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

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

GRAMMYs/Nov 7, 2020 - 05:06 am

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

Jon Batiste

Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

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GRAMMY Rewind: Watch Jon Batiste’s Encouraging Speech For His 2022 Album Of The Year Win For 'We Are'

Jon Batiste accepts the Album Of The Year award for We Are, a win that he dedicated to "real artists, real musicians."

D. Mariah

GRAMMYs/Apr 26, 2024 - 04:50 pm

Jon Batiste walked into the 2022 GRAMMYs with a whopping 11 nominations, making him the most recognized artist of the evening. By the end of the night, he received five GRAMMYs for Best American Roots Performance, Best American Roots Song, Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media, Best Music Video, and the highly coveted Album Of The Year.

In this episode of GRAMMY Rewind, watch Batiste take the stage to accept the award for Album Of The Year for his sixth studio album, We Are

Batiste began his praises by acknowledging God: "I just put my head down and work on the craft every day. I love music, he said. "I've been playing since I was a little boy. It's more than entertainment for me — it's a spiritual practice." He also thanked the "many people that went into making this album," including his grandfather, nephew, father, and executive producer, Ryan Lynn.

"This [award] is for real artists, real musicians. Let's just keep going. Be you! That's it. I love you even if I don't know you," Batiste cheered.

Press play on the video above to hear Jon Batiste's complete acceptance speech and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of GRAMMY Rewind.

Watch: Jon Batiste Delivers A Heartfelt Performance Of “Ain’t No Sunshine” & “Lean On Me” | 2024 GRAMMYs Performance

Taylor Swift hold her GRAMMY Awards from the 2016 GRAMMYs

Taylor Swift at the 2016 GRAMMYs.

Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

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GRAMMY Rewind: Watch Taylor Swift Become The First Woman To Win Album Of The Year Twice

Celebrate the release of ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ by revisiting the night Taylor Swift made history as the first woman to win Album Of The Year twice at the 2016 GRAMMYs.

D. Mariah

GRAMMYs/Apr 18, 2024 - 10:32 pm

At the 2024 GRAMMYs, Taylor Swift became the artist with the most Album Of The Year awards in GRAMMY history with four total wins. But her first record-breaking AOTY moment traces back eight years ago, when she became the first woman to win the category twice.

In this episode of GRAMMY Rewind, relive the moment she won the historic golden gramophone for her iconic fifth studio album, 1989, at the 2016 GRAMMYs.

“I want to thank the fans for the last 10 years,” Swift beamed, praising her loyal fanbase, the Swifties. She later acknowledged the Recording Academy for “this unbelievable honor” and the project’s main producer, Max Martin, who “deserved to be up there for 25 years.”

Before she left the stage, she offered an inspiring message to aspiring female musicians in light of her groundbreaking win. “To all the young women, there are going to be people along the way who try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame,” she explained. “But if you just focus on the work and don’t let those people sidetrack you, someday, when you get where you’re going, you’ll look around and know that it was you and the people who love you who put you there. That will be the greatest feeling in the world.”

Check out Taylor Swift’s complete acceptance speech for her second Album Of The Year win, before diving into the release of The Tortured Poets Department, and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of GRAMMY Rewind.

Get Ready For Taylor Swift's ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Album Release: Everything You Need To Know

Taylor Swift accepts Album Of The Year at the 2024 GRAMMYs.

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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2024 GRAMMYs: Taylor Swift Makes GRAMMY History With Fourth Album Of The Year Win For 'Midnights'

'Midnights' earned Taylor Swift her fourth Album Of The Year win at the 2024 GRAMMYs — the most of any artist of all time.

Douglas Markowitz

GRAMMYs/Feb 5, 2024 - 04:42 am

Taylor Swift has made GRAMMY history once again.

The pop superstar won the GRAMMY for Album Of The Year for Midnights at the 2024 GRAMMYs, marking her fourth win in the Category — the most Album Of The Year wins of any artist at the GRAMMYs. (She had been tied with Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon.)

Swift was shocked as she accepted the award, bringing up her producer Jack Antonoff — who had already won the GRAMMY for Producer of the Year — and collaborator Lana Del Rey, who was also nominated for Album Of The Year for Did You Know There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. She acknowledged both in her acceptance speech, calling Antonoff "a once in a generation producer" and Del Rey "a legacy artist, a legend in her prime right now."

She continued, "I would love to tell you that this is the best moment of my life, but I feel this happy when I finish a song, or when I crack to code to a bridge I love, or when I'm shortlisting a music video, or when I'm rehearsing with my dancers or my band, or getting ready to go to Tokyo to play a show. For me the award is the work. All I wanna do is keep being able to do this. I love it so much, it makes me so happy."

The 66th GRAMMY Awards were already a big night for Swift before her Album Of The Year victory. Midnights won Best Pop Vocal Album earlier in the telecast, marking her 13th win; as Swifties know, 13 is Swift's lucky number because of her Dec. 13 birthday.

And at the 2024 GRAMMYs, it was her lucky number indeed: along with making history, Swift used her first win to announce a brand-new album. Swift will release her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, on April 19.

2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List

All Things Taylor Swift

Karol G

Photo: Patricia J. Garcinuno / WireImage / Getty Images

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Mañana Y Siempre: How Karol G Has Made The World Mas Bonito

'Mañana Será Bonito' may have been the vehicle for Karol G's massive year, but the 2024 GRAMMY nominee for Best Música Urbana Album has been making strides in reggaeton, urbano and the music industry at large for a long time.

