the Spanish-language premiere ceremony. Brazilian model Lais Ribeiro will host the show, which will include performances from 2020 nominees Melim and Emicida with Marcos Valle. 

How To Tune Into The 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs will air on Univision on Thurs., Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. ET / PT (7 p.m. CT). The broadcast will also air on TNT (cable) at 7 p.m. (MEX) / 8 p.m. (COL) / 10 p.m. (ARG/CHI), and on Televisa on Channel 5. Univision can be streamed on most devices where you watch TV, including Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, computers and smartphones. For more information on how to access it, visit tv.univision.com.

Read: Explore This Year's Record Of The Year Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Award

Who Will Be Hosting & Performing?

Indigenous actress Yalitza Aparicio and singers Carlos Rivera and Ana Brenda will be hosting the star-studded broadcast, which will also feature many exciting performances in addition to the select awards presented.

As this will be the first time the show is not held in a singular location, viewers will take a virtual trip around the globe to visit some of the biggest artists in Latin music. Representing Mexican regional music, Alejandro Fernández, Christian Nodal and Calibre 50 will perform from Guadalajara, while Argentinians Fito Páez and Nathy Peluso will share music live from their capital, Buenos Aires. Elsewhere, José Luis Perales will perform from Madrid, Spain, Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny will sing from San Juan and Brazilian superstar Anitta will beam in from Rio de Janeiro. 

There will also be very special tribute performance to celebrate five Latin music icons. Natalia Jiménez and Carlos Rivera will celebrate Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, while Lupita Infante joins Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández to commemorate her grandfather, Mexican actor/ranchera singer Pedro Infante. Dominican Americans Leslie Grace and Prince Royce come together to celebrate the legacy of Dominican superstar Juan Luis Guerra, and Juanes will honor Brazilian singer Roberto Carlos, a.k.a. the King. Puerto Rican salsa legend Héctor Lavoe—El Cantante—will receive a lively tribute from Rauw Alejandro, Ivy Queen, Víctor Manuelle, Ricardo Montaner and Jesús Navarro.

Read: Meet This Year's Best New Artist Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

But wait, there's more! J Balvin, Ricky Martin, Carla Morrison, José Luis Perales, Camilo, Anuel AA, Marc Anthony, Pedro Capó, Julio Reyes Copello, Alex Cuba, Kany García, Guaynaa, Los Tigres del Norte, Víctor Manuelle, Ricardo Montaner, Debi Nova, Raquel Sofía and Sebastián Yatra will also perform.

Additionally, Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull, will honor the tireless frontline workers keeping us safe during the COVID-19 pandemic in a newly announced special performance at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs. Frontline workers, including nurses and firefighters, will join the performance as part of his live band.

For all things Latin GRAMMYs, visit the Latin Recording Academy's official website and follow @LatinGRAMMYs on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Join the conversation all week by tagging #LatinGRAMMY.

2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards: Complete Winners & Nominees List

2016 Latin GRAMMYs

2016 Latin GRAMMYs

Photo: Rich Polk/WireImage

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Explore This Year's Record Of The Year Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

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Ahead of the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs this week, GRAMMY.com dives into the records nominated for one of the most anticipated awards this year
Lucas Villa
Latin GRAMMYs
Nov 16, 2020 - 4:05 am

At the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs this week, Latin music fans will find out who will take home the coveted Record Of The Year award, which recognizes the artists, producers, recording engineers and mixers and mastering engineers behind some of the biggest records this season. Ahead of the 21st Latin GRAMMY Awards, which air Thursday, Nov. 19, GRAMMY.com dives into the records nominated for one of the most anticipated awards this year.

"China" - Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G Featuring Ozuna & J Balvin

For his latest album, Emmanuel, Anuel AA assembled The Avengers of reggaeton music for the all-star collaboration, "China." Anuel AA, who's also nominated for Best New Artist this year, teamed up with genre pioneer Daddy Yankee, his fiancée Karol G, and superstars J Balvin and Ozuna. Helming the track, producer Marco "Tainy" Masís turned a sample of Shaggy's 2000 smash, "It Wasn't Me," into a reggaeton club anthem. The monster collaboration was a familiar yet refreshing spin on the genre. Anuel AA led this formidable lineup to the top of Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart for multiple weeks.

"Cuando Estés Aquí" - Pablo Alborán

Since his Best New Artist nomination at the 2011 Latin GRAMMYs, Pablo Alborán has remained a constant force at the awards. The Spanish singer has previously been nominated in all four major categories, including five Record Of The Year nominations to date. This year, his heartfelt ballad, "Cuando Estés Aquí" (or "When You Are Here)," which he wrote and produced himself, is up for the award. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit at the start of the year, Alborán released this song as a glimmer of hope for when we can all gather with our loved ones again. All the proceeds from the release went to UNICEF's efforts to help those impacted by the pandemic.

"Vete" - Bad Bunny

On "Vete" (or "Leave"), the most emotional song off his 2020 blockbuster album, YHLQMDLG, Bad Bunny lives up to his persona as reggaeton's resident sad boy. (Puerto Rican duo Súbelo NEO, who Bad Bunny brought into the spotlight on YHLQMDLG, and Hazen produced the song.) The Puerto Rican rapper is known to get in his feelings in his music, and he does so beautifully here. After a relationship has run its course, Bad Bunny lets an old flame know where the door is, ultimately finding power through heartache on this kiss-off anthem.

