In a memorable moment from the Latin Grammy Awards, Spaniard Quevedo and Argentinian Bizarrap clinched the Best Urban Song award for their collaboration on the hit session that dominated streaming charts worldwide. The performance spotlighted the enduring appeal of the Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52, a track that has already enjoyed a seven-week run at the global Spotify No. 1 position, underscoring its cross-border resonance and staying power in the Latin urban scene.
The award presentation took place during the so-called Premiere segment, a pre-televised portion of the evening where many technical and special honors are announced. The event kicked off with a flamenco-inspired number featuring top album nominees, setting a vibrant, culturally rich tone for the night while highlighting the diverse music categories celebrated at the festival.
Following the opening, Édgar Barrera delivered the first major recognition of the night, receiving the Composer of the Year award. The ceremony was staged at the Seville Convention and Exhibition Center, known as FIBES, marking a historic milestone as the Latin Grammys took place outside North America for the first time in this format.
As the winners’ list unfolded, other notable names emerged on stage. Mexican rock outfit Molotov earned the Latin Grammy for Best Rock Album, contending with Spain’s Arde Bogotá in a high-stakes category that showcased the region’s vibrant rock landscape. Cuban legend Omara Portuondo also appeared, celebrated for her work encompassing tropical traditions and contemporary interpretations in her release Cowboyws de la A, a project that earned recognition in the Best Traditional Tropical Album category for its evocative sonic storytelling of Caribbean rhythms.
Colombia’s Juanes added to the night’s momentum by winning the Latin Grammy for Best Pop/Rock Album with his release Vida Daily, a record that balanced melodic sensibilities with modern production. His acceptance highlighted the enduring appeal of his catalog and the capacity of his sound to connect with diverse audiences across the Americas.
During the speeches, Paquito D’Rivera used his moment on stage to dedicate the Best Contemporary Classical Work/Composition award to the people of Cuba and Venezuela, expressing a hope for continued freedom and cultural expression in the region. Similarly, Gaby Amarantos spoke of empowerment, acknowledging the impact of Brazil’s Black women in her Portuguese-language roots music project, a reminder of how Latin music continually blends social voices with artistic innovation.
As the main ceremony drew closer, anticipation built for the remaining top categories, including Song, Best Record, and Album of the Year. Fans could expect live performances from the night’s headliners, with artists such as Rosalía and Shakira likely to bring their distinctive stagecraft to the event. The schedule suggested a late-evening crescendo, with performances and awards that often redefine careers and set new creative benchmarks for Latin music in North America and beyond, including audiences in Canada and the United States who closely follow these global music conversations.