Bad Bunny Sweeps 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards

Bad Bunny made history at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, sweeping nominations and taking home a huge honor, alongside other Latin music powerhouses.

TL;DR: Here's the Lowdown

Bad Bunny led the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards with a record-shattering 27 nominations and was officially crowned the "Latin Artist of the 21st Century."
He's confirmed to headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, though his solo "Debí Tirar Más Fotos Tour" won't have an extensive U.S. leg due to fan safety concerns.
The star-studded event in Miami celebrated Latin music's global impact with epic performances from legends like Daddy Yankee and Ozuna, plus major awards for Peso Pluma, Laura Pausini, and Elvis Crespo.

Miami was absolutely buzzing on Thursday, October 23, 2025, as the biggest names in Latin music gathered at the James L. Knight Center for the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards! It was a night of incredible performances, well-deserved awards, and some serious red-carpet fashion moments. But let's be real, one artist pretty much stole the show: our favorite conejo malo, Bad Bunny!

Bad Bunny's Unstoppable Domination and Historic Nominations

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, wasn't just a nominee; he was the nominee. He shattered his own record, raking in an astounding 27 nominations – the most an artist has ever received in a single edition of the awards! His previous record was 22, so he's truly outdone himself.

Among his impressive list of nods, Bad Bunny was up for major categories like Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Top Latin Album for his hit project, "DeBí TiRAR MÁS FOToS." Plus, three of his tracks—"BAILE INoLVIDABLE," "DtMF," and "NUEVAYoL"—each scored five nominations, including multiple bids for Song of the Year. Honestly, it felt like every other category had his name on it!

A Heartwarming Tribute: Crowned Latin Artist of the 21st Century

The night took an emotional turn when the legendary Rita Moreno, a 93-year-old EGOT winner and fellow Puerto Rican icon, stepped onto the stage. She was there to present Bad Bunny with a truly special honor: the Latin Artist of the 21st Century award. Moreno spoke movingly about her own journey as a Latina in the industry, highlighting the barriers she faced and celebrating Bad Bunny for opening doors for so many.

"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," Moreno shared.

"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," she added, looking directly at a smiling Bad Bunny in the audience.

Bad Bunny, visibly touched, walked on stage, even doing a few salsa steps before sharing a warm hug and a quiet chat with Moreno. In his acceptance speech, he remained humble, thanking his fans and acknowledging his peers.

"For me, it’s an honor to receive this award from your hands. I respect you and admire you so much," he told Moreno. "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."

"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," he added, reinforcing his genuine appreciation.

This award solidifies his undeniable impact, recognizing him not just for commercial success but for his significant role as a cultural symbol and a leading voice for Latin music, consistently addressing social and political themes in his work.

Breaking Down Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Performance and Tour Updates

Beyond the awards, the buzz around Bad Bunny intensified with the official announcement that he will be headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show in 2026! This is a massive milestone, signaling an incredible reach for Latin music on one of the world's biggest stages. He even gave a shout-out to his community during his October 8th appearance on Saturday Night Live:

"People all around the world who love my music," he shared, "especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the world here in the United States who have worked to open doors. It's more than a win for myself, it's a win for all of us. Our footprints and our contribution in this country, no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it."

However, fans hoping for an extensive U.S. leg for his current "Debí Tirar Más Fotos Tour" might be a bit disappointed. Bad Bunny revealed on X (formerly Twitter) in late September that he'd likely only do "just one date in the United States" for this specific tour. In an interview, he explained his concerns that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) could be outside stadiums, and he wanted to prioritize the safety of his fans. His tour is slated to kick off in November with its first stop in the Dominican Republic.

Unforgettable Performances and Other Major Award Recipients

The night was packed with electrifying performances that kept the energy high. Reggaeton legend Daddy Yankee, now known as DY, came out of retirement to perform his comeback single "Sonríele," reminding everyone why he's a true icon. He even shared some powerful thoughts about his renewed purpose:

"Having a life of success is different from having a life of purpose," Daddy Yankee told Billboard on October 12. "Before, my interest was transforming the industry [through music], and that purpose had to do more with business and money, influence, success. Now my purpose is to transform lives with that same instrument. They’re very different purposes."