Read: Learn More About This Year's Song Of The Year Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

"Solari Yacumenza" - Bajofondo featuring Cuareim 1080

Bajofondo is the musical band led by legendary Argentine producer Gustavo Santaolalla and Uruguayan musician Juan Campodónico, who are both previous Latin GRAMMY winners. Featuring Montevideo collective Cuareim 1080, "Solari Yacumenza" is notably the only primarily instrumental track competing in the Record Of The Year category this year. Bajofondo's unique blend of electronic and tango music sounds magnificent on this nearly 7-minute jam session. Two countries come together and cut loose in the studio and on the stage.

"Rojo" - J Balvin

On "Rojo" (or "Red"), the most emotional offering off his 2020 Colores album, J Balvin wears his heart on his sleeve as he longs for his lover's touch. The song was produced by the Colombian rapper's longtime collaborator Alejandro "Sky" Ramírez and Taiko, who gets his breakout moment on Colores. Among the tracks on the chromatically themed album, this is the brightest spot where J Balvin flexes his singing abilities in a moving and soaring performance. Counting his feature on Anuel AA's "China," "Rojo" marks J Balvin's second nomination in the Record Of The Year category this year.

"Tutu" - Camilo & Pedro Capó

After stepping away from the industry to write hits for other artists, Camilo returned last year with his breakthrough hit, "Tutu." Producers Richi López, George Noriega and Jon Leone, the rising hitmaker behind Camilo's 2020 album, Por Primera Vez, helped the Colombian singer-songwriter find his groove in the current Latin music landscape. Leone and co. blended his quirky Latin pop sound with a reggaeton heartbeat. Latin GRAMMY winner Pedro Capó's blazing guest verse adds some extra bite to the song, which is an ode to Camilo's wife, Evaluna Montaner. The song later received a co-sign from Colombian superstar Shakira, who reached out to Camilo to jump on a remix. 

Read: Get To Know The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs Album Of The Year Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

"Lo Que En Ti Veo" - Kany Garcia & Nahuel Pennisi

Since winning for Best New Artist at the 2008 Latin GRAMMYs, Kany García has won multiple awards at the annual show. The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter is now up for Record Of The Year, her third nomination in this category, for "Lo Que En Ti Veo" (or "What I See In You") with Argentine musician Nahuel Pennisi. Colombian legend and multiple Latin GRAMMY winner Julio Reyes Copello produced the beautiful ballad, which is featured on García's 2020 album, Mesa Para Dos. Piano and Pennisi's soft guitar are the perfect accompaniment to García's delicate yet affectionate lyrics. Alongside Pablo Alborán, García is one of two LGBTQ+ artists up for Record Of The Year this month. She's also the most nominated female artist at this year's Latin GRAMMYs.

"Tusa" - Karol G & Nicki Minaj

Karol G won Best New Artist in a crowded field of 10 contenders at the 2018 Latin GRAMMYs. In the reggaeton music scene that's usually dominated by men, the Colombian artist is leading the way for women. Her girl-power anthem "Tusa" (or "Heartbreak") sees her teaming up with 10-time GRAMMY-nominated rap star Nicki Minaj. Karol G's longtime producer Daniel "Ovy on the Drums" Oviedo made this a regal affair fit for queens, with violins meeting reggaeton beats. As artists outside of the Latin music scene are wanting in on the movement, "Tusa" remains one of the best and most stellar cross-genre team-ups of the year. With "China," "Tusa" marks Karol G's second nomination in the Record Of The Year category this year.

Read: Meet This Year's Best New Artist Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

"René" - Residente

Counting his work with the hip-hop group Calle 13, Residente is the most awarded artist in Latin GRAMMYs history, with 25 wins total. (The Puerto Rican rapper has a few GRAMMYs to his name as well.) In 2018, when Residente was experiencing depression and wanted to jump off his hotel balcony, he stopped himself from taking his own life by calling his mom. On the day that followed, he let out his emotions by writing "René," the song titled after his first name. Residente also produced the song himself. Across nearly eight minutes, he reflects on his highs and lows in his life and career, creating one of the most powerful moments in Latin music in 2020.

"Contigo" - Alejandro Sanz

Like Residente, Alejandro Sanz is one of the most awarded artists in Latin GRAMMYs history, counting 24 wins overall. (He's also a four-time GRAMMY winner.) The Spanish singer-songwriter took on a song by a fellow Spanish legend, Joaquín Sabina. Produced by Julio Reyes Copello and Spanish musician Rafa Sardina, Sanz's take on "Contigo" is colored with piano, cinematic strings and bluesy guitar as he breathes new life into Sabina's timeless love song. His tribute tugs on the heartstrings.

The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs will air on Univision on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT). The broadcast will also air on TNT (cable) at 7 p.m. (MEX)/8 p.m. (COL)/10 p.m. (ARG/CHI), and on Televisa on Channel 5. 

Learn more about the 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards via the Latin Recording Academy's official website.

2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards Nominees Announced: See The Complete List

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