When the final golden gramophone was handed out at the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs, it wasn't just about who won; it was about the stories told, the barriers broken, and the powerful messages shared. From a global superstar's call for authenticity to a political album's triumph, the night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas pulsed with the vibrant spirit of Latin music, reminding everyone why it's truly "The Biggest Night in Latin Music."
TL;DR
- Karol G snagged Song Of The Year and Best Tropical Song for "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido," also delivering a stunning duet with Marco Antonio Solís.
- Bad Bunny's politically charged album, 'DeBá TiRAR MáS FOToS,' earned him his first Album Of The Year Latin GRAMMY, making a powerful cultural statement.
- Veteran Alejandro Sanz extended his Record Of The Year reign with his eighth trophy, while Mexican newcomer Paloma Morphy won the highly coveted Best New Artist award.
Imagine being on stage, holding a golden gramophone, and using that spotlight not just for yourself, but to uplift countless others. That's exactly what global superstar Karol G did at the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs. She added two more trophies to her collection, marking a significant milestone: her very first win for Song Of The Year for her smash hit "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido." She also secured Best Tropical Song, another first in that specific category. These wins bring her total Latin GRAMMY count to eight.
"The only thing I want to say is that lately everyone has an opinion, lately there are so many people giving their opinions about what people should or shouldn't do," Karol G shared during her acceptance speech, reflecting on recent challenges. She spoke candidly about feeling like she was "losing my magic" amidst the negativity. However, she emphasized the importance of returning to her roots and purpose: "I do what I do because I love it, because I enjoy it, and because I was born to do it."
Her powerful message resonated deeply: "Forget about the world, forget about the noise, and when you stop worrying about other people's opinions, the only things left are love and passion — beyond talent, passion and obsession for what you've done." Source: [GRAMMYs, 2025 Latin GRAMMYS: Karol G Wins Song Of The Year For "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido", Nov 14, 2025]. "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido," inspired by the Dominican Republic's vibrant energy, pays tribute to merengue and mambo, lyrically asking what life would be like if love had arrived sooner.
Karol G's new album, "Tropicoqueta," is very personal and important to her culture. It shows her desire to convey the rich tradition of Latin music and give women around the world an emotional anchor.
A Timeless Duet: Karol G and Marco Antonio Solís Share the Stage
Beyond her impressive wins, Karol G captivated millions with a history-making performance of "Coleccionando Heridas" alongside the legendary Marco Antonio Solís. This marked the very first time the pair performed their heartfelt Tropicoqueta duet live. The stage came alive with a full live band, including world-class musicians like Giovanni Hidalgo on percussion and Guillermo Vadala on bass, blending classic romanticism with modern Latin pop.
The performance, opening with soft guitar, saw Karol G teasing the crowd, "What if we sing this one together for the first time ever at the Grammys?" She graced the stage in an orange halter top and braids, while Solís, ever the showman, joined her in a beige patterned jacket before changing into a bold yellow suit. Their chemistry was undeniable, culminating in a sweet salsa dance that felt both understated and charming, leaving a lasting impression on viewers worldwide. Source: [Rolling Stone, Marco Antonio Solís and Karol G Perform 'Coleccionando Heridas' at Latin Grammys, Nov 13, 2025].
This landmark year for Karol G also saw her release her fifth studio album, Tropicoqueta, in June, which earned her a GRAMMY nomination for Best Latin Pop Album at the upcoming 2026 GRAMMY Awards. She's also slated to headline Coachella next year, cementing her status as a global icon in Latin music.
Karol G on Trusting Your Instincts and Drowning Out the Noise
"Forget about the world, forget about the noise, and when you stop worrying about other people's opinions, the only things left are love and passion — beyond talent, passion and obsession for what you've done."
— Karol G, 2025 Latin GRAMMYs acceptance speech
Karol G’s 'Tomorrow Was Beautiful' exposes the raw truth behind her rise to reggaeton royalty, showing her struggles, strength, and unstoppable spirit.
Bad Bunny's Political Statement and Album Of The Year Triumph
Bad Bunny, the night's most-nominated artist with 12 nods, finally conquered the coveted Album Of The Year category. His win for DeBá TiRAR MáS FOToS (meaning "I Should Have Taken More Photos") was not just a personal victory, but a powerful cultural statement, as it's been dubbed his "most political album to date."
The Puerto Rican superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, used his album to pay tribute to his native land, weaving in diverse genres like salsa and featuring the symbolic jíbaro, a Puerto Rican cultural symbol. He dedicated the award to "all the children and young people of Latin America, and especially those from Puerto Rico," urging them to "never stop dreaming and being yourselves; never forget where you come from. There are many ways to serve your country; we chose music." Source: [GRAMMYs, 2025 Latin GRAMMYS: Bad Bunny Wins Album Of The Year For 'DeBá TiRAR MáS FOToS', Nov 14, 2025].
Beyond the top album honor, Bad Bunny also secured wins for Best Urban/Urban Fusion Performance and Best Urban Song for "DtMF," a deeply nostalgic viral hit, and Best Reggaeton Performance for "Voy a Llevarte Pa' PR." His five wins this night brought his career total to an impressive 17 Latin GRAMMYs, solidifying his position as one of the most-awarded artists in the event's history.
Relive the magic of the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards! Bad Bunny took home a record 11 trophies and the special '21st Century Latin Artist' award, joining Karol G, Shakira, and other stars in a night celebrating Latin music's global impact. Find out who won big, see the fashion, and get all the details!
Alejandro Sanz Extends His Reign and Paloma Morphy's Breakthrough Performance
While new stars were celebrated, a seasoned veteran also made his mark. Alejandro Sanz, the legendary Spanish singer-songwriter, secured his eighth Record Of The Year trophy for "Palmeras en el Jardín," further extending his record in this major category. Now a 24-time Latin GRAMMY winner, Sanz graciously acknowledged his fellow nominees with a smile, playfully quipping, "Benito, I robbed you, I'm so sorry. Karol, I'm sorry."
"Palmeras en el Jardín," a heartfelt, dramatic power ballad from his 2025 EP ¿Y ahora qué?, is a deeply personal track. Sanz admitted to hesitating about releasing it, but ultimately decided: "this is who I am. In the last year, I've learned not to be afraid of that. To say, well, there are much worse things in life than showing that you have a heart." His EP also earned him a Latin GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Pop Album. Source: [GRAMMYs, 2025 Latin GRAMMYS: Alejandro Sanz Wins Record Of The Year For "Palmeras En El Jardín", Nov 14, 2025].
On the other end of the spectrum, Mexican singer-songwriter Paloma Morphy, just 25, took home the highly coveted Best New Artist award. Starting her journey by sharing cover songs on TikTok, Morphy's debut album Au (released May 2025) boldly defies genre. She dedicated her win to "outside-the-box musicians," encouraging others to "upload the song" they might be ashamed of and to "find that drive to keep moving forward, do it because maybe it will lead you to a GRAMMY."
Beyond the Major Categories: Celebrating Roots and Inclusivity
The Latin GRAMMYs also celebrated the richness of Latin music's diverse origins with the inaugural Best Roots Song award. Luis Enrique and C4 Trío took home this new golden gramophone for "Aguacero," a powerful prayer-turned-song that pays tribute to the people of Venezuela. Co-written by Enrique, Fernando Osorio, and Rodner Padilla, the track incorporates verses from Venezuela’s national anthem and reflects symbols of resistance for Venezuelans in exile. C4 Trío, unfortunately, couldn't attend due to a special 20th-anniversary performance in Miami. This new category highlights the Recording Academy's ongoing effort to honor traditional genres and community reflections within Latin music.
A Nuanced Look at the Latin GRAMMYs Landscape (Counterpoints and Limitations)
While the night celebrated immense talent and significant artistic achievements, it's worth noting the complex balance between honoring established megastars and spotlighting emerging voices. For instance, an artist like Bad Bunny, leading with 12 nominations, naturally dominates headlines and award categories. This extensive recognition of a few top artists can sometimes inadvertently overshadow the numerous other talented nominees, making it harder for lesser-known acts, even those pushing creative boundaries like Paloma Morphy, to gain widespread visibility beyond their specific win.