Beverly Bryan

GRAMMYs/Feb 1, 2024 - 04:16 pm

For Karol G, 2023 was a watershed year. Her fourth album, Mañana Será Bonito, peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 200 and took home the golden gramophone for Album Of The Year at the Latin GRAMMYs. Her many milestones also included a Rolling Stone cover, and signing with Interscope. At the 2024 GRAMMYs, Mañana Será Bonito is nominated for Best Música Urbana Album.

The Colombian singer and songwriter was suddenly everywhere in 2023, but this moment is the culmination of a long, steady rise. Karol G has been on the scene for some time, and changing it for the better just by being who she is: an extremely talented woman making waves in a genre still dominated by men.

Karol G has been a pivotal figure in the world of urbano since 2017, when she collaborated with Bad Bunny on the Latin trap single "Ahora Me Llama." It was a transformative moment for both artists, whose careers took off precipitously after its release. The track led Ms. G’s aptly titled debut album, Unstoppable, which went multi-platinum and peaked at No. 2 on both the U.S. Top Latin Albums and U.S. Latin Rhythm Albums charts. At the 2018 Latin GRAMMYs, Karol was awarded Best New Artist.

2024 GRAMMYs: Explore More & Meet The Nominees

Although she came out of the gate in an unstoppable fashion, Karol G's chart-topping debut was the result of years of touring and recording. The artist born Carolina Giraldo Navarro was no overnight success.

She started singing as a teenager growing up in Medellín and, after signing to Colombia's Flamingo Records, chose the name Karol G and began releasing music. Early on, she flew to Miami for a meeting with Universal Records, but they chose not to sign her on the basis that a woman would not be successful making reggaeton — a severe miscalculation, that belies female pioneers and a blossoming roster of contemporary acts.

Thankfully, she ignored them. A year after "Ahora Me Llama" and Unstoppable, Karol G won her first Latin GRAMMY.

The star’s determination makes her a role model, but Karol G's career has also been defined by an inspiring integrity around her principles and artistic vision. By now, it is a well-known anecdote that she turned down the song "Sin Pijama" because it references marijuana use. Karol does not smoke, so the lyrics would not have been authentic to her as a person, or as an artist.

This authenticity has doubtless been key to Karol G's success. Rather than try to fit an established mold, she brings a uniquely sunny swagger and sporty style to reggaeton. She projects a powerful and feminine energy, and her music often expresses a healthy sense of sexual independence and self-empowerment. This is an intentional part of her message, especially to her female fans.

"They teach us it’s wrong to celebrate ourselves for something we have," she told Rolling Stone of her musical messaging. "And it’s not. We have to be the first ones to give ourselves credit."

Like early collaborator Bad Bunny, Karol G is able to reach a global audience without having to change the language she sings in, her genre of choice, or her messages. Case in point: One of her 2023 accomplishments was becoming the first Latina to headline a global stadium tour, and the highest-grossing Latin touring artist of the year.

She also became the first Latina to headline Lollapalooza and, in between record-breaking tour dates, saw her song "WATATI" featured on Barbie The Album. (The soundtrack is nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media at the 66th GRAMMY Awards.)

In November, she closed out her big year with a sweep of the Latin GRAMMYs: Mañana Será Bonito received the award for Best Música Urbana Album and Album Of The Year; her Shakira collab "TQG" took home the golden gramophone for Best Urban Fusion/Performance. When she accepted her award for Best Música Urbana Album, Karol exclaimed, "How cool is it for a woman to win this?"

Karol G’s wins made up a large part of an awards ceremony where women won big: Shakira won Song Of The Year for her collaboration with Bizzarap, while Natalia Lafourcade won Record Of The Year and Joaquina took home Best New Artist. This was the first year that women won in all the general categories — something that suggests progress for the Latin music industry. The last time a woman won the Latin GRAMMY for Best Música Urbana Album was in 2013, when Spanish rapper Mala Rodríguez took home the award for Bruja.

Watching the Latin GRAMMYs this year, it was easy to forget that women still have a long way to go to achieve parity with their male counterparts in the music industry. If you lost sight of that, the year-end Latin charts would bring you back to reality: Of the top 50 tracks on the Hot Latin Songs chart, 11 primarily featured women, but six of those tracks belonged to Karol G. Karol’s presence matters and she knows it.

Karol G brings a powerful feminine energy to reggaeton and Latin trap, but also an unapologetic feminism. While this is explicit in her music, it's also clear in the creative partnerships she makes. She’s had many high profile collaborations with male artists, but just as many with a diverse roster of female artists from reggaeton OG Ivy Queen ("Leyendas") to Latin fusion pop singer Kali Uchis ("Me Tengo Que Ir," "Labios Mordidos"). In an arena so dominated by male artists, each collaboration with another woman is meaningful, but her collaborations with rising artists, such as Young Miko — who appears on the song "Dispo" from Karol’s Bichota Season — truly make a difference.

Artists like Karol G increase the range of possibilities for artists in their wake, and for anyone in the music industry who flouts narrow expectations. Karol G knows that her victories have larger implications, and this eye toward the future has helped her reach unprecedented heights. "I understand how hard it is [for women to break through] because of how hard it was for me,"she recently told Billboard.

It wasn't easy for Karol G to get where she is today, but she has been opening doors for others — women, artists in reggaeton, artists in urbano and others — every step of the way. From here on, the title of her album is ringing more and more prescient, and that’s mas bonito.