Bad Bunny Makes History: King of the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards

Miami heated up last night as Bad Bunny absolutely dominated the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, bagging a ton of awards and a super special honor, proving once again why he's at the top of the game.

TL;DR: The Quick Hits You Need to Know

• Bad Bunny scooped up a massive 11 awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year, and was officially named the "21st Century Latin Artist."
• Legendary actress Rita Moreno presented Bad Bunny with his special honor in a truly heartwarming, passing-the-baton moment.
• Other big winners and honorees included Karol G, Shakira, Kapo, Laura Pausini, Elvis Crespo, and Peso Pluma, showcasing the incredible talent across Latin music.

Bad Bunny Reigns Supreme: A Night of Record-Breaking Achievements

Talk about a big night! The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, held in sunny Miami on Thursday, October 23, 2025, was pretty much a Bad Bunny show. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, aka El Conejo Malo, didn't just attend; he took over. Heading into the ceremony, he already held a record for most nominations in a single year with 22, but this year? He shattered that, leading the pack with an astonishing 27 nominations!

When the dust settled, Bad Bunny walked away with an incredible 11 trophies. These weren't just any awards; he snagged major titles like "Artist of the Year" and "Top Latin Album of the Year" for his album "Debi Tirar Mas Fotos." It was a clear affirmation of his massive influence and the undeniable impact he continues to have on the global music scene.

A Touching Tribute: Rita Moreno Honors a Cultural Icon

One of the night's most talked-about moments came when the iconic 93-year-old Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno surprised Bad Bunny on stage. She wasn't just there to present an award; she was there to bestow upon him the special "21st Century Latin Artist" award, a title that essentially crowns him as the most important Latin artist of our current era. It was a beautiful, symbolic gesture, often described as a "passing of the baton" from one generation of groundbreaking Puerto Rican talent to another.

Moreno, a true trailblazer, spoke eloquently about the barriers she faced as a Latina in the early days of her career. "When I started my career, being Latino in the United States meant facing barriers. Opportunities were few, almost non-existent, and every small step forward was a victory," she shared, looking at a visibly moved Bad Bunny. She then praised him, saying, "I see an artist who brings the world to Latin culture with the same strength and passion that kept me going and allowed me to never give up." The crowd roared as Bad Bunny, flashing his signature smile, did a few salsa steps before sharing a warm hug and a quiet chat with the legend.

"For me, it’s an honor to receive this award from your hands. I respect you and admire you so much. Every time I hear other artists speak as you did of me, it tells me that doing things from a good place and with your heart, it’s always the best decision."

— Bad Bunny, accepting the "21st Century Latin Artist" award from Rita Moreno

In his humble acceptance speech, Bad Bunny thanked his fans and acknowledged his peers, admitting he didn’t quite understand why he had been chosen over so many other talented artists. He did, however, reflect on his journey: "I know how much I have worked and not just me but my whole team. At the same time, I’m 100 percent aware that anyone of my colleagues could have been given this award."

Is Bad Bunny the Next Michael Jackson? The Fan Debate Ignites

Bad Bunny's phenomenal success at the awards, coupled with his upcoming Super Bowl Halftime performance in February, has sent fans on social media into a frenzy of comparisons. Many users couldn't help but draw parallels between his current impact and the legendary status of Michael Jackson. Comments like, "The biggest, and he's a Latino, even bigger than Michael Jackson himself," popped up everywhere.

Of course, such comparisons inevitably sparked a lively debate. While some believe Bad Bunny is redefining Latin music in a way that rivals Jackson's pop reign, others argue that the "King of Pop's" legacy remains untouchable. It's a classic "different eras, different styles" argument, but one thing is clear: Bad Bunny's ability to consistently reinvent himself, experiment with genres, and connect deeply with a massive global audience is truly something special. He's not just a musician; he's a cultural force, and he's doing it his own way.

Beyond Bad Bunny: Other Stars Who Shined Brightly

While Bad Bunny certainly dominated the headlines, the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards celebrated a constellation of talent across the Latin music universe. Here's a rundown of other artists who made their mark:

Karol G: The Reigning Queen of Female Categories

Colombia's own Karol G continued her incredible run, taking home six awards from her ten nominations. The "Bichota" proved her unstoppable influence in female categories, winning for:

• Global 200 Latin Song of the Year (for "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido")
• Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female
• Song of the Year, Latin Airplay (for "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido")
• Song of the Year, Sales (for "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido")
• Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Female
• Tropical Song of the Year (for "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido")

Her consistent success solidifies her as one of the most powerful female artists in the global urban genre.

Shakira and Kapo: More Colombian Power on Display

Fellow Colombian superstar Shakira, despite not being able to attend, still secured three awards from her eight nominations, including "Tour of the Year," "Latin Pop Artist of the Year – Solo," and "Latin Pop Song of the Year" for "Soltera." She's gearing up for her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour" across South America later this year.

