As we reflect on the results from the 2024 Latin Grammys, there were notable surprises and upsets. Shakira’s long-awaited album, her first in seven years, did not receive a nomination, which caught many fans off guard. Meanwhile, Juan Luis Guerra’s track “MAMBO 23” clinched the Record of the Year, triumphing over contenders such as Karol G’s “Mi Ex Tenía Razón” and Kali Uchis and Peso Pluma’s “Igual Que Un Ángel.”
The unpredictability of the top categories has made it increasingly difficult to forecast winners. The outcomes for Guerra and Jorge Drexler, both esteemed musicians within the Latin Recording Academy, were particularly unexpected.
However, not all categories produced surprises. The awards for Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year went as anticipated, with Mexican American artist Edgar Barrera taking home both honors. Carín León was also recognized for his contemporary Mexican music album, Boca Chueca, Vol. 1. Peso Pluma’s prior album, Génesis, was not eligible for the category despite being a strong contender.
Overall, Juan Luis Guerra emerged as the standout artist of the night, garnering four awards, including Album of the Year for Radio Güira and Record of the Year for “Mambo 23.” Other notable winners included Colombian singer-songwriter Ela Taubert, who was named Best New Artist, and both Edgar Barrera and Nathy Peluso, who each secured three awards. In contrast, Karol G, who had been a major winner at last year’s ceremony, received one award from her eight nominations for her album Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), which won Best Música Urbana Album.
As artists continue to surprise and push boundaries, the 25th annual Latin Grammys proved once again that the realm of music, especially in Latin genres, remains vibrant and unpredictable.
In summary, this year’s Latin Grammys highlighted both celebrated talent and unexpected decisions, leaving fans and artists alike eagerly anticipating how future awards will unfold. With a rich diversity of musical styles and emerging artists, the event not only celebrated past achievements but also opened doors for new artistic expressions.