Other stellar performers included Ozuna, Grupo Frontera, Kapo, Danny Ocean, Olga Tañón, Laura Pausini, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho, Abraham Mateo, Ángel Lopez, Arthur Hanlon, Beele, Juan Duqu, Musza, Netón Vega, NXNNI, and Óscar Maydon. It was a true celebration of Latin music's diverse sounds!

Bad Bunny wasn't the only one taking home shiny new hardware. Here's a quick look at some other major players:

Fuerza Regida: Trailed Bad Bunny with an impressive 15 nominations.
Rauw Alejandro: Scored 14 nominations.
Karol G & Tito Double P: Each received 10 nominations.
Peso Pluma: Earned 9 nominations and was honored with the inaugural Billboard Vanguard Award, recognizing artists who push genre boundaries.
Laura Pausini: The Italian superstar received the prestigious Billboard Icon Award for her significant contributions to music.
Elvis Crespo: The merengue singer was presented with the Hall of Fame Award, celebrating his enduring career. He confessed, "I never imagined I'd be here when I first started in music," as he celebrated with four of his five children.
Netón Vega: Took home the Composer of the Year and New Artist of the Year Awards, adding to his 8 nominations.

Red Carpet Rundown: Fashion Hits and Misses from the Stars

Before the awards and performances kicked off, the red carpet (or blue carpet, as some called it!) was the place to be, with celebrities showing off their unique styles. Hosts Goyo, Elizabeth Gutiérrez, and Javier Poza kept the energy high as stars arrived.

Fashion Faves Included:

Emilia Mernes: Looked stunning in a black and white gown with a high slit.
Kenia Os & Peso Pluma: This power couple looked 10/10, with Kenia's blue boa being a fun touch to her sheer look. They were noted for their coordinated, loving display.
Rita Moreno: Brought all the Hollywood glamour and energy at 93!
Olga Tañón: Classy and timeless in a silver gown.
Daddy Yankee: Stylish in a black suit with unique beadwork featuring a rose design.
Jacqueline Bracamontes: Elegant in a gold gown, accompanied by her equally stylish husband, Martín Fuentes.
Carlos Vives: Rocked up with a World Cup soccer ball, celebrating Colombia's bronze win!
Celinee Santos: The Dominican model had one of the most jaw-dropping looks of the evening.

And for the "Oops, maybe next time" Category:

Danny Ocean: His denim fabric outfit was deemed more suitable for errands than an awards show.
Latin Mafia & Grupo 5: While Grupo 5 made an effort with coordinated red suits, the execution missed the mark for some critics, and Latin Mafia didn't seem to try much at all.

Interestingly, two of the night's biggest stars, Bad Bunny and Karol G, attended the gala but skipped the red carpet altogether, leaving fans eager for their stage appearances!

Behind the Scenes: Awards Criteria and Latin Music Week

For those curious about how these awards are decided, finalists and winners are determined by their performance on Billboard’s weekly charts. This includes crucial metrics like streams, digital sales, radio airplay, and tour success. This year’s awards covered 49 categories across pop, tropical, and regional Mexican music.

The awards ceremony wasn't just a standalone event; it was the grand finale of the Billboard Latin Music Week, which took over Miami from October 20 to 24, 2025. It’s a huge week for the industry, bringing together artists, executives, and fans to celebrate the incredible and ever-growing global influence of Latin music.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards When and where were the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards held? The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards took place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. How can I watch the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards? The awards were broadcast live on Telemundo. You could also stream the event online via services like DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Peacock, and Fubo (also offering a five-day free trial). Why isn't Bad Bunny extensively touring the U.S. for his current album? Bad Bunny indicated that his "Debí Tirar Más Fotos Tour" would not have an extensive U.S. leg, with potentially only one U.S. date. He cited concerns about ICE presence outside venues and his desire to keep his fans safe. His tour is set to begin in November in the Dominican Republic. What special awards were given out during the ceremony? Bad Bunny received the "Latin Artist of the 21st Century" award. Laura Pausini was honored with the "Billboard Icon Award," and Peso Pluma was presented with the inaugural "Billboard Vanguard Award." Additionally, Elvis Crespo received the "Hall of Fame Award."