Rising artist Kapo also made a significant splash, winning "Top Latin Album of the Year" for "Por Si Alguien Nos Escucha" and "Top Latin Pop." Nominated in four categories, including Best New Artist, his heartfelt acceptance speech included a shout-out to his mother, showcasing his genuine gratitude.

Special Honors and Noteworthy Mentions

The night was also about recognizing groundbreaking careers and emerging talent with special awards:

• Laura Pausini: Received the prestigious "Icon Award."
• Elvis Crespo: Inducted into the "Hall of Fame."
• Peso Pluma: Honored with the "Vanguard Award." (He also had 15 nominations, including Artist of the Year and Top Latin Album of the Year for "Éxodo").
• Neton Vega: Crowned "New Artist of the Year" and "Songwriter of the Year."
• Oscar Maydon: Took home the "Hot Latin Song Award."

Electrifying Performances and Dazzling Red Carpet Fashion

The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards wasn't just about handing out trophies; it was a full-blown spectacle! The stage came alive with electrifying performances from legends like Daddy Yankee and Elvis Crespo, alongside dynamic sets from Danny Ocean, Laura Pausini, and Peso Pluma. These acts kept the energy sky-high, reminding everyone why Latin music is a global phenomenon.

Adding another layer of excitement, Colombian singer Carlos Vives led an official presentation of "Somos Mas" ("We Are More"), the highly anticipated anthem for the 2026 World Cup. He shared the stage with other renowned Latin artists, including Emilia, Wisin, and Xavi, delivering a message of unity and passion for soccer that transcended music.

Who Wore What? A Glimpse at the Red Carpet Royalty

Before the awards and performances, the red carpet was a fashion parade, with stars dressed to impress. Hosted by a stellar lineup including Goyo, Javier Poza, Elizabeth Gutierrez, and Carlos Adyan, the arrivals were a show in themselves. Some of the standout looks included:

• Emilia Mernes: Looked stunning in a black and white gown with a high slit.
• Kenia Os and Peso Pluma: Brought their unique flair, with Kenia's blue boa stealing the show.
• Rita Moreno: The 93-year-old EGOT winner exuded Hollywood glamour, bringing incredible energy.
• Olga Tañón: Puerto Rican icon looked timeless and elegant in a silver gown.
• Daddy Yankee: Arrived in a stylish black suit, proving his timeless swagger.
• Carlos Vives: Accessorized his look with a World Cup soccer ball, celebrating Colombia's bronze win.
• Celinee Santos: The Dominican model delivered one of the most jaw-dropping looks of the entire evening.

From bold statements to classic elegance, the red carpet was a vibrant showcase of personal style, setting the perfect tone for a night of celebration.

The Global Impact of Latin Music Continues to Soar

The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards wasn't just an event; it was a powerful testament to the ever-growing influence and global reach of Latin music. Artists like Bad Bunny, Karol G, and Shakira are not only breaking records but also cultural barriers, bringing their unique sounds and stories to audiences worldwide. The discussions around Bad Bunny's legacy, even drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson, highlight how much Latin music has transformed the industry.

This year's awards reaffirmed that doing things "from a good place and with your heart," as Bad Bunny eloquently put it, is truly the best decision. With upcoming tours, Super Bowl performances, and new music on the horizon, the future of Latin music looks brighter and more exciting than ever before.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards

When were the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards held? The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Where can I watch the awards ceremony? The event was broadcast live on Telemundo, and was also available for streaming on Peacock and the Telemundo app, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT. You could also stream it live on Fubo. What special award did Bad Bunny receive? Bad Bunny was honored with the "21st Century Latin Artist" award, recognizing him as the most important Latin artist of the current century. Who were some of the other big winners? Karol G won 6 awards, Shakira won 3, and Kapo received "Top Latin Album of the Year." Other special honorees included Laura Pausini (Icon Award), Elvis Crespo (Hall of Fame Award), and Peso Pluma (Vanguard Award). Sources

• NPR: Billboard Latin Music Awards crown Bad Bunny as the century's top artist
• The Hollywood Reporter: Bad Bunny at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards
• HOLA!: Billboard Latin Music Awards 2025: Best Red Carpet Looks
• MARCA: Bad Bunny is compared to Michael Jackson by fans after his success at the Billboard Awards
• ColombiaOne.com: Colombia’s Karol G, Shakira and Kapo Shine at Billboard Latin Music Awards
• Newsweek: How to Watch Billboard Latin Music Awards 2025
• UPI: Laura Pausini, Kapo walk the red carpet at Billboard Latin Music Awards (55 images)
• Telemundo: Bad Bunny’s special Billboard honor