Conversely, the creation of new categories like Best Roots Song demonstrates a clear commitment to broadening representation and recognizing the myriad sounds within Latin music. It shows the academy is actively trying to ensure more niches are celebrated, even if the biggest, most commercially visible awards still often go to more widely recognized artists. This ongoing evolution of categories reflects a dynamic tension between mainstream appeal and the vital preservation and promotion of diverse cultural sounds.
A Fan's Moment: The Power of a Shared Performance (Mini-story Example)
Imagine you're at home, watching the Latin GRAMMYs with your abuela. She's humming along to Marco Antonio Solís, a legend from her youth, when suddenly Karol G, a star you both admire for her modern flair, walks out to join him. Their voices blend effortlessly, they share a knowing glance, and then they even break into a sweet salsa dance. It’s more than just a performance; it’s a bridge across generations, a shared moment of joy and nostalgia that makes you both lean in, remembering why you love music so much. That's the kind of magic these awards can create, bringing families and cultures closer through shared musical experiences.
Key Takeaways from Latin Music's Big Night
- Authenticity Triumphs: Karol G and Alejandro Sanz both spoke passionately about the importance of staying true to themselves, even when it feels vulnerable or goes against external opinions.
- Music as a Voice: Bad Bunny used his platform and his album's themes to highlight Puerto Rico's culture and politics, reminding us that art can be a powerful vehicle for advocacy and national pride.
- New Talent Shines: Paloma Morphy's win as Best New Artist demonstrates that unique voices, even those starting on platforms like TikTok, can break through and reshape the industry's future.
- Tradition Meets Innovation: The blend of veteran artists like Marco Antonio Solís and Alejandro Sanz with contemporary stars like Karol G, alongside new categories for roots music, showcases Latin music's rich past and vibrant, evolving future.
- Beyond the Gramophone: The night wasn't just about the golden trophies but also about unforgettable live performances that created cultural moments, connecting artists and fans across generations and genres.
FAQ: Your Quick Guide to the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs
When and where did the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs take place? The 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards were held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What were some of the biggest awards of the night? Karol G won Song Of The Year, Bad Bunny took home Album Of The Year, and Alejandro Sanz secured Record Of The Year. Paloma Morphy was recognized as Best New Artist.
Who performed at the ceremony? Highlights included Karol G and Marco Antonio Solís performing "Coleccionando Heridas" live for the first time, and Bad Bunny performing "WELTiTA" with Chuwi. Alejandro Sanz also performed, alongside many other artists like Carlos Santana and Joaquina.
How many Latin GRAMMYs does Bad Bunny now have in his career? After his five wins at the 2025 ceremony, Bad Bunny now boasts a career total of 17 Latin GRAMMY Awards.
Sources:
- GRAMMYs. "2025 Latin GRAMMYS: Karol G Wins Song Of The Year For "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido"." Nov 14, 2025.
- GRAMMYs. "2025 Latin GRAMMYS: Bad Bunny Wins Album Of The Year For 'DeBá TiRAR MáS FOToS'." Nov 14, 2025.
- GRAMMYs. "2025 Latin GRAMMYS: Alejandro Sanz Wins Record Of The Year For "Palmeras En El Jardín"." Nov 14, 2025.
- GRAMMYs. "2025 Latin GRAMMYS: Paloma Morphy Wins Best New Artist." Nov 14, 2025.
- GRAMMYs. "2025 Latin GRAMMYS: "Aguacero" By Luis Enrique & C4 Trío Wins Best Roots Song." Nov 13, 2025.
- Rolling Stone. "Marco Antonio Solís and Karol G Perform 'Coleccionando Heridas' at Latin Grammys." By Tomás Mier. Nov 13, 2025.
- Billboard. "Karol G and Marco Antonio Solís Deliver Heartfelt Performance of ‘Coleccionando Heridas’ at Latin Grammys." Nov 13, 2025.
- La Mezcla. "KAROL G Dominates 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards with Two Major Wins and Historic Performance." Nov 14, 